Bill Aims to Close Pilot Training Gap

The Regional Airline Association strongly supports the introduction of the WINGS Act by Representatives Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), and Zach Nunn (R-IA). RAA worked closely with lawmakers to develop the legislation.

Flight training can add more than $100,000 to the cost of a degree, but federal student aid remains capped at ordinary undergraduate levels. The WINGS Act would recognize eligible professional pilot programs as professional-degree programs, reflecting the cost of the education, training, and licensure required for hire.

Regional Airline Association President and CEO Faye Malarkey Black said: “Flight education is inherently expensive, and current federal loan limits leave students covering $80,000 or more out of pocket. This gap puts the career out of reach for too many students. The WINGS Act would help close that financing gap and provide more students access to transformative pilot careers. We thank Representatives Beatty, Stefanik, Wilson, and Nunn for their leadership and partnership and look forward to working with them to advance the bill through Congress.”