Robert Spohrer speaks on the PBS television program “FRONTLINE” about Fume Events on commercial aircarft.    

Watch the full episode. See more FRONTLINE.

A new federal aviation law increases the number of hours of flight time required to become an airline pilot to1,500.

A new federal aviation law set to take effect in August 2013 increases the number of flight hours required to become an airline pilot. Congress passed the law last year in response to the February 2009 crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407 near Buffalo, N.Y. that killed all 49 people on board and one person on the ground died. But not everyone agrees that more hours in an aircraft are necessary.

Purdue University’s Department of Aviation Technology are concerned that the new requirements will force students to unnecessarily spend thousands of dollars to increase their airtime. Students in the program typically log about 300 hours of airplane flight time during their course of study. And for collegiate student pilots at respected institutions, that should be enough, some argue.

Many agree that the 1,500 hours of flight time that will be required for landing a pilot’s license come August 2013 is appropriate for students of smaller, independent and less expensive flight schools favored by airplane hobbyists. But argue that the intense focus and comprehensive coursework that students at colleges and universities like Purdue make them uniquely qualified for employment as airline pilots immediately after graduation.

At Spohrer & Dodd, we know just how critical it is that aviation students log as much aircraft flight time as possible before being handed a license. We’ve litigated numerous multi-million-dollar aircraft accident cases, landing fair settlements for the families of those killed in airline accidents – some caused by faulty equipment, others by pilot or air traffic control personnel error. If you or a loved one has been injured, or if you have lost a loved one to an airplane crash, no matter the cause, Spohrer & Dodd can help. Call us toll-free at 800-413-7948 or complete our online “Do I Have a Case?” form for a quick response from an experienced aviation lawyer.