Bill > S301

Introduced Session

AN ACT DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF MAY AS "LEARN TO FLY" MONTH. Whereas, the year 2023 is the 120th anniversary of the nationally recognized first flight by Wilbur and Orville Wright, which took place on December 17, 1903; and Whereas, the Wright Brothers' historic flight in Kitty Hawk, NC, is recognized as the first flight that resulted in pilots improving their heavier-than-air aircraft, which had a noteworthy effect on modern aviation; and Whereas, the pilot shortage in the United States is predicted to be between 8,000-12,000 pilots in 2023; and Whereas, by 2041, it is estimated that 602,000 new pilots and 610,000 technicians will be needed worldwide; and Whereas, major airlines in the United States, such as American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest, cannot source pilots with enough experience; and Whereas, the pilot shortage in the United States is related to several factors, including: (1) The "1,500 Hour Rule," which increased the minimum flight time required to become a commercial airline pilot from 250 to 1,500 hours. (2) A record number of captains and first officers retiring over the next 2-5 years, creating an even more significant shortage. (3) Air travel demand recovering from COVID-19 much faster than the rest of the world. (4) Fewer military pilots leaving active duty; and Whereas, years ago, airline pilot applicants were required to have a college degree. Today, the regional airlines hire pilots to become First Officers (co-pilots) without a college degree; and Whereas, a free program, "The AOPA Foundation High School Aviation STEM Curriculum," is the first of its kind, offering students comprehensive four-year aviation study options aligned to Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS), which could be readily available to all North Carolina high school students enrolled in participating schools/LEAs; and Whereas, North Carolina is home to over 200 leading aerospace manufacturing companies spread across the State; and Whereas, the highest ratio of airline pilot placements comes from graduates of ATP's Airline Career Pilot program, which has locations in North Carolina; and Whereas, North Carolina State University has conferred over 450 aerospace engineering degrees over the past five years; and Whereas, North Carolina's public airports annually contribute $72 billion to the State's economy, supporting 330,000 jobs that generate $23 billion in personal income and returning $3.7 billion in State and local tax revenues; and Whereas, to encourage the citizens of this State to learn more about aviation, the month of May should be designated as "Learn to Fly" Month in the State of North Carolina; Now, therefore,

AI Summary

Steve Jarvis (R)*,  Todd Johnson (R)*,  Jim Perry (R)*,  Gale Adcock (D),  Val Applewhite (D),  Warren Daniel (R),  Paul Lowe (D),  Tim Moffitt (R),  Norman Sanderson (R),  Vickie Sawyer (R), 

Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate (on 03/14/2023)

Official Document