Flexjet receives Two Prestigious Awards

Flexjet, a leader in business aviation solutions, has been identified again by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. National Air Transportation Association (NATA) for excellence in aircraft technical training.

The Diamond Award of Excellence is the FAA’s highest honor for maintenance training and Flexjet is the only fractional jet ownership program provider that has received this award for 13 consecutive years

“It is our technicians’ unyielding dedication to the highest safety standards that have enabled Flexjet to win the FAA Diamond Award more times than any other fractional jet ownership provider,” said Dave Gross, Vice President, Operations, Flexjet. “Thirteen consecutive years of outstanding maintenance training is not only a remarkable achievement, but a shining example of their steadfast commitment to excellence.”

The FAA first created this award program in 1991 to encourage aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) and their employers to actively participate in training programs. To qualify for the prestigious FAA Diamond Award of Excellence, 100 percent of an organization’s eligible maintenance technicians must complete specialized, continuous training in aircraft systems, regulations and FAA rules over a 12-month period.

The U.S. National Air Transportation Association is also granting Flexjet’s maintenance organization with a second consecutive Five Star Award, the NATA's highest recognition offered. To secure this standing, at least 90 percent of AMTs participated in a qualified training program and completed a minimum of 12 hours of education per year.

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.