Congress opens 529 college savings to aviation training—expanding workforce pathways
S. 1590 — Aviation Workforce Development Act · Filed by Tim Scott (R-SC) · 2 cosponsors · Introduced May 5, 2025 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This bill allows families to use 529 college savings accounts to pay for aviation maintenance technician and commercial pilot training courses, in addition to traditional higher education. Currently, 529 plans are limited to qualified higher education expenses; this expands that definition to include FAA-regulated aviation training at certified schools and flight training facilities.
Why we flagged it
The bill uses the tax code (529 plans) as a policy lever to reduce financial barriers to entry in aviation maintenance and commercial pilot training, addressing documented workforce shortages in those sectors. It is a targeted tax incentive, not a subsidy or carve-out.
What the text implies
- Expands 529 plan use beyond traditional higher education, potentially signaling legislative openness to further vocational/technical training expansions in the future.
- May increase demand for FAA-regulated aviation training programs, creating indirect economic stimulus in that sector and potentially raising tuition at those schools.
The full analysis lists 3 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
Aviation maintenance technician schools (part 147 FAA-regulated); Flight training schools (part 61 and part 141 FAA-regulated); Families with income sufficient to fund 529 accounts