Bipartisan legislation introduced last week seeks to expand flight-training services and opportunities for veterans to become commercial airline pilots and ensure there are enough qualified pilots.
The American Aviator Act would authorize the Federal Aviation Administration to provide grants supporting training opportunities for veterans who are not military pilots. Veterans participating in the program would receive professional certifications, including certified flight instructor certificates, or flight training, to become a commercial pilot.
The bill was re-introduced by U.S. Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and John Hoeven (R-ND).
“America’s veterans have bravely served our nation and we have a shared responsibility to make sure their service and sacrifice is honored,” Baldwin said. “Our veterans have also earned every opportunity to be productive and successful after completing their military service. This legislation increases opportunities for veterans looking to pursue flight training and careers as commercial airline pilots. We have a real need for qualified pilots, and if we make the training more available to veterans, we can provide them with a good-paying job.”
The bill is supported by several aviation organizations, including the Air Line Pilots Association and the Regional Airline Association.
Baldwin also recently visited Fox Valley Technical College in Oshkosh, Wisc., to tour its flight- training school.