Congressional support building for pilots to carry picture ID

Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) has asked FAA Administrator Garvey to issue a direct final rule requiring pilots to carry photo identification along with their pilot certificates when piloting an aircraft. In a letter to Garvey, Sen. Smith urged prompt action by the FAA on AOPA's "driver's license" petition, describing it as an "inexpensive and simple security enhancement that can be implemented immediately." The AOPA petition, filed with the FAA in February, would amend Part 61 to require pilots to carry a form of government-issued photo identification (such as a driver's license), in addition to their pilot license and medical certificates, when they fly.

"As a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, Sen. Smith has been a consistent supporter of reasonable approaches to addressing safety and security issues," commented AOPA President Phil Boyer. "My hope is his support, in addition to similar requests by others in Congress, will prompt the FAA to complete this simple action."

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