Pre-Pilot Pathway Act

This bill creates a pilot apprenticeship program through the Department of Transportation to help more students become commercial pilots and ease pilot shortages. The program will run through flight schools certified under federal rules (part 141). Each participating school can pick up to eight apprentices per school year, with the option for more if DOT agrees. Apprentices must complete the standard training curriculum, and schools may add their own requirements. Joining the program is optional for schools. DOT must write the rules to start the program within one year.

DOT must also find ways to encourage experienced pilots—including retired military pilots, retiring airline pilots, and program graduates—to serve as instructors, mentors, or advisors at these schools, including pathways to earn or add certified flight instructor qualifications. DOT will report to Congress every year on student progress, retention, and jobs, and will review how well the program helps with pilot shortages.

• Who is affected: Students at certified flight schools; flight schools that choose to join; experienced pilots who may become instructors.
• What changes: New apprentice slots (up to 8 per school, possibly more), required completion of standard training, optional extra school requirements, and incentives for pilots to teach.
• When: DOT must issue the rules within one year of enactment; annual reports and reviews follow each year.