“This is very important legislation for all Americans who fly recreationally and pursue the freedom of flight,” said Jack J. Pelton, chairman and CEO of the Experimental Aircraft Association. “Our thanks to Sen. Inhofe, Sen. Manchin and the co-sponsors who understood the importance of this measure and worked hard for its passage, so we can reduce the unnecessary cost and regulatory burdens within the current aviation medical certification system.”

“NBAA commends the United States Senate for passage of the Pilots Bill of Rights 2,” said Ed Bolen, president and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association.  “We especially want to recognize Sen. Inhofe's leadership in introducing the bill and working with the 70 senate co-sponsors to achieve this important legislative victory for the general aviation community. We are pleased that this bill provides needed reforms for third class medicals and expands the due process rights of airmen.”

“NATA commends the tireless efforts of Sens. Inhofe and Manchin to move the Pilots Bill of Right 2 through the Senate,” said Tom Hendricks, president and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association. “We appreciate their ongoing work to preserve and enhance general aviation in this nation.  NATA looks forward to working with other general aviation stakeholders towards the legislation’s swift approval in the House.”

“We appreciate Sen. Inhofe's steadfast support of our nation's professional pilots,” said Capt. Keith Wilson, president of Allied Pilots Association. “This bill would provide needed balance in administrative proceedings and other venues in which a pilot's career may be jeopardized by certificate denial, suspension or revocation.” 

“The pilots of Southwest Airlines welcome the passage of S. 571 and truly appreciate Sens. Inhofe and Manchin’s dedication to pilots and the piloting profession,” said Captain Mike Panebianco, vice president of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association. “The Pilots Bill of Rights 2 provides long overdue protections and ensures fair treatment of pilots facing administrative proceedings. Additionally, the changes to the third class medical encourages growth of the U.S. general aviation community and allows the FAA to focus its resources on maintaining its world-class oversight of the commercial aviation industry. This bill is just one more example of Sen. Inhofe’s thoughtful pragmatism and highlights the importance of having members that truly understand aviation.”

“By spearheading S. 571, the Pilots Bill of Rights 2, Sens. James Inhofe and Joe Manchin have reaffirmed a tireless commitment to defending and enhancing the interests of professional and general aviation pilots,” said Capt. Coley George, Industry Affairs committee chair of NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots. “On behalf of the NJASAP Membership, it is my privilege to recognize and to express our gratitude for their enduring commitment to addressing the concerns of all pilots from hobbyist to professional cockpit crewmember.”

“NASAO commends Sens. Inhofe and Manchin, and their staffs, for their tireless work to gain Senate passage of this vital reform,” said Greg Principato, president and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials. “This common sense medical reform will help stem the decline of the general aviation pilot population by keeping pilots in the air—without degrading safety. This legislation will not only benefit the pilots, but also the vast network of smaller general aviation airports that they support.”

DETAILS ABOUT THE PILOT’S BILL OF RIGHTS 2:

Reforms the FAA’s medical certification process by expanding an existing FAA medical standard to include more qualified, trained, general aviation pilots.

Outlines specific requirements that pilots need to meet to qualify for the expanded medical standard, including completion of a medical education course every two years, self-certification by the pilot that they are being treated by their physician for any medical diagnosis that could impact their ability to fly, and the use of a checklist to guide the discussion between pilots and their physicians during a health examination, which must occur once every four years.

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 airman 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 provides 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 certificate holders the ability to use this information to defend themselves during an enforcement action proceeding.

Background - On Aug. 3, 2012, Inhofe’s Pilot’s Bill of Rights (S.1335) was signed into law, which made FAA enforcement proceedings and NTSB review fair for pilots; streamlined the NOTAM Improvement Program; and required a GAO review of the FAA’s medical certification process and forms in order to help bring clarity and reduce instances of misinterpretation with medical forms for pilots.

On June 30, 2014, Sen. Inhofe announced the development of the Pilot’s Bill of Rights 2 with the release of a discussion draft of the legislation. Over 400 comments were submitted from around the country about how to improve different components of the bill.

On Feb. 26, Inhofe introduced the Pilot’s Bill of Rights 2, legislation that would reform the third class medical certification for recreational pilots and broaden the protections provided in the original Pilot’s Bill of Rights authored by Inhofe and signed into law in 2012.

On Dec. 9, the Senate Commerce Committee reported S. 571 as amended to the Senate by a voice vote.