FAA continues to get flack over safety rules involving regional airlines

When it was disclosed that the two pilots who crashed a commuter airliner in Buffalo (killing 50 people) were over-worked, under-paid and under-trained, Congress and the media directed their attention to the issue of FAA supervision of commuter airline pilot training.  A veteran pilot for US Airways in the crash of flight 1549 pointed out to CBS this week that his wealth of experience probably allowed him to avoid a fatal outcome, drawing a contrast with the pilots of the Colgan Air crash in Buffalo.  Apparently, in addition to being over-worked and flying without adequate rest, the captain of the Buffalo flight had "failed five flight tests," calling into question the quality of his training.  Under a new administration and the light of public examination, the FAA is now taking a closer look at commuter pilot training.