U.S. Sens. John Curtis (R-UT), Jerry Moran (R-KS), and Todd Young (R-IN) on Feb. 12 cosponsored a bipartisan bill to support the United States’ leadership in developing technology for advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft.
The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act, S. 3885, which is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT), would streamline the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) type certification process to bolster FAA bandwidth and prevent certification process gridlock by providing more clarity and transparency for industry applicants.
“American innovators are shaping the future of flight, and Congress must ensure our regulatory framework keeps pace with that innovation,” Sen. Curtis said. “This bipartisan bill brings greater clarity and accountability to the FAA certification process, helping [AAM] companies compete, grow, and keep the United States at the forefront of the next generation of flight.”
Specifically, S. 3885 would streamline 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.
“Streamlining FAA type certification processes for advanced aviation technologies like advanced air mobility will help to strengthen America’s global leadership in aviation innovation,” said Sen. Moran. “This bipartisan legislation would support emerging aerospace technologies and bolster the aviation industry in Kansas and across the country by removing unnecessary gridlock and increasing transparency in the type certification process.”
The legislation also would update delegation guidance for type certification to cover new technologies, including electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
Additionally, S. 3885 would direct the FAA to establish criteria to support innovation in aviation and the development of new technologies, and to report to the relevant congressional committees on the status of implementing the certification regulations, the summary says.
Sen. Young noted that AAM platforms will revolutionize the American economy, while S. 3885 “is a crucial step” to securing American drone dominance.
“Our bill will provide much needed clarity and certainty as we seek to establish American leadership in these critical technologies and lay the groundwork for the future of air transportation,” Sen. Young said.
The measure is supported by the Aerospace Industries Association, the Airports Council International – North America, Archer Aviation, the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, Beta Technologies, Boeing, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the National Business Aviation Association, Joby Aviation, Wisk Aero, 47G, and the Utah Department of Transportation.