[gingerbread-man]

The most significant regulatory change following the Colgan crash was the added requirement that all airline (Part 21) first officers possess an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate prior to hiring. Previously, only captains (as pilots-in-command) were required to hold that certificate, which requires a minimum 1500 hours of flight experience. [1]

In practical terms, this wasn't a big change (insurance underwriters already required it), but 1500 hours is a significant hurdle at at time when the US is facing a shortage of pilots.

[1] https://www.flyingmag.com/news/faa-finalizes-atp-rule-first-...

[sokoloff]

It's not required prior to hiring; it's prior to flying your first revenue flight. The distinction is somewhat important as it's not as easy to get an ATP (any more) with the introduction of the ATP-CTP requirement.

Though I have no need for an ATP, I considered getting one under the old (quite easy) rules.

[bronco21016]

It was most definitely a huge change in practical terms. When regional airlines began their boom cycles they frequently lowered their minimum requirements to essentially only requiring a brand new commercial pilot certificate. In theory that could be as low as 275 hours or so. I know many people were hired in the 300-500 hour range.

Raising the bar to 1,500 hours drastically changed the hiring landscape and coupled with mass retirements due to the age 65 rule (retirement is required at age 65 for 121 airline pilots), the airlines have had to improve working conditions to continue attracting qualified candidates.

All you have to do is follow the money. The regional airline association of America lobbies extensively for lowering the bar again to save regional airlines money.