Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmembers Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Brian Higgins (NY-26), and Claudia Tenney (NY-24) are leading an amendment to H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act. This amendment would maintain the current 1,500-hour rule for pilot training. The House is expected to vote on this amendment on Wednesday, July 19.

“After the tragic crash of Flight 3407, the implementation of the 1500-hour pilot training rule has unequivocally proven its worth in enhancing aviation safety,” said Rep. Langworthy. “This policy ensures that our pilots receive comprehensive training, including valuable experience in real-world scenarios, equipping them to handle unforeseen challenges with confidence and skill. Maintaining the 1500-hour rule is essential to preserve the highest standards of safety in the skies, and I urge my colleagues to support this amendment that will save lives.”

“The families of Flight 3407 fought too hard to make flying safer for everyone and we won’t sit back and allow that progress to begin to slip away,” said Rep. Higgins. “A weakening of pilot training requirements is a weakening of airline safety. We are protecting this training standard because it is critical to protecting the public. Western New Yorkers know all too well the tragedy that can come from undertrained pilots, and we hope members of Congress will also see the wisdom in approving this amendment.”  

“The 1500-hour requirement ensures that our pilots receive the necessary training and experience to handle the complexities and challenges they may face in the cockpit,” said Rep. Tenney. “In honor of the victims of Flight 3407 and their surviving families, it is crucial that we uphold this training requirement that ensures our pilots have the real life experience they need to reduce the risk of accidents and keep the flying public safe. I urge my fellow colleagues in Congress to join us in preserving this vital rule, which has demonstrated its effectiveness in making the American skies some of the safest in the world.”

H.R. 3935 would authorize and amend programs administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for fiscal years 2024 through 2028. Rep. Langworthy is a member of the House Committee on Rules, who voted to make this amendment in order.