The Flight Education Access Act is bipartisan legislation introduced in April 2023 to address the financial challenges associated with pilot training and to diversify the aviation workforce. The act proposes the following key measures:
Increased Federal Student Loan Limits: The act amends the Higher Education Act to raise the maximum amounts for Federal Direct Stafford Loans and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans for students enrolled in eligible undergraduate flight education and training programs. Specifically, it increases the aggregate loan limits to $111,000 for dependent students and $137,500 for independent students.
Public-Private Partnerships for Scholarships: The legislation establishes a grant program encouraging partnerships between the airline industry, pilot unions, and educational institutions. These partnerships aim to provide scholarships and support to aspiring pilots, particularly those from underrepresented or non-traditional backgrounds, thereby promoting diversity within the profession.
Program Completion Rate Requirements: To ensure quality education, the act mandates that institutions receiving funding under this program must achieve a 70% completion rate within their flight education and training programs.
The act is supported by various organizations, including the Regional Airline Association (RAA), Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), and Airlines for America (A4A). These organizations recognize the legislation's potential to make pilot careers more accessible and to address the current pilot shortage affecting the aviation industry.
As of November 2024, the Flight Education Access Act is under consideration in Congress. For the most current information on its status, please refer to official congressional records or reputable news sources.
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