Duckworth-Hoeven-Durbin-Britt Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Aviation Safety Passes Committee

Duckworth-Hoeven-Durbin-Britt Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Aviation Safety Passes Committee

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)-a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Ranking Member of the Aviation Subcommittee-and U.S. Senators John Hoeven (R-ND), Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Katie Britt (R-AL) to strengthen aviation safety and support our aviation workforce by fostering transparency surrounding medication guidelines successfully passed committee today. The Aviation Medication Transparency Act would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue accessible, user-friendly guidance on medications that are safe for individuals holding, applying for or training for a position that requires an FAA medical certificate-helping ensure these individuals don't unknowingly take medications that could put their careers in jeopardy.

"The careers of our pilots and air traffic controllers should never be in jeopardy because they weren't properly informed about which medications they're allowed to take," said Duckworth. "This bipartisan, commonsense legislation would make it easier for members of our aviation workforce to take care of themselves without fearing for their job security-while also sending this important message to future recruits. Now that this critical bill has passed through committee, Congress must continue to show our pilots and air traffic controllers that we are invested in them by passing both the Aviation Medication Transparency Act and Mental Health in Aviation Act together. These companion bills would reform bureaucratic shortcomings within the FAA and put the health of these workers first, ultimately making our skies safer for the flying public."

"Committee passage of the Aviation Medication Transparency Act marks an important step toward providing pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation professionals with greater clarity and transparency regarding FAA-approved medications," said Hoeven. "By improving access to information and supporting timely treatment, this bill will help aviation professionals access the care they need while maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety."

"No pilot or air traffic controller should be pushed out of their job because they unknowingly took a barred medication, especially as staffing shortages continue to persist at airports across the country, endangering our skies," said Durbin. "This bill will bring about much needed clarity as to which medications are allowed to be taken by aviation professionals, ensuring they remain in these critical roles."

"From our pilots to our air traffic control specialists, aviation professionals are working in a uniquely stressful, high-stakes environment. It is our role as legislators to help provide accessible information and resources for those seeking to enter the aviation workforce and individuals currently in these roles, which is why I'm pleased to see the Aviation Medication Transparency Act pass out of Senate committee," said Britt. "I'm proud to champion efforts that support our tremendous aviation workforce and ensure that our air traffic controllers and pilots are provided with modern and accessible mental health resources."

The FAA currently provides Aviation Medical Examiners with specific guidance on medications that are safe for individuals holding an FAA medical certificate to take-but confoundingly, this crucial information is not easily accessible to pilots, ATCs and other aviation professionals. As a result, pilots and ATCs with medical certifications may unknowingly take medications that could potentially jeopardize their careers.

To help make this information more accessible, the Aviation Medication Transparency Act would require the FAA to:

• Publish within one year of enactment-and keep up-to-update-a comprehensive, user-friendly and accessible list of medications that are safe for pilots, air traffic control specialists and trainees, developed in consultation with various stakeholders.
• Indicate what, if any, period of time individuals holding an FAA medical certificate must have limited or no duties while taking this medication.
• Indicate a list of medications the FAA has designated as "Do Not Issue" and "Do Not Fly."
• Provide information for doctors to contact the FAA should they have any questions.

This legislation is also endorsed by the Airlines for America, Air Line Pilots Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, National Air Traffic Controllers Association, National Business Aviation Association, National Flight Training Alliance, NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots, Pilot Menal Health Campaign, Southwest Airlines Pilots Association and United Aerial Firefighters Association.

Full text of bill is available on Senator Duckworth's website.

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