H.R. 8234 – Pacific Island Aviator Development Act

AI-Generated Summary

Updated February 8, 2026 at 4:24 PM UTC

The Pacific Island Aviator Development Act directs the Secretary of Transportation to change aviation regulations so that pilots training for a single‑engine rating can meet the cross‑country flight distance requirement more easily in certain Pacific locations. It creates an exception to the 110‑nautical‑mile straight‑line distance rule when the flight is conducted in Guam, Hawaii, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. This change mainly affects flight students and instructors seeking certification in those areas.

Key Provisions

The Secretary of Transportation must issue regulations amending 14 CFR §61.129(a)(4)(i) to allow an exception to the 110‑nautical‑mile straight‑line distance requirement for the longest segment of the cross‑country flight when the flight is in Guam, Hawaii, or the Northern Mariana Islands.

Legislative Activity

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2 earlier actions

HouseCommittee Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.

Aviation Subcommittee

June 27, 2022

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

June 24, 2022

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

June 24, 2022

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.

Aviation Subcommittee

June 27, 2022

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued June 24, 2022

I

117th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 8234

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 24, 2022

Mr. San Nicolas introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

A BILL

To direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue certain regulations to amend title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to establish an exception for the straight-line distance requirement for an airplane single-engine rating, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Pacific Island Aviator Development Act.

2.

Aeronautical experience

The Secretary of Transportation shall issue such regulations as are necessary to amend section 61.129(a)(4)(i) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to establish an exception of a straight-line distance of at least 110 nautical miles for the longest segment cross-country flight requirement if the requirement is being met in Guam, Hawaii, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.