Pilot's Bill of Rights

Floor Speech

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Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I rise in support of S. 1335, the Pilot's Bill of Rights.

I want to commend Senator Inhofe from Oklahoma for his leadership on this issue, as well as Chairman Petri and Congressman Bucshon, for bringing the bill to the floor in an expedited manner.

S. 1335 revises the process for the Federal Aviation Administration enforcement action against pilots, mechanics, and other airmen. The bill also directs the FAA to streamline important safety-related information provided to pilots before flight.

As I have said many times, the FAA must have the authority and resources necessary to keep the skies safe. To keep the skies safe, the FAA must use its enforcement power to take action, when appropriate, against pilots and other airmen who act in an unsafe manner. This bill does not weaken that authority; rather, it requires the FAA to hand over, at the earliest appropriate time, the evidence that could be used against pilots involved in enforcement actions, and it provides pilots with a new opportunity to test the FAA's enforcement orders in court. Additionally, the bill directs the FAA to streamline its publication of notices to pilots to ensure that they receive high priority and relevant safety information before flight.

This legislation is strongly supported by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the general aviation community.

Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to support this bill authored by my friend, Senator Inhofe, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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