When the FAA implemented more rigorous minimum standards (the “1,500-hour ATP” rule) for airline first officers last year, many in the industry expressed concern about a shortage of pilots meeting the requirement. Under the new regulation first officers must hold an ATP certificate, which requires 1,500 hours total time. Previously, first officers were required to have only a commercial pilot certificate, which requires just 250 hours of flight time. Commenting on the pilot shortage recently, the Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association (RACCA) said the rule has had the effect of opening a gap between new commercial pilots and the current Part 121 minimum qualification “in an environment where opportunities to build flight time have significantly decreased because of the overall reduction of light airplane flying in the U.S.”
To help close that gap Greg Ungurait created online professional network Lazy-Eights to help aspiring airline transport pilots (ATPs) accrue the required hours more rapidly and for less money.
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