Sen. Steve Daines publicly urged last week the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to accept non-REAL ID compliant licenses when implementing third class medical reform.
Passed by Congress and signed into law in 2005, the REAL ID Act set specific requirements for state driver’s licenses and identification cards when boarding commercially-operated airline flights.
“While Montana has refused to comply with the current REAL ID law, the state has made numerous security improvements to its driver’s licenses, both the physical cards and the issuing process, without sacrificing our citizens’ privacy or cyber security,” Daines said. “I request that the FAA continue to accept Montana’s secure driver’s licenses when processing airmen certifications until there is a solution for states that are not REAL ID compliant.”
The senator noted the recent passage of regulatory relief known as BasicMed, which permits general aviation pilots to fly without holding a FAA medical certificate as long as they meet specified medical and motor vehicle driving requirements, such as possessing a valid state driver’s license and consent to a national driver registry check.
“The general aviation community plays a critical role in Montana’s economy and connectivity. Montana has 126 public use airports, with approximately 4,300 general aviation aircraft, 4,100 pilots, supporting $230 million in economic activity, $73.6 million in payroll earnings, and 2,250 jobs, per the Aircraft Owner and Pilots Association and the FAA,” Daines said. “It is of critical importance that Montanans be able to utilize BasicMed.”
Daines introduced repeal legislation of the REAL ID Act earlier this month. The senator previously introduced similar legislation two years ago, during the 113th Congress.