Controversial Amendment Was Not Included In The Bill Which Passed Last Month

When the US Senate passed its version of the FAA Reauthorization Bill by a 93 to 0 vote March 22nd, Senator Jim DeMint's (R-SC) S.3048 "Pilot's Professionalism Assurance Act" ... which would have allowed the use of Cockpit Voice Recorder data to be used for punitive action against pilots ... was not included as an amendment.  CAPA is publicly expressing thanks to its members who contacted members of the Senate to express displeasure with what it says was Senator DeMint's attempt to legislate pilot professionalism. 

CAPA reports that over 3,000 concerned pilots responded, sending over 6,000 email letters to Senate offices voicing their opposition to Senator DeMint's legislation. The organization says this is an example of why US commercial pilots need to have a presence and a voice in Washington, DC. Grass roots efforts such as this are powerful tools that allow the voice of the constituents to be heard by their representatives in Congress.
 
The House Rules Committee melded the text of the pilot training bill HR 3371 with the House-passed FAA Reauthorization Bill which will be conferenced with the Senate bill sometime after Congress returns from Easter recess. The House bill contains language which will make the FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license a minimum requirement for hire as a part 121 pilot. The Senate version has set a minimum of 800 hours as a requirement for hire in part 121 operations, however CAPA is working with Senate and House staffs to keep the ATP with its 1500 hour total as the final result.
 
CAPA would prefer that part 135 operations are also required to hire pilots with an ATP. In addition, CAPA objects to language that would expand access to pilots "other records pertaining to the individual's performance as a pilot that are maintained by the air carrier" which could hinder a pilot's ability to be hired at another air carrier.

CAPA says it will continue to work with Congressional members and staff prior to the conference event so as to mold the FAA Reauthorization as it pertains to the pilot profession in order to achieve the best outcome for all US commercial pilots in part 121 and 135 operations. CAPA will keep you all informed in case another "grass roots" effort is needed to properly inform Congress about the pilot profession and commercial aviation issues.

FMI: www.capapilots.org