New Rules for co-pilots proposed by Federal Aviation AdministrationNew Rules for co-pilots proposed by Federal Aviation Administration

Many new commercial airline co-pilots would be required to have 1,500 hours of flying experience, up from the current minimum of 250 hours, under a set of new rules is put forward today by the Federal Aviation Administration in reaction to the 2009 crash of Continental Connection Flight 3407 in Clarence Center.

Under the proposal, all new commercial pilots would be required to have an Air Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which normally requires 1,500 hours of flight experience. Military pilots would be able to get that restricted privileges license with 750 hours of flight experience, while graduates of aviation bachelor's degree programs could get that provisional certification with 1,000 hours of flight time.

“The new rule stemmed from his agency's emphasis on safety,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "This proposed rule reflects our commitment to the safety of the traveling public by making sure our pilots are the most qualified and best trained in the world," LaHood said.

The proposal would also require pilots to have 1,000 hours of experience at a passenger airline before qualifying as a captain.

And the proposed rule also would make it tougher to qualify for an ATP certificate. Pilots would need to complete a new FAA-approved training program, and have 50 hours of flight experience on a multiengine plane, in addition to the 1,500 hours requirement.

"Our pilots need to have the right training and the right qualifications so they can be prepared to handle any situation they encounter in the cockpit," said FAA Acting Administrator Michael Huerta. "I believe this proposed rule will ensure our nation's pilots have the necessary skills and experience."

The proposal is likely to draw fire from the airlines, since they would find it harder to hire pilots under the new rule.