I grew up watching Top Gun convinced there was no better job than earning your wings. After more than two decades serving in the Air Force and 700 combat hours as an airborne intelligence officer, I’ve seen firsthand what it takes to build a career in aviation.
But for too many young Iowans, one of the biggest hurdles comes before they ever leave the ground: the cost.
The problem: Becoming a commercial pilot can cost more than $100,000, but federal student aid often covers only the classroom portion of a flight program — not the flight hours or equipment required to earn a license. That can leave aspiring pilots and aviation mechanics on the hook for $80,000 or more.
What’s new: I’m working across the aisle on the bipartisan WINGS Act to fix that gap and make sure our financial aid system reflects what it actually costs to train for a career in aviation.
The WINGS Act would:
✈️ Count required flight and simulator hours toward the full cost of attendance for eligible aviation programs.
🎓 Expand federal student loan access for aspiring pilots in FAA-certified flight programs.
🔧 Cover required costs for aviation mechanics, including training materials, equipment, testing, and licensing fees.
Why it matters: We’ve delivered more than $5 million to expand skilled trades training across southern and central Iowa. But an open seat only matters if an Iowa kid can afford to access it. Opening those doors is what federal aid is supposed to do, and extending it to cover aviation training gives Iowans the same shot in the sky they already have on the ground.
Bottom Line: Earning your wings is hard. Paying for training shouldn’t be what keeps you grounded. I’ll keep working across the aisle to make sure Iowa students willing to put in the work have a fair shot at a good-paying career right here at home.