The Colgan Air crash in 2009 was a wake up call for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that it was time to look into pilot training and regulations not just for major US airlines but also for regional airlines and commuter carriers. According to the new regulations, co-pilots must be significantly more experienced. As of August 1, co-pilots must have 1,500 hours as a pilot, compared to the previous 250 hours of flight time. Additionally, there will be no more “Captain Skippy Flights,” pilots must now be at least 23 years old.
In the wake of the Asiana 214 crash last week, pilot equipment training is also becoming an regulated issue. According to the new requirements, pilots will also be required to receive extra training in relation to the planes they are operating.
Are these changes enough? One issue now being raised is whether planes should be equipped with over the shoulder seat belts and not just waist belts. Waist belts were first designed when flights were taking off at 90mph. Now that take-offs and landings have been accelerated, waist belts have been known to produce potentially fatal injuries on the impact of a crash.
Watch Peter’s latest CBS This Morning report to see what is being changed for the better and the improvements that still need to take place.
For the latest information on air safety & security, check out:
- What You Can Do to Survive A Plane Crash
- Peter’s Initial Blog on the Asiana Air Crash
- A Pilot’s Analysis of Potential Errors in Asiana 214
