Pre-Pilot Pathway Act

The Pre-Pilot Pathway Act creates a voluntary apprenticeship program for aspiring commercial pilots through FAA-certified flight training academies. It allows each participating academy to select up to eight students annually to complete a structured curriculum under existing FAA rules (Part 141), with graduates required to meet standard certification requirements. The bill also directs the Transportation Secretary to develop incentives for retired pilots to become instructors or mentors at these academies and mandates annual reports tracking apprentice progress, retention, and job placement. This program directly affects flight training providers, their students, and the broader pilot workforce pipeline, aiming to address pilot shortages through structured training pathways.