Let Pilots Use Digital Certificates

Summary#

This bill changes how people with FAA “airman certificates” can show their credentials during FAA inspections. It would let them present either the original physical certificate or a digital copy (for example, on a phone or from cloud storage). The goal appears to be easier, modernized verification of pilot and related credentials.

Key changes:

• Allows presentation of a physical original or a digital copy of an FAA airman certificate, including a medical certificate, to an FAA inspector.
• Digital copies can be stored on an electronic device or in cloud storage; an FAA-issued mobile certificate would also count if available.
• Requires the FAA to update its rules in 14 CFR Part 61 to reflect this change.
• Applies starting 1 year after the bill becomes law.
• The bill only mentions FAA inspectors; it does not clearly cover requests from other officials (such as law enforcement or TSA).

What it means for you#

• Pilots and flight instructors (Part 61)

  • After 1 year from enactment, you could show an FAA inspector a digital image or mobile version of your pilot certificate and medical certificate instead of the physical originals.
  • Until the FAA updates its rules, current requirements to carry and present original documents still apply.
  • The bill does not clearly say whether non-FAA officials (e.g., law enforcement, TSA) must accept digital copies.

• Remote pilots (Part 107)

  • Because remote pilot certificates are “airman certificates,” this would likely let you show a digital copy to an FAA inspector.
  • It is unclear if the FAA will also update Part 107; the rulemaking instruction names Part 61 only.

• Other airmen (e.g., mechanics, dispatchers, repairmen)

  • Your certificates are issued under the same statute, so the new law would let you present a digital copy to an FAA inspector.
  • The bill does not specifically require updates to Parts 65 or other parts, so practical details may need FAA guidance.

• FAA inspectors

  • Must accept either physical originals or digital copies of airman and medical certificates after the 1-year mark.

• General public

  • Little direct effect. This mainly changes how FAA verifies airman credentials during inspections.

• What is unclear

  • Whether non-FAA officials will accept digital certificates.
  • Whether the FAA will create an official mobile certificate app or standard, and how verification will work.
  • How the change will be implemented for certificates governed under parts other than Part 61.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Possible costs and trade-offs:

• FAA will need to update rules and guidance; there may be small administrative and training costs.
• If the FAA builds or supports a secure mobile certificate, there could be technology and cybersecurity costs.
• Certificate holders may see convenience benefits and fewer disruptions; no clear private costs are identified.

Proponents' View#

• The bill appears intended to modernize certificate checks and reduce hassle for pilots and other certificate holders.
• Allowing digital presentation could make inspections faster and more convenient.
• This could reduce technical violations for failing to carry a physical card or paper when the person can prove qualifications digitally.
• A clear legal basis for digital copies may encourage the FAA to offer secure mobile credentials.

Opponents' View#

• It is unclear whether non-FAA officials (law enforcement, TSA) must accept digital copies, which could cause confusion and uneven enforcement.
• Without defined standards for a secure mobile certificate, there may be risks of fraud (e.g., altered screenshots) or verification problems.
• Relying on phones or cloud access may fail if a device battery is dead or there is no connectivity.
• The bill directs rule changes only to Part 61; not updating other parts (e.g., Part 65 or Part 107) at the same time could leave gaps or inconsistencies.