Creating a Robust Pilot Pipeline Doesn’t Require Lowering the Bar on Safety
Too Many Airlines Want to Take the Easy Way Out by Cutting the Rules That Keep Our Skies Safe
The latest: Some airlines claim the only way to ensure a robust pilot pipeline — one that can adequately serve small and rural communities — is to reduce the country’s commitment to maintaining the highest aviation safety standards in the world.
Why this is wrong: These airlines argue current training standards are creating staffing issues and reducing the pool of future aviators, but data shows the pilot workforce remains strong.
What’s really going on: Instead of coming to the table with real solutions for expanding the aviation talent pool, these airlines want to cut corners and take the easy way out by lowering pilot training qualifications and safety standards.
What’s at stake: These airlines are trying to use the FAA reauthorization bill to weaken the most effective aviation safety law of this century — The Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010.
The bottom line: This is simply the latest attempt by some airlines to cut costs to maximize profits.
What should be done to alleviate service cuts
The nation can invest in building a robust pilot pipeline and boost Essential Air Service for small and rural communities — all without reducing the commitment to lead the world in aviation safety.
Here are some steps lawmakers can take:
Prioritize funding for Essential Air Service. Congress should make air service to small and rural communities a national priority by providing adequate funding to the Essential Air Service program and ensuring it provides appropriate financial incentives for air carrier participation.
Pass legislation to help with the cost of flight training. The Flight Education Access Act (S 1292, HR 2874) would provide federal financial aid for aspiring pilots, while the Aviation Workforce Development Act (S 1561/HR 1818) would allow 529 plans to be used for flight training.
Open the doors of opportunity to expand the pilot pipeline. Lawmakers should require the FAA to partner with Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions (FAA Reauthorization HR 3935, Section 868) to promote aviation careers and to develop curriculum related to aerospace, aviation and air traffic control. In addition, Congress should establish a permanent Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee (FAA Reauthorization HR 3935, Section 307) to study, monitor and advance opportunities for aviation careers for women.
