Action Call

SUPPORT CA SB 619 TO PROTECT FLIGHT TRAINING FROM BURDENSOME REGULATION

In 2009, the California State Legislature passed a bill that included the flight training industry under the regulatory oversight of the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Because this bill was passed without any input from the industry, it was structured in a way that imposed a nearly impossible to meet burden on California flight schools.

In 2010, the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), in partnership with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), mounted a legislative effort to delay compliance with the new rules affecting flight training. This effort was successful, giving flight schools until July 1, 2011, to find a long-term solution.

NATA and AOPA arranged a second legislative effort in order to obtain long-term relief from the regulations issued by the BPPE. Currently, Senate Bill 619 contains language that would provide an exemption from the rules issued by the BPPE for any flight training facility or flight instructor that:

• Does not require upfront payment of tuition of fees in exchange for training, and
• Does not require students to sign a contract of indebtedness in exchange for training

Students will still be able to purchase “block time” in amounts up $2500.

SB 619 will be heard in the California Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development on April 25th. Now is the time to contact committee members and let them know the importance of passing this bill. Without SB 619, all California flight schools will be subject to the BPPE regulation and fees on July 1, 2011.

Click here for a listing of Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development Members.

Click here for talking points in support of SB 619.

Click here for a sample letter in support of SB 619.

Contact the members of the Senate Committee on Business and Professions and fax an SB 619 support letter today to ensure the continued viability of flight training in California!

Staff Contact:  Michael France
Director of Regulatory Affairs
mfrance@nata.aero

Click here to view in PDF format.

For general press inquiries, contact Shannon Chambers at 703-298-1347 or schambers@nata.aero. 

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has been the voice of aviation business for more than 80 years. Representing nearly 3,700 aviation businesses, NATA’s member companies provide a broad range of services to general aviation, the airlines and the military and NATA serves as the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before Congress and the federal agencies.