The bill allows airmen (aircraft pilots) to show their certification in digital format, stored on electronic devices or cloud-based systems, and meet authentication and verification requirements. This means airmen can present their certificates digitally or physically for inspection. The Federal Aviation Administration will need to update regulations and issue a final rule by November 30, 2028, to implement these changes. This bill aims to enhance accessibility and modernize the way airmen can present their certificates for inspection.
Pilot Certificate Accessibility Act
This bill allows a pilot to present a digital copy of certain certificates (e.g., an airman certificate or a medical certificate) when required to present such documentation by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector.
Under current FAA regulations, a pilot must present for inspection a physical copy of an airman certificate and other paperwork upon a request from the FAA; a federal, state, or local law enforcement officer; or an authorized representative of the Transportation Security Administration or the National Transportation Safety Board. This bill allows a pilot to present a certificate such as an airman certificate or a medical certificate to an FAA inspector as (1) a physical, original copy; or (2) a digital copy stored on an electronic device or cloud storage platform.
The FAA must update current regulations to implement this change.