Sens. Scott, Cantwell Reintroduce Aviation Workforce Development Act

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) reintroduced the Aviation Workforce Development Act. This legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code to make expenses for education at FAA-certified flight andaviation maintenance programs eligible for 529 plan funds. 529 plans are valuable tools for saving for education, offering tax-free growth and allowing withdrawals for qualified expenses like tuition, room and board, and school supplies. The Aviation Workforce Development Act allows students pursuing FAA-certified flight and aviation maintenance programs to now use their 529 plan funds to cover these educational costs. As record numbers of air travelers visit South Carolina each year, this legislation will open doors for aspiring pilots and aviation maintenance technicians by ensuring they can play a vital role in the state’s aviation workforce.

In addition to Senators Scott and Cantwell, this bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock (R-Ga.). Representative Mike Collins (R-Ga.) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.  

“This bill provides a commonsense solution to tackling workforce shortages in the aviation industry and offering more flexibility for parents investing in 529 accounts,” said Senator Scott. “By streamlining workforce development in aviation and expanding the use of 529 funds, it strengthens the aviation sector and provides parents greater freedom to invest in their children’s future.”

“Families use 529 plans to save for their children’s future education. But we know that our next generation of workers need options beyond traditional four-year college degrees, such as apprenticeships, trade schools, and more,” Senator Cantwell said. “By allowing 529 plans to cover FAA-certified commercial pilot and aviation maintenance courses, this bill helps remove cost barriers for students considering a career path in Washington state’s thriving aviation industry.”

“I’ve worked tirelessly in the Senate to secure federal investments for aviation workforce programs. The Aviation Workforce Development Act builds on my efforts to create educational pipelines that welcome Georgians from every zip code into this critical industry,” said Senator Warnock. “This is a bipartisan and bicameral bill for a reason—these are commonsense solutions to address needs throughout our aviation industry, and I’m proud to work alongside Senators Scott and Cantwell in this effort.”

The Aviation Workforce Development Act is endorsed by Airlines for America, Air Line Pilots Association, Delta Air Lines, Aerospace Industries Association, Atlas Air Worldwide, National Air Carrier Association, NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots, Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, Aeronautical Repair Station Association, Aviation Technician Education Council, and National Business Aviation Association.

Background: 

• According to a recent Pilot and Technician Outlook report from Boeing, the 20-year outlook for aviation personnel includes 602,000 new pilots and 610,000 new maintenance technicians. 
• According to ATP, that nation’s largest flight school, it costs just over $96,000 a year to become a pilot with no previous experience and just over $75,000 if you start with a private pilot certificate. 
• According to BLS, the median annual wage for commercial pilots was $99,640 in 2021 and the median wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was $65,380.  
• Meanwhile, 529 plans generally do not include coverage of commercial pilot or aviation maintenance programs unless they are part of an “eligible educational institution.”
  • Eligible institutions are colleges, universities, trade schools, or other post-secondary educational institutions that are eligible to participate in a student aid program run by ED. 

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