Reduced ATP Minimums

Congress and FAA recently made some big changes to the minimum requirements for First Officers in part 121 airlines and for the way pilots get their Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) licenses. These changes will affect you if you’re dreaming of an airline pilot career. In this post I’ll explain the new rules and how they may affect you.  

In the past, pilots could fly as first officers for part 121 airlines with as little as a commercial pilot certificate and an Instrument rating. The commercial pilot license could be obtained with only 250 hours total flight time, or 190 hours through an FAA-approved curriculum. Of course, most airlines required higher minimums, but this was the absolute minimum required by the government.  Several fatal accidents in recent years, specifically the Colgan Airlines accident, resulted in a massive public pressure to increase these minimums. This ended with the Congress passing the Airline Safety and FAA Extension Act of 2010, often refereed to as the “1500 rule,” the minimum total time normally required for an ATP certificate. 

On August 1, 2013, the new rules went into effect, requiring First Officers of part 121 operations to have an ATP certificate.  Also, starting January 2016, the FAA will require all first officers of part 121 to have a full type rating on the aircraft, which is now required only for captains.  Another change is in the way pilots get their ATP licenses. In the past, a commercial pilot could simply take the ATP knowledge test and practical test without any specific training or endorsements. The new rule requires ATP candidates for a Multi-Engine class (or for a type rating taken with the ATP) to complete an ATP certification program (CTP), which includes structured ground and simulator training. (FAR 61.156)  

Since the new minimums will make it more difficult for airlines to find qualified pilots, especially in the regional level, an exception in the rule allows first officers to work with a “restricted ATP”, or “ATP-R”. With the restricted license, you can work as a first officer for a part 121 airline. However, you’ll need a full ATP to work as a first officer in a flag or supplemental operation, in a crew requiring three or more pilots, or as pilot-in-command.

The lowered requirements for the ATP-R are:

• At least 21 years old (instead of 23 for full ATP)
• Have one of the following:

o   750 hours flying for the military.

o   1000 hours if you got your training through an approved aviation bachelor’s degree.

o   1250 hours through an approved aviation related associates’ degree

o   You can get the restricted ATP with as little as 200 hours of cross-country flight, instead of the 500 required for the unrestricted certificate. However, you must meet all the other flight experience requirements for ATP such as the 1500 hours of total flight time.

          The new change doesn’t only affect first officers. Upgrading to captain now requires 1000 hours as SIC, or as 135 PIC. Up to 500 military hours can count towards this requirement.

          R-ATP or Reduced Airline Transport Pilot will directly affect my career choice in the near future. Since I started college here at Eastern Michigan University rules and regulations have been changing.  This new current rule will affect me by reducing my required time to enter into the aviation industry as a first officer.  As long as I take the written test before August 1st, 2014 I will have 24 calendar months to obtain the required time by the Federal Aviation Regulations, so that I do not have the take the ATP/CTP class before the written.

Information on Export-Import Banks and my views

The Export-Import Bank of the United States is the official export credit agency of the United States.  The bank's mission is to assist in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to international markets.  This Bank enables U.S. companies, large and small to turn opportunities into profitable sales. This helps to maintain and create U.S. jobs, also contributing to a stronger national economy. 

 The Export Import bank does not compete with private sector lenders, but provides export-financing products that fill gaps in trade financing. They assume credit and country risks that the private sector is unwilling to accept.  It was established in 1934 by an executive order, and made an independent agency in the Executive branch by Congress in 1945, for the purposes of financing and insuring foreign purchases of United States goods for customers unable or unwilling to accept credit risk. The mission of the Bank is to create and sustain U.S. jobs by financing sales of U.S. exports to international buyers. The government corporation, Congress of the United States, charters this type of bank. The charter spells out the Bank’s authorities and limitations. Among them is the principle that the bank does not compete with private sector lenders, but rather provides financing for transactions that would otherwise not take place because commercial lenders are either unable or unwilling to accept the political or commercial risks inherent in an underlying transaction.

Since the financial crisis in 2008, the Export-Import bank has played a major role in financing Boeing aircraft. Since 2008, financing has been approximate to one-third of Boeing deliveries, or $8-10 billion per year. Other Export Credit agencies such as Coface, Hermes, ECGD, ECD and BNDES, have also been active players in supporting their manufacturers.

The Export-Import Bank of the United States also plays a vital role in helping American companies compete on a level playing field in the global marketplace. Last year, the bank aided 3,400 companies, large, medium and small, in supporting over 205,000 U.S. jobs. Maintaining a robust network of aerospace suppliers, and facilitating a stronger U.S. presence in the global market. Significantly, nearly 88 percent of these jobs were at small businesses around the country. Many people do not realize that the bank is self-sustaining, and operates at no cost to U.S. taxpayers. In fact, through its fees and charges, the bank brought in more than $1 billion to the U.S. treasury in fiscal years 2012 and 2013. Simply put, the federal deficit will go up if the Export-Import Bank is shut down.  At a time when defense cuts are causing smaller suppliers to shrink their operations, Export-Import bank financing maintains the financial health of a large number of aerospace industry suppliers, providing assistance to 30,000 of them. Many of these suppliers have looked to other aerospace sectors to compensate for lost revenue from the defense downturn. Furthermore, Export-Import financing is a critical tool to the aerospace exporter in both general aviation and space services. From May 2012 to February 2014, the bank financed over $1 billion in business jet exports, supporting over 5,000 jobs. Satellites and space launch services have become the fastest growing sector. Prior to 2010, the bank financed roughly $50 million annually in space services. That number has risen to over $1 billion in each of the last two years. In fact, over 60 percent of U. S. has built commercial satellite exports today that are supported through Export-Import financing.

Equally important, the bank allows U.S. exporters to effectively compete with foreign firms that have their own government-assisted financing. Our Export-Import Bank is one of 59 export credit agencies around the world. Each of them supports the export of manufactured goods in a highly competitive global marketplace. And many of these governments extend more credit, at more favorable rates, than the United States. In fact, as a percentage of GDP, U.S. export credit in 2012 ranked below six other countries. The Export-Import Bank does not cost American taxpayers a dime. It helps our manufacturers compete and sell their products around the world. And since aircraft manufacturing is one of our nation’s biggest exports, it is not surprising that U.S. jobs depend on our government helping to maintain a level playing field. The bank's authority is set to expire on September 30, 2014.

Some solutions are as follows:  Aside from higher lending limits, the immediate effect of the law is to widen financing to include U.S. aviation-industry exports, specifically transactions of U.S. produced goods and services for aftermarket use on foreign-manufactured aircraft. Obama has pressed for the bank’s reauthorization to help aid export sales and job growth. He has set a goal of doubling U.S. exports to $3.14 trillion a year by the end of 2014, from $1.57 trillion in 2009.  The administration is counting on exports to help drive down the unemployment rate, which has been stuck at more than 8 percent since February 2009. The jobless rate was 8.1 percent in April, with 115,000 jobs added, the weakest growth in six months. The economy and jobs are dominant issues in Obama’s campaign.

           

              I really like it when government officials like to use whatever they can to an advantage to win in an upcoming election.  Like promising the world when they know they can’t fix it.  Some of his board members on Washington hill are so wrapped up they are stuck in this thing called the, “Washington bubble” and they start to believe their own lies.  This country needs more than checks to the general public and the government can’t cash.  This is how I stand after serving, I have a totally new view of how the government works.

UAV Problems, History, and a profitable industry that our Government recognizes

     With the advancement in aerial technology in the later 20th century, humans have began witnessing technologies never thought possible.  Most recent discussions have been debating the use of aircraft that fly, maneuver, survey, and even kill other humans without a pilot.  Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are machines that are primarily used for modern warfare by keeping our men and women safe from the enemy.  With terrorism becoming more rampant, the U.S. Government is beginning to see the benefits of utilizing this type of technology for National Security.  What is used for wartime and for the enemy Americans will see military technology exceed it’s boundaries and in the hands of local law enforcement agencies across the nation.  With documented instances of using UAV/systems by the Houston police departments as well as Austin’s police department.  The city of Austin needs to wonder; should the Austin Police department be allowed to utilize wartime surveillance against its citizens? 
     UAV technology has a variety of applications for the Austin area, and therein has potential broad effects on Texas economy.  Although economic figures can be speculative, recent analysis by Frost & Sullivan predicts the global commercial UAV market is worth billions of dollars.  The prospect of available profits has lured many types of investors – from small companies to large defense contractors.  The smaller companies tend to invest in commercial UAVs, while the larger defense contractors are working almost entirely in military applications.  However, larger companies typically enter the market once the industry has established a firm demand while keeping an active watch of their investment. 
     Just as recent as this past decade government agencies are also interested in the role of UAVs in for the Department of Defense (DOD), which tends to favor increased UAV access for homeland security and surveillance of the international border between Texas and Mexico.  For Austin and the state of Texas UAV is primarily concerned with maintaining or improving the level of safety while encouraging the growth of aviation.  Various organizations such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and NASA are interested in using UAVs for scientific research. In addition, branches of the law enforcement community and other search and rescue organizations are generally promoting UAV use to limit costs and improve effectiveness.  Although there are a variety of interests to consider, including the general public, government and private sector, it is important to reach an overall consensus that everyone can accept. 
     The first use of UAVs occurred during WW1 in U.S. airspace.  Although initial flights and tests were erratic the military recognized its potential.  However, the interest of UAVs would take a sharp dip after the end of World War I, as development of pilot less aircraft in the U.S. and abroad declined sharply.  By the mid-to-late 1930s, new UAVs emerged as an important combat training tool.  During World War II, Nazi Germany's innovative V-1 demonstrated the formidable threat a UAV could pose in combat.  America's attempts to eliminate the V-1 laid the groundwork for post-war UAV programs in the U.S. 
     From their early use as target drones and remotely piloted combat vehicles, UAVs took on a new role during the Vietnam War: stealth surveillance.  The success of the Firebee continued through the end of the Vietnam War.  In the 1970s, while other countries began to develop their own advanced UAV systems, the U.S. set its sights on other kinds of UAVs.  During the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s, the Israeli Air Force, an aggressive UAV developer, pioneered several important new UAVs, versions of which were integrated into the UAV fleets of many other countries, including the U.S. 
     The City of Austin as of Jan. 2011 allowed its first mini UAV to be used by the Austin Police Department.  This allowed the police department to use a wasp drone to reach heights of up to 400 feet.  For now, use of these types of drones for high-risk law enforcement purposes is kept secret, although the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stated plans to implement new rules that would allow the routine flying of these drones across the United States by 2013.  Equipped with high-resolution, infrared and thermal-imaging cameras, these drones could provide police with the accurate monitoring of all types of civilian areas and topographies. 
     U.S. Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Coryn advocate the use of UAVs technology. They understand that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) currently has five Predator B Unmanned Ariel Vehicles (UAVs) conducting high-quality surveillance along our nation’s international borders, with plans to deploy two additional Predator B UAVs in the near future.  The State of Texas has requested that CBP consider basing these additional UAVs in Texas to augment the efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies operating along the Texas-Mexico border.  However, the Department of Homeland Security has said that it is unable to take action on this request because the FAA has thus far failed to issue a Certificate of Authorization, which is necessary to enable CBP to safely operate UAVs in Texas.  They urge the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to give priority consideration to Customs and Border Protections pending Certificate of Authorization for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operations in Texas. 

Here is information on a Current UAV pilot position, take a look any pilot can fly one of these.

Professional Organizations

     A couple of organizations that I am currently apart of are AOPA and EAA.  Both of these organizations send me news letters via email weekly to keep me informed and up to date on the aviation community.  

     AOPA's mission is to protect your freedom to fly by increasing the knowledge of pilots, non pilots, and policy makers alike.  Allowing their members to incorporate their ideas and support activities that ensure the long-term health of general aviation.  Keeping general aviation accessible to all pilots by fighting for them, and protecting resources to ensure aviators success.  AOPA is the spotlight for those who cherish the freedom to fly. By demonstrating what is possible when a determined organization listens to its members, communicates with its colleagues, finds solutions within the government, and focuses its resources to secure the future of general aviation. AOPA’s success is proof that the general public good can be accomplished while individual freedoms are preserved.

     EAA is dedicated to keeping aviation fun, accessible, and safe. EAA was founded in 1953, by a group of aviation enthusiasts in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Homebuilding is still a tremendous part of EAA, but the organization has grown over the years to include almost every aspect of aviation and aeronautics. Their headquarters are based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. EAA has more than 160,000 members in more than 100 countries worldwide.  EAA has grown to include enthusiasts with interest in vintage aircraft, warbirds, aerobatics, ultralights, helicopters, and contemporary manufactured aircraft. EAA is still a grassroots community, but with global reach.

     Whether you are a pilot, an aircraft owner, or an aviation enthusiast, AOPA provides several membership resources and support your needs to sharpen your skills, stay informed, and connect to the GA community.  By joining AOPA you will enjoy all of the exclusive benefits, services, and opportunities available to you as a member.  Members consistently rate advocacy as the number one reason they belong to AOPA. AOPA is on the front lines every day fighting for general aviation. With AOPA’s award-winning magazine, our e-newsletters and AOPA Live, you’ll stay informed and up to date on everything that is happening in general aviation.  If it’s on their radar screen, they will strive to make sure it’s on yours.  The world’s most comprehensive aviation resource, the AOPA website www.aopa.org is available 24/7 and updated daily.  Membership entitles you to exclusive member resources and tools including the AOPA Fly Q suite.  Safety and education never stops so AOPA provides many opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills as a pilot. 
The Air Safety Institute offers fun and interactive online courses, safety quizzes, seminars and webinars to help pilots at all skill levels.  Your AOPA membership gives you access to quality products, unique services, and special discounts.  Revenue from AOPA member products provides the financial support to enable AOPA to strengthen its impact on general aviation.  AOPA helps to make flying more fun, affordable, and hassle-free.  Members can choose insurance, aircraft ownership and pilot services. AOPA offers an abundance of products and services designed just for pilots and aviation enthusiasts.  100% of the profits from the AOPA store go to support vital programs and operations that protect your freedom to fly in the general aviation community.

     Membership benefits of EAA include e-Newsletters, you are able to search archives of more than 50 years of aviation information, and you will receive discounted admission to AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin. You will also be entitled to discounted EAA SportAirWorkshops.  You are given free admission to 300 participating science and technology ASTC museums around the world.  You are able to save on aircraft supplies and technical Assistance. Have all your questions answered by aviation experts.