Moran’s bipartisan advanced air mobility bill gains Senate approval

Bipartisan legislation sponsored by U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) to facilitate collaboration between federal agencies and the civil aviation industry on developing advanced air mobility (AAM) policies received U.S. Senate approval on March 23.

“Passing this legislation in the Senate puts it one step closer to being signed into law,” Sen. Moran said, “and will help Kansas aviation leaders have a role in developing policies designed to shape this new chapter in aviation.”

Sen. Moran’s Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act, S. 516, which he sponsored on March 1 with original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), is the companion bill to the same-named H.R. 1339, introduced in February 2021 by U.S. Reps. Garret Graves (R-LA) and Sharice Davids (D-KS). 

The U.S. House of Representatives on Nov. 4, 2021 voted 383-41 to approve H.R. 1339, which was then sent to the Senate for consideration. Having received Senate approval, the bill now returns to the House. 

AAM refers to an air transportation system that moves people and cargo between places using new aircraft designs that are integrated into existing airspace operations, as well as operated in local, regional, intraregional, rural, and urban environments, according to the congressional record bill summary.

Under the bill, the U.S. Department of Transportation would be directed to establish an AAM interagency working group to plan and coordinate efforts related to the safety, infrastructure, physical security, cybersecurity, and federal investment necessary to bolster the nation’s AAM ecosystem, particularly passenger-carrying aircraft, the summary says.

“American aviation is entering a new era of innovation and growth, and industry leaders should have a seat at the table as the federal government creates programs to advance the development of this technology and sets safety and operation standards,” said Sen. Moran. 

The bill is supported by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the Helicopter Association International, the Vertical Flight Society, the Aerospace Industries Association, the American Association of Airport Executives, the National Business Aviation Association, Airports Council International – North America, the Wichita State University, and Spirit AeroSystems.

“As Advanced Air Mobility continues to develop, it will be essential for federal government agencies and departments to be coordinated and prepared to usher in this rapidly developing sector of aviation which will facilitate additional transportation options, create jobs, spur economic activity and competitiveness, advance environmental sustainability, foster further advancement in aerospace technology and support emergency preparedness,” said Pete Bunce, president and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.