FAA to shake up airline pilot training standards

Following the Colgan Air Bombardier Q400 crash on approach to Buffalo last Feb the FAA are about to make changes to the minimum licensing standards.  The crash killed 50 people and raised serious questions about pilot fatigue and upset-recovery competence.

An FAA notice of proposed rulemaking expected within the next two months could go as far as requiring air carriers to confirm they consider their pilots to be competent - not merely legally licensed.The Colgan crash has already spurred the US Senate to pass a bill in July requiring both crew members to have a minimum of 1,500h and hold an air transport pilot certificate.

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