Officials with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) have issued a call to action on third class medical reform, asking members — and all members of the general aviation community — to contact their elected representatives in the House and urge them to take up and pass S.571, better known as the Pilot’s Bill of Rights 2 (PBR2).
“Third class medical reform is vitally important to AOPA members and the entire general aviation industry,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. “Elected officials listen to their constituents — that’s why we’re asking our members to reach out and help get these reforms over the finish line. The bill has strong bipartisan support, and it’s time for the House to take action to get it into law.”
The Senate has passed PBR2 language three times in the past six months. In December, the Senate unanimously passed PBR2 as a standalone bill. It also included PBR2 language in the Senate FAA Reauthorization bill that passed by a vote of 95-to-3 in April. And on June 14, the Senate passed PBR2 language again as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.
Aviation-related bills have been held up in the House because of ongoing debate over a proposal to privatize the air traffic control system that’s part of the House FAA reauthorization bill. That bill also includes medical reform language.
“Medical reform has nothing to do with air traffic control privatization, but it has everything to do with improving safety for general aviation pilots,” said Jim Coon, AOPA senior vice president of government affairs. “Having passed the Senate three different times over the past six months and with nearly 200 bipartisan cosponsors in the House, we believe this shouldn’t be held up any longer.”
Not sure how to contact your representative? AOPA has a sample letter on its site. The National Business Aviation Association also has a Contact Congress section on its website with helpful information.
I just sent my letter to my congressman. I hope this push does some good, but if enough people don’t do it, it will never happen. For some reason, our elected officials don’t really seem to want to help us. I promise I won’t be voting for my present congressman if he doesn’t do what I asked in my letter.