Flight Education Access Act

This bill lets students in certain college flight-training programs borrow more through federal student loans. It covers undergraduate programs that train for a commercial pilot certificate at accredited schools that follow FAA Part 141 rules; programs under Part 61 do not qualify. Schools must also give clear loan info up front, including the amount, interest rate, estimated monthly payment, and total cost.

Borrowing limits rise based on your progress in the program. For Direct Unsubsidized Loans, dependent students could borrow about $20,500–$32,500 per year, up to $111,000 total; independent students about $24,500–$37,500 per year, up to $137,500 total. For Direct Stafford Loans, students could borrow about $11,000–$19,000 per year, up to $65,000 total. If your program is shorter than one academic year, the yearly amounts are prorated.

• Who is affected: Students in eligible undergraduate flight programs at accredited, Part 141 schools; Part 61 programs are not included.
• Program quality: After three years of data, programs must average at least a 70% completion rate to keep these higher loan limits. The Education Department will collect and report data on enrollment, completion, and student demographics.
• Oversight and timing: A GAO review is due within two years of enactment. The bill does not change any pilot training or qualification rules. It provides $3 million per year from 2025 through 2035 to carry this out.