Matthew T. Keefe - Exemption/Rulemaking

Matthew T. Keefe, an Air Force Combat Systems Officer, supports extending the ability to log flight time toward ATP certificate requirements to certain CSOs and NFOs who perform duties similar to flight engineers. He argues that for specific CSO roles involving intensive flight deck duties, the experience gained is highly relevant to airline piloting and suggests allowing these individuals to log 1/3 time up to 500 hours.

The commenter, a former military pilot and flight instructor, supports the proposed action regarding SCT (Specialized Combat Training) credits. They argue that the duties of a Weapon Systems Officer (WSO) in an FA-18 are comparable to co-pilot duties and should count toward requirements for those who have transitioned to certified aircraft commanders.

Matthew T. Keefe, a former Naval Flight Officer and current instructor pilot, supports counting Naval Flight Officer (NFO) time toward ATP flight hours. He argues that NFOs possess superior situational awareness and risk-mitigation skills that enhance aviation safety and operational proficiency.

Matthew T. Keefe supports the proposed rulemaking to allow NFO/WSO aircrew to count their flight experience toward certain ratings. He argues that their experience in tactical aircraft is comparable to civilian co-pilots and more extensive than that of flight engineers.

Matthew T. Keefe, a former F-15E weapon systems officer and flight evaluator, supports the rule change. He argues that the change will expand the US flying talent pool by recognizing the qualifications of experienced aviators who already possess the necessary knowledge for flight procedures.

Matthew T. Keefe argues that Naval Flight Officers (NFOs) should be eligible for a restricted ATP at 1250 hours. He supports this by detailing the extensive and rigorous flight training, technical knowledge, and experience NFOs acquire during their military service.

Matthew T. Keefe, a former Navy Weapon Systems Officer (WSO) and current commercial pilot, supports the proposed action. He argues that the training and experience gained as a WSO in military aircraft directly translate to the skills required for civilian pilot certifications and ATP requirements.

The commenter, a pilot with significant military flight experience, supports the rule change to allow military flight hours to count toward civilian flying careers. They argue that the rule is a necessary step to address the long-standing pilot shortage.

Matthew T. Keefe, a former military flight officer, proposes that Weapon Systems Officers (WSOs) and Navigators (NFOs) should be allowed to count their military flight time toward R-ATP eligibility. He argues that their experience in 2-place cockpits is equivalent to civilian second-in-command roles and that the current requirement to hold a commercial rating before qualifying special crew time is an unnecessary barrier for transitioning veterans.

Matthew T. Keefe, an Instructor Pilot, supports the proposed action based on his personal experience as a former Naval Flight Officer and current T-38C instructor. He argues that prior flight experience, particularly in fighter-type aircraft, significantly improves a student's ability to learn pilotage principles.