What is the 1500 hour rule?

As it stands, the FAA requires pilots to have at least 1,500 flight hours before they can work at an airline that's a Part 121 operator (operating scheduled flights with planes that have 30+ seats).


Why is there a 1500 hour rule?

The 1,500-hour rule came about because the families of the victims of the Colgan Air Flight 3407 crash near Buffalo, New York, in 2009 made a concerted effort to lobby congress to force the FAA to implement the rule. (Never mind that both pilots had more than 1,500 hours.)

What is the FAA 1500 hour rule?

Normally, 1,500 hours of flight time are required before a new pilot can fly commercially, though there is an exception for certain military experience that cuts the requirement in half. The so-called 1,500-hour rule was passed after the fatal Colgan Air crash in February 2009 near Buffalo, New York.


How fast can you get 1500 flight hours?

The FAA requires 1,500 hours to fly as an airline pilot, which can be earned in two years.

Does ATP give you 1500 hours?

The second was a ruling changing the minimum flight hours needed to earn an Air Transport Pilot (ATP) license from 250 hours to 1,500 hours. This has become known as the 1500 Hour rule. The 1500 Hour rule is not as universally accepted as being helpful as the flight time and duty rule regulation.


WHY I think the “1500 HOUR rule” is RIDICULOUS!



How many hours can a pilot legally fly?

§ 91.1059 Flight time limitations and rest requirements: One or two pilot crews. (1) 500 hours in any calendar quarter; (2) 800 hours in any two consecutive calendar quarters; (3) 1,400 hours in any calendar year.

Do you need an ATP to be a first officer?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) took notice and subsequently changed the rules regarding the requirements for airline (Part 121) first officers. In August 2013, the FAA required all SICs to hold an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP).

How long does it take to get 1000 flight hours?

If you're employed full time and flying frequently, it could take you anywhere from 12 to 30 months to build the 1,000 to 1,500 total hours of flight time necessary for the next step. Turbine PIC time is a requirement at most major airlines.


What age does a pilot have to retire?

"The Standard limits the privileges for pilots in single-pilot commercial air transport operations to 60 years of age, while extending that limit to 65 years of age for multi-pilot operations.

Can a pilot work 7 days in a row?

(d) No pilot may fly more than 32 hours during any seven consecutive days, and each pilot must be relieved from all duty for at least 24 consecutive hours at least once during any seven consecutive days.

Will the FAA lower the 1500 hour rule?

FAA rejects airline's request to reduce pilots' flight training hours Regulations require 1,500 hours of flight time for pilot certification.


Is ATP 7 days a week?

During a typical week at ATP Flight School, you will train five to seven days per week and participate in a variety of flight training activities and lessons. ATP strives to provide you two days off each week, however, students must be available for training seven days per week to keep you on schedule.

Can you work while doing ATP?

Other part and full-time commitments, like working a job or attending college, are not recommended while attending ATP. Outside distractions reduce the time you have to study, make it harder to learn, and can hinder your progress. The Airline Career Pilot Program requires full-time commitment.

Is a 4 hour flight classed as a long-haul flight?

Short-haul is a flight lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Medium-haul is defined by flights lasting between 3-6 hours. And lastly, long-haul flights are those that extend beyond 6 hours.


Is a 7 hour flight long-haul?

A short-haul flight is one of up to 3 hours in duration. Medium-haul flights take 3-6 hours. A long-haul flight runs for 6-12 hours, whilst an ultra-long-haul flight is in the air for over 12 hours.

How can I survive an 18 hour flight?

How to survive a long-haul flight
  1. Find comfortable clothes to wear on long flights. ...
  2. Reserve a good seat. ...
  3. Prepare yourself for sleep. ...
  4. Don't pack too much in your cabin luggage. ...
  5. Take your own snacks. ...
  6. Move around the plane. ...
  7. Stay hydrated. ...
  8. Relax!


How many hours can you fly under Part 135?

§ 135.265 Flight time limitations and rest requirements: Scheduled operations. (1) 1,200 hours in any calendar year. (2) 120 hours in any calendar month. (3) 34 hours in any 7 consecutive days.


Can you overfly a 100 hour?

Required Maintenance Inspections

What about if you're flying for hire or flight instruction, if given for hire? You must now complete a 100-hour inspection under 14 CFR 91.409. You can overfly this 100-hour limit by up to 10 hours, but only to reposition the aircraft for its required 100-hour inspection.

How many hours can a commercial pilot fly in a month?

(e) No pilot may fly as a member of a crew more than 100 hours during any one calendar month. (f) No pilot may fly as a member of a crew more than 1,000 hours during any 12-calendar-month period.

Why do pilots cut their shirt?

In American aviation lore, the traditional removal of a new pilot's shirt tail is a sign of the instructor's new confidence in their student after successful completion of the first solo flight. In the days of tandem trainers, the student sat in the front seat, with the instructor behind.


How many hours does a pilot need to fly commercial?

To fly as a commercial airline pilot, you will need 1500 hours of experience, which can be earned in two years. ATP's accelerated commercial pilot training programs provide a structured timeline and shorten the time it takes to gain experience and meet qualifications.

How many hours do you need to fly for a major airline?

Prospective commercial pilots typically log at least 250 hours of flying time to earn their license, including 50 hours of cross-country flying and 100 hours of pilot-in-command time. They also complete at least 10 hours in a complex aircraft and 10 hours of instrument training.

How much do captain pilots make?

As of Jan 1, 2023, the average annual pay for an Airline Pilot Captain in the United States is $90,071 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $43.30 an hour.