Bill Overview
Title: American Aviator Act
Description: This bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide grants to certain pilot schools for flight training services for veterans. The FAA must give priority to pilot schools that (1) are accredited by the Department of Education, or (2) hold a restricted airline transport pilot letter of authorization.
Sponsors: Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]
Target Audience
Population: Veterans needing flight training services
Estimated Size: 1000000
- The bill targets pilot schools, particularly those accredited by the Department of Education or those with a restricted airline transport pilot letter of authorization.
- These pilot schools will receive grants to provide flight training services.
- The primary focus of the bill is on veterans, who will benefit from the flight training services provided through these grants.
Reasoning
- The bill targets pilot schools, particularly those accredited by the Department of Education or those with a restricted airline transport pilot letter of authorization. These pilot schools will receive grants to provide flight training services.
- Primarily, the policy is aimed at U.S. veterans needing flight training services. As per recent estimates, there are about 18 million veterans in the U.S. Assuming 5-10% might be interested in aviation, the potential target population could range from 900,000 to 1.8 million.
- The budget constraints mean only a fraction of interested veterans will benefit initially. Allocating resources efficiently is necessary to maximize the impact of this policy within the budget.
- The diversity in age, occupation, location, and needs means some veterans might benefit more than others. Simulating interviews takes these diversities into account to provide varied viewpoints.
Simulated Interviews
Veteran, aspiring pilot (Texas)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this policy is great because it focuses on veterans like me who need new career opportunities.
- I have always wanted to become a pilot, and with this grant, it seems achievable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Veteran, currently working in logistics (California)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I find it beneficial, I hope the grants cover enough for the training that leads to substantial employment.
- Grants should be accessible without too much red tape.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Commercial pilot (Florida)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't see this impacting me directly as I've already achieved my pilot's license.
- Good for those needing initial training.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Veteran, studying aviation mechanics (New York)
Age: 27 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy may offer a great chance to diversify my skills and improve my employment prospects.
- It should ensure the training offered is up-to-date and recognized.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired veteran (Illinois)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy doesn't directly impact me as I'm retired and not seeking retraining.
- I am happy to see resources directed toward younger veterans.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Veteran, IT specialist (Washington State)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I might consider using the grant to explore aviation as a hobby, but it's not essential for my career now.
- I hope the grants prioritize those who need career support first.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Veteran, medical assistant (Ohio)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope the policy opens doors for me to enter aviation medicine, which combines my current skills with new interests.
- Would like to see clear pathways for using this training commercially.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Veteran, driver (Georgia)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This sounds like a promising opportunity to upgrade my skills from driving on land to flying.
- I am focused on opportunities that result in meaningful employment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Veteran, flight instructor (Nevada)
Age: 55 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The grants could positively impact the school I am associated with by increasing enrollments.
- Not expecting much direct change for me, but beneficial for my students.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Newly discharged veteran, undecided career (Alaska)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might help focus my decision towards aviation if it provides a sound opportunity.
- A crucial first step would be understanding what the training involves.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 2: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 3: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 5: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Successful implementation depends on coordination between the FAA and eligible pilot schools.
- Ensuring equitable distribution of grants among accredited schools requires careful planning.
- Monitoring and evaluating the program's effectiveness in improving veteran employability is crucial.