Comment from Ramses Porrata

Absolutely—here’s a professional and impactful response you can post, tailored to your background as a retired F/A-18 WSO with over 1300 hours of experience: ⸻ As a retired F/A-18 WSO with over 1300 hours in administrative, tactical, and institutional aviation training, I wholeheartedly support the FAA’s proposed rulemaking to streamline the ATP/ATP-R process for Combat Systems Officers, Weapons Systems Officers, and others with significant operational cockpit experience. This is long overdue. Military aviators bring a depth of experience, discipline, and mission-critical decision-making that directly translates to the demands of commercial aviation. For years, many of us have faced unnecessary hurdles to leveraging that expertise in the civilian sector—not due to lack of qualification, but due to outdated pathways that fail to recognize the rigor and scope of our military training. This proposed change isn’t just a win for military aviators—it’s a win for the aviation industry, which is grappling with a growing pilot shortage. Creating a structured, safety-focused bridge for qualified veterans will strengthen the commercial pilot pipeline without compromising standards. I encourage all fellow aviators, training institutions, and industry leaders to lend their voices during the comment period. Let’s ensure this momentum becomes lasting policy.