FREDERICK, MD – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation has set Nov. 18 as the date to move S. 571, better known as the Pilot’s Bill of Rights 2 (PBR2), forward. Third-class medical reform is among the provisions in the legislation designed to help general aviation pilots.
“This is a very significant step forward in our efforts to bring long overdue common sense to the third-class medical process. We’ve never been closer, and we are very pleased that this bill is going to get the consideration it deserves,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. “With 69 cosponsors in the Senate, the Pilot’s Bill of Rights 2 has strong support among lawmakers who recognize the importance of general aviation and the need to give pilots relief from the costly and burdensome third-class medical process. That high level of bipartisan support is a testament to the commitment and engagement of the tens of thousands of AOPA members who have contacted their elected officials and asked them to support third-class medical reform.”
PBR2, which was sponsored by Sens. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), and John Boozman (R-Ark.), would allow hundreds of thousands of pilots who have held a valid third class medical, either regular or special issuance, over the past 10 years, to fly without needing to get another FAA medical exam. It would apply to pilots flying VFR or IFR in aircraft weighing up to 6,000 pounds and carrying up to five passengers at altitudes below 18,000 feet and speeds up to 250 knots.
Once the markup in committee is complete, the legislation can go to the full Senate for a vote. Similar legislation has also been introduced in the House. Both chambers must pass the bill and reconcile any differences before it can go to the President for his signature.
