NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK)-- Aviation students at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) can now begin their piloting careers sooner now that they're eligible to receive the Federal Aviation Administration's Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (RATP) certificate.

Normally, the FAA requires students to complete 1,500 flight hours and be at least 23 years old to qualify for the Air Transport Pilot certificate, a credential necessary to fly for an airline. The FAA is now permitting students who graduate from SFA's aviation science program eligible to receive their RATP certification.

Due to recent changes, SFA students who graduate from the aviation program and complete their required 1,000 hours of flight time can be hired by airlines and start earning salaries soon after graduation.

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