H.R. 2182 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Mar 18, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryCreates apprenticeship pathway to commercial pilot careers
The bill directs the Department of Transportation to set up an apprenticeship program between flight schools and students who want to become commercial pilots. Flight schools in the program can take on apprentices each year, and the DOT will work to encourage experienced and retired pilots to become instructors and mentors at these schools. The DOT also has to check in every year to see how well the program is working and whether it's helping address the shortage of pilots.
How it affects you
If you're interested in becoming a commercial pilot, this program could give you a structured apprenticeship path through participating flight schools. For experienced pilots, especially those who are retired, it creates opportunities to work as instructors or mentors. The program is designed to address the current shortage of pilots, which could eventually mean more flight options or better availability in the aviation industry.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Mar 18, 2025)
Pre-Pilot Pathway Act
This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish an apprenticeship program with flight training providers (e.g., flight schools) in order to establish a commercial pilot pipeline; DOT must issue any necessary regulations to implement the program within one year of the bill's enactment.
Each flight training provider participating in the program may select up to eight applicants (or more applicants based on a determination by DOT) per academic year to serve as apprentices.
DOT must take appropriate actions to develop methods to incentivize pilots, including retired pilots, to become flight school instructors, mentors, or program advisors at participating flight training providers. This includes developing pathway programs for pilots to gain initial qualifications or concurrent qualifications as certified flight instructors.
Further, DOT must conduct an annual review of the apprenticeship program’s effectiveness, including the impact on addressing pilot shortages.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 2182
A BILL
Pre-Pilot Pathway Act
Sponsor: Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL-19) · Introduced Mar 18, 2025 · Transportation and Public Works · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Mar 18, 2025: “Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.”