Final rule announced by FAA increases qualification requirements for first officers (co-pilots) who fly for U.S. passenger and cargo airlines. Co-pilots must hold Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, requiring 1,500 hr total time as pilot, as well as have aircraft type rating, which involves additional training and testing specific to airplanes they fly. In comment, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said the traveling public deserves "the most qualified and best trained pilots."
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