Aviation experts criticize impact of 1500-hour rule on pilot competency

Stewart described encountering numerous unmotivated and unskilled students aiming for airline careers. His observations align with those of a young 737 captain who indicated that he often feels like he's flying solo when paired with new hires.

The root cause appears to be financial pressures on flight instructors who rely on accumulating hours through instructing rather than allowing students adequate solo time. This practice results in insufficiently trained pilots passing certification exams without truly mastering flying skills.

Stewart's concerns reflect a broader fear within the industry: that current training practices produce underprepared pilots. He contends that this issue is exacerbated by commercial flight-training centers prioritizing profit over comprehensive education.

The unintended consequences of Congress's response to a past tragedy have introduced new risks into aviation safety. Industry leaders like Stewart urge immediate legislative attention to address these growing concerns before they escalate further.