FLIGHT DECK Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (4 Sep 2026): Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
What this bill does
The FLIGHT DECK Act would direct the Federal Aviation Administration to create, within one year of enactment, a voluntary training program allowing certified air traffic controllers to sit in the flight deck of participating commercial passenger, air cargo, powered lift, or general aviation aircraft during flights. The goal is to familiarize controllers with the onboard conditions and requirements experienced by flight crews. Participants could take at least one round-trip flight to destinations within the United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories, though the FAA would not reimburse travel expenses such as per diem or mileage.
The bill primarily affects FAA air traffic controllers, who would be eligible to volunteer for the program subject to management approval and staffing needs, and would be treated as on-duty during participating flights. It also affects airlines and aircraft operators who choose to participate voluntarily, and it explicitly does not require displacing an off-duty pilot occupying a flight deck seat. The FAA Administrator would consult with unions representing pilots, flight crews, and air traffic controllers when developing implementing policies, and could set additional ticketing or security clearance requirements.
The bill requires a report to Congress one year after the program begins, covering participation levels, aircraft types observed, barriers to participation, and recommendations for improvement.
Introduced September 4, 2026, by Rep. Nellie Pou with two cosponsors, the bill has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, where it awaits further action before any vote by the full House.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
4 Sep 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 10303 do?
- The FLIGHT DECK Act would direct the Federal Aviation Administration to create, within one year of enactment, a voluntary training program allowing certified air traffic controllers to sit in the flight deck of participating commercial passenger, air cargo, powered lift, or general aviation aircraft during flights. The goal is to familiarize controllers with the onboard conditions and requirements experienced by flight crews. Participants could take at least one round-trip flight to destinations within the United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories, though the FAA would not reimburse travel expenses such as per diem or mileage. The bill primarily affects FAA air traffic controllers, who would be eligible to volunteer for the program subject to management approval and staffing needs, and would be treated as on-duty during participating flights. It also affects airlines and aircraft operators who choose to participate voluntarily, and it explicitly does not require displacing an off-duty pilot occupying a flight deck seat. The FAA Administrator would consult with unions representing pilots, flight crews, and air traffic controllers when developing implementing policies, and could set additional ticketing or security clearance requirements. The bill requires a report to Congress one year after the program begins, covering participation levels, aircraft types observed, barriers to participation, and recommendations for improvement. Introduced September 4, 2026, by Rep. Nellie Pou with two cosponsors, the bill has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, where it awaits further action before any vote by the full House.
- Has H.R. 10303 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 10303. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 10303?
- H.R. 10303 was sponsored by Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9] (D-NJ), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 10303?
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. (4 Sep 2026).
Related bills in Transportation and Public Works
SUN Act
Rural Disaster Fairness Act of 2026
Aviation Medication Transparency Act of 2026
Expressing support for the designation of the week of September 21 through September 27, 2026, as "Rail Safety Week" in the United States, and supporting the goals and ideals of reducing highway-rail grade crossing-related incidents, fatalities, and injuries.
More bills from Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9]
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.