Student Background Checks Could Be Changed

National Air Transportation Association (NATA) president James K. Coyne says he's cautiously optimistic that an amendment offered by Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), expanding existing background check requirements to virtually every foreign pilot trained by a U.S. flight school, will foster further cooperation between industry and his office.

Senator Nelson's amendment, which is identical to the provision included in last fall's Senate aviation security legislation (a bill that never made it to the President's desk), was approved by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Thursday by voice vote.  However, Senators John McCain (R-AZ), the Committee's Chairman, and Senator George Allen (R-VA), a panel member, both requested that Senator Nelson continue to work with the flight training industry to address its concerns with his amendment. 

But What About Nelson?

"We appreciate Senators McCain and Allen asking that Senator Nelson continue to work with the industry on his amendment," Coyne stated.  "We hope that Senator Nelson will make good on his pledge per the requests of panel members."

Addressing the need for a face-to-face meeting on this matter, Coyne concluded, "We have tried to meet with Senator Nelson for some time but have only been able to work with his office at the staff level.  I would welcome the opportunity to meet with the Senator, in person, on this volatile piece of legislation."

FMI: www.nata-online.org