Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.), member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, joined Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and John Curtis (R-Utah) in introducing the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act to streamline the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) type certification process for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft. This bipartisan legislation sets timelines and standards for FAA’s certification process to prevent gridlock and provide clarity to industry applicants without compromising air safety. This bill will bring transparency to FAA certification, helpAmerican AAM companies succeed, and cement the United States’ role as a global leader in aviation.
“Innovative aircraft like eVTOLs promise to revolutionize America’s aviation system, but the certification process for new entrants to our airspace lacks clarity and efficiency, delaying next-generation advanced air mobility development. I am pleased to join Sen. Welch, Rep. Nehls, and our colleagues to introduce legislation that will ensure the FAA prioritizes timely certification of novel aircraft, allowing manufacturers to focus their efforts on developing their groundbreaking technology, not bureaucratic hurdles,” said Senator Budd.
“Building on generations of leadership in aviation, American companies are spearheading electric aircraft innovation. That includes companies like Vermont’s Beta Technologies, which completed its historic, first-ever electric flight last year in South Burlington. Streamlining FAA certification processes and creating more transparency for emerging AAM companies like Beta is critical to chipping away at gridlock to keep up with our allies. I’m proud to join my colleagues on this bipartisan legislation that will bolster the United States’ storied legacy of global leadership in aviation—and support American and ingenuity and American jobs,” said Senator Welch.
“American innovators are shaping the future of flight, and Congress must ensure our regulatory framework keeps pace with that innovation. This bipartisan bill brings greater clarity and accountability to the FAA certification process, helping Advanced Air Mobility companies compete, grow, and keep the United States at the forefront of the next generation of flight. I’m proud to work with my colleagues on this bipartisan effort to help American companies compete and succeed,” said Senator Curtis.
U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined as original co-sponsors of the legislation.
U.S. Representatives Troy E. Nehls (R-Texas-22), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), and Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.-23) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act is endorsed by: Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), Archer Aviation, the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), Beta Technologies, Boeing, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), Joby Aviation, and Wisk Aero.
Read the full bill text HERE.
BACKGROUND
AAM technology is a novel set of technologies that will enable innovative aircraft to integrate into our airspace system. Emerging U.S.-based AAM companies are also paving the way for new and innovative electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Supporting the United States’ continued leadership in AAM technology development will boost economic growth in American communities across the country.
Specifically, the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act:
• Streamlines FAA certification review standards by establishing set timelines for the Agency to respond to petitions for exemptions of aircraft type, and to develop means of compliance for aircraft outside of the existing types of AAM aircraft.
• Updates delegation guidance for type certification to cover new and novel technologies, including eVTOL aircraft.
• Directs the FAA to establish specific criteria to be used to support innovation in aviation and the development of new and novel technologies and ensure continued U.S. global leadership in aviation.
• Directs the FAA to report to the relevant congressional committees on the status of implementing the certification regulations.
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