Flight Schools Exempted From Postsecondary Education Regulations

California Governor Jerry Brown (pictured) has signed Senate Bill 619 into law, which provides relief to many of the flight training facilities that were facing burdensome regulation from the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). With the signing of SB 619, flight training providers and flight training programs that pose no financial risk to students are exempted from the BPPE's regulations. SB 619 was introduced by State Senator Jean Fuller, sponsored by NATA and supported by many in the industry.

The fight for relief began in early 2010 after the California legislature included flight training in the BPPE's regulatory authority with the passage of Assembly Bill 48. Flight training providers were never included in the development and debate over this bill and the result was regulation that threatened to harm flight training severely in the state.

"While we wish this long process could have been avoided in the first place through inclusion of flight training providers in the legislative process, today's signing of SB 619 speaks volumes about the power of our industry when we all stand up and work together," said NATA President and CEO James K. Coyne.

"Today's signing of this bill marks the end of a long battle to ensure that California flight training remains a vibrant contributor to our state economy. I am proud to have worked alongside NATA and many others in the flight training industry in passing this legislation," commented Senator Fuller, a pilot and author of the legislation.

Under the new law, flight training providers and programs that do not require upfront payment of fees in excess of $2500 and also do not require students to enter into contracts of indebtedness are exempted from regulation by the BPPE.

FMI: www.nata.aero