U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is calling on Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to publicly commit to preserving key flight safety regulations, including the 1,500-hour pilot training rule, and to meet with the families of Flight 3407—a group that helped enact the current air safety laws following the 2009 crash near Buffalo that killed 50 people.
Schumer’s demand comes amid growing scrutiny of Trump’s FAA nominee, Bryan Bedford, who has a long history of lobbying to roll back aviation safety rules, including the 1,500-hour standard that was established after the Colgan Air disaster.
“The memory of those we lost on Flight 3407 has become a blessing that protects millions of travelers. We cannot let anyone undo that progress,” Schumer said.
What is the 1,500-hour rule?
Enacted under the Airline Safety and FAA Extension Act of 2010, the rule requires first officers (co-pilots) to log at least 1,500 flight hours before earning an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. It’s widely credited with improving safety standards across regional airlines.
Since its adoption, U.S. commercial aviation fatalities have plummeted—with no major commercial airline crashes caused by pilot error in over a decade.
FAA nominee’s record under fire
Schumer says FAA nominee Bryan Bedford, CEO of Republic Airways, has repeatedly tried to circumvent or weaken the 1,500-hour requirement, including:
- Proposing exemptions to allow pilots with fewer hours to fly commercially
- Advocating for changes that would prioritize cost-cutting over safety
“The man nominated to oversee air safety should not be trying to lower safety standards,” Schumer said.
Why Flight 3407 still matters in 2025
Flight 3407 crashed on approach to Buffalo Niagara International Airport in February 2009, killing all 49 people on board and one person on the ground. Investigators cited pilot inexperience and fatigue among the causes.
The families of the victims became powerful advocates for air safety reform, lobbying Congress to close the safety gap between regional and mainline carriers. Their efforts led to:
- Mandatory ATP certification for all first officers
- Pilot fatigue regulations
- Creation of an electronic pilot records database
Schumer noted that every Transportation Secretary since 2009 has met with the Flight 3407 families—and called on Secretary Duffy to do the same.
Industry pressure and safety concerns
While some airline executives argue the 1,500-hour rule has made pilot hiring more difficult, safety experts and advocates say the experience threshold is critical to protecting passengers.
Schumer said the rule is non-negotiable and any attempt to roll it back would endanger lives.
“I’ve worked side-by-side with these families for more than 16 years,” Schumer said. “We will fight any rollback attempt tooth and nail—just as we always have.”
For updates on FAA rules, aviation safety legislation, and the status of the 1,500-hour rule, visit: transportation.gov
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