Airmen Certificate Accessibility Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2247
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-25: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T23:41:28Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Airmen Certificate Accessibility Act aims to modernize how pilots, mechanics, and other aviation professionals (collectively called "airmen") present their certification documents during inspections by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It allows the use of digital copies alongside traditional physical ones to improve convenience and accessibility.
Key Provisions
- Amendment to Certification Requirements: Adds a new subsection (m) to Section 44703 of Title 49, United States Code, stating that airmen can present their certificates (including medical certificates) to FAA inspectors in:
- Physical format: A paper certificate issued by the FAA or its authorized representative.
- Digital format: An electronic certificate stored on a personal device (like a smartphone) or accessed via a cloud-based system (where internet connectivity is available), as long as it meets FAA-established rules for verifying authenticity (e.g., secure login or digital signatures).
- Rulemaking Deadline: The FAA Administrator must issue a final rule by November 30, 2028, to update specific regulations in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (parts 61 for pilot certifications, 63 for flight crew, 65 for mechanics, 67 for medical standards, and 107 for drone operations). This includes any necessary guidance or policies to implement the changes.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Previously, aviation certifications under Title 49 likely required physical presentation only, which could be inconvenient (e.g., forgetting a wallet or document). This act explicitly authorizes digital alternatives, aligning U.S. aviation rules with modern technology while maintaining security standards.
- No outright replacement of physical certificates; both formats remain valid, but digital options are now sufficient for inspections.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The FAA will need to develop and enforce new authentication systems, potentially increasing short-term administrative costs for rulemaking and technology updates, but long-term efficiency gains from reduced paperwork and on-site verification time.
- On Citizens: Airmen (e.g., pilots, drone operators) benefit from greater flexibility, such as not needing to carry physical documents during travel or inspections, reducing risks of loss or delay. This could encourage broader participation in aviation activities.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it may indirectly support U.S. aviation standards in global contexts by promoting digital interoperability for international flights or training.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Airmen and Aviation Professionals: Primary beneficiaries, including private pilots, commercial airline crews, aircraft mechanics, and remote drone operators, who gain easier compliance options.
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Responsible for implementation, verification standards, and regulatory updates.
- Aviation Industry: Airlines, flight schools, and drone companies may see operational efficiencies, such as streamlined employee certifications.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens FAA authority by mandating timely rulemaking, ensuring digital formats comply with existing safety and security laws (e.g., no weakening of certification validity). Could set precedents for digital acceptance in other regulated industries like transportation.
- Constitutional: No significant issues; aligns with federal powers over interstate commerce and aviation safety under the Commerce Clause, without infringing on individual rights.
- Political: Represents a bipartisan push for modernization and efficiency in federal regulations, potentially reducing bureaucratic hurdles without major controversy. Passed the House in 2026 and referred to Senate committee, indicating procedural progress toward enactment.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-25: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2026-03-24: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-03-24: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2660)
- 2026-03-24: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- 2026-03-24: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2247.
- 2026-03-24: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2660-2661)
- 2026-03-24: Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2026-03-16: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 474.
- 2026-03-16: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-551.
- 2026-03-16: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-551.
- 2026-01-21: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 2026-01-21: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-01-21: Subcommittee on Aviation Discharged
- 2025-03-21: Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
- 2025-03-21: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Bill Versions
- Airmen Certificate Accessibility Act — issued 2026-03-24 — PDF (4 pages)
- Pilot Certificate Accessibility Act — issued 2025-03-21 — PDF (2 pages)
- Airmen Certificate Accessibility Act — issued 2026-03-25 — PDF (3 pages)
- Airmen Certificate Accessibility Act — issued 2026-03-16 — PDF (6 pages)