Airlines oppose law increasing pilot flight hours Posted:
10.14.2010 at 8:29 AM  Law enacted in response to Buffalo area
crash   WASHINGTON -- A key safety measure recently passed by
Congress in response to a deadly regional airline crash last
year is facing opposition from industry officials concerned that
it could lead to higher salaries for airline pilots.  AFederal
Aviation Administration advisory panel dominated by airlines,
companies that employ pilots to fly corporate planes and
university flight schools wants to reduce by two-thirds a
requirement that airline co-pilots have a minimum of 1,500 hours
of flying experience - the same experience threshold that
captains must meet.  The key issue is money, according to
officials familiar with the panel's deliberations. Airlines
worry that if the FAA raises the threshold for co-pilots - also
called first officers - from the current minimum of 250 hours,
airlines will be forced to raise pilot salaries and benefits to
attract more experienced fliers, the offici