NACA Commends Reintroduction of “Let Experienced Pilots Fly” Act

NACA commends Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) for reintroducing the “Let Experienced Pilots Fly” Act to help address the shortage of commercial airline pilots that has led to reduced air service to smaller and rural communities across the country. With more than 3,000 pilots taking early retirement packages during the COVID-19 pandemic, and an additional 12,000 pilots expected to retire over the next five years, this timely legislation will provide some near-term relief.

 

However, given robust demand for domestic and international air travel, and an expected shortfall of 28,000 pilots by the end of the decade, Congress should take significant steps to boost the pipeline of commercial pilots. Specifically, we urge Congress to enact the “Let Experienced Pilots Fly” Act as part of the upcoming FAA reauthorization legislation, along with modernizing flight training requirements to provide additional credit for time spent on the most advanced, state-of-the-art flight simulators, and making FAA-certified flight education and training expenses eligible for federal student loans.