DOES ANYONE ELSE THINK WE SHOULD ABANDON THE HOURS REQUIREMENT ALTOGETHER
Yes, me.
I favour a BFR approach, because you won't get signed of unless you are safe, unlike the current system, where I can log a 1 hr flight in my logbook, and still be a flying nightmare.
I like to think that most pilots have the mentallity that if they feel unsafe, haven't flown for a while, or feel they need some remedial training, then they will employ an instructor before they kill themselves. I certainly would.
I don't think there is evidence to suggest that US pilots are more dangerous than JAA boys and girls becasue they have a 12 hour in month 13-24 requirement. If the 12 hour requirement is kept, then it should be spread over 2 years, to stop people from "I'm not going to fly until march, becasue then it'll count towards my revalidation"
EA