Aviation Education Remaining Operational Act

# AERO Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The Aviation Education Remaining Operational Act (AERO Act) would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to keep its training academy in Oklahoma City operating during a government shutdown or budget crisis. Specifically, it would protect air traffic controller training programs from being halted when federal funding temporarily runs out. The bill would also exempt FAA employees working at the academy and FAA trainees from furloughs (temporary unpaid leaves), requiring them to continue working without pay until funding resumes. **Who It Affects** This bill primarily impacts air traffic controller trainees and FAA staff at the Oklahoma City academy. Indirectly, it affects the broader aviation system, since interruptions to controller training could affect the pipeline of qualified personnel managing U.S.

airspace. Oklahoma residents and the local economy around the training facility could also be affected. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Representative Frank Lucas, a Republican from Oklahoma.