BEATTY INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO EXPAND ACCESS TO AVIATION CAREERS

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), today introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure students pursuing aviation degrees have access to financial aid that accurately reflects the true cost of their education, helping strengthen America's aviation workforce and remove unnecessary barriers to entering the profession.

Aviation degrees require significant training costs beyond tuition, including flight hours, simulator time, and FAA certification fees. Current law creates uncertainty over whether those expenses can be included in a student's cost of attendance, leaving many students without enough financial aid to complete their degree.

"As demand for pilots, aviation mechanics, air traffic controllers, and other aviation professionals continues to grow, we should be expanding opportunities-not creating financial barriers," said Congresswoman Beatty. "I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation because no student should have to put their dreams on hold simply because the true cost of an aviation degree isn't reflected in their financial aid. This bill creates a more realistic pathway for students to earn a degree, join a high-demand workforce, and help keep America's aviation industry soaring."

"The WINGS Act addresses a critical gap in federal policy. Aviation careers offer some of the highest salaries in transportation, with airline pilots earning median salaries well into six figures. Yet the upfront cost of required flight training often exceeds $100,000 and is not consistently recognized in federal financial aid calculations. At a time when the aviation industry faces persistent pilot shortages and growing demand, the legislation removes a financial barrier that disproportionately limits access to a high-value STEM career path. This bill modernizes federal policy to reflect the real cost structure of aviation education and ensures that qualified, motivated students can access training aligned with today's workforce demand," said Ayanna Howard, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Engineering, The Ohio State University

Southwest Airlines is pleased to support Representative Beatty's proposed WINGS Act. As demand for skilled aviation professionals continues to grow, expanding access to aviation education and training is critical to developing the next generation workforce. The WINGS Act removes financial barriers for students pursuing aviation careers and supports a stronger, more resilient industry for years to come,"said Landon Nitschke, Senior Vice President, Technical Operations, Southwest Airlines

"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," said Regional Airline Association President and CEO Faye Malarkey Black. "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."

The legislation clarifies that required aviation training expenses-including flight instruction, simulator time, ground school, equipment, and FAA examination and certification fees-may be included in a student's federally recognized cost of attendance. It also allows students enrolled in FAA Part 141 flight training programs to access higher federal loan limits, recognizing the unique cost structure of aviation education. The changes would take effect beginning with the 2027-2028 academic year.

The legislation has earned broad support from leaders across the aviation industry and higher education, including the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), Airlines for America (A4A), NetJets, Southwest Airlines, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the Regional Airline Association (RAA), The Ohio State University, Bowling Green State University, Kent State University, Delaware State University, Hampton University, Tuskegee University, Texas Southern University, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and numerous additional colleges and universities nationwide.

You can find the bill text HERE.

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