This coalition, known as the “Aviation Coalition for Veterans,” is comprised of various organizations representing the interests of veterans, pilots, and aviation professionals. The coalition’s primary objective is to oppose the proposed Congressional bill, which aims to significantly reduce the number of flight training hours required for veterans to qualify for certain benefits. The bill, if passed, would have a detrimental impact on the aviation industry and the lives of countless veterans.
The letter, signed by the military veterans’ organizations, highlights the cap as a potential barrier to veteran employment and a significant risk to the future of the industry. This argument is supported by several factors. First, veterans are a valuable asset to the industry, bringing with them unique skills and experiences gained during their service. These skills are highly sought after in various sectors, including healthcare, education, technology, and security.
It continued to state that the bill establishes “unfair and discriminatory” caps on funding for veterans that do not carry over to other degrees or career training. The groups working to throw out the new bill include the Air Medical Operators Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Airlines for America, Experimental Aircraft Association, National Air Carrier Association, Vertical Aviation International, and several others. “We remain committed to working with Congress to ensure that veterans can access the benefits they were promised,” the groups added, “and that they can pursue careers in aviation without financial obstacles.”