The way I read it, yes you could apply the 750 hours even if it was all in rotorcraft. Remember that any of us who meet eligibility for reduced hours (I just found out I DIDN'T :( , you still have to take the ATP written and practical, and that means if you want Airplane privileges on your ATP, you'll have to be able to fly a fixed wing at least well enough to pass the test.

The FAA also mentions this: "Army pilots who average approximately 800 hours when they complete their service obligations and pilots who are honorably discharged from the military prior to completing their service obligation would be most likely to benefit from the R-ATP certificate."

That tells me that even though there are a FEW fixed wing slots in the Army, the majority are helo pilots and I think this rule was speaking to them, and any other branch's helo pilots as well. The only language I found on restricted "types" of aircraft was concerning UAVs, which is not transferable...thank God.

Found the whole docket here, complete with no hyperlinks...have fun sifting through it:

http://www.faa.gov/regulations_polic.../2120-AJ67.pdf

I have a student who is a 1500+ hour USN helo pilot. He is currently training for his Fixed-wing ME ATP. Does he have to meet the 50 hours of multi requirements?

Anyone who is close to 1000 hours will be able to get to 1500 hours and a regular ATP a lot faster than waiting for the FAA to sort out and publish approvals for various aviation degree programs.

That is an interesting question. The Final Rule said it was "effective immediately upon publication" with a "Compliance Date" of August 1. My guess is he has 2 weeks to get the checkride in but you might want to check with your Fed/DE. They're probably as clueless as we are.

Called a couple DPEs for clarification and they have no idea yet. Neither does the Orlando FSDO.

Most navy helos are ME (except the trainers). Does the reg specify 50 ME in an airplane? Or just ME time?

Hey - wondering about the ATPw. When does the new ATP CTP kick in - if I knock out the written before July 31 am I good to go? I thought I saw a reference in there about compliance by 7/31/14 - so maybe I have another year to take the regular ATPw before the CTP is required? Any insights on this?

Thats correct. The old written is in effect for 1 more year

And to get (at least in the airplane category) an ATP you need 50 hours in the class you're going to get the ATP in. So ME helo time doesn't count for a MEL or MES ATP.

I understand the reasoning for the R-ATP, but it seems to me that it won't reduce the mins required for the regionals.
Any word if the regional airlines are going to lower their mins, and accept those who qualify for a R-atp?