Troy Nehls: “Let me start by saying, I commend Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, and Ranking Member Cohen on a very successful…”

“Let me start by saying, I commend Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, and Ranking Member Cohen on a very successful bipartisan FAA reauthorization bill. One of the issues that I feel very adamant about is addressing the pilot shortage, which is crippling the air industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is projected that 14,500 pilots will be needed every year through the year 2030. Some other outlets have estimated the number to be even higher. For this reason, I am proud to cosponsor the Pre-Pilot Pathway Act by my friend Byron Donalds. This commonsense amendment requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish a voluntary apprenticeship program at Part 141 flight schools around the country. More importantly, this program incentivizes retired pilots, those who are often the most experienced--the guys with the gray hair around the temple--to remain involved in the industry and train the next generation of pilots. Mr. Chair, I support the amendment, and I urge adoption as one of the critical ways to support our pilots and alleviate the pilot shortage.”