The Pre-Pilot Pathway Act would require the Secretary of Transportation, with input from industry stakeholders and Part 141-certified flight training providers, to create an apprenticeship program designed to build a steady pipeline of individuals who aspire to become commercial pilots. Participating flight schools could select up to eight apprentices per academic year (more if the Secretary allows, depending on school size and type). Apprentices would be expected to meet the applicable Part 141 curriculum requirements, though providers could impose additional conditions. Participation in the program would be voluntary for flight training providers. The act also directs the Secretary to issue implementing regulations within a year, and to develop incentives for experienced pilots (including retired military and current pilots) to serve as instructors, mentors, or advisors. In addition, the Secretary would annually report on progress and outcomes and conduct periodic evaluations of the program’s effectiveness and its impact on addressing pilot shortages. In short, the bill aims to create a government-facilitated, school-based apprenticeship pathway to train and place more people into commercial pilot careers, while integrating industry input and ongoing oversight.
Key Points
- 1Establishes a pilot apprenticeship program to create a pipeline of individuals toward becoming commercial pilots, run by the Secretary of Transportation in consultation with industry and Part 141 flight schools.
- 2Participating flight training providers may select up to 8 apprentices per academic year (with potential for more at the Secretary’s discretion based on provider size and type).
- 3Apprentices must meet the required curriculum under Part 141 (and related subparts); providers may impose additional requirements.
- 4Participation by flight training providers is optional; the Secretary must issue implementing regulations within 1 year.
- 5The program includes incentives for experienced pilots (e.g., retired military, current airline pilots, graduates of the program) to serve as instructors, mentors, or advisors, and requires annual reporting to Congress and an annual evaluation of the program’s effectiveness and impact on pilot shortages.