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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Rules Will Govern Young Pilots

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Associated Press

New limits probably will be set on young people flying airplanes, including a ban on their trying to set airborne records, Transportation Secretary Federico Pena said Thursday.

Pena ordered a review of rules covering young pilots after the fatal crash of 7-year-old Jessica Dubroff, who was trying to become the youngest person to fly across the country.

While 16 is the minimum age for a student pilot license, there is currently no minimum on who can take control of a plane as long as he or she is accompanied by a licensed pilot.

Pena said he is supporting a bill that would ban aviation record-setting attempts by people who do not hold a private pilot’s license. The minimum age for that license is 17.