U.S. Rep. Mike Collins (R-Georgia) reintroduced legislation to permit FAA-certified commercial pilot and aircraft maintenance technical training qualified expenses for 529 college savings plans. Collins had previously offered the bill, the Aviation Workforce Development Act, in 2023, but in the absence of a major tax package it made little progress. However, it did accrue 162 co-sponsors in the last Congress, suggesting a significant amount of support.

The latest introduction of H.R.1818 comes as Congress is assembling a tax bill that could serve as a potential venue for such a measure. Joining Collins in the introduction of the bill this year are Reps. Lucy McBath (D-Georgia), Jimmy Panetta (D-California), and Mike Kelly (R-Pennsylvania), who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee’s tax subcommittee.

“This year’s safety concerns have made it clear that the commercial aviation industry needs a steady supply of pilots and aircraft mechanics to remain strong,” said Collins. “The bipartisan Aviation Workforce Development Act, H.R.1818, amends the tax code so Americans pursuing a career in aviation have the same tools as those seeking four-year degrees with zero increased cost to taxpayers.”

Tax-advantaged savings accounts for education, 529 plans were originally designed to offset the costs of education at a four-year university. Congress has, over time, expanded the list of qualified expenses to include apprenticeship programs in certain trades. Aviation programs, however, were largely left out of this expansion.

Fifteen organizations representing airlines, business and general aviation, flight trainers, and other operators have endorsed the bill.

“As we look to the future of our aviation industry, it’s clear that we must open new opportunities for individuals to pursue careers as pilots and aircraft maintenance technicians,” Panetta added. “This bipartisan bill will help make the training for these critical professions more affordable by allowing 529 plans to cover aviation programs. By expanding access to these opportunities, we can support the growth of the next generation of commercial pilots and mechanics, vital to strengthening our nation's travel and tourism economy.”