New York Governor George Pataki recently signed Assembly Bill 2122, requiring New Yorkers to submit to a criminal background check before starting flight training. Flight schools also must request criminal reports on any prospective student.
Alphabet groups have already taken up the fight, saying the new law won’t stand up to a legal challenge. “Federal law clearly preempts state law regarding aviation security and pilot training and certification,” said Andy Cebula, executive vice president of government affairs at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).
“We will pursue every possible venue to get this law overturned. We succeeded in changing a similar law in Michigan, and we are committed to fight this in New York.”