FAA turns down airline request to hire less-experienced pilots during shortage

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has rejected a request from a regional air carrier to hire less-experienced flight crew to address the ongoing pilot shortage.

American regional airline Republic Airways, which operates flights for a few other US air carriers, including United Express, Delta Connection, and American Eagle, has faced a pilot shortage for the past few years. Back in April 2022, the airline asked the FAA for permission to hire pilots with at least 750 hours of flying experience for a first officer role if they complete the airline’s training program, which could be comparable to military flight training.

However, on September 19, 2022, the FAA said that it would be denying the request because it could significantly reduce safety.

“The FAA disagrees with reducing the amount of required aeronautical experience at this time. Further, the FAA finds that, if a reduction in hours was appropriate, an exemption is not the appropriate vehicle with which to make such a determination,” the FAA’s Denial of Exemption reads.