PILOT Act

This bill directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a report by January 1, 2027, in coordination with the military departments, on expanding pathways for civilian test pilot school graduates. The report will assess the feasibility and advisability of allowing these graduates to serve as test pilots and flight test engineers in support of military testing activities. Specifically, it requires examining the modification of Defense Contract Management Agency Instruction 8210-1D to authorize all graduates of accredited civilian test pilot schools to support military test activities, including potential benefits and risks. It also mandates an assessment of the current capacity of military and approved civilian test pilots to support these activities. Furthermore, the report must identify an appropriate certification process for civilian test pilot schools. This process would ensure their graduates fully meet the education and training requirements stipulated in the instruction and that their curriculum aligns with military test pilot schools.