Lawmakers Push Tax Breaks for Aviation Careers

Representative Mike Collins (R-Ga.) reintroduced the Aviation Workforce Development Act, H.R. 1818, to make training at FAA-certified commercial pilot and aircraft maintenance technician schools a qualified expense for 529 college savings plans. Rep. Collins is the primary sponsor of the bill, which is being co-led by Reps. Lucy McBath (D-Ga.), Reps. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), Mike Kelly (R-Pa.).

529 plans are tax advantaged investment accounts that are a tool for parents or guardians to save for their child's education. Initially, 529 plan funds could only be used for degrees at four-year universities, but in recent years, Congress has added to the list of qualified expenses by including apprenticeship programs in certain trades, but not most aviation programs.

The aviation industry broadly agrees that something must be done to encourage more Americans to become pilots and mechanics, which is why the Aviation Workforce Development Act is endorsed by airlines, manufacturers, flight training education associations, and pilot and mechanic unions.

“This year’s safety concerns have made it clear that the commercial aviation industry needs a steady supply of pilots and aircraft mechanics to remain strong,” said Rep. Collins. “The bipartisan Aviation Workforce Development Act, H.R. 1818, amends the tax code so Americans pursuing a career in aviation have the same tools as those seeking four-year degrees with zero increased cost to taxpayers.”

“I was a flight attendant for 30 years, and I have the utmost respect for all those who want to keep passengers safe when they fly. We need to be giving our young people more opportunities to chase their dreams in an affordable way that builds our economy and strengthens our travel industry,” Rep. McBath said. “The challenges we are seeing make it all the more important that we support hard-working Americans pursuing careers in our aviation industry. I’m proud to co-lead this bill to break down barriers to education and training and I thank my colleagues for their work on this issue.”

“The airline industry has been experiencing a shortage of pilots for years, and early retirements forced by the COVID-19 pandemic only accelerated that shortage. We must do everything we can to incentivize more Americans to become airline pilots. This Aviation Workforce Development Act does just that. By making training more affordable, not only can we hire more pilots, but we can also provide more flights – both domestically and internationally – to fully serve airports like Erie International Airport, which has lost critical air service in recent years due in part to the skilled labor shortage," said Representative Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), Chair of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax.

"As we look to the future of our aviation industry, it’s clear that we must open new opportunities for individuals to pursue careers as pilots and aircraft maintenance technicians,” said Rep. Panetta. “This bipartisan bill will help make the training for these critical professions more affordable by allowing 529 plans to cover aviation programs. By expanding access to these opportunities, we can support the growth of the next generation of commercial pilots and mechanics, vital to strengthening our nation's travel and tourism economy."