WASHINGTON, D.C. – On May 9, 2023, U.S. Representatives Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), and Jen Kiggans (VA-02) introduced the bipartisan American Aviator Act – HR 3128 which establishes a pilot program at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to authorize competitive grants supporting flight-training services to Veterans who are not already military pilots. Flight-training schools that have established pathways to employment with commercial air carriers are eligible for federal grants to recruit and enroll Veterans for flight training. Grant funding may be used for case management and flight-training services, including any additional training required to reach proficiency. Grants may also be used to provide tuition, books, training materials, equipment, and to cover the cost of a private pilot license.
“Veterans devoted their lives to protecting our country, and it is our responsibility to make sure they have robust opportunities to pursue great careers when they return home,” said Rep. Schrier. “One such opportunity is to serve as an airline pilot. This bill will remove barriers to the aviation industry that our Veterans face, including covering costs beyond what is available through Veteran education benefits. I am proud to sponsor this bipartisan bill.”
Veterans participating in the program will receive assistance with obtaining the flight training necessary to become a commercial pilot and other certificates, including certified flight instructor. The bill also helps ensure there is an adequate future supply of qualified pilots to continue to provide safe and reliable air service to rural airports across the country. This legislation builds off the Administration’s Forces to Flyers research initiative led by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center.
“Our Veterans pledged to defend our nation and it’s our duty to make sure they have the ability to achieve successful careers after completing their service,” said Rep. Armstrong. “This bill will not only aid Veterans in finding employment as commercial pilots but help fill a critical need in our country’s workforce.”
“The American Aviator Act will make it easier for military Veterans to become commercial pilots and help improve our aviation industry,” said Rep. Strickland. “When our Veterans succeed, America succeeds, and I urge my colleagues to pass this bill to support our nation’s heroes and address our pilot shortage.”
“As a former Navy helicopter pilot and wife of a former Navy F/A-18 pilot, I’m proud to co-lead the American Aviator Act,” said Rep. Kiggans. “Not only will this bill be beneficial to the commercial airline industry, it will also offer options to our Veterans who are interested in pursuing careers in aviation after their military service is complete. Being a pilot was one of the best jobs I’ve ever had – I’m happy that many of my fellow Veterans will now have that opportunity!”
The American Aviator Act was also introduced by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and John Hoeven (R-ND) and is endorsed by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), Regional Airlines Association (RAA), and Airlines for America.
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