ARC recommends new certification path for airline transport pilot candidates

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The Air Carrier Training Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ACT ARC) recently provided a recommendation to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to authorize the creation of an enhanced qualification program (EQP) that would lead to the issuance of a restricted-privileges airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate.

According to ARC, its proposal included substantial prerequisites, a rigorous candidate assessment process, and intensive academic and flight training designed to accelerate acquisition and development of knowledge and skills necessary for effective performance in an air carrier line operations environment.

Specifically, the recommendation calls for air carries to develop EQP programs that would admit pilots who are graduates of U.S. military pilot training schools or colleges and universities with aviation programs authorized under U.S. Federal Aviation Regulations Part 61.160.

Further, pilots would be required to have commercial pilot certificates and ratings for instrument and multi-engine airplanes.

In the past, individuals applying for ATP certification were required to accumulate a minimum of 1,500 flight hours. However, recent regulatory changes now provide a credit toward the flight hours requirement for current and former military pilots and graduates of certain aviation degree programs, which enables them to be granted restricted-privileges ATP certificates and to serve as second-in-command during air carrier operations.

While ARC said it viewed the recommendation as justified, the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), an organization representing more than 58,000 pilots through the United States and Canada, said the release of the recommendation was premature.

“ALPA is supportive of the existing pathways that help prepare individuals for careers as professional airline pilots,” ALPA said. “However, we do not support programs that shortcut or undermine the valuable training and experience that are necessary to develop the judgment required to be a safe and qualified professional pilot.”