H.R.2247 - Pilot Certificate Accessibility Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2247, the "Pilot Certificate Accessibility Act," aims to amend Title 49 of the United States Code to allow pilots to use digital or physical copies of their airman and medical certificates for FAA inspections. The bill permits pilots to present either a physical original copy or a digital copy stored on an electronic device or cloud platform, including a mobile certificate issued by the Administrator. The FAA Administrator is required to update regulations in part 61 of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to implement these changes within one year of the Act's enactment.
Expected Effects
This bill will likely reduce the administrative burden on pilots and the FAA by allowing for easier verification of pilot certifications. It provides pilots with more flexibility in presenting their credentials. The FAA will need to update its regulations and adapt its inspection procedures to accommodate digital certificates.
Potential Benefits
- Convenience for Pilots: Pilots can use digital copies, reducing the risk of losing or damaging physical certificates.
- Efficiency for FAA Inspectors: Digital verification can streamline the inspection process.
- Modernization of FAA Procedures: Aligns FAA practices with current technology.
- Reduced Administrative Burden: Less need for replacement certificates due to loss or damage.
- Environmental Benefits: Reduced paper usage for certificates.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Security Risks: Digital certificates may be vulnerable to hacking or forgery.
- Technology Dependence: Relies on the availability and functionality of electronic devices and cloud storage.
- Implementation Costs: The FAA will incur costs to update regulations and IT systems.
- Accessibility Issues: Some pilots may lack access to the necessary technology or digital literacy.
- Privacy Concerns: Storing certificates on personal devices or cloud platforms may raise privacy issues.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, as it falls under the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, including air travel. The bill does not infringe on any individual rights or freedoms protected by the Bill of Rights. The necessary and proper clause may also be invoked as it is necessary and proper for Congress to make laws to carry out its power to regulate commerce.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).