Pilot Program For Flight Training Of Eligible Veterans.pdf

# Amendment to the Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 3935

## Pilot Program for Flight Training

The Act amends existing legislation to establish a pilot program, named the "Program," under which the Secretary of Transportation is directed to award grants to eligible flight schools to provide flight training to veterans. The program aims to assist veterans in obtaining various aviation certifications, including:

- Private pilot certificate
- Commercial pilot certificate
- Certified flight instructor certificate
- Instrument rating
- Multi-engine rating

## Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the program, a veteran must:
- Intend to pursue a career as a commercial pilot.
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Be fluent in English (reading, writing, and speaking).
- Hold a valid U.S. passport or be qualified to obtain one.
- Obtain a second-class medical certificate.
- Meet any other criteria determined appropriate by the Secretary.

Veterans are excluded if they have a history of federal felony convictions or already possess a commercial pilot certificate.

## Program Implementation

Covered flight schools, as defined in the Act, which hold pilot school certificates and train pilots for various certifications, can apply for grants to provide flight training to eligible veterans. The schools are responsible for soliciting applications, reviewing them, and enrolling selected veterans.

## Program Duration and Reporting

The program will run for 18 months from its establishment. Following the program's termination, the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, is required to submit a report to relevant congressional committees detailing:
- Potential improvements in veteran assistance under Chapter 33 of Title 38, U.S. Code.
- Strategies to reduce costs associated with obtaining commercial pilot certificates for veterans.
- Methods to enhance cooperation between transportation departments, veteran organizations, and airlines for recruiting and training veterans as pilots.
- Options for improving federal student loan availability for attending vocational flight schools.
- A model program for state and domestic airline assistance in obtaining multi-engine ratings for veterans.