To require the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to allow a volunteer pilot organization to reimburse a volunteer pilot for certain aircraft operating expenses incurred by the pilot when making a flight in support of the volunteer pilot organization’s mission, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · June 14, 2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
The Volunteer Pilot Support Act directs the Federal Aviation Administration to create new regulations within 180 days allowing volunteer pilots to receive reimbursement for certain aircraft operating costs when flying charitable missions. The bill applies to volunteer pilots who meet specific qualifications including holding at least a private pilot certificate, an instrument rating, 500 hours of pilot-in-command experience, and a valid medical certificate or equivalent. The costs that can be reimbursed include aircraft rental or fuel expenses, meals, lodging, and related flight expenses incurred during charitable flights arranged by tax-exempt nonprofit organizations. The legislation exempts volunteer pilots and organizations from standard commercial airline regulations and certificate requirements, while requiring them to notify passengers that flights are for charitable purposes and are not subject to the same safety rules as commercial flights. A one-year provision protects volunteer pilots and organizations from FAA enforcement actions if they make a good faith effort to meet the bill's requirements while regulations are being developed.
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