Graves proposes bill ramping up aviation maintenance workforce

U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) on May 8 unveiled bipartisan legislation that would put more highly skilled aviation mechanic experts to work across America.

The Aviation Workforce Development Pilot Program Bill, H.R. 5701, would incentivize businesses, labor organizations, schools, and governmental entities to partner on training programs for aviation maintenance technicians, which the aviation industry needs to meet a growing demand and dwindling supply, according to a summary provided by Rep. Graves’ office.

“All of aviation from general aviation to large commercial operations will be affected if more people do not enter this vital field,” the congressman said. “This legislation provides a viable path forward to address the skills gap and ensure the United States remains a world leader in the aviation industry.”

H.R. 5701, which would establish an aviation maintenance workforce development pilot program, according to the congressional record summary, is cosponsored by U.S. Reps. Daniel Lipinski (D-IL), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), and Brenda Lawrence (D-MI).

Rep. Graves, an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)-certified commercial pilot, said he’s “seen firsthand the importance of having a skilled workforce of aviation technicians and mechanics.”

The bill’s cosponsors agree. Rep. Lipinski called the nation’s aircraft maintenance workforce “imperative” to keeping America’s aviation system the safest in the world and said it’s critical to “ensure there is an adequate supply of trained and qualified individuals in this field.”

“With more than 2.58 million passengers traveling through U.S. airports every day, it’s crucial that the aviation industry has the skilled workforce they need to get every passenger to their destination safely,” added Rep. Mullin.

Rep. Lawrence pointed out that H.R. 5701 would create an aviation maintenance program that could potentially support many new job opportunities and prepare the workforce to meet the aviation industry’s 21st-century needs. “The educational opportunities and apprenticeship programs in this bill are exactly what this country needs and deserves,” she said.

H.R. 5701 has the support of numerous groups, including Airlines for America, the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association, the National Association of State Aviation Officials, Helicopter Association International, the Aeronautical Repair Station Association, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, National Business Aviation Association, the Aerospace Industries Association, Aerospace Maintenance Council, Cargo Airline Association, Aircraft Electronics Association, Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, among others.

H.R. 5701 has been referred to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.