U.S. Sen. Mark Begich praised the passage by the House of Representatives today of the Pilot's Bill of Rights. The Senate passed the bill on June 29, providing several changes that protect pilots when dealing witht the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The bill, championed by Sen. Begich in the Senate, now goes to the president for signature.

“I’m happy to see the House act on this bill which has several key provisions to protect Alaska aviators,” Begich said. “With flying such a critical part of life in Alaska, and aviation one of our key employers, it’s important to do what we can to make sure pilots are treated fairly in their dealings with the FAA.”

The Pilot’s Bill of Rights would make several changes designed to protect pilots including:

• Ensuring pilots have access to any evidence or information used by the FAA during an enforcement proceeding.

• Allowing airmen to appeal an enforcement action to the appropriate federal court.

• Making improvements to the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) process by providing more pertinent and timely information for pilots

• Requires a GAO report on improvements to the airmen medical certification process

Begich is a founder and the Co-Chair of the Senate General Aviation Caucus.