According to the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (Arsa), a recent bill introduced by representative Michael Burgess (R-Texas) would add redundant requirements to proposed FAA regulations. Burgess’s Airline Maintenance Safety Act (H.R. 6002) seeks to amend the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 by requiring that anyone approving the return of an aircraft or components to service outside the U.S. may do that work only if he is able to read, speak, write and understand the English language and holds a mechanic certificate issued under FAR Part 65 subpart D.

According to Arsa, current regulations already require that “a certified repair station may authorize individuals to approve an article for return to service only if they meet certain technical qualifications and understand, read and write English.”

And the recent FAA proposed rules for Part 145 would require “all individuals who approve work for return service to also speak English,” Arsa noted. “H.R. 6002 is another example of Congress attempting to micromanage the industry and the FAA. While unlikely to go anywhere, the legislation is an unwarranted distraction from Congress’s vital responsibilities.”