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119-hr-2182119th CongressWALLET

Pre-Pilot Pathway Act

Sponsored By: Representative Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19]

In Committee

Summary

This bill would create a DOT apprenticeship program to build a pipeline of commercial pilots. It also would push the department to recruit experienced pilots as instructors and to measure whether the program reduces pilot shortages.

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  • Aspiring pilots: Students enrolled at Part 141 flight schools could be selected as apprentices and must meet Part 141 curriculum and graduation requirements. Each participating school may pick up to 8 apprentices per academic year unless DOT allows more.
  • Flight training providers: Participation is optional and providers may impose additional requirements or modify apprenticeship terms for their apprentices.
  • Current and retired pilots: DOT must develop incentives and pathway programs to help retired and retiring pilots gain initial or concurrent qualifications to serve as certified flight instructors, mentors, or advisors.
  • Oversight and industry outcomes: DOT would issue any needed regulations within 1 year of enactment and report annually to Congress on apprentice progress, retention, employment outcomes, and the program's effect on pilot shortages.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

New pilot apprenticeship at flight schools

This bill would set up a pilot apprenticeship at FAA Part 141 flight schools. Participation by schools would be optional; each participating school could choose up to 8 apprentices per academic year, with more allowed based on size or type. Apprentices would need to meet all Part 141 rules, including the Subpart C curriculum; schools could add their own requirements. The program would recruit retired military and retiring airline pilots (and graduates) to serve as instructors and mentors, with pathways to earn certified flight instructor credentials under Part 61 or 141. The Secretary would issue program rules within 1 year of enactment and report to Congress each year on progress, retention, and jobs.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19]

FL • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1]

    NC • D

    Sponsored 3/18/2025

  • Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 3/18/2025

  • Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1]

    KS • R

    Sponsored 3/24/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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