WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new bill introduced by Rep. Tim Burchett (TN-02) on December 9 aims to modernize the way pilots can carry and present their official certificates. The Pilot Certificate Accessibility Act would allow commercial pilots to use digital copies of their medical and airman certificates during FAA inspections, instead of the current requirement to carry physical copies.
Under the proposed legislation, pilots would be able to store their certificates on electronic devices or cloud platforms, offering a more efficient and convenient alternative to paper documentation. As Rep. Burchett explained, “Everything we do is online nowadays. I don’t see a reason why our pilots should have to carry physical documents with them instead of keeping them on their phone like everything else.”
If passed, the bill would update FAA regulations to recognize digital certificates, with full implementation one year after enactment.
