US grapples with pilot shortage challenge

The FAA is to propose a minimum experience requirement for airline co-pilots of 700 hours flight time.

The figure is substantially higher than currently mandated, but way below the level sought by the US Government, which has put 1500 hours on the table.

Proponents of the change say the proposed requirement of at least 700 or so flight hours of experience for nearly all co-pilots-rather than the 1500 hours sought by lawmakers to boost airline safety-is essential to avoid future pilot shortages.

Expected as early as next month, the FAA proposal would pave the way for one of the biggest shifts in commercial-pilot training in decades.

t would come at a time when reduced hiring of former military aviators and the looming retirement of thousands of older pilots threaten to create an industry-wide pilot shortage.

Raising co-pilot qualifications-without running afoul of congressional wishes or drastically reducing the likely pool of job applicants-is among the most difficult issues facing US airlines and regulators.