Addresses Ways & Means Committee With Support for Flight Training Education

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) joined in with a chorus of aviation stakeholders to urge the US House of Reps Committee on Ways & Means to "act swiftly in support of legislation to assist students pursuing aviation careers."

The target of their attention is H.R.1818, the "Aviation Workforce Development Act", a bill that would amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow 529 college savings plans to be used for education-related expenses at FAA-certified facilities that provide aviation students with training for private and commercial ratings as well as AMTs. The bill is expected to be mirrored to some extent by an upcoming bill in the Senate.

“The bipartisan group of co-sponsors, combined with the coalition of industry and labor support, suggests consensus about the commonsense nature of this policy,” said the NBAA-signed letter.

“H.R. 1818 [will address the] growing need for aviators and aircraft mechanics by giving Americans the same tools to choose a career in aviation as those seeking four-year degrees. With this legislation, Congress can deliver a win for American families, the aviation industry and workers and consumers of air services.”

The group also backed the introduction of the "Flight Education Access Act", H.R.2874, which would increase the federal student loan limits under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Should it pass, students in the ever-costly flight education and training programs could more easily see through their education.

FMI: www.nbaa.org