Oberstar Pilot Training Bill Passed

The U.S. Senate has passed Congressman Jim Oberstar's bill to improve safety and pilot training requirements for regional airlines.

The 8th District DFL-er says the legislation is the culmination of the work begun after the Northwest Airlink Crash in Hibbing 16 years ago.

The new rules require all airline pilots hold an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, which requires a minimum of 1,500 flight hours; the current requirement is 250 flight hours.

Pilots will be trained on how to recover from stalls and upsets.

Oberstar says it is important that passengers be assured all pilots have the same qualifications and training, no matter where the flight originates.