Republic Airways, which operates on behalf of Delta, American, and United airlines, is requesting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to allow them to take in pilots, from its academy, who have accomplished a minimum of 750 flight hours half of the mandated 1,500.

The worst-ever pilot shortage in the industry is forcing airlines to look into ways to get more aircraft on air as post-pandemic demand continues to rise through the roof. Due to the shortage, airlines continue to cut flights since there are no pilots to fly the planes.

Some Industry experts are saying otherwise on the proposal citing safety issues. Allied Pilots Association (APA) in its press release said that the 1,500-hour rule must be preserved for safety’s sake.

“Anyone who doubts the value of the 1,500-hour rule should be reminded of its dramatically positive impact on the safety record of U.S. airlines,” said APA President Capt. Eric Ferguson. “The period preceding the rule was marked by a series of fatal accidents. Since the rule took effect, major U.S. carriers have experienced a total of one in-flight fatality. The 1,500-hour rule must be preserved for safety’s sake.”

Founded in 1963, the Allied Pilots Association — the largest independent pilots union in the United States — is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. APA represents the 14,000 pilots of American Airlines, including several hundred pilots on full-time military leave of absence serving in the armed forces.

For more information, kindly contact APA.

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