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   The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Monday rejected a request from   
   Republic Airways to cut copilot training time in half. The FAA disagrees with   
   Republic's argument to grant copilots a special pilot's license after just 750   
   hours of flight time. By adhering to a minimum of 1,500 flight hours, the   
   safety of passengers on board will be ensured, according to the FAA.   
       
   Republic argued that military pilots only need 750 flying hours to receive a   
   license and is convinced that pilots in its own training also have enough of   
   this. By offering a specially structured flight program, through Republic's   
   own flying school LIFT Academy, pilots should be prepared for the real thing   
   in 750 hours.   
       
   The FAA dismisses this argument, stating that Republics training does not   
   equate to military training. "The proposal to halve the number of flight hours   
   is not in the public interest and will have a negative impact on safety."   
       
   Republic Airways is a regional airline that operates flights for the regional   
   brands of American Airlines (American Eagle), Delta Air Lines (Delta   
   Connection), and United Airlines (United Express) among others. In total,   
   Republic operates nearly 1,000 daily flights to 100 US cities.   
       
   Republic Airways, like other airlines, suffers from a pilot shortage. With the   
   request to the FAA, the airline hoped to partially solve the pilot shortage.   
       
   The FAA also doubts whether there is really a connection between the number of   
   flight hours of pilots and the recruitment process, the Washington Post   
   reports.   
      
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