H.R. 3371 – Reading Mode

1.

Short title; table of contents

(a)

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act of 2009.

(b)

Table of contents

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

Sec. 2. Definitions.

Sec. 3. FAA Task Force on Air Carrier Safety and Pilot Training.

Sec. 4. Implementation of NTSB flight crewmember training recommendations.

Sec. 5. Secretary of Transportation responses to safety recommendations.

Sec. 6. FAA pilot records database.

Sec. 7. FAA rulemaking on training programs.

Sec. 8. Aviation safety inspectors and operational research analysts.

Sec. 9. Flight crewmember mentoring, professional development, and leadership.

Sec. 10. Flight crewmember screening and qualifications.

Sec. 11. Airline transport pilot certification.

Sec. 12. Flight schools, flight education, and pilot academic training.

Sec. 13. Voluntary safety programs.

Sec. 14. ASAP and FOQA implementation plan.

Sec. 15. Safety management systems.

Sec. 16. Disclosure of air carriers operating flights for tickets sold for air transportation.

Sec. 17. Pilot fatigue.

Sec. 18. Flight crewmember pairing and crew resource management techniques.

2.

Definitions

(a)

Definitions

In this Act, the following definitions apply:

(1)

Advanced qualification program

The term advanced qualification program means the program established by the Federal Aviation Administration in Advisory Circular 120–54A, dated June 23, 2006, including any subsequent revisions thereto.

(2)

Air carrier

The term air carrier has the meaning given that term in section 40102 of title 49, United States Code.

(3)

Aviation safety action program

The term aviation safety action program means the program established by the Federal Aviation Administration in Advisory Circular 120–66B, dated November 15, 2002, including any subsequent revisions thereto.

(4)

Flight crewmember

The term “flight crewmember” has the meaning given that term in part 1.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

(5)

Flight operational quality assurance program

The term flight operational quality assurance program means the program established by the Federal Aviation Administration in Advisory Circular 120–82, dated April 12, 2004, including any subsequent revisions thereto.

(6)

Line operations safety audit

The term line operations safety audit means the procedure referenced by the Federal Aviation Administration in Advisory Circular 120–90, dated April 27, 2006, including any subsequent revisions thereto.

(7)

Part 121 air carrier

The term part 121 air carrier means an air carrier that holds a certificate issued under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

(8)

Part 135 air carrier

The term part 135 air carrier means an air carrier that holds a certificate issued under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

3.

FAA Task Force on Air Carrier Safety and Pilot Training

(a)

Establishment

The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall establish a special task force to be known as the FAA Task Force on Air Carrier Safety and Pilot Training (in this section referred to as the Task Force).

(b)

Composition

The Task Force shall consist of members appointed by the Administrator and shall include air carrier representatives, labor union representatives, and aviation safety experts with knowledge of foreign and domestic regulatory requirements for flight crewmember education and training.

(c)

Duties

The duties of the Task Force shall include, at a minimum, evaluating best practices in the air carrier industry and providing recommendations in the following areas:

(1)

Air carrier management responsibilities for flight crewmember education and support.

(2)

Flight crewmember professional standards.

(3)

Flight crewmember training standards and performance.

(4)

Mentoring and information sharing between air carriers.

(d)

Report

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and before the last day of each 180-day period thereafter until termination of the Task Force, the Task Force shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report detailing—

(1)

the progress of the Task Force in identifying best practices in the air carrier industry;

(2)

the progress of air carriers and labor unions in implementing the best practices identified by the Task Force;

(3)

recommendations of the Task Force, if any, for legislative or regulatory actions;

(4)

the progress of air carriers and labor unions in implementing training-related, nonregulatory actions recommended by the Administrator; and

(5)

the progress of air carriers in developing specific programs to share safety data and ensure implementation of the most effective safety practices.

(e)

Termination

The Task Force shall terminate on September 30, 2012.

(f)

Applicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act

The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Task Force.

4.

Implementation of NTSB flight crewmember training recommendations

(a)

Rulemaking proceedings

(1)

Stall and upset recognition and recovery training

The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall conduct a rulemaking proceeding to require part 121 air carriers to provide flight crewmembers with ground training and flight training or flight simulator training—

(A)

to recognize and avoid a stall of an aircraft or, if not avoided, to recover from the stall; and

(B)

to recognize and avoid an upset of an aircraft or, if not avoided, to execute such techniques as available data indicate are appropriate to recover from the upset in a given make, model, and series of aircraft.

(2)

Remedial training programs

The Administrator shall conduct a rulemaking proceeding to require part 121 air carriers to establish remedial training programs for flight crewmembers who have demonstrated performance deficiencies or experienced failures in the training environment.

(3)

Deadlines

The Administrator shall—

(A)

not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, issue a notice of proposed rulemaking under each of paragraphs (1) and (2); and

(B)

not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, issue a final rule for the rulemaking in each of paragraphs (1) and (2).

(b)

Stick pusher training and weather event training

(1)

Multidisciplinary panel

Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall convene a multidisciplinary panel of specialists in aircraft operations, flight crewmember training, human factors, and aviation safety to study and submit to the Administrator a report on methods to increase the familiarity of flight crewmembers with, and improve the response of flight crewmembers to, stick pusher systems, icing conditions, and microburst and windshear weather events.

(2)

Report to Congress and NTSB

Not later than one year after the date on which the Administrator convenes the panel, the Administrator shall—

(A)

submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the National Transportation Safety Board a report based on the findings of the panel; and

(B)

with respect to stick pusher systems, initiate appropriate actions to implement the recommendations of the panel.

(c)

Definitions

In this section, the following definitions apply:

(1)

Flight training and flight simulator

The terms flight training and flight simulator have the meanings given those terms in part 61.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation).

(2)

Stall

The term stall means an aerodynamic loss of lift caused by exceeding the critical angle of attack.

(3)

Stick pusher

The term ‘‘stick pusher’’ means a device that, at or near a stall, applies a nose down pitch force to an aircraft’s control columns to attempt to decrease the aircraft’s angle of attack.

(4)

Upset

The term upset means an unusual aircraft attitude.

5.

Secretary of Transportation responses to safety recommendations

(a)

In general

The first sentence of section 1135(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting to the National Transportation Safety Board after shall give.

(b)

Air carrier safety recommendations

Section 1135 of such title is amended—

(1)

by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; and

(2)

by inserting after subsection (b) the following:

(c)

Annual report on air carrier safety recommendations

(1)

In general

The Secretary shall submit to Congress and the Board, on an annual basis, a report on the recommendations made by the Board to the Secretary regarding air carrier operations conducted under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

(2)

Recommendations to be covered

The report shall cover—

(A)

any recommendation for which the Secretary has developed, or intends to develop, procedures to adopt the recommendation or part of the recommendation, but has yet to complete the procedures; and

(B)

any recommendation for which the Secretary, in the preceding year, has issued a response under subsection (a)(2) or (a)(3) refusing to carry out all or part of the procedures to adopt the recommendation.

(3)

Contents

(A)

Plans to adopt recommendations

For each recommendation of the Board described in paragraph (2)(A), the report shall contain—

(i)

a description of the recommendation;

(ii)

a description of the procedures planned for adopting the recommendation or part of the recommendation;

(iii)

the proposed date for completing the procedures; and

(iv)

if the Secretary has not met a deadline contained in a proposed timeline developed in connection with the recommendation under subsection (b), an explanation for not meeting the deadline.

(B)

Refusals to adopt recommendations

For each recommendation of the Board described in paragraph (2)(B), the report shall contain—

(i)

a description of the recommendation; and

(ii)

a description of the reasons for the refusal to carry out all or part of the procedures to adopt the recommendation.

.

6.

FAA pilot records database

(a)

Records of employment of pilot applicants

Section 44703(h) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

(16)

Applicability

This subsection shall cease to be effective on the date specified in regulations issued under subsection (i).

.

(b)

Establishment of FAA pilot records database

Section 44703 of such title is amended—

(1)

by redesignating subsections (i) and (j) as subsections (j) and (k), respectively; and

(2)

by inserting after subsection (h) the following:

(i)

FAA pilot records database

(1)

In general

Before allowing an individual to begin service as a pilot, an air carrier shall access and evaluate, in accordance with the requirements of this subsection, information pertaining to the individual from the pilot records database established under paragraph (2).

(2)

Pilot records database

The Administrator shall establish an electronic database (in this subsection referred to as the database) containing the following records:

(A)

FAA records

From the Administrator—

(i)

records that are maintained by the Administrator concerning current airman certificates, including airman medical certificates and associated type ratings and information on any limitations to those certificates and ratings;

(ii)

records that are maintained by the Administrator concerning any failed attempt of an individual to pass a practical test required to obtain a certificate or type rating under part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and

(iii)

summaries of legal enforcement actions resulting in a finding by the Administrator of a violation of this title or a regulation prescribed or order issued under this title that was not subsequently overturned.

(B)

Air carrier and other records

From any air carrier or other person (except a branch of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, or a reserve component of the Armed Forces) that has employed an individual as a pilot of a civil or public aircraft, or from the trustee in bankruptcy for such air carrier or person—

(i)

records pertaining to the individual that are maintained by the air carrier (other than records relating to flight time, duty time, or rest time), including records under regulations set forth in—

(I)

section 121.683 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;

(II)

paragraph (A) of section VI, appendix I, part 121 of such title;

(III)

paragraph (A) of section IV, appendix J, part 121 of such title;

(IV)

section 125.401 of such title; and

(V)

section 135.63(a)(4) of such title; and

(ii)

other records pertaining to the individual’s performance as a pilot that are maintained by the air carrier or person concerning—

(I)

the training, qualifications, proficiency, or professional competence of the individual, including comments and evaluations made by a check airman designated in accordance with section 121.411, 125.295, or 135.337 of such title;

(II)

any disciplinary action taken with respect to the individual that was not subsequently overturned; and

(III)

any release from employment or resignation, termination, or disqualification with respect to employment.

(C)

National Driver Register records

In accordance with section 30305(b)(8) of this title, from the chief driver licensing official of a State, information concerning the motor vehicle driving record of the individual.

(3)

Written consent; release from liability

An air carrier—

(A)

shall obtain the written consent of an individual before accessing records pertaining to the individual under paragraph (1); and

(B)

may, notwithstanding any other provision of law or agreement to the contrary, require an individual with respect to whom the carrier is accessing records under paragraph (1) to execute a release from liability for any claim arising from accessing the records or the use of such records by the air carrier in accordance with this section (other than a claim arising from furnishing information known to be false and maintained in violation of a criminal statute).

(4)

Reporting

(A)

Reporting by Administrator

The Administrator shall enter data described in paragraph (2)(A) into the database promptly to ensure that an individual’s records are current.

(B)

Reporting by air carriers and other persons

(i)

In general

Air carriers and other persons shall report data described in paragraphs (2)(B) and (2)(C) to the Administrator promptly for entry into the database.

(ii)

Data to be reported

Air carriers and other persons shall report, at a minimum, under clause (i) the following data described in paragraph (2)(B):

(I)

Records that are generated by the air carrier or other person after the date of enactment of this paragraph.

(II)

Records that the air carrier or other person is maintaining, on such date of enactment, pursuant to subsection (h)(4).

(5)

Requirement to maintain records

The Administrator—

(A)

shall maintain all records entered into the database under paragraph (2) pertaining to an individual until the date of receipt of notification that the individual is deceased; and

(B)

may remove the individual’s records from the database after that date.

(6)

Receipt of consent

The Administrator shall not permit an air carrier to access records pertaining to an individual from the database under paragraph (1) without the air carrier first demonstrating to the satisfaction of the Administrator that the air carrier has obtained the written consent of the individual.

(7)

Right of pilot to review certain records and correct inaccuracies

Notwithstanding any other provision of law or agreement, the Administrator, upon receipt of written request from an individual—

(A)

shall make available, not later than 30 days after the date of the request, to the individual for review all records referred to in paragraph (2) pertaining to the individual; and

(B)

shall provide the individual with a reasonable opportunity to submit written comments to correct any inaccuracies contained in the records.

(8)

Reasonable charges for processing requests and furnishing copies

The Administrator may establish a reasonable charge for the cost of processing a request under paragraph (1) or (7) and for the cost of furnishing copies of requested records under paragraph (7).

(9)

Privacy protections

(A)

Use of records

An air carrier that accesses records pertaining to an individual under paragraph (1) may use the records only to assess the qualifications of the individual in deciding whether or not to hire the individual as a pilot. The air carrier shall take such actions as may be necessary to protect the privacy of the individual and the confidentiality of the records accessed, including ensuring that information contained in the records is not divulged to any individual that is not directly involved in the hiring decision.

(B)

Disclosure of information

(i)

In general

Except as provided by clause (ii), information collected by the Administrator under paragraph (2) shall be exempt from the disclosure requirements of section 552 of title 5.

(ii)

Exceptions

Clause (i) shall not apply to—

(I)

de-identified, summarized information to explain the need for changes in policies and regulations;

(II)

information to correct a condition that compromises safety;

(III)

information to carry out a criminal investigation or prosecution;

(IV)

information to comply with section 44905, regarding information about threats to civil aviation; and

(V)

such information as the Administrator determines necessary, if withholding the information would not be consistent with the safety responsibilities of the Federal Aviation Administration.

(10)

Periodic review

Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this paragraph, and at least once every 3 years thereafter, the Administrator shall transmit to Congress a statement that contains, taking into account recent developments in the aviation industry—

(A)

recommendations by the Administrator concerning proposed changes to Federal Aviation Administration records, air carrier records, and other records required to be included in the database under paragraph (2); or

(B)

reasons why the Administrator does not recommend any proposed changes to the records referred to in subparagraph (A).

(11)

Regulations for protection and security of records

The Administrator shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary—

(A)

to protect and secure—

(i)

the personal privacy of any individual whose records are accessed under paragraph (1); and

(ii)

the confidentiality of those records; and

(B)

to preclude the further dissemination of records received under paragraph (1) by the person who accessed the records.

(12)

Good faith exception

Notwithstanding paragraph (1), an air carrier may allow an individual to begin service as a pilot, without first obtaining information described in paragraph (2)(B) from the database pertaining to the individual, if—

(A)

the air carrier has made a documented good faith attempt to access the information from the database; and

(B)

has received written notice from the Administrator that the information is not contained in the database because the individual was employed by an air carrier or other person that no longer exists or by a foreign government or other entity that has not provided the information to the database.

(13)

Limitations on electronic access to records

(A)

Access by individuals designated by air carriers

For the purpose of increasing timely and efficient access to records described in paragraph (2), the Administrator may allow, under terms established by the Administrator, an individual designated by an air carrier to have electronic access to the database.

(B)

Terms

The terms established by the Administrator under subparagraph (A) for allowing a designated individual to have electronic access to the database shall limit such access to instances in which information in the database is required by the designated individual in making a hiring decision concerning a pilot applicant and shall require that the designated individual provide assurances satisfactory to the Administrator that—

(i)

the designated individual has received the written consent of the pilot applicant to access the information; and

(ii)

information obtained using such access will not be used for any purpose other than making the hiring decision.

(14)

Authorized expenditures

Out of amounts appropriated under section 106(k)(1), there is authorized to be expended to carry out this subsection such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2010, 2011, and 2012.

(15)

Regulations

(A)

In general

The Administrator shall issue regulations to carry out this subsection.

(B)

Effective date

The regulations shall specify the date on which the requirements of this subsection take effect and the date on which the requirements of subsection (h) cease to be effective.

(C)

Exceptions

Notwithstanding subparagraph (B)—

(i)

the Administrator shall begin to establish the database under paragraph (2) not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this paragraph;

(ii)

the Administrator shall maintain records in accordance with paragraph (5) beginning on the date of enactment of this paragraph; and

(iii)

air carriers and other persons shall maintain records to be reported to the database under paragraph (4)(B) in the period beginning on such date of enactment and ending on the date that is 5 years after the requirements of subsection (h) cease to be effective pursuant to subparagraph (B).

(16)

Special rule

During the one-year period beginning on the date on which the requirements of this section become effective pursuant to paragraph (15)(B), paragraph (7)(A) shall be applied by substituting 45 days for 30 days.

.

(c)

Conforming amendments

(1)

Limitation on liability; preemption of State law

Section 44703(j) (as redesignated by subsection (b)(1) of this section) is amended—

(A)

in the subsection heading by striking Limitation and inserting Limitations;

(B)

in paragraph (1)—

(i)

in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting subsection (h)(2) or (i)(3);

(ii)

in subparagraph (A) by inserting or accessing the records of that individual under subsection (i)(1) before the semicolon; and

(iii)

in the matter following subparagraph (D) by striking subsection (h) and inserting subsection (h) or (i);

(C)

in paragraph (2) by striking subsection (h) and inserting subsection (h) or (i);

(D)

in paragraph (3), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting or who furnished information to the database established under subsection (i)(2) after subsection (h)(1); and

(E)

by adding at the end the following:

(4)

Prohibition on actions and proceedings against air carriers

(A)

Hiring decisions

An air carrier may refuse to hire an individual as a pilot if the individual did not provide written consent for the air carrier to receive records under subsection (h)(2)(A) or (i)(3)(A) or did not execute the release from liability requested under subsection (h)(2)(B) or (i)(3)(B).

(B)

Actions and proceedings

No action or proceeding may be brought against an air carrier by or on behalf of an individual who has applied for or is seeking a position as a pilot with the air carrier if the air carrier refused to hire the individual after the individual did not provide written consent for the air carrier to receive records under subsection (h)(2)(A) or (i)(3)(A) or did not execute a release from liability requested under subsection (h)(2)(B) or (i)(3)(B).

.

(2)

Limitation on statutory construction

Section 44703(k) (as redesignated by subsection (b)(1) of this section) is amended by striking subsection (h) and inserting subsection (h) or (i).

7.

FAA rulemaking on training programs

(a)

Completion of rulemaking on training programs

Not later than 14 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue a final rule with respect to the notice of proposed rulemaking published in the Federal Register on January 12, 2009 (74 Fed. Reg. 1280; relating to training programs for flight crewmembers and aircraft dispatchers).

(b)

Expert panel To review part 121 and part 135 training hours

(1)

Establishment

Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall convene a multidisciplinary expert panel comprised of, at a minimum, air carrier representatives, training facility representatives, instructional design experts, aircraft manufacturers, safety organization representatives, and labor union representatives.

(2)

Assessment and recommendations

The panel shall assess and make recommendations concerning—

(A)

the best methods and optimal time needed for flight crewmembers of part 121 air carriers and flight crewmembers of part 135 air carriers to master aircraft systems, maneuvers, procedures, take offs and landings, and crew coordination;

(B)

the optimal length of time between training events for such crewmembers, including recurrent training events;

(C)

the best methods to reliably evaluate mastery by such crewmembers of aircraft systems, maneuvers, procedures, take offs and landings, and crew coordination; and

(D)

the best methods to allow specific academic training courses to be credited pursuant to section 11(d) toward the total flight hours required to receive an airline transport pilot certificate.

(3)

Report

Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the National Transportation Safety Board a report based on the findings of the panel.

8.

Aviation safety inspectors and operational research analysts

(a)

Review by DOT Inspector General

Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation shall conduct a review of aviation safety inspectors and operational research analysts of the Federal Aviation Administration assigned to part 121 air carriers and submit to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration a report on the results of the review.

(b)

Purposes

The purpose of the review shall be, at a minimum—

(1)

to review the level of the Administration’s oversight of each part 121 air carrier;

(2)

to make recommendations to ensure that each part 121 air carrier is receiving an equivalent level of oversight;

(3)

to assess the number and level of experience of aviation safety inspectors assigned to such carriers;

(4)

to evaluate how the Administration is making assignments of aviation safety inspectors to such carriers;

(5)

to review various safety inspector oversight programs, including the geographic inspector program;

(6)

to evaluate the adequacy of the number of operational research analysts assigned to each part 121 air carrier;

(7)

to evaluate the surveillance responsibilities of aviation safety inspectors, including en route inspections;

(8)

to evaluate whether inspectors are able to effectively use data sources, such as the Safety Performance Analysis System and the Air Transportation Oversight System, to assist in targeting oversight of air carriers;

(9)

to assess the feasibility of establishment by the Administration of a comprehensive repository of information that encompasses multiple Administration data sources and allowing access by aviation safety inspectors and operational research analysts to assist in the oversight of part 121 air carriers; and

(10)

to conduct such other analyses as the Inspector General considers relevant to the purpose of the review.

(c)

Report to Congress

Not later than 90 days after the date of receipt of the report submitted under subsection (a), the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report—

(1)

that specifies which, if any, policy changes recommended by the Inspector General under this section the Administrator intends to adopt and implement;

(2)

that includes an explanation of how the Administrator plans to adopt and implement such policy changes; and

(3)

in any case in which the Administrator does not intend to adopt a policy change recommended by the Inspector General, that includes an explanation of the reasons for the decision not to adopt and implement the policy change.

9.

Flight crewmember mentoring, professional development, and leadership

(a)

Rulemaking proceeding

(1)

In general

The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall conduct a rulemaking proceeding to require each part 121 air carrier to take the following actions:

(A)

Establish flight crewmember mentoring programs under which the air carrier will pair highly experienced flight crewmembers who will serve as mentor pilots and be paired with newly employed flight crewmembers. Mentor pilots shall receive, at a minimum, specific instruction on techniques for instilling and reinforcing the highest standards of technical performance, airmanship, and professionalism in newly employed flight crewmembers.

(B)

Establish flight crewmember professional development committees made up of air carrier management and labor union or professional association representatives to develop, administer, and oversee formal mentoring programs of the carrier to assist flight crewmembers to reach their maximum potential as safe, seasoned, and proficient flight crewmembers.

(C)

Establish or modify training programs to accommodate substantially different levels and types of flight experience by newly employed flight crewmembers.

(D)

Establish or modify training programs for second-in-command flight crewmembers attempting to qualify as pilot-in-command flight crewmembers for the first time in a specific aircraft type and ensure that such programs include leadership and command training.

(E)

Ensure that recurrent training for pilots in command includes leadership and command training.

(F)

Such other actions as the Administrator determines appropriate to enhance flight crewmember professional development.

(2)

Compliance with sterile cockpit rule

Leadership and command training described in paragraphs (1)(D) and (1)(E) shall include instruction on compliance with flight crewmember duties under part 121.542 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

(3)

Streamlined program review

(A)

In general

As part of the rulemaking required by subsection (a), the Administrator shall establish a streamlined process for part 121 air carriers that have in effect, as of the date of enactment of this Act, the programs required by paragraph (1).

(B)

Expedited approvals

Under the streamlined process, the Administrator shall—

(i)

review the programs of such part 121 air carriers to determine whether the programs meet the requirements set forth in the final rule referred to in subsection (b)(2); and

(ii)

expedite the approval of the programs that the Administrator determines meet such requirements.

(b)

Deadlines

The Administrator shall issue—

(1)

not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, a notice of proposed rulemaking under subsection (a); and

(2)

not later than 24 months after such date of enactment, a final rule under subsection (a).

10.

Flight crewmember screening and qualifications

(a)

Requirements

(1)

Rulemaking proceeding

The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall conduct a rulemaking proceeding to require part 121 air carriers to develop and implement means and methods for ensuring that flight crewmembers have proper qualifications and experience.

(2)

Minimum requirements

(A)

Prospective flight crewmembers

Rules issued under paragraph (1) shall ensure that prospective flight crewmembers undergo comprehensive pre-employment screening, including an assessment of the skills, aptitudes, airmanship, and suitability of each applicant for a position as a flight crewmember in terms of functioning effectively in the air carrier’s operational environment.

(B)

All flight crewmembers

Rules issued under paragraph (1) shall ensure that, after the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, all flight crewmembers—

(i)

have obtained an airline transport pilot certificate under part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and

(ii)

have appropriate multi-engine aircraft flight experience, as determined by the Administrator.

(b)

Deadlines

The Administrator shall issue—

(1)

not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, a notice of proposed rulemaking under subsection (a); and

(2)

not later than 24 months after such date of enactment, a final rule under subsection (a).

11.

Airline transport pilot certification

(a)

Rulemaking proceeding

The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall conduct a rulemaking proceeding to amend part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to modify requirements for the issuance of an airline transport pilot certificate.

(b)

Minimum requirements

To be qualified to receive an airline transport pilot certificate pursuant to subsection (a), an individual shall—

(1)

have sufficient flight hours, as determined by the Administrator, to enable a pilot to function effectively in an air carrier operational environment; and

(2)

have received flight training, academic training, or operational experience that will prepare a pilot, at a minimum, to—

(A)

function effectively in a multipilot environment;

(B)

function effectively in adverse weather conditions, including icing conditions;

(C)

function effectively during high altitude operations;

(D)

adhere to the highest professional standards; and

(E)

function effectively in an air carrier operational environment.

(c)

Flight hours

(1)

Numbers of flight hours

The total flight hours required by the Administrator under subsection (b)(1) shall be at least 1,500 flight hours.

(2)

Flight hours in difficult operational conditions

The total flight hours required by the Administrator under subsection (b)(1) shall include sufficient flight hours, as determined by the Administrator, in difficult operational conditions that may be encountered by an air carrier to enable a pilot to operate safely in such conditions.

(d)

Credit toward flight hours

The Administrator may allow specific academic training courses, beyond those required under subsection (b)(2), to be credited toward the total flight hours required under subsection (c). The Administrator may allow such credit based on a determination by the Administrator that allowing a pilot to take specific academic training courses will enhance safety more than requiring the pilot to fully comply with the flight hours requirement.

(e)

Recommendations of expert panel

In conducting the rulemaking proceeding under this section, the Administrator shall review and consider the assessment and recommendations of the expert panel to review part 121 and part 135 training hours established by section 7(b) of this Act.

(f)

Deadline

Not later than 36 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a final rule under subsection (a).

12.

Flight schools, flight education, and pilot academic training

(a)

GAO study

The Comptroller General shall conduct a comprehensive study of flight schools, flight education, and academic training requirements for certification of an individual as a pilot.

(b)

Minimum contents of study

The study shall include, at a minimum—

(1)

an assessment of the Federal Aviation Administration’s oversight of flight schools;

(2)

an assessment of the Administration’s academic training requirements in effect on the date of enactment of this Act as compared to flight education provided to a pilot by accredited 2- and 4-year universities;

(3)

an assessment of the quality of pilots entering the part 121 air carrier workforce from all sources after receiving training from flight training providers, including Aviation Accreditation Board International, universities, pilot training organizations, and the military, utilizing the training records of part 121 air carriers, including consideration of any relationships between flight training providers and air carriers;

(4)

a comparison of the academic training requirements for pilots in the United States to the academic training requirements for pilots in other countries;

(5)

a determination and description of any improvements that may be needed in the Administration’s academic training requirements for pilots;

(6)

an assessment of student financial aid and loan options available to individuals interested in enrolling at a flight school for both academic and flight hour training;

(7)

an assessment of the Federal Aviation Administration’s oversight of general aviation flight schools that offer or would like to offer training programs under part 142 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and

(8)

an assessment of whether compliance with the English speaking requirements applicable to pilots under part 61 of such title is adequately tested and enforced.

(c)

Report

Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of the study.

13.

Voluntary safety programs

(a)

Report

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation of the Senate a report on the aviation safety action program, the flight operational quality assurance program, the line operations safety audit, and the advanced qualification program.

(b)

Contents

The report shall include—

(1)

a list of—

(A)

which air carriers are using one or more of the voluntary safety programs referred to in subsection (a); and

(B)

the voluntary safety programs each air carrier is using;

(2)

if an air carrier is not using one or more of the voluntary safety programs—

(A)

a list of such programs the carrier is not using; and

(B)

the reasons the carrier is not using each such program;

(3)

if an air carrier is using one or more of the voluntary safety programs, an explanation of the benefits and challenges of using each such program;

(4)

a detailed analysis of how the Administration is using data derived from each of the voluntary safety programs as safety analysis and accident or incident prevention tools and a detailed plan on how the Administration intends to expand data analysis of such programs;

(5)

an explanation of—

(A)

where the data derived from such programs is stored;

(B)

how the data derived from such programs is protected and secured; and

(C)

what data analysis processes air carriers are implementing to ensure the effective use of the data derived from such programs;

(6)

a description of the extent to which aviation safety inspectors are able to review data derived from such programs to enhance their oversight responsibilities;

(7)

a description of how the Administration plans to incorporate operational trends identified under such programs into the air transport oversight system and other surveillance databases so that such system and databases are more effectively utilized;

(8)

other plans to strengthen such programs, taking into account reviews of such programs by the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation; and

(9)

such other matters as the Administrator determines are appropriate.

14.

ASAP and FOQA implementation plan

(a)

Development and implementation plan

The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall develop and implement a plan to facilitate the establishment of an aviation safety action program and a flight operational quality assurance program by all part 121 air carriers.

(b)

Matters To be considered

In developing the plan under subsection (a), the Administrator shall consider—

(1)

how the Administration can assist part 121 air carriers with smaller fleet sizes to derive benefit from establishing a flight operational quality assurance program;

(2)

how part 121 air carriers with established aviation safety action and flight operational quality assurance programs can quickly begin to report data into the aviation safety information analysis sharing database; and

(3)

how part 121 air carriers and aviation safety inspectors can better utilize data from such database as accident and incident prevention tools.

(c)

Report

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Science, Commerce, and Transportation of the Senate a copy of the plan developed under subsection (a) and an explanation of how the Administration will implement the plan.

(d)

Deadline for beginning implementation of plan

Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall begin implementation of the plan developed under subsection (a).

15.

Safety management systems

(a)

Rulemaking

The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall conduct a rulemaking proceeding to require all part 121 air carriers to implement a safety management system.

(b)

Matters to consider

In conducting the rulemaking under subsection (a), the Administrator shall consider, at a minimum, including each of the following as a part of the safety management system:

(1)

An aviation safety action program.

(2)

A flight operational quality assurance program.

(3)

A line operations safety audit.

(4)

An advanced qualification program.

(c)

Deadlines

The Administrator shall issue—

(1)

not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, a notice of proposed rulemaking under subsection (a); and

(2)

not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, a final rule under subsection (a).

(d)

Safety management system defined

In this section, the term safety management system means the program established by the Federal Aviation Administration in Advisory Circular 120–92, dated June 22, 2006, including any subsequent revisions thereto.

16.

Disclosure of air carriers operating flights for tickets sold for air transportation

Section 41712 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

(c)

Disclosure requirement for sellers of tickets for flights

(1)

In general

It shall be an unfair or deceptive practice under subsection (a) for any ticket agent, air carrier, foreign air carrier, or other person offering to sell tickets for air transportation on a flight of an air carrier to not disclose, whether verbally in oral communication or in writing in written or electronic communication, prior to the purchase of a ticket—

(A)

the name (including any business or corporate name) of the air carrier providing the air transportation; and

(B)

if the flight has more than one flight segment, the name of each air carrier providing the air transportation for each such flight segment.

(2)

Internet offers

In the case of an offer to sell tickets described in paragraph (1) on an Internet Web site, disclosure of the information required by paragraph (1) shall be provided on the first display of the Web site following a search of a requested itinerary in a format that is easily visible to a viewer.

.

17.

Pilot fatigue

(a)

Flight and duty time regulations

(1)

In general

In accordance with paragraph (3), the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue regulations, based on the best available scientific information—

(A)

to specify limitations on the hours of flight and duty time allowed for pilots to address problems relating to pilot fatigue; and

(B)

to require part 121 air carriers to develop and implement fatigue risk management plans.

(2)

Matters to be addressed

In conducting the rulemaking proceeding under this subsection, the Administrator shall consider and review the following:

(A)

Time of day of flights in a duty period.

(B)

Number of takeoff and landings in a duty period.

(C)

Number of time zones crossed in a duty period.

(D)

The impact of functioning in multiple time zones or on different daily schedules.

(E)

Research conducted on fatigue, sleep, and circadian rhythms.

(F)

Sleep and rest requirements recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

(G)

International standards regarding flight schedules and duty periods.

(H)

Alternative procedures to facilitate alertness in the cockpit.

(I)

Scheduling and attendance policies and practices, including sick leave.

(J)

The effects of commuting, the means of commuting, and the length of the commute.

(K)

Medical screening and treatment.

(L)

Rest environments.

(M)

Any other matters the Administrator considers appropriate.

(3)

Deadlines

The Administrator shall issue—

(A)

not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, a notice of proposed rulemaking under subsection (a); and

(B)

not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, a final rule under subsection (a).

(b)

Fatigue risk management plan

(1)

Submission of fatigue risk management plan by part 121 air carriers

Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, each part 121 air carrier shall submit to the Administrator for review and approval a fatigue risk management plan.

(2)

Contents of plan

A fatigue risk management plan submitted by a part 121 air carrier under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

(A)

Current flight time and duty period limitations.

(B)

A rest scheme that enables the management of fatigue, including annual training to increase awareness of—

(i)

fatigue;

(ii)

the effects of fatigue on pilots; and

(iii)

fatigue countermeasures.

(C)

Development and use of a methodology that continually assesses the effectiveness of the program, including the ability of the program—

(i)

to improve alertness; and

(ii)

to mitigate performance errors.

(3)

Plan updates

A part 121 air carrier shall update its fatigue risk management plan under paragraph (1) every 2 years and submit the update to the Administrator for review and approval.

(4)

Approval

(A)

Initial approval or modification

Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall review and approve or require modification to fatigue risk management plans submitted under this subsection to ensure that pilots are not operating aircraft while fatigued.

(B)

Update approval or modification

Not later than 9 months after submission of a plan update under paragraph (3), the Administrator shall review and approve or require modification to such update.

(5)

Civil penalties

A violation of this subsection by a part 121 air carrier shall be treated as a violation of chapter 447 of title 49, United States Code, for purposes of the application of civil penalties under chapter 463 of that title.

(6)

Limitation on applicability

The requirements of this subsection shall cease to apply to a part 121 air carrier on and after the effective date of the regulations to be issued under subsection (a).

(c)

Effect of commuting on fatigue

(1)

In general

Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall enter into appropriate arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study of the effects of commuting on pilot fatigue and report its findings to the Administrator.

(2)

Study

In conducting the study, the National Academy of Sciences shall consider—

(A)

the prevalence of pilot commuting in the commercial air carrier industry, including the number and percentage of pilots who commute;

(B)

information relating to commuting by pilots, including distances traveled, time zones crossed, time spent, and methods used;

(C)

research on the impact of commuting on pilot fatigue, sleep, and circadian rhythms;

(D)

commuting policies of commercial air carriers (including passenger and all-cargo air carriers), including pilot check-in requirements and sick leave and fatigue policies;

(E)

post-conference materials from the Federal Aviation Administration’s June 2008 symposium entitled Aviation Fatigue Management Symposium: Partnerships for Solutions;

(F)

Federal Aviation Administration and international policies and guidance regarding commuting; and

(G)

any other matters as the Administrator considers appropriate.

(3)

Preliminary findings

Not later than 90 days after the date of entering into arrangements under paragraph (1), the National Academy of Sciences shall submit to the Administrator its preliminary findings under the study.

(4)

Report

Not later than 6 months after the date of entering into arrangements under paragraph (1), the National Academy of Sciences shall submit to the Administrator a report containing its findings under the study and any recommendations for regulatory or administrative actions by the Federal Aviation Administration concerning commuting by pilots.

(5)

Rulemaking

Following receipt of the report of the National Academy of Sciences under paragraph (4), the Administrator shall—

(A)

consider the findings and recommendations in the report; and

(B)

update, as appropriate based on scientific data, regulations required by subsection (a) on flight and duty time.

(6)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this subsection.

18.

Flight crewmember pairing and crew resource management techniques

(a)

Study

The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall conduct a study on aviation industry best practices with regard to flight crewmember pairing and crew resource management techniques.

(b)

Report

Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of the study.