A Letter to Chairman Jason Smith and Ranking Member Richard Neal Regarding H.R. 1818

On May 10, 2023 AMFA and 19 other groups wrote to Chariman Jason Smith and Ranking Member Richard Neal regarding H.R. 1818, the Aviation Workforce Development Act, legislation to amend the Internal Revenue Code to make expenses for education at FAA-certified private commercial pilot and aviation maintenance technician schools a qualified expense for 529 Plan distributions.

Representatives Mike Collins (R-GA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Mike Kelly (R-PA), and Steve Cohen (D-TN) introduced this legislation to reduce barriers to entry for aspiring aviators and aircraft mechanics, citing the high cost of training for these vital careers. The groups agree that a robust commercial aviation industry requires a steady supply of pilots and mechanics and allowing Americans to utilize 529 Plans — which are comprised of their own money — will help the industry meet the rapidly increasing demand for air services. The bipartisan group of co-sponsors combined with the coalition of industry and labor support suggests consensus about the commonsense nature of this policy.

Similar legislation was recently enacted as part of the SECURE Act to meet the growing need for skilled workers in the trades through apprenticeship programs. H.R. 1818 will build on that legacy and address the similarly growing need for aviators and aircraft mechanics by giving Americans the same tools to choose a career in aviation as those seeking four-year degrees.

Accordingly, the 20 groups asked the Committee on Ways and Means to mark up this legislation so that it may receive a vote on the House floor and be inserted into the tax title of the upcoming FAA reauthorization bill. The groups hope is to continue to lead the world in aviation.

The 20 groups are as follow:

Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA)

Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)

Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA)

Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA)

Airlines for America (A4A)

Allied Pilots Association (APA)

Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC)

Cargo Airline Association (CAA)

Coalition of Airline Pilots Association (CAPA)

Flight School Association of North America (FSANA)

General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA)

Gulfstream Aerospace

International Air Transport Association (IATA)

National Air Carriers Association (NACA)

National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)

National Flight Training Association (NFTA)

NetJets

NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP)

Regional Airline Association (RAA)

Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA)