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Fairness for Pilots Act introduced

By General Aviation News Staff · March 30, 2017 ·

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) has introduced S. 755, the Fairness for Pilots Act, which broadens protections for general aviation pilots provided by Inhofe’s Pilot’s Bill of Rights, which was signed into law in 2012.

Senator James Inhofe

A staunch advocate of GA, Inhofe is a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; a member of the Senate General Aviation Caucus; and a CFI with more than 11,000 hours.

“The Pilot’s Bill of Rights and the implementation of third class medical reform have been great victories for the general aviation community, addressing the concerns brought to my attention by pilots across the country,” Inhofe said.

But he says there “remains more work to be done.”

“Building on my past efforts, the Fairness for Pilots Act increases due process protections for pilots, ensures greater transparency in dealing with FAA, and reduces the unnecessary bureaucratic barriers preventing pilots from flying,” he said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate and the general aviation community to get this bill through Congress and enacted into law.”

The senator flying one of his planes.

THE FAIRNESS FOR PILOTS ACT

  • Enhances the due process rights established in the first Pilot’s Bill of Rights by ensuring airman have the right to appeal an FAA decision through a new, merit-based trial in federal court.
  • Increases transparency for pilots subject to an investigation or enforcement action by requiring the FAA to articulate the specific activity under investigation to parties involved in the investigation and provide specific documentation relevant to its investigation.
  • Expedites updates to the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) Improvement Program required in the first Pilot’s Bill of Rights and directs the FAA to include the effective duration of temporary flight restrictions in NOTAMs. This ensures the most relevant and important information reaches the pilot prior to a flight taking place. The legislation also mandates that the FAA certify the accuracy of posted NOTAMs.
  • Ensures the accessibility of flight data, such as air traffic communication tapes and radar information produced by contract towers, and flight service stations and controller training programs, which gives airmen the ability to use this information to defend themselves during an enforcement action proceeding.

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) President Mark Baker said the association supports the Fairness for Pilots Act. He added he “urges the Senate to approve this important legislation, which will expand on Sen. Inhofe’s original Pilot’s Bill of Rights and provide additional protections so we can continue to enjoy the freedom to fly.”

“We greatly appreciate Senator Inhofe’s efforts on behalf of general aviation pilots with the introduction of the Fairness for Pilots Act,” said Jack J. Pelton, chairman and CEO of the Experimental Aircraft Association. “Today, more than ever, it’s essential to recognize and preserve the rights of individuals who seek to pursue the freedom of flight. This legislation is an excellent step in that direction”

“We commend Senator Inhofe for advancing this important legislation,” said Ed Bolen, president and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association. “The reforms contained in the bill will promote fairness, while reducing costs and helping preserve and foster general aviation in America. The Senator has long been a true champion for the industry, and we applaud his continuing work to support its priorities.”

 

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Comments

  1. patrick d walker says

    April 15, 2017 at 3:42 pm

    pilot wanna be here but with only LSA option…
    This legislation is one more positive in trying to remove the bureaucratic and legal shackles from what should be a much, much more open activity.

    what happened to the 2015 legislative effort to totally eliminate the Class 3 medical for private pilots? i know we got the changes to the Class 3 requirement, but it should just go away.
    wondering if anyone knows if there are plans to try again for elimination.

  2. Kurt E Malerich says

    April 12, 2017 at 5:24 am

    What, you mean that law abiding pilots who have strived to better themselves and the world they live in will now somehow get the same rights as murderers, rapists and other criminals in the US jurisprudence system? How positively heinous that We the People should finally be entitled to the same basic Due Process constitutional rights afforded to the criminal factions that receive it free of charge from the taxpayers.

    Thank you for your efforts Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.)

  3. John R says

    April 6, 2017 at 12:43 pm

    When I saw “Fairness for Pilots Act” I laughed out loud, thinking this surely was an April Fools joke! Thank you Sen. Inhofe for your tireless efforts.

  4. Peter Wilson says

    April 1, 2017 at 4:57 am

    I wonder if the Act goes as far to include the general Law Enforcement Agencies around the Country ?
    I`m thinking of the Incident where that Glider Pilot was detained by local law, who mistakenly
    thought him a danger to an electrical power plant he was just passing by ??
    I thought of that incident last year when i flew past such a plant on the Ohio River.
    My point being as the FARs make mention of Federal / Local law Enforcement.
    Does the Act include Pilots Rights being disseminated down to these local Law Departments ??

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