Bill Would Force Criminal Checks Of All Flight Students

AOPA says it will fight legislation in the New York State Assembly that the organization says could have a negative effect on flight schools and flight student pilots if passed. New York State Assembly Bill 3512 would require prospective student pilots to undergo criminal background checks before receiving flight instruction.

AOPA Warning

AOPA Regional Representative Craig Dotlo recently met with a number of New York state assemblymen and senators to advise the bill is inconsistent with the best interests of the State of New York and general aviation.

During meetings in Albany, Dotlo said he tried to persuade lawmakers the job is already done. He said the issue of background checks for flight students has already been addressed by several FAA regulations and TSA rules. Dotlo also stressed the state law might conflict with FAA regulations and with the federal government's ability to maintain a single, uniform system of regulations.

Not Much Support... Yet

So far, support for New York Assembly Bill 3512 is light. Some lawmakers are worried about the preemption issue, while others think the measures proposed in the bill would duplicate efforts already implemented by TSA.

A bill similar to Assembly Bill 3512 was introduced in 2002, but the bill didn't get anywhere in the New York Senate.

FMI: www.aopa.org