EAA President Jack Pelton says he’s doubtful the GA-friendly FAA reauthorization bill recently passed unanimously by the House will get through the Senate. In his opening-day news conference at AirVenture 2023, Pelton hailed the unanimous passing of the House bill, which contains a host of improvements and enhancements for GA. GA leaders listed a number of measures they were seeking in a new reauthorization while meeting with House members at Rep. Sam Graves’ annual airshow in Tarkio, Missouri, and Pelton said virtually all were reflected in the House bill.
As for the Senate, Pelton said some members are hung up on airline-related items like adding more long-range flights to Reagan National Airport in Washington, changing the so-called 1,500-hour rule for new first officers and extending the retirement age for airline pilots to 67. Losing the Senate vote would be significant, he said, because that would make it difficult to negotiate the outstanding issues and get it passed before this Congress ends. “Then they have to start all over again,” he said.
There is no reason why Military, College Programs and Part 61 experience should be treated differently with respect to qualifying for the R-ATP. Base it on the merit of the applicant. If 750 is adequate for a military pilot, then make that the standard across the board. If you want 1500 hours to be the Gold Standard, then make that apply to everyone. To paint all training with a broad brush is a disservice to instructors and DPEs.
I disagree.