Senators John Hoeven of North Dakota and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin recently reintroduced the American Aviator Act, bipartisan legislation that would authorize grants through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to expand flight training services for veterans who want to become commercial airline pilots. The legislation would help ensure there are enough qualified pilots in the future to continue providing safe and reliable air service to rural airports across the country.

Under the bill, flight-training schools like the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, that have established pathways to employment with commercial air carriers would be eligible for federal grants to recruit and enroll veterans for flight training. Grant funding may be used to provide guidance and flight-training services, including additional training required to reach proficiency, and could cover costs not included under the GI Bill benefits. The American Aviator Act is supported by the Air Line Pilots Association and the Regional Airline Association.