Bipartisan legislation cosponsored by U.S. Sen. John Curtis (R-UT) that aims to support American ingenuity, good-paying jobs, and the nation’s global leadership in aviation received approval on July 22 by the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.
The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act, S. 3885, which is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT), would improve the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) type certification process for American Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft companies to help them succeed.
“The committee passage [Wednesday] brings us one step closer to modernizing the FAA certification process for the next generation of aviation,” Sen. Curtis said. “This bipartisan bill will provide greater clarity and accountability, helping American Advanced Air Mobility companies innovate, compete, and lead the world in the future of flight. I’m pleased to see it advance and look forward to its passage by the full Senate.”
AAM technology is a collection of technologies that will allow new aircraft to integrate into the airspace system. Emerging U.S.-based AAM companies are also paving the way for new electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
Specifically, S. 3885 would establish non-binding, standard expected timelines for the FAA’s type certification process for AAM aircraft 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, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
The FAA also would be provided with the sole discretion to exclude safety-critical matters from established timelines to ensure airspace safety is paramount under the bill, and the agency would be directed to define when an issue paper is required in the certification process, while providing flexibility for the agency on complex safety issues, among numerous other provisions, the summary says.
“Ensuring the FAA certification process is safe, efficient, and more transparent for emerging AAM companies… is critical to promoting aviation innovation,” said Sen. Welch.
The bill has amassed myriad support, including from the Aerospace Industries Association, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the American Association of Airport Executives, Archer Aviation, Beta Technologies, Boeing, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, and the National Air Transportation Association, among many others.