Legalize / United States / Statute

§ 44703. Airman certificates

Type Statute

Publication 2024-12-20

State In force

Department United States Congress

Source OLRC

articles 2

Reform history JSON API

§ 44703. Airman certificates

(a) General.— The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue an airman certificate to an individual when the Administrator finds, after investigation, that the individual is qualified for, and physically able to perform the duties related to, the position to be authorized by the certificate.

(b) Contents.—

(1) An airman certificate shall—

(A) be numbered and recorded by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration;

(B) contain the name, address, and description of the individual to whom the certificate is issued;

(C) contain terms the Administrator decides are necessary to ensure safety in air commerce, including terms on the duration of the certificate, periodic or special examinations, and tests of physical fitness;

(D) specify the capacity in which the holder of the certificate may serve as an airman with respect to an aircraft; and

(E) designate the class the certificate covers.

(2) A certificate issued to a pilot serving in scheduled air transportation shall have the designation “airline transport pilot” of the appropriate class.

(1) In general.— Subject to paragraph (2) and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the information contained in the records of contents of any airman certificate issued under this section that is limited to an airman’s name, address, and ratings held shall be made available to the public after the 120th day following the date of the enactment of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century.

(2) Opportunity to withhold information.— Before making any information concerning an airman available to the public under paragraph (1), the airman shall be given an opportunity to elect that the information not be made available to the public.

(3) Development and implementation of program.— Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century, the Administrator shall develop and implement, in cooperation with representatives of the aviation industry, a one-time written notification to airmen to set forth the implications of making information concerning an airman available to the public under paragraph (1) and to carry out paragraph (2). The Administrator shall also provide such written notification to each individual who becomes an airman after such date of enactment.

(d) Appeals.—

(1) An individual whose application for the issuance or renewal of an airman certificate has been denied may appeal the denial to the National Transportation Safety Board, except if the individual holds a certificate that—

(A) is suspended at the time of denial; or

(B) was revoked within one year from the date of the denial.

(2) The Board shall conduct a hearing on the appeal at a place convenient to the place of residence or employment of the applicant. The Board is not bound by findings of fact of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. At the end of the hearing, the Board shall decide whether the individual meets the applicable regulations and standards. The Administrator is bound by that decision.

(3) A person who is substantially affected by an order of the Board under this subsection, or the Administrator if the Administrator decides that an order of the Board will have a significant adverse impact on carrying out this subtitle, may seek judicial review of the order under section 46110. The Administrator shall be made a party to the judicial review proceedings. The findings of fact of the Board in any such case are conclusive if supported by substantial evidence.

(e) Restrictions and Prohibitions.— The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may—

(1) restrict or prohibit issuing an airman certificate to an alien; or

(2) make issuing the certificate to an alien dependent on a reciprocal agreement with the government of a foreign country.

(f) Controlled Substance Violations.— The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may not issue an airman certificate to an individual whose certificate is revoked under section 44710 of this title except—

(1) when the Administrator decides that issuing the certificate will facilitate law enforcement efforts; and

(2) as provided in section 44710(e)(2) of this title.

(g) Modifications in System.—

(1) The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall make modifications in the system for issuing airman certificates necessary to make the system more effective in serving the needs of airmen and officials responsible for enforcing laws related to the regulation of controlled substances (as defined in section 102 of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (21 U.S.C. 802)) and related to combating acts of terrorism. The modifications shall ensure positive and verifiable identification of each individual applying for or holding a certificate and shall address at least each of the following deficiencies in, and abuses of, the existing system:

(A) the use of fictitious names and addresses by applicants for those certificates.

(B) the use of stolen or fraudulent identification in applying for those certificates.

(C) the use by an applicant of a post office box or “mail drop” as a return address to evade identification of the applicant’s address.

(D) the use of counterfeit and stolen airman certificates by pilots.

(E) the absence of information about physical characteristics of holders of those certificates.

(2) The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall prescribe regulations to carry out paragraph (1) of this subsection and provide a written explanation of how the regulations address each of the deficiencies and abuses described in paragraph (1). In prescribing the regulations, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall consult with the Administrator of Drug Enforcement, the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, other law enforcement officials of the United States Government, representatives of State and local law enforcement officials, representatives of the general aviation aircraft industry, representatives of users of general aviation aircraft, and other interested persons.

(3) For purposes of this section, the term “acts of terrorism” means an activity that involves a violent act or an act dangerous to human life that is a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State, or that would be a criminal violation if committed within the jurisdiction of the United States or of any State, and appears to be intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion or to affect the conduct of a government by assassination or kidnaping.

(4) The Administrator is authorized and directed to work with State and local authorities, and other Federal agencies, to assist in the identification of individuals applying for or holding airmen certificates.

(h) Records of Employment of Pilot Applicants.—

(1) In general.— Subject to paragraph (14), before allowing an individual to begin service as a pilot, an air carrier shall request and receive the following information:

(A) FAA records.— From the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, records pertaining to the individual that are maintained by the Administrator concerning—

(i) current airman certificates (including airman medical certificates) and associated type ratings, including any limitations to those certificates and ratings; and

(ii) summaries of legal enforcement actions resulting in a finding by the Administrator of a violation of this title or a regulation prescribed or order issued under this title that was not subsequently overturned.

(B) Air carrier and other records.— From any air carrier or other person (except a branch of the United States Armed Forces, the National Guard, or a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces) that has employed the individual as a pilot of a civil or public aircraft at any time during the 5-year period preceding the date of the employment application of the individual, or from the trustee in bankruptcy for such air carrier or person—

(i) records pertaining to the individual that are maintained by an air carrier (other than records relating to flight time, duty time, or rest time) under regulations set forth in—

(I) section 121.683 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;

(II) paragraph (A) of section VI, appendix I, part 121 of such title;

(III) paragraph (A) of section IV, appendix J, part 121 of such title;

(IV) section 125.401 of such title; and

(V) section 135.63(a)(4) of such title; and

(ii) other records pertaining to the individual’s performance as a pilot that are maintained by the air carrier or person concerning—

(I) the training, qualifications, proficiency, or professional competence of the individual, including comments and evaluations made by a check airman designated in accordance with section 121.411, 125.295, or 135.337 of such title;

(II) any disciplinary action taken with respect to the individual that was not subsequently overturned; and

(III) any release from employment or resignation, termination, or disqualification with respect to employment.

(C) National driver register records.— In accordance with section 30305(b)(8) of this title, from the chief driver licensing official of a State, information concerning the motor vehicle driving record of the individual.

(2) Written consent; release from liability.— An air carrier making a request for records under paragraph (1)—

(A) shall be required to obtain written consent to the release of those records from the individual that is the subject of the records requested; and

(B) may, notwithstanding any other provision of law or agreement to the contrary, require the individual who is the subject of the records to request to execute a release from liability for any claim arising from the furnishing of such records to or the use of such records by such air carrier (other than a claim arising from furnishing information known to be false and maintained in violation of a criminal statute).

(3) 5-year reporting period.— A person shall not furnish a record in response to a request made under paragraph (1) if the record was entered more than 5 years before the date of the request, unless the information concerns a revocation or suspension of an airman certificate or motor vehicle license that is in effect on the date of the request.

(4) Requirement to maintain records.— The Administrator and air carriers shall maintain pilot records described in paragraphs (1)(A) and (1)(B) for a period of at least 5 years.

(5) Receipt of consent; provision of information.— A person shall not furnish a record in response to a request made under paragraph (1) without first obtaining a copy of the written consent of the individual who is the subject of the records requested; except that, for purposes of paragraph (15), the Administrator may allow an individual designated by the Administrator to accept and maintain written consent on behalf of the Administrator for records requested under paragraph (1)(A). A person who receives a request for records under this subsection shall furnish a copy of all of such requested records maintained by the person not later than 30 days after receiving the request.

(6) Right to receive notice and copy of any record furnished.— A person who receives a request for records under paragraph (1) shall provide to the individual who is the subject of the records—

(A) on or before the 20th day following the date of receipt of the request, written notice of the request and of the individual’s right to receive a copy of such records; and

(B) in accordance with paragraph (10), a copy of such records, if requested by the individual.

(7) Reasonable charges for processing requests and furnishing copies.— A person who receives a request under paragraph (1) or (6) may establish a reasonable charge for the cost of processing the request and furnishing copies of the requested records.

(8) Standard forms.— The Administrator shall promulgate—

(A) standard forms that may be used by an air carrier to request records under paragraph (1); and

(B) standard forms that may be used by an air carrier to—

(i) obtain the written consent of the individual who is the subject of a request under paragraph (1); and

(ii) inform the individual of—

(I) the request; and

(II) the individual right of that individual to receive a copy of any records furnished in response to the request.

(9) Right to correct inaccuracies.— An air carrier that maintains or requests and receives the records of an individual under paragraph (1) shall provide the individual with a reasonable opportunity to submit written comments to correct any inaccuracies contained in the records before making a final hiring decision with respect to the individual.

(10) Right of pilot to review certain records.— Notwithstanding any other provision of law or agreement, an air carrier shall, upon written request from a pilot who is or has been employed by such carrier, make available, within a reasonable time, but not later than 30 days after the date of the request, to the pilot for review, any and all employment records referred to in paragraph (1)(B)(i) or (ii) pertaining to the employment of the pilot.

(11) Privacy protections.— An air carrier that receives the records of an individual under paragraph (1) may use such records only to assess the qualifications of the individual in deciding whether or not to hire the individual as a pilot. The air carrier shall take such actions as may be necessary to protect the privacy of the pilot and the confidentiality of the records, including ensuring that information contained in the records is not divulged to any individual that is not directly involved in the hiring decision.

(12) Periodic review.— Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of the Pilot Records Improvement Act of 1996, and at least once every 3 years thereafter, the Administrator shall transmit to Congress a statement that contains, taking into account recent developments in the aviation industry—

(A) recommendations by the Administrator concerning proposed changes to Federal Aviation Administration records, air carrier records, and other records required to be furnished under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1); or

(B) reasons why the Administrator does not recommend any proposed changes to the records referred to in subparagraph (A).

(13) Regulations.— The Administrator shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary—

(A) to protect—

(i) the personal privacy of any individual whose records are requested under paragraph (1) and disseminated under paragraph (15); and

(ii) the confidentiality of those records;

(B) to preclude the further dissemination of records received under paragraph (1) by the person who requested those records; and

(14) Special rules with respect to certain pilots.—

(A) Pilots of certain small aircraft.— Notwithstanding paragraph (1), an air carrier, before receiving information requested about an individual under paragraph (1), may allow the individual to begin service for a period not to exceed 90 days as a pilot of an aircraft with a maximum payload capacity (as defined in section 119.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) of 7,500 pounds or less, or a helicopter, on a flight that is not a scheduled operation (as defined in such section). Before the end of the 90-day period, the air carrier shall obtain and evaluate such information. The contract between the carrier and the individual shall contain a term that provides that the continuation of the individual’s employment, after the last day of the 90-day period, depends on a satisfactory evaluation.

(B) Good faith exception.— Notwithstanding paragraph (1), an air carrier, without obtaining information about an individual under paragraph (1)(B) from an air carrier or other person that no longer exists or from a foreign government or entity that employed the individual, may allow the individual to begin service as a pilot if the air carrier required to request the information has made a documented good faith attempt to obtain such information.

(15) Electronic access to faa records.— For the purpose of increasing timely and efficient access to Federal Aviation Administration records described in paragraph (1), the Administrator may allow, under terms established by the Administrator, an individual designated by the air carrier to have electronic access to a specified database containing information about such records. The terms shall limit such access to instances in which information in the database is required by the designated individual in making a hiring decision concerning a pilot applicant and shall require that the designated individual provide assurances satisfactory to the Administrator that information obtained using such access will not be used for any purpose other than making the hiring decision.

(16) Applicability.— This subsection shall cease to be effective on the date specified in regulations issued under subsection (i).

(i) FAA Pilot Records Database.—

(1) In general.— Before allowing an individual to begin service as a pilot, an air carrier shall access and evaluate, in accordance with the requirements of this subsection, information pertaining to the individual from the pilot records database established under paragraph (2).

(2) Pilot records database.— Not later than April 30, 2017, the Administrator shall establish and make available for use an electronic database (in this subsection referred to as the “database”) containing the following records:

(A) FAA records.— From the Administrator—

(i) records that are maintained by the Administrator concerning current airman certificates, including airman medical certificates and associated type ratings and information on any limitations to those certificates and ratings;

(ii) records that are maintained by the Administrator concerning any failed attempt of an individual to pass a practical test required to obtain a certificate or type rating under part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and

(iii) summaries of legal enforcement actions resulting in a finding by the Administrator of a violation of this title or a regulation prescribed or order issued under this title that was not subsequently overturned.

(B) Air carrier and other records.— From any air carrier or other person (except a branch of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, or a reserve component of the Armed Forces) that has employed an individual as a pilot of a civil or public aircraft, or from the trustee in bankruptcy for the air carrier or person—

(i) records pertaining to the individual that are maintained by the air carrier (other than records relating to flight time, duty time, or rest time) or person, including records under regulations set forth in—

(I) section 121.683 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;

(II) section 121.111(a) of such title;

(III) section 121.219(a) of such title;

(IV) section 125.401 of such title; and

(V) section 135.63(a)(4) of such title; and

(ii) other records pertaining to the individual’s performance as a pilot that are maintained by the air carrier or person concerning—

(II) any disciplinary action taken with respect to the individual that was not subsequently overturned; and

(III) any release from employment or resignation, termination, or disqualification with respect to employment.

(3) Written consent; release from liability.— An air carrier—

(A) shall obtain the written consent of an individual before accessing records pertaining to the individual under paragraph (1); and

(B) may, notwithstanding any other provision of law or agreement to the contrary, require an individual with respect to whom the carrier is accessing records under paragraph (1) to execute a release from liability for any claim arising from accessing the records or the use of such records by the air carrier in accordance with this section (other than a claim arising from furnishing information known to be false and maintained in violation of a criminal statute).

(4) Reporting.—

(A) Reporting by administrator.— The Administrator shall enter data described in paragraph (2)(A) into the database promptly to ensure that an individual’s records are current.

(B) Reporting by air carriers and other persons.—

(i) In general.— Air carriers and other persons shall report data described in paragraphs (2)(B) and (2)(C) to the Administrator promptly for entry into the database.

(ii) Data to be reported.— Air carriers and other persons shall report, at a minimum, under clause (i) the following data described in paragraph (2)(B):

(I) Records that are generated by the air carrier or other person after the date of enactment of this paragraph.

(II) Records that the air carrier or other person is maintaining, on such date of enactment, pursuant to subsection (h)(4).

(5) Requirement to maintain records.— The Administrator—

(A) shall maintain all records entered into the database under paragraph (2) pertaining to an individual until the date of receipt of notification that the individual is deceased; and

(B) may remove the individual’s records from the database after that date.

(6) Receipt of consent.— The Administrator shall not permit an air carrier to access records pertaining to an individual from the database under paragraph (1) without the air carrier first demonstrating to the satisfaction of the Administrator that the air carrier has obtained the written consent of the individual.

(7) Right of pilot to review certain records and correct inaccuracies.— Notwithstanding any other provision of law or agreement, the Administrator, upon receipt of written request from an individual—

(A) shall make available, not later than 30 days after the date of the request, to the individual for review all records referred to in paragraph (2) pertaining to the individual; and

(B) shall provide the individual with a reasonable opportunity to submit written comments to correct any inaccuracies contained in the records.

(8) Reasonable charges for processing requests and furnishing copies.—

(A) In general.— The Administrator may establish a reasonable charge for the cost of processing a request under paragraph (1) or (7) and for the cost of furnishing copies of requested records under paragraph (7).

(B) Crediting appropriations.— Funds received by the Administrator pursuant to this paragraph shall—

(i) be credited to the appropriation current when the amount is received;

(ii) be merged with and available for the purposes of such appropriation; and

(iii) remain available until expended.

(9) Privacy protections.—

(A) Use of records.— An air carrier that accesses records pertaining to an individual under paragraph (1) may use the records only to assess the qualifications of the individual in deciding whether or not to hire the individual as a pilot. The air carrier shall take such actions as may be necessary to protect the privacy of the individual and the confidentiality of the records accessed, including ensuring that information contained in the records is not divulged to any individual that is not directly involved in the hiring decision.

(B) Disclosure of information.—

(i) In general.— Except as provided by clause (ii), information collected by the Administrator under paragraph (2) shall be exempt from the disclosure requirements of section 552(b)(3)(B) of title 5.

(ii) Exceptions.— Clause (i) shall not apply to—

(I) deidentified, summarized information to explain the need for changes in policies and regulations;

(II) information to correct a condition that compromises safety;

(III) information to carry out a criminal investigation or prosecution;

(IV) information to comply with section 44905, regarding information about threats to civil aviation; and

(V) such information as the Administrator determines necessary, if withholding the information would not be consistent with the safety responsibilities of the Federal Aviation Administration.

(10) Periodic review.— Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this paragraph, and at least once every 3 years thereafter, the Administrator shall transmit to Congress a statement that contains, taking into account recent developments in the aviation industry—

(A) recommendations by the Administrator concerning proposed changes to Federal Aviation Administration records, air carrier records, and other records required to be included in the database under paragraph (2); or

(B) reasons why the Administrator does not recommend any proposed changes to the records referred to in subparagraph (A).

(11) Regulations for protection and security of records.— The Administrator shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary—

(A) to protect and secure—

(i) the personal privacy of any individual whose records are accessed under paragraph (1); and

(ii) the confidentiality of those records; and

(B) to preclude the further dissemination of records received under paragraph (1) by the person who accessed the records.

(12) Good faith exception.— Notwithstanding paragraph (1), an air carrier may allow an individual to begin service as a pilot, without first obtaining information described in paragraph (2)(B) from the database pertaining to the individual, if—

(A) the air carrier has made a documented good faith attempt to access the information from the database; and

(B) the air carrier has received written notice from the Administrator that the information is not contained in the database because the individual was employed by an air carrier or other person that no longer exists or by a foreign government or other entity that has not provided the information to the database.

(13) Limitations on electronic access to records.—

(A) Access by individuals designated by air carriers.— For the purpose of increasing timely and efficient access to records described in paragraph (2), the Administrator may allow, under terms established by the Administrator, an individual designated by an air carrier to have electronic access to the database.

(B) Terms.— The terms established by the Administrator under subparagraph (A) for allowing a designated individual to have electronic access to the database shall limit such access to instances in which information in the database is required by the designated individual in making a hiring decision concerning a pilot applicant and shall require that the designated individual provide assurances satisfactory to the Administrator that—

(i) the designated individual has received the written consent of the pilot applicant to access the information; and

(ii) information obtained using such access will not be used for any purpose other than making the hiring decision.

(14) Authorized expenditures.— Of amounts appropriated under section 106(k)(1), a total of $6,000,000 for fiscal years 2010 through 2013 may be used to carry out this subsection.

(15) Regulations.—

(A) In general.— The Administrator shall issue regulations to carry out this subsection.

(B) Effective date.— The regulations shall specify the date on which the requirements of this subsection take effect and the date on which the requirements of subsection (h) cease to be effective.

(i) the Administrator shall begin to establish the database under paragraph (2) not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this paragraph;

(ii) the Administrator shall maintain records in accordance with paragraph (5) beginning on the date of enactment of this paragraph; and

(iii) air carriers and other persons shall maintain records to be reported to the database under paragraph (4)(B) in the period beginning on such date of enactment and ending on the date that is 5 years after the requirements of subsection (h) cease to be effective pursuant to subparagraph (B).

(16) Special rule.— During the one-year period beginning on the date on which the requirements of this section become effective pursuant to paragraph (15)(B), paragraph (7)(A) shall be applied by substituting “45 days” for “30 days”.

(j) Limitations on Liability; Preemption of State Law.—

(1) Limitation on liability.— No action or proceeding may be brought by or on behalf of an individual who has applied for or is seeking a position with an air carrier as a pilot and who has signed a release from liability, as provided for under subsection (h)(2) or (i)(3), against—

in the nature of an action for defamation, invasion of privacy, negligence, interference with contract, or otherwise, or under any Federal or State law with respect to the furnishing or use of such records in accordance with subsection (h) or (i).

(A) the air carrier requesting the records of that individual under subsection (h)(1) or accessing the records of that individual under subsection (i)(1);

(B) a person who has complied with such request;

(D) an agent or employee of a person described in subparagraph (A) or (B);

(2) Preemption.— No State or political subdivision thereof may enact, prescribe, issue, continue in effect, or enforce any law (including any regulation, standard, or other provision having the force and effect of law) that prohibits, penalizes, or imposes liability for furnishing or using records in accordance with subsection (h) or (i).

(3) Provision of knowingly false information.— Paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not apply with respect to a person who furnishes information in response to a request made under subsection (h)(1) or who furnished information to the database established under subsection (i)(2), that—

(A) the person knows is false; and

(B) was maintained in violation of a criminal statute of the United States.

(4) Prohibition on actions and proceedings against air carriers.—

(A) Hiring decisions.— An air carrier may refuse to hire an individual as a pilot if the individual did not provide written consent for the air carrier to receive records under subsection (h)(2)(A) or (i)(3)(A) or did not execute the release from liability requested under subsection (h)(2)(B) or (i)(3)(B).

(B) Actions and proceedings.— No action or proceeding may be brought against an air carrier by or on behalf of an individual who has applied for or is seeking a position as a pilot with the air carrier if the air carrier refused to hire the individual after the individual did not provide written consent for the air carrier to receive records under subsection (h)(2)(A) or (i)(3)(A) or did not execute a release from liability requested under subsection (h)(2)(B) or (i)(3)(B).

(k) Limitation on Statutory Construction.— Nothing in subsection (h) or (i) shall be construed as precluding the availability of the records of a pilot in an investigation or other proceeding concerning an accident or incident conducted by the Administrator, the National Transportation Safety Board, or a court.

(l) Temporary Airman Certificate.— An individual may obtain a temporary airman certificate from the Administrator after requesting a permanent replacement airman certificate issued under this section. A temporary airman certificate shall be—

(1) made available—

(A) electronically to the individual immediately upon submitting an online application for a replacement certificate to the Administrator; or

(B) physically to the individual at a flight standards district office—

(i) if the individual submits an online application for a replacement certificate; or

(ii) if the individual applies for a permanent replacement certificate other than by online application and such application has been received by the Federal Aviation Administration; and

(2) destroyed upon receipt of the permanent replacement airman certificate from the Administrator.

(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1186; Pub. L. 106–181, title VII, § 715, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 162; Pub. L. 107–71, title I, §§ 129, 138(b), 140(a), Nov. 19, 2001, 115 Stat. 633, 640, 641; Pub. L. 111–216, title II, § 203, Aug. 1, 2010, 124 Stat. 2352; Pub. L. 111–249, § 6(3), (4), Sept. 30, 2010, 124 Stat. 2629; Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §§ 301(a), 310(c), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 56, 65; Pub. L. 112–153, § 2(c)(1), Aug. 3, 2012, 126 Stat. 1160; Pub. L. 114–125, title VIII, § 802(d)(2), Feb. 24, 2016, 130 Stat. 210; Pub. L. 114–190, title II, § 2101, July 15, 2016, 130 Stat. 619; Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, § 813, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1327.)

In subsections (a)–(d), the word “Administrator” in section 602(a), (b)(1), and (c) of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (Public Law 85–726, 72 Stat. 776) is retained on authority of 49:106(g).

In subsection (a), the text of 49 App.:1422(b) (1st sentence) is omitted as surplus. The words “is qualified” are substituted for “possesses proper qualifications” to eliminate unnecessary words. The words “to be authorized by the certificate” are substituted for “for which the airman certificate is sought” for clarity.

In subsection (b)(1)(C), the words “conditions, and limitations” are omitted as being included in “terms”.

In subsection (b)(1)(E), the word “designate” is substituted for “be entitled with the designation of” to eliminate unnecessary words.

In subsection (c)(1), before clause (A), the words “may appeal . . . to” are substituted for “may file with . . . a petition for review of the Secretary of Transportation’s action” for consistency with section 1109 of the revised title. The words “the individual holds a certificate that” are substituted for “persons whose certificates” for clarity.

In subsection (c)(2), the words “conduct a hearing on the appeal” are substituted for “thereupon assign such petition for hearing” for consistency. The words “In the conduct of such hearing and in determining whether the airman meets the pertinent rules, regulations, or standards” are omitted as surplus. The word “Administrator” is substituted for “Federal Aviation Administration” because of 49:106(b) and (g). The words “meets the applicable regulations” are substituted for “meets the pertinent rules, regulations” because “rules” and “regulations” are synonymous and for consistency in the revised title.

In subsection (d), before clause (1), the words “in his discretion” are omitted as surplus. In clause (2), the words “the terms of” and “entered into” are omitted as surplus. The words “government of a foreign country” are substituted for “foreign governments” for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code.

In subsection (f)(1), before clause (A), the words “established under this chapter” and “to pilots” are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (f)(2), the words “Not later than September 18, 1989” and “final” are omitted as obsolete. The words “Administrator of Drug Enforcement” are substituted for “Drug Enforcement Administration of the Department of Justice” because of section 5(a) of Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1973 (eff. July 1, 1973, 87 Stat. 1092). The words “Commissioner of Customs” are substituted for “United States Customs Service” because of 19:2071.

Historical and Revision Notes
RevisedSection	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
44703(a)	49 App.:1422(b)(1) (1st sentence, 2d sentence words before 6th comma).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, § 602(b)(1), 72 Stat. 776; Oct. 19, 1984, Pub. L. 98–499, § 3, 98 Stat. 2313; Aug. 26, 1992, Pub. L. 102–345, § 4, 106 Stat. 926.
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).	Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, § 6(c)(1), 80 Stat. 938; Jan. 12, 1983, Pub. L. 97–449, § 7(b), 96 Stat. 2444.
44703(b)	49 App.:1422(a) (11th–last words).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, § 602(a) (9th–last words), (c), 72 Stat. 776.
	49 App.:1422(b)(1) (2d sentence words after 6th comma), (c).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).
44703(c)(1)	49 App.:1422(b)(1) (3d sentence).
44703(c)(2)	49 App.:1422(b)(1) (4th, 5th sentences, last sentence words before proviso).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).
44703(d)	49 App.:1422(b)(1) (last sentence proviso).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).
44703(e)	49 App.:1422(b)(2)(A), (B).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, § 602(b)(2)(A), (B); added Oct. 19, 1984, Pub. L. 98–499, § 3, 98 Stat. 2313; restated Nov. 18, 1988, Pub. L. 100–690, § 7204(a), 102 Stat. 4425.
44703(f)(1)	49 App.:1422(d).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, § 602(d); added Nov. 18, 1988, Pub. L. 100–690, § 7205(a), 102 Stat. 4426.
44703(f)(2)	49 App.:1401 (note).	Nov. 18, 1988, Pub. L. 100–690, § 7207(a) (1st sentence), (b), 102 Stat. 4427.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of the enactment of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), (3), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 106–181, which was approved Apr. 5, 2000.

The date of the enactment of the Pilot Records Improvement Act of 1996, referred to in subsec. (h)(12), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 104–264, which was approved Oct. 9, 1996.

The date of enactment of this paragraph, referred to in subsec. (i)(4)(B)(ii), (10), (15)(C), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 111–216, which was approved Aug. 1, 2010.

Codification

The text of section 44936(f) to (h) of this title, which was transferred to the end of this section, redesignated as subsecs. (h) to (j), respectively, and amended by Pub. L. 107–71, §§ 138(b), 140(a), was based on Pub. L. 104–264, title V, § 502(a), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3259; amended Pub. L. 105–102, § 2(25), Nov. 20, 1997, 111 Stat. 2205; Pub. L. 105–142, § 1, Dec. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 2650; Pub. L. 106–181, title V, § 508(b), Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 140.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 118–63 added subsec. (l).

2016—Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 114–190 substituted “Not later than April 30, 2017, the Administrator shall establish and make available for use” for “The Administrator shall establish”.

2012—Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 112–153 struck out “but is bound by all validly adopted interpretations of laws and regulations the Administrator carries out unless the Board finds an interpretation is arbitrary, capricious, or otherwise not according to law” after “Federal Aviation Administration”.

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 112–95, § 301(a), added par. (3).

Subsec. (i)(9)(B)(i). Pub. L. 112–95, § 310(c), substituted “section 552(b)(3)(B) of title 5” for “section 552 of title 5”.

2010—Subsec. (h)(16). Pub. L. 111–216, § 203(a), added par. (16).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 111–216, § 203(b)(2), added subsec. (i). Former subsec. (i) redesignated (j).

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 111–216, § 203(c)(1)(A), as amended by Pub. L. 111–249, § 6(3), substituted “Limitations” for “Limitation” in heading.

Pub. L. 111–216, § 203(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (i) as (j). Former subsec. (j) redesignated (k).

Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 111–216, § 203(c)(1)(B)(i), (iii), as amended by Pub. L. 111–249, § 6(3), substituted “subsection (h)(2) or (i)(3)” for “paragraph (2)” in introductory provisions and “subsection (h) or (i)” for “subsection (h)” in concluding provisions.

Subsec. (j)(1)(A). Pub. L. 111–216, § 203(c)(1)(B)(ii), as amended by Pub. L. 111–249, § 6(3), inserted “or accessing the records of that individual under subsection (i)(1)” before semicolon.

Subsec. (j)(2). Pub. L. 111–216, § 203(c)(1)(C), as amended by Pub. L. 111–249, § 6(3), substituted “subsection (h) or (i)” for “subsection (h)”.

Subsec. (j)(3). Pub. L. 111–216, § 203(c)(1)(D), as amended by Pub. L. 111–249, § 6(3), inserted “or who furnished information to the database established under subsection (i)(2)” after “subsection (h)(1)” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (j)(4). Pub. L. 111–216, § 203(c)(1)(E), as amended by Pub. L. 111–249, § 6(3), added par. (4).

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 111–216, § 203(c)(2), as amended by Pub. L. 111–249, § 6(4), substituted “subsection (h) or (i)” for “subsection (h)”.

Pub. L. 111–216, § 203(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (j) as (k).

2001—Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 107–71, § 129(1), in first sentence, substituted “needs of airmen” for “needs of pilots” and inserted “and related to combating acts of terrorism” before period at end.

Subsec. (g)(3), (4). Pub. L. 107–71, § 129(2), added pars. (3) and (4).

Subsecs. (h) to (j). Pub. L. 107–71, §§ 138(b), 140(a), amended section identically, redesignating subsecs. (f) to (h) of section 44936 of this title as subsecs. (h) to (j), respectively, of this section, and substituting “subsection (h)” for “subsection (f)” wherever appearing in subsecs. (i) and (j). See Codification note above.

2000—Subsecs. (c) to (g). Pub. L. 106–181 added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsecs. (c) to (f) as (d) to (g), respectively.

Change of Name

“Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection” substituted for “Commissioner of Customs” in subsec. (g)(2) on authority of section 802(d)(2) of Pub. L. 114–125, set out as a note under section 211 of Title 6, Domestic Security.

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–249, § 6, Sept. 30, 2010, 124 Stat. 2628, provided that the amendments made by section 6 of Pub. L. 111–249 are effective as of Aug. 1, 2010, and as if included in Pub. L. 111–216 as enacted.

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–181 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1999, see section 3 of Pub. L. 106–181, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.

Termination Date

Subsec. (h) of this section ceases to be effective beginning on Sept. 9, 2024, see 14 C.F.R. § 111.5(b).

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the United States Customs Service of the Department of the Treasury, including functions of the Secretary of the Treasury relating thereto, to the Secretary of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 203(1), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6. For establishment of U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the Department of Homeland Security, treated as if included in Pub. L. 107–296 as of Nov. 25, 2002, see section 211 of Title 6, as amended generally by Pub. L. 114–125, and section 802(b) of Pub. L. 114–125, set out as a note under section 211 of Title 6.

Deemed References to Chapters 509 and 511 of Title 51

General references to “this title” deemed to refer also to chapters 509 and 511 of Title 51, National and Commercial Space Programs, see section 4(d)(8) of Pub. L. 111–314, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Enhanced Qualification Program for Restricted Airline Transport Pilot Certificate

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, § 372, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1139, provided that: “(a) Program.—“(1) In general.—Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall establish the requirements for a program to be known as the Enhanced Qualification Program (in this section referred to as the ‘Program’) under which—“(A) qualified air carriers are certified by the Administrator to provide enhanced training for eligible pilots seeking to obtain restricted airline transport certificates, either directly by the air carrier or by a certified training institution under part 141 or part 142 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, that is under contract with the qualified air carrier; and “(B) qualified instructors and evaluators provide enhanced training to eligible pilots pursuant to the curriculum requirements under paragraph (4). “(2) Qualified instructors and evaluators.—Under the Program—“(A) all testing and training shall be performed by qualified instructors; and “(B) all evaluations shall be performed by qualified evaluators. “(3) Pilot assessment.—Under the Program, the Administrator shall establish guidelines for an assessment that prospective pilots are required to pass in order to participate in the training under the Program. Such assessment shall include an evaluation of the pilot’s aptitude, ability, and readiness for operation of transport category aircraft. “(4) Program curriculum.—Under the Program, the Administrator shall establish requirements for the curriculum to be provided under the Program. Such curriculum shall include—“(A) a nationally standardized, non-air carrier or aircraft-specific training curriculum which shall—“(i) ensure prospective pilots have appropriate knowledge at the commercial pilot certificate, multi-engine rating, and instrument rating level; “(ii) introduce the pilots to concepts associated with air carrier operations; “(iii) meet all requirements for an ATP Certification Training Program under part 61.156 or part 142 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and “(iv) include a course of instruction designed to prepare the prospective pilot to take the ATP Multiengine Airplane Knowledge Test; “(B) an aircraft-specific training curriculum, developed by the air carrier using objectives and learning standards developed by the Administrator, which shall—“(i) only be administered to prospective pilots who have completed the requirements under subparagraph (A); “(ii) resemble a type rating training curriculum that includes aircraft ground and flight training that culminates in— “(I) the completion of a maneuvers evaluation that incorporates elements of a type rating practical test; or “(II) at the discretion of the air carrier, an actual type rating practical test resulting in the issuance of a type rating for the specific aircraft; and “(iii) ensure the prospective pilot has an adequate understanding and working knowledge of transport category aircraft automation and autoflight systems; and “(C) air carrier-specific procedures using objectives and learning standards developed by the Administrator to further expand on the concepts described in subparagraphs (A) and (B), which shall—“(i) only be administered to prospective pilots who have completed requirements under subparagraphs (A) and (B) and an ATP Multiengine Airplane Knowledge Test; “(ii) include instructions on air carrier checklist usage and standard operating procedures; and “(iii) integrate aircraft-specific training in appropriate flight simulation training devices representing the specific aircraft type, including complete crew resource management and scenario-based training. “(5) Application and certification.—Under the Program, the Administrator shall establish a process for air carriers to apply for training program certification. Such process shall include a review to ensure that the training provided by the air carrier will meet the requirements of this section, including—“(A) the assessment requirements under paragraph (3); “(B) the curriculum requirements under paragraph (4); “(C) the requirements for qualified instructors under subsection (d)(5); and “(D) the requirements for eligible pilots under subsection (d)(2). “(6) Data.—Under the Program, the Administrator shall require that each qualified air carrier participating in the Program collect and submit to the Administrator such data from the Program that the Administrator determines is appropriate for the Administrator to provide for oversight of the Program. “(7) Regular inspection.—Under the Program, the Administrator shall provide for the regular inspection of qualified air carriers certified under paragraph (5) to ensure that the air carrier continues to meet the requirements under the Program. “(b) Regulations.—The Administrator may issue regulations or guidance as determined necessary to carry out the Program. “(c) Clarification Regarding Required Flight Hours.—The provisions of this section shall have no effect on the total flight hours required under part 61.159 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to receive an airline transport pilot certificate, or the Administrator’s authority under section 217(d) of the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010 [Pub. L. 111–216] (49 U.S.C. 44701 note) (as in effect on the date of enactment of this section [May 16, 2024]). “(d) Definitions.—In this section:“(1) Air carrier.—The term ‘air carrier’ has the meaning given that term in section 40102 of title 49, United States Code. “(2) Eligible pilot.—The term ‘eligible pilot’ means a pilot that—“(A) has—“(i) graduated from a United States Armed Forces undergraduate pilot training school; “(ii) obtained a degree with an aviation major from an institution of higher education (as defined in part 61.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) that has been issued a letter of authorization by the Administrator under part 61.169 of such title 14; or “(iii) completed flight and ground training for a commercial pilot certificate in the airplane category and an airplane instrument rating at a certified training institution under part 141 of such title 14; “(B) has a current commercial pilot certificate under part 61.123 of such title 14, with airplane category multi-engine and instrument ratings under part 61.129 of such title 14; and “(C) meets the pilot assessment requirements under subsection (a)(3). “(3) Qualified air carrier.—The term ‘qualified air carrier’ means an air carrier that has been issued a part 119 operating certificate for conducting operations under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. “(4) Qualified evaluator.—The term ‘qualified evaluator’ means an individual that meets the requirements for a training center evaluator under part 142.55 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or for check airmen under part 121.411 of such title. “(5) Qualified instructor.—The term ‘qualified instructor’ means an individual that—“(A) is qualified in accordance with the minimum training requirements for an ATP Certification Training Program under paragraphs (1) through (3) of part 121.410(b) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; “(B) if the instructor is a flight instructor, is qualified in accordance with part 121.410(b)(4) of such title; “(C) if the instructor is administering type rating practical tests, is qualified as an appropriate examiner for such rating; “(D) received training in threat and error management, facilitation, and risk mitigation determined appropriate by the Administrator; and “(E) meets any other requirement determined appropriate by the Administrator.”

Civil Airmen Statistics

Pub. L. 118–63, title IV, § 402, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1148, provided that: “(a) Publication Frequency.—The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall publish the study commonly referred to as the ‘U.S. Civil Airmen Statistics’ on a monthly basis. “(b) Presentation of Data.—The Administrator shall make the data from the study under subsection (a) publicly available on the website of the Administration in a user-friendly, downloadable format. “(c) Expanded Data Criteria.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator shall ensure that data sets and tables published as part of the study described in subsection (a) display information relating to the sex of certificate holders in more instances. “(d) Historical Data.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall make all previously published annual data from the study described in subsection (a) available on the website of the Administration.”

Airman’s Medical Bill of Rights

Pub. L. 118–63, title IV, § 407, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1153, provided that: “(a) In General.—“(1) Development.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall develop a document (in this section referred to as the ‘Airman’s Medical Bill of Rights’) detailing the rights of an individual before, during, and after a medical examination conducted by an Aviation Medical Examiner. “(2) Contents.—The Airman’s Medical Bill of Rights required under paragraph (1) shall, at a minimum, contain information about the right of an individual to—“(A) bring a trusted companion or request to have a chaperone present for a medical examination; “(B) terminate an exam in accordance with guidelines from the Administrator for appropriately terminating such exam; “(C) receive medical examination with respect and recognition of the dignity of the individual; “(D) be assured of privacy and confidentiality; “(E) select an Aviation Medical Examiner of the choice of the individual, as long as the Aviation Medical Examiner has the required designations; “(F) privacy when changing, undressing, and using the restroom; “(G) ask questions about FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] medical standards and the applicability to the current health status of the individual; “(H) report an incident of misconduct by an Aviation Medical Examiner to the appropriate authorities, including to the State licensing board of the Aviation Medical Examiner or the FAA; “(I) report to the Administrator an allegation regarding alleged Aviation Medical Examiner misconduct without fear of retaliation or negative action relating to an airman certificate of the individual; and “(J) be advised of any known conflicts of interest an Aviation Medical Examiner may have with respect to the medical examination of the individual. “(3) Public availability.—The Airman’s Medical Bill of Rights required under paragraph (1) shall be—“(A) made available to, and acknowledged by, an individual in the MedXpress system (or any successor system); “(B) made available in a hard-copy format by an Aviation Medical Examiner at the time of exam upon request by an individual; and “(C) displayed in a common space in the office of the Aviation Medical Examiner. “(b) Expectations for Medical Examinations.—“(1) In general.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a simplified document explaining the standard procedures performed during a medical examination conducted by an Aviation Medical Examiner. “(2) Public availability.—The document required under paragraph (1) shall be—“(A) made available to, and acknowledged by, an individual in the MedXpress system (or any successor system); “(B) made available in a hard-copy format by an Aviation Medical Examiner at the time of exam upon request by an individual; and “(C) displayed in a common space in the office of the Aviation Medical Examiner.”

Improved Designee Misconduct Reporting Process

Pub. L. 118–63, title IV, § 408, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1154, provided that: “(a) Improved Designee Misconduct Reporting Process.—“(1) In general.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall establish a streamlined process for individuals involved in incidents of alleged misconduct by a designee to report such incidents in a manner that protects the privacy and confidentiality of such individuals. “(2) Public access to reporting process.—The process for reporting alleged misconduct by a designee shall be made available to the public on the website of the Administration, including—“(A) the designee locator search webpage; and “(B) the webpage of the Office of Audit and Evaluation of the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration]. “(3) Obligation to report criminal charges.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall revise the orders and policies governing the Designee Management System to clarify that designees are obligated to report any arrest, indictment, or conviction for violation of a local, State, or Federal law within a period of time specified by the Administrator. “(4) Audit of reporting process by inspector general.—“(A) In general.—Not later than 3 years after the date on which the Administrator finalizes the update of the reporting process under paragraph (1), the inspector general of the Department of Transportation shall conduct an audit of such reporting process. “(B) Contents.—In conducting the audit of the reporting process described in subparagraph (A), the inspector general shall, at a minimum—“(i) review the efforts of the Administration to improve the reporting process and solutions developed to respond to and investigate allegations of misconduct; “(ii) analyze reports of misconduct brought to the Administrator prior to any changes made to the reporting process as a result of the enactment of this Act [Pub. L. 118–63], including the ultimate outcomes of those reports and whether any reports resulted in the Administrator taking action against the accused designee; “(iii) determine whether the reporting process results in appropriate action, including reviewing, investigating, and closing out reports; and “(iv) if applicable, make recommendations to improve the reporting process. “(C) Report.—Not later than 1 year after the date of initiation of the audit described in subparagraph (A), the inspector general shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] a report on the results of such audit, including findings and recommendations. “(b) Designee Defined.—In this section, the term ‘designee’ means an individual who has been designated to act as a representative of the Administrator as—“(1) an Aviation Medical Examiner (as described in section 183.21 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations); “(2) a pilot examiner (as described in section 183.23 of such title); or “(3) a technical personnel examiner (as described in section 183.25 of such title).”

Aeromedical Innovation and Modernization Working Group

Pub. L. 118–63, title IV, § 411, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1156, provided that: “(a) Establishment.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall establish a working group (in this section referred to as the ‘working group’) to review the medical processes, policies, and procedures of the Administration and to make recommendations to the Administrator on modernizing such processes, policies, and procedures to ensure timely and efficient certification of airmen. “(b) Membership.—“(1) In general.—The working group shall consist of—“(A) 2 co-chairs described in paragraph (2); and “(B) not less than 15 individuals appointed by the Administrator, each of whom shall have knowledge or a background in aerospace medicine, psychiatry, neurology, cardiology, or internal medicine. “(2) Co-chairs.—The working group shall be co-chaired by—“(A) the Federal Air Surgeon of the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration]; and “(B) a member described under paragraph (1)(A) to be selected by members of the working group. “(3) Preference.—The Administrator, in appointing members pursuant to paragraph (1)(B), shall give preference to—“(A) Aviation Medical Examiners (as described in section 183.21 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations); “(B) licensed medical physicians; “(C) practitioners holding a pilot certificate; and “(D) individuals having demonstrated research and expertise in aeromedical research or sciences. “(c) Activities.—In reviewing the aeromedical decision-making processes, policies, and procedures of the Administration in accordance with subsection (a), the working group, at a minimum, shall—“(1) assess the medical conditions an Aviation Medical Examiner may issue a medical certificate directly to an individual; “(2) determine the appropriateness of the list of such medical conditions as of the date of enactment of this Act; “(3) assess the special issuance process; “(4) determine the appropriateness of whether a renewal of a special issuance can be based on a medical evaluation and treatment plan by the treating medical specialist of the individual pursuant to approval from an Aviation Medical Examiner; “(5) evaluate advancements in technologies to address forms of red-green color blindness and determine whether such technologies may be approved for use by airmen; “(6) review policies and guidance relating to Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder; “(7) evaluate whether medications used to treat such disorders may be safely prescribed to airmen; “(8) review protocols pertaining to the Human Intervention Motivation Study of the FAA; “(9) review protocols and policies relating to—“(A) neurological disorders; and “(B) cardiovascular conditions to ensure alignment with medical best practices, latest research; “(10) review mental health protocols and medications approved for treating such mental health conditions, including such actions taken resulting from recommendations by the Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Rulemaking Committee; “(11) assess processes and protocols pertaining to recertification of airmen receiving disability insurance post-recovery from the medical condition, injury, or disability that precludes airmen from exercising the privileges of an airman certificate; “(12) assess processes and protocols pertaining to the certification of veterans reporting a disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs; and “(13) assess and evaluate the user interface and information-sharing capabilities of any online medical portal administered by the FAA. “(d) Aviation Workforce Mental Health Task Group.—“(1) Establishment.—Not later than 120 days after the working group pursuant to subsection (a) is established, the co-chairs of such working group shall establish an aviation workforce mental health task group (referred to in this subsection as the ‘task group’) to oversee, monitor, and evaluate efforts of the Administrator related to supporting the mental health of the aviation workforce. “(2) Composition.—The co-chairs of such working group shall appoint—“(A) a Chair of the task group; and “(B) members of the task group from among the members of the working group appointed by the Administrator under subsection (b)(1). “(3) Duties.—The duties of the task group shall include—“(A) carrying out the activities described in subsection (c)(10); “(B) soliciting feedback from aviation industry professionals or other licensed professionals representing air carrier operations under part 121 and part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and general aviation operations under part 91 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; “(C) reviewing and evaluating guidance issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization on aviation workforce mental health; “(D) providing advice, as appropriate, on the implementation of the final recommendations issued by the inspector general of the Department of Transportation in the report titled, ‘FAA Conduct Comprehensive Evaluations of Pilots With Mental Health Challenges, but Opportunities Exist to Further Mitigate Safety Risks’, published on July 12, 2023 (AV2023038); “(E) monitoring and evaluating the implementation of recommendations by the Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Rulemaking Committee; “(F) expanding and improving mental health outreach, education, and assistance programs for the aviation workforce; and “(G) reducing the stigma associated with mental healthcare in the aviation workforce. “(4) Report.—Not later than 2 years after the date of the establishment of the task group, the task group shall submit to the Secretary [of Transportation] and the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] a report detailing—“(A) the results of the review under paragraph (3)(A); and “(B) progress on the implementation of recommendations pursuant to subparagraphs (D) and (E) of paragraph (3); and “(C) the activities carried out pursuant to fulfilling the duties described in subparagraphs (F) and (G) of paragraph (3). “(e) Support.—The Administrator shall seek to enter into 1 or more agreements with the National Academies to support the activities of the working group described in subsection (c). “(f) Findings and Recommendations.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the working group shall submit to the Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the findings and recommendations resulting from the activities carried out under subsection (c). “(g) Implementation.—Not later than 1 year after receiving recommendations outlined in the report under subsection (f), the Administrator may take such action, as appropriate, to implement such recommendations. “(h) Sunset.—The working group shall terminate on October 1, 2028.”

Medical Portal Modernization Task Group

Pub. L. 118–63, title IV, § 413, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1159, provided that: “(a) Establishment.—Not later than 120 days after the working group pursuant to section 411 [of Pub. L. 118–63, set out as a note above] is established, the co-chairs of such working group shall establish a medical portal modernization task group (in this section referred to as the ‘task group’) to evaluate the user interface and information sharing capabilities of an online medical portal administered by the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration]. “(b) Composition.—The co-chairs of the working group provided for in section 411 shall appoint—“(1) a Chair of the task group; and “(2) members of the task group from among the members of the working group appointed by the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] under section 411(b). “(c) Assessment; Recommendations.—The task group shall, at a minimum, assess and evaluate the capabilities of any such medical portal and provide recommendations to improve the following:“(1) The cybersecurity protections and protocols of any such medical portal, including the secure exchange of health information and records between Aviation Medical Examiners and pilots, or their designee, including the ability for airmen to submit additional information requested by the Administrator. “(2) The status of an airman’s medical application and the disclosure of how long an airman can expect to wait for a final determination to be issued by the Administrator. “(3) The disclosure of the name and contact information of the Administrator’s representative managing an airman’s case so that an Aviation Medical Examiner has a point of contact within the Administration who is familiar with an airman’s application. “(d) Consultation.—In carrying out the duties described in subsection (c), the task group may consult with cybersecurity experts and individuals with a knowledge of securing electronic health care transactions. “(e) Report.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the establishment of the task group, the task group shall submit to the Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] a report detailing activities and recommendations of the task group. “(f) Implementation.—Not later than 1 year after receiving the report described in subsection (e), the Administrator may take such action as may be necessary to implement recommendations of the task group to improve any such medical portal.”

Military Aviation Maintenance Technicians Rule

Pub. L. 118–63, title IV, § 426, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1168, provided that: “(a) Streamlined Certification for Eligible Military Maintenance Technicians.—“(1) Rulemaking.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to revise part 65 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to—“(A) create a military mechanic written competency test that addresses gaps between military and civilian experience; and “(B) develop, as necessary, a relevant Airman Certification Standard to qualify eligible military maintenance technicians for a civilian mechanic certificate with airframe or powerplant ratings. “(2) Consideration.—In carrying out paragraph (1), the Administrator shall evaluate and consider—“(A) whether to allow a certificate of eligibility from the Joint Services Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council (in this section referred to as the ‘JSAMTCC’) evidencing completion of a training curriculum for any rating sought to serve as a substitute to fulfill the requirement under such part 65 for oral and practical tests administered by a designated mechanic examiner for eligible military maintenance technicians; “(B) aeronautical knowledge subject areas contained in the Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe, and Powerplant Airman Certification Standards as described in section 65.75 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, as appropriate, to the rating sought; and “(C) any applicable recommendations by the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee Airman Certification System Working Group. “(b) Expansion of Testing Locations.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall determine—“(1) whether an expansion of the number of active testing locations operated within military installation testing centers would increase access to testing; and “(2) how to implement such expansion, if appropriate. “(c) Outreach and Awareness.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall develop a plan to increase outreach and awareness regarding services made available by the JSAMTCC and how such services can assist in facilitating the transition between military and civilian aviation maintenance careers. “(d) Briefings.—“(1) Initial briefing.—Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Administrator develops the outreach and awareness plan pursuant to subsection (c), the Administrator shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a briefing on the activities planned to implement the outreach and awareness plan. “(2) Periodic briefing.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and 2 years thereafter, the Administrator shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a briefing on any rulemaking activities carried out pursuant to subsection (a), including a timeline for the issuance of a final rule. “(e) Eligible Military Maintenance Technician Defined.—For purposes of this section, the term ‘eligible military maintenance technician’ means an individual who—“(1) has been a maintenance technician during service in the armed forces who was honorably discharged or has retired from the armed forces (as defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code); “(2) presents an official record of service in the armed forces confirming that the individual has been a military aviation maintenance technician, holding an appropriate Military Occupational Specialty Code, as determined by the Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense; and “(3) presents documentary evidence of experience in accordance with the requirements under section 65.77 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.”

Timely Resolution of Investigations

Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, § 805, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1323, provided that: “(a) In General.—Not later than 2 years after the date of issuance of a letter of investigation to any person, as required by section 2(b) of the Pilot’s Bill of Rights [Pub. L. 112–153] (49 U.S.C. 44703 note), the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall—“(1) make a determination regarding such investigation and pursue subsequent action; or “(2) close such investigation. “(b) Extension.—“(1) In general.—If, upon review of the facts and status of an investigation described in subsection (a), the Administrator determines that the time provided to make a final determination or close such investigation is insufficient, the Administrator shall approve an extension of such investigation for 2 years. “(2) Additional extensions.—The Administrator may approve consecutive extensions under paragraph (1). “(c) Delegation.—The Administrator may not delegate the authority to approve an extension described in subsection (b) to anyone other than the leadership of the Administration as described in section 106(b) of title 49, United States Code.”

All Makes and Models Authorization

Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, § 806, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1323, provided that: “(a) In General.—“(1) Unlimited letter of authorization.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall take such action as may be necessary to allow for the issuance of letters of authorizations to airmen with the authorization for—“(A) all types and makes of experimental high–performance single engine piston powered aircraft; and “(B) all types and makes of experimental high–performance multiengine piston powered aircraft. “(2) Requirements.—An individual who holds a letter of authorization and applies for an authorization described in paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(B)—“(A) shall be given an all-makes and models authorization of—“(i) experimental single–engine piston powered authorized aircraft; or “(ii) experimental multiengine piston powered authorized aircraft; “(B) shall hold the appropriate category and class rating for the authorized aircraft; “(C) shall hold 3 experimental aircraft authorizations in aircraft of the same category and class rating for the authorization sought; and “(D) may become qualified in additional experimental aircraft by completing aircraft-specific ground and flight training. “(b) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section may be construed to disallow an individual from being given both an authorization described in paragraph (1)(A) and an authorization described in paragraph (1)(B). “(c) Failure to Comply.—“(1) In general.—If the Administrator fails to implement subsection (a) within the time period prescribed in such subsection, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] on the status of the implementation of such subsection on a monthly basis until the implementation is complete. “(2) No delegation.—The Administrator may not delegate the briefing described in paragraph (1).”

BasicMed for Examiners Administering Tests or Proficiency Checks

Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, § 815, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1328, provided that: “(a) Equivalent Pilot-in-command Medical Requirements.—Notwithstanding section 61.23(a)(3)(iv) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, an examiner may administer a practical test or proficiency check if such examiner meets the medical qualification requirements under part 68 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, if the operation being conducted is in a covered aircraft, as such term is defined in section 2307(j) of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 [Pub. L. 114–190] (49 U.S.C. 44703 note). “(b) Rulemaking.—Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall issue a final rule to update part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to implement the requirements under subsection (a), in addition to any related requirements the Administrator finds are in the interest of aviation safety.”

Designee Locator Tool Improvements

Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, § 816, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1328, provided that: “Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall ensure that the designee locator search function of the public website of the Designee Management System of the Administration has the functionality to— “(1) filter a search for an Aviation Medical Examiner (as described in section 183.21 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) by sex, if such information is available; “(2) display credentials and aircraft qualifications of a designated pilot examiner (as described in section 183.23 of such title); and “(3) display the scheduling availability of a designated pilot examiner (as described in section 183.23 of such title) to administer a test or proficiency check to an airman.”

National Coordination and Oversight of Designated Pilot Examiners

Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, § 833, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1339, provided that: “(a) In General.—The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall establish an office to provide oversight and facilitate national coordination of designated pilot examiners appointed under section 183.23 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. “(b) Responsibilities.—The office described in subsection (a) shall be responsible for the following:“(1) Oversight of designated pilot examiners appointed under section 183.23 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. “(2) Coordinating with other offices, as appropriate, to support the standardization of policy, guidance, and regulations across the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] pertaining to the selection, training, duties, and deployment of designated pilot examiners appointed under section 183.23 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, including evaluating the consistency by which such examiners apply Administration policies, orders, and guidance. “(3) Evaluating the consistency by which such examiners apply FAA policies, orders, and guidance. “(4) Coordinating placement and deployment of such examiners across regions based on demand for examinations from the pilot community. “(5) Developing a code of conduct for such examiners. “(6) Deploying a survey system to track the performance and merit of such examiners. “(7) Facilitating an industry partnership to create a formal mentorship program for such examiners. “(c) Coordination.—In carrying out the responsibilities listed in subsection (b), the Administrator shall ensure the office—“(1) coordinates on an ongoing basis with flight standards district offices, designated pilot examiner managing specialists, and aviation industry stakeholders, including representatives of the general aviation community; and “(2) considers whether to implement the final recommendations report issued by the Designated Pilot Examiner Reforms Working Group and accepted by the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee on June 17, 2021. “(d) Report.—“(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], and biennially thereafter through fiscal year 2028, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] a report that evaluates the use of designated pilot examiners appointed under section 183.23 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation), for testing, including both written and practical tests. “(2) Contents.—The report under paragraph (1) shall include an analysis of—“(A) the methodology and rationale by which designated pilot examiners are deployed; “(B) with respect to the previous fiscal year, the average time an individual in each region must wait to schedule an appointment with a designated pilot examiner; “(C) with respect to the previous fiscal year, the estimated total time individuals in each region were forced to wait to schedule an appointment with a designated pilot examiner; “(D) the primary reasons and best ways to reduce wait times described in subparagraph (C); “(E) the number of tests conducted by designated pilot examiners; “(F) the number and percentage of available designated pilot examiners that perform such tests; and “(G) the average rate of retests, including of both written and practical tests.”

Applicability of Medical Certification Standards to Operators of Air Balloons

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, § 318, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3269, provided that: “(a) Short Title.—This section may be cited as the ‘Commercial Balloon Pilot Safety Act of 2018’. “(b) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall revise section 61.3(c) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (relating to second-class medical certificates), to apply to an operator of an air balloon to the same extent such regulations apply to a pilot flight crewmember of other aircraft. “(c) Air Balloon Defined.—In this section, the term ‘air balloon’ has the meaning given the term ‘balloon’ in section 1.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any corresponding similar regulation or ruling).”

Designated Pilot Examiner Reforms

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, § 319, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3269, provided that: “(a) In General.—The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall assign to the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the ‘Committee’) the task of reviewing all regulations and policies related to designated pilot examiners appointed under section 183.23 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. The Committee shall focus on the processes and requirements by which the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] selects, trains, and deploys individuals as designated pilot examiners, and provide recommendations with respect to the regulatory and policy changes necessary to ensure an adequate number of designated pilot examiners are deployed and available to perform their duties. The Committee also shall make recommendations with respect to the regulatory and policy changes if necessary to allow a designated pilot examiner perform a daily limit of 3 new check rides with no limit for partial check rides and to serve as a designed pilot examiner without regard to any individual managing office. “(b) Action Based on Recommendations.—Not later than 1 year after receiving recommendations under subsection (a), the Administrator shall take such action as the Administrator considers appropriate with respect to those recommendations.”

Public Aircraft Eligible for Logging Flight Times

Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, § 826, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1332, provided that: “(a) Forestry and Fire Protection Flight Time Logging.—“(1) In general.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, aircraft under the direct operational control of forestry and fire protection agencies are eligible to log pilot flight times, if the flight time was acquired by the pilot while engaged on an official forestry or fire protection flight, in the same manner as aircraft under the direct operational control of a Federal, State, county, or municipal law enforcement agency. “(2) Retroactive application.—Paragraph (1) shall be applied as if enacted on October 5, 2018. “(b) Regulations.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall make such regulatory changes as are necessary to conform to the requirements of this section.”

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title V, § 517, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3359, provided that: “The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall issue regulations modifying section 61.51(j)(4) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, so as to include aircraft under the direct operational control of forestry and fire protection agencies as public aircraft eligible for logging flight times.”

Portability of Repairman Certificates

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title V, § 582, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3399, provided that: “(a) In General.—The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall assign to the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee the task of making recommendations with respect to the regulatory and policy changes, as appropriate, to allow a repairman certificate issued under section 65.101 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to be portable from one employing certificate holder to another. “(b) Action Based on Recommendations.—Not later than 1 year after receiving recommendations under subsection (a), the Administrator may take such action as the Administrator considers appropriate with respect to those recommendations.”

Medical Certification of Certain Small Aircraft Pilots

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§ 44703. Airman certificates

§ 44703. Airman certificates

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Codification

Amendments

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Termination Date

Transfer of Functions

Deemed References to Chapters 509 and 511 of Title 51

Enhanced Qualification Program for Restricted Airline Transport Pilot Certificate

Civil Airmen Statistics

Airman’s Medical Bill of Rights

Improved Designee Misconduct Reporting Process

Aeromedical Innovation and Modernization Working Group

Medical Portal Modernization Task Group

Military Aviation Maintenance Technicians Rule

Timely Resolution of Investigations

All Makes and Models Authorization

BasicMed for Examiners Administering Tests or Proficiency Checks

Designee Locator Tool Improvements

National Coordination and Oversight of Designated Pilot Examiners

Applicability of Medical Certification Standards to Operators of Air Balloons

Designated Pilot Examiner Reforms

Public Aircraft Eligible for Logging Flight Times

Portability of Repairman Certificates

Medical Certification of Certain Small Aircraft Pilots