119-HR-2247 Journalist Public Summary
119 · HR 2247 Airmen Certificate Accessibility Act
Lets pilots show FAA inspectors either a physical certificate or a digital version on a phone/cloud; tells the FAA to update rules; and starts one year after enactment. As of January 21, 2026, it was amended and ordered to be reported by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Headline Summary
A simple modernization bill that lets pilots show FAA inspectors their pilot and medical certificates on a phone (or other digital copy) instead of only the plastic card.
What It Does
H.R. 2247, the “Pilot Certificate Accessibility Act,” amends 49 U.S.C. § 44703 so pilots can present their certificates—pilot and medical—to FAA inspectors in any of three ways: the original physical card, a digital copy stored on a device or in cloud storage, or a mobile certificate issued by the FAA. It directs the FAA to update Part 61 regulations as needed and apply the change starting one year after the bill becomes law.
- Does not change who needs a certificate—only how a pilot may show it to an FAA inspector.
- Calls for FAA rule updates to reflect the new options.
- Gives a one‑year runway after enactment before the new policy is applied.
Who’s For It
- Bill sponsors: Rep. Tim Burchett (R‑TN) and Rep. Tracey Mann (R‑KS).
- Committee action: On January 21, 2026, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee amended the bill and ordered it to be reported by voice vote—often a sign the measure is relatively non‑controversial.
- Supporters’ rationale: modernizes paperwork, reduces hassle for pilots during ramp checks, and aligns aviation with everyday digital ID practices.
Who’s Against It
- No formal opposition noted in the provided record.
- Potential concerns raised in similar contexts:
- - Verification and fraud risk with screenshots or altered files unless the FAA provides secure, verifiable mobile credentials.
- - Cybersecurity and data‑privacy issues if cloud storage or devices are compromised.
- - Equity and practicality for pilots without reliable smartphones, connectivity, or battery power during inspections.
What’s Next
As of January 21, 2026, the bill has been amended and ordered reported out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Next steps: a written committee report, potential scheduling for a House floor vote, then consideration in the Senate if it passes the House. If enacted, the FAA updates rules and the new presentation options take effect one year after enactment.
Discussion