Pre-Pilot Pathway Act
Pre-Pilot Pathway Act
Plain Language Summary
# Pre-Pilot Pathway Act Summary **What It Does:** This bill would create a new apprenticeship program for training commercial pilots by partnering the Department of Transportation (DOT) with flight schools across the country. The program aims to build a pipeline of qualified pilots by allowing participating flight schools to take on up to eight apprentices per year (or more if DOT approves). The bill also directs DOT to encourage experienced and retired pilots to become instructors and mentors at these schools, including creating programs to help pilots become certified flight instructors. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily benefit aspiring commercial pilots and flight schools participating in the program. It could also affect experienced and retired pilots by creating new opportunities for them to work as instructors.
Ultimately, the aviation industry could benefit from having more trained pilots available to meet potential workforce needs. **Key Provisions & Status:** DOT would have one year to write the regulations needed to implement the program and must conduct annual reviews to measure how well it's working. The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. Sponsor Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) introduced it in the 119th Congress.
CRS Official Summary
Pre-Pilot Pathway Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish an apprenticeship program with flight training providers (e.g., flight schools) in order to establish a commercial pilot pipeline; DOT must issue any necessary regulations to implement the program within one year of the bill's enactment.Each flight training provider participating in the program may select up to eight applicants (or more applicants based on a determination by DOT) per academic year to serve as apprentices.DOT must take appropriate actions to develop methods to incentivize pilots, including retired pilots, to become flight school instructors, mentors, or program advisors at participating flight training providers. This includes developing pathway programs for pilots to gain initial qualifications or concurrent qualifications as certified flight instructors.Further, DOT must conduct an annual review of the apprenticeship program’s effectiveness, including the impact on addressing pilot shortages.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.