NEWS RELEASE

Communications and Marketing Office
600 S. Clyde Morris Blvd.
Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3900

For more information, contact:
Phone: 386-226-6157
Fax: 386-226-6158
Contact: Bob Ross
Phone: 386-226-6198

Official Statement on H.R. 3371

Oct. 5, 2009 -- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the country’s largest and oldest aviation-focused University, supports the U.S. House of Representatives in its efforts to improve airline safety. At Embry-Riddle, safety is our number one priority and we ensure that our flight operations adhere to the highest professional standards. We further recognize that scrutiny of airline operations by Congress in order to ensure safety for all airline travelers is the right thing to do.

The result of those efforts is Congressional Bill H.R. 3371 – The Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act of 2009. In principle, the University agrees with the provisions of H.R. 3371 and believes the majority of provisions in the Bill will continue to ensure that airlines operate in a safe manner. The University has stated publicly our concern over a single provision in H.R. 3371, namely the requirement for all pilots to have an ATP certificate prior to being eligible for hire at an airline. We feel this specific provision of the Bill will have a negative impact on our flight training program and similar programs at other high-quality, fully accredited colleges and universities.

While Embry-Riddle has opposed the ATP provision in H.R. 3371, we are also committed to working with members of Congress and the Federal Aviation Administration to reach a compromise on this issue. Our goal as the largest University pilot training program in the country and the goals of H.R.3371 are consistent. We believe that by providing well-trained pilots to airlines that we will help ensure safe flight operations for the American public.