Goldsboro, N.C. — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) unveiled new legislation Thursday aimed at expanding opportunities in aviation education, just hours before honoring high school graduates enlisting in the U.S. military during a regional community celebration.
During a press conference at his Elizabeth City district office, Rep. Davis introduced H.R. 3530 — the Flight Education Access Act, a bipartisan bill co-led by Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-VA). The legislation seeks to boost federal student loan limits for students pursuing undergraduate flight training, including those enrolled in programs like Elizabeth City State University’s nationally recognized Aviation Science Program.
The bill proposes raising federal loan limits to $111,000 for dependent students and $137,500 for independent students, as well as increasing other federal loan limits to $65,000. In addition, it mandates that the Department of Education begin tracking and publicly reporting aviation program completion rates.
“By raising student loan limits for our aspiring pilots, we are taking one step towards meeting our nation’s aerospace workforce needs and providing opportunities for the next generation across eastern North Carolina and our nation,” said Davis. “We must do everything we can to create a brighter future for our aviation students, no matter their zip code or crossroad.”
The press conference was held at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), home to North Carolina’s only four-year collegiate aviation education program. ECSU offers specialized degrees in Flight Education, Avionics, Aviation Management, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and Professional Aeronautics. However, despite surging enrollment, the program currently faces an $18,000 per-student funding gap. University officials say recurring funding is needed to sustain growth and provide adequate support.
Following the legislative announcement, Davis joined community leaders, educators, and military officials for the Our Community Salutes (OCS) ceremony, honoring graduating high school seniors from across northeast North Carolina who have committed to serve in the U.S. military. This marked the first OCS ceremony for the region, co-hosted by ECSU and Congressman Davis.
OCS is a national nonprofit organization that supports and recognizes new military enlistees and their families as they prepare for life in the armed forces. Since 2009, OCS has honored over 3,100 enlistees in 2024 alone, while also providing participants with access to financial literacy training and post-secondary education pathways.
Davis, a former assistant professor of Aerospace Studies at East Carolina University’s Air Force ROTC, has long championed military and aviation education programs. At a past ECSU Aviation Sciences Building groundbreaking, he underscored the importance of investing in future aerospace leaders.
“This is more than just education and service,” Davis said. “It’s about investing in the futures of young people who will defend our country and help it soar—literally and figuratively.”
