Dang. Did you not read the post? They had that and increased it by a factor of six! The increase was not based on any scientific study but strictly on Democrat lawmaker emotion. Lawmakers Gone Wild!...again.
BTW, did you catch the part that said both pilots involved had FAR more than the new requirements? Probably not.
So what is the real reason for the pilot shortage? Is it because the hour requirement was increased? Not really. There is no shortage of pilots willing to acquire the necessary hours...if it were worth it. But the airlines aren't willing to make it worth their while by offering a wage appropriate for their skill level so why bother? It's the old free market at work. Airlines aren't willing to pay what it takes to get their people so they blame the government and turn to it for a solution.
In answer to your statements talking about the 1500hrs, this is what I posted earlier: “The 1500hr requirement will force commuter airlines to require their applicants to be ATP-rated, meaning having polished skill-sets beyond a basic commercial ticket. That will affect safety.
I also point out: “While the 1500hrs thing isn’t a measure of pilot proficiency or safety, in and of itself, but add an ATP to the 1500hrs and you do improve safety.”
I include this observation: “1500hrs and still having a basic commercial/instrument ticket is just flying and flying and never really achieving the highest proficiency and capability. In my mind, any pilot with 1500hrs SHOULD be looking to earn that ATP otherwise (again in my mind) he is lazy.”