January 15, 2025

Duckworth Secures Commitment from Transportation Secretary Nominee Sean Duffy to Uphold Strong 1,500-Hour Pilot Certification Standard to Safeguard Flying Public

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – As our nation continues to witness a surge in near-misses within our aviation system, today U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST)—secured a commitment from former Congressman Sean Duffy, President-elect Trump’s nominee to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), to uphold the strong 1,500-hour pilot certification standard at his confirmation hearing. Additionally, Duckworth pressed Mr. Duffy to fully implement the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024, which include several key provisions that Duckworth championed to improve accessibility so passengers with disabilities can more easily and safely use our transit stations and aviation system. Video of Duckworth’s remarks and questions can be found on the Senator’s YouTube.

“At a time when near-misses are happening way too frequently in our aviation system, it’s critical that we continue to ensure our pilots undergo high levels of training so that they’re prepared to handle any scenario in the sky and keep the flying public safe—and I’m glad Congressman Duffy agreed to faithfully execute the 1,500-hour rule if he’s confirmed,” said Duckworth. “Transportation has a strong history of bipartisan cooperation, and I would expect Congressman Duffy to maintain it—because safety is not partisan. If confirmed, I look forward to working together to improve aviation safety and ensure the investments made in the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and landmark FAA Reauthorization law reach every corner of our communities so all travelers—including those with disabilities—can more safely and easily get around.”

Duckworth has long been a leader in making our transportation system safer and more accessible for all Americans, including those with disabilities. As Chair of the CST Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation in the 118th Congress, Duckworth helped author the landmark bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 that was signed into law last year and included several of her provisions to safeguard the 1,500-hour rule, improve safety, expand the aviation workforce and enhance protections for travelers with disabilities.

Duckworth also authored the ASAP Act provision in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is already helping build ramps, install elevators and make other accessibility improvements to help passengers with disabilities better access our nation’s transit systems.

Additionally, as a result of legislation that was written by Duckworth, the Department of Transportation implemented a rule requiring air carriers to disclose for the first time how many checked bags, wheelchairs and motorized scooters they damage or mishandle each month. 

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