Straight-shooting RAA trades on its reputation
Faced with the tragedy of the crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407 in Buffalo, N.Y., the Regional Airline Association (RAA) found itself in the unenviable posit

Faced with the tragedy of the crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407 in Buffalo, N.Y., the Regional Airline Association (RAA) found itself in the unenviable position of serving as a strong advocate for its members during the FAA reauthorization process while not appearing unsympathetic to those who lost family or friends in the February 2009 accident.

In an effort to bolster safety, the House-passed version of FAA reauthorization calls for a minimum of 1,500 hours training and an ATP rating for all airline pilots as part of several provisions inserted into that body’s bill in March. The Senate version calls for 800 hours, unless the FAA fails to take action by the end of next year, in which case first officers would need to earn an ATP. That requires 1,500 hours.