A bipartisan bill aimed at giving pilots clearer information about which medications they can take without jeopardizing their medical certification is moving forward in the U.S. Senate.
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation advanced the Aviation Medication Transparency Act (S. 3258) on July 22. The legislation, introduced by Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.), would require the FAA to create and publicly maintain a list of medications that pilots may safely use. The list would also have to be updated at least annually.
Advancement of the measure has received support from aviation stakeholders including the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) and the National Aviation Business Association (NBAA). Supporters say pilots currently face uncertainty when trying to determine whether a prescription or over-the-counter medication is compatible with FAA medical requirements.
The medication transparency bill would not change the FAA’s authority over pilot medical certification. Instead, it would require the agency to make its medication guidance more accessible and easier for pilots to understand.
The bill now moves beyond the committee stage and could face further consideration by the full Senate.
0 replies