General aviation advocate Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) this week introduced the Promoting the Launch of Aviation’s Next Era (PLANE) Act of 2019. This bill would expand the Pilot Bill of Rights by empowering the voices of pilots, investing in airport infrastructure and expanding opportunities for aviation vocational training.

The aviation community quickly voiced support for the legislation by issuing a letter signed by over a dozen different aviation organizations including NAAA, the Helicopter Association International (HAI), and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).

The PLANE act improves pilot protections by clarifying that pilots facing an FAA investigation can appeal to a federal district court and ensures pilots can re-apply for a medical certificate without unnecessary wait periods. It also requires the timely resolution of investigations by limiting FAA inquiries to a maximum of two years.

The legislation would also mandate all taxes collected from aviation fuel be deposited into the airport and airways trust fund and not diverted to other non-aviation uses.

Lastly, the bill would ensure Air Traffic Control training classes would not be interrupted by a government shutdown.

You can read more about the PLANE Act here.