Congress Passes New Airline Regulations

In February 2009, Continental Connection Flight 3407 crashed near Buffalo, NY killing 50 people. The NTSB concluded that this crash was a result of pilot inexperience. Now, more than a year after the fatal accident, family and friends concerned about airline safety are able to see a reworking of the aviation industry.

The bill was described as "miracle legislation" by Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY). He went on to state that he has "never seen a small group that had right on their right, but didn't have the money or the connections or anything else, take on such powerful interests and succeed."

On August 1, 2010, four days after its appearance in Congress, President Obama signed H.R. 5900 which changes the way airlines conduct their businesses. Sponsored by Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN), this bill passed by a unanimous vote and was sent to the White House. Although congratulated by major airlines and safety advocates, this bill may introduce a grim fate to regional airline companies. Among other enactments, this bill will require first captains to have just as much piloting experience as the pilot in command. This means that rather than 250 documented flight hours, a pilot will need 1,500 hours applying to be a commercial airline pilot. Although this change may represent a greater level of security for each airline passenger, this may finally push all remaining regional companies out of business. Local charter, unlike major airlines, may not have the budget to afford pilots with greater experience.

Among its legislation, the bill would:

- Require limiting pilots' work schedules to avoid fatigue.

- Boost the minimum flight experience required to be a first officer from 250 hours to 1,500 hours.

- Require more complete pilot training programs and increase the difficulty of piloting examinations.

- Require websites that sell airline tickets to state the name of the carrier operating each segment of the flight.