Bresnahan Champions Bipartisan Legislation to Give Controllers a Pilot’s-Eye View

September 8, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC: On Friday, September 4, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) joined Reps. Nellie Pou (NJ-09) and Hillary Scholten (MI-03) to introduce the bipartisan Flight Logistics Initiative to Gain Heightened Travel Data and Enhance Communication Knowledge or FLIGHT DECK Act. The legislation would permanently establish a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) training program that allows air traffic controllers to observe pilots during actual flights, giving controllers better firsthand experience with the demands pilots face in the air as they interact and coordinate with air traffic controllers on the ground. “Pilots and air traffic controllers work together every day to keep our skies safe, but very few see their partner’s side of the job,” said Rep. Bresnahan . “As a pilot, I’ve spent hundreds of hours talking to controllers over the radio, but touring a control tower gave me a whole new perspective on the work they do. The FLIGHT DECK Act gives controllers that same opportunity in the cockpit, helping pilots and controllers better understand each other’s responsibilities, challenges, and workload. When both sides can see the full picture, our entire aviation system is safer, including the people who rely on it.” The FAA would develop the training program in consultation with air traffic controllers, pilots, and flight crews with participating airlines. After the program’s first year, the FAA would report to Congress on participation and any barriers preventing controllers or aircraft operators from participating. The legislation is supported by the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport’s (AVP) chapter of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA). “We strongly support Flight Deck Training and the opportunity it provides air traffic controllers to experience firsthand what happens on the other side of the headset,” said Lenny Ameika, AVP NATCA President. “Every transmission between a controller and a pilot involves responsibilities and tasks that the other side may never see. Giving controllers the opportunity to spend time on the flight deck helps us better understand those demands, strengthens communication, and ultimately makes us better at working together. This was a valuable program before COVID, and restoring it would provide real benefits to controllers, pilots, and the National Airspace System as a whole.” “Air traffic controllers and pilots depend on each other every minute of every flight. Giving controllers firsthand flight deck experience can help both sides better understand the challenges the other faces and so ultimately make our skies safer,” said Rep. Pou. “We ask an enormous amount of our air traffic controllers while our aviation system faces serious staffing and broader infrastructure challenges. Our bipartisan FLIGHT DECK bill will give controllers another tool to do their jobs and represents a practical way to strengthen communication between the people most responsible for keeping American skies the safest on earth.” “Our hardworking aviation professionals rely on their team and training to keep our skies safe. Expanding training opportunities at the flight deck is critical so that air traffic controllers and pilots can ensure it remains safer than ever before to fly,” said Rep. Scholten . “I’m proud to support the FLIGHT DECK Act to allow air traffic controllers to observe pilots’ work at the flight deck. This will bridge the gap between controllers and pilots alike, and help our controllers understand in-flight demands. This bipartisan solution will keep our aviation system safe and reliable, including for folks who rely on air travel.” Issues : Transportation and Infrastructure