The Federal Aviation Administration has rejected a bid by Indianapolis-based Republic Airways to lower the minimum number in flight hours for new graduate pilots.
Republic petitioned the FAA earlier this year to alleviate a pilot shortage.
At least 1,500 flight hours are required for pilots to become certified at commercial airline.
Republic asked that it be reduced by half.
The 1,500 flight hour target was set a decade ago as part of new safety rules after the Colgan Air plane crash that killed 50 people in Buffalo.
In contrast, EU countries require 250 flight hours for pilot certification.
“The FAA considers it to be of greater public interest to ensure and maintain the level of safety,” the agency said.
Republic CEO Bryan Bedford was ‘disappointed but not surprised’ by the decision.
