H.R. 4161 — Pre-Pilot Pathway Act

This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish an apprenticeship program with flight schools in order to establish a commercial pilot pipeline; DOT must issue any necessary regulations to implement the program within one year of the bill's enactment. Each flight school participating in the program may select up to eight applicants per academic year to serve as apprentices. DOT must take appropriate actions to develop methods to incentivize pilots, including retired pilots, to become flight school instructors. This includes developing pathway programs for pilots to gain initial qualification or concurrent qualification as certified flight instructors.