INHOFE CALLS FOR IMPROVED PROTECTIONS FOR PILOTS
May 8, 2017
Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) recently introduced S.755, the Fairness for Pilots Act. The proposed bill would improve due process protections that already exist in the Pilot’s Bill of Rights for General Aviation pilots, which was signed into law in 2012. Existing protections include a pilot’s right to appeal a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) decision through a merit-based trial in federal court. The 2012 law also includes provisions to stop the NTSB from rubber stamping FAA penalties levied against pilots. According to Inhofe, only a small fraction of appeals brought to the NTSB result in the Board overturning the FAA’s findings. The new bill seeks to increase transparency for pilots under FAA investigation or enforcement action by requiring the agency to inform the affected individuals of the specific event under investigation and to provide detailed documentation that is relevant to the investigation. The legislation is also intended to expedite updates to the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) Improvement Program required in the current Pilot’s Bill of Rights.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6622) or Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6665).
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