FLIGHT DECK Act

The "FLIGHT DECK Act" mandates the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator to establish a voluntary flight deck training program within one year of its enactment. This program is specifically designed for certified air traffic controllers , enabling them to access the flight deck of voluntarily participating commercial passenger, air cargo, powered lift, or general aviation aircraft. The core objective is to familiarize controllers with the complex onboard requirements experienced by flight crews during actual flights, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of aviation operations. Participants are authorized to observe at least one round trip within the coterminous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. Possessions and Territories. While participating, eligible employees are considered on-duty , though reimbursement for expenses such as per diem or mileage is not authorized. Participation is contingent upon operational and staffing requirements, necessitating management approval. The Administrator is required to consult with organizations representing airline pilots, flight crews, and air traffic controllers to formulate necessary policies, and may impose additional ticketing and security clearance requirements. A crucial provision clarifies that aircraft are not obligated to displace off-duty pilots to accommodate program participants. Furthermore, the FAA Administrator must submit a report to Congress within one year of the program's establishment, detailing participation rates, observed flight types, identified barriers, and recommendations for increasing involvement.