Moran works to bolster advanced air mobility in United States

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) on March 1 sponsored a bipartisan bill to plan for and coordinate efforts around integrating advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft into the national airspace system.

“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,” Sen. Moran said on Monday.

The Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act, S. 516, which Sen. Moran introduced with lead cosponsor U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), aims to facilitate such collaboration between federal agencies and civil aviation industry leaders as policies related to AAM are being developed.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) defines AAM as new types of aircraft for transporting people and equipment to urban and rural locations where traditional airplanes cannot access. Such aircraft range in size from small cargo-carrying drones to passenger-carrying air taxis that operate to carry out short-range missions, NASA says, adding that many are unmanned aerial vehicles. 

“Compared to airplanes and helicopters, the aircraft that fly in this new airspace are small,” according to NASA. “This, along with where they fly, makes it unrealistic to continuously track or control these aircraft using radar or satellite technology.” 

If enacted, S. 516 would instruct the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation to lead a working group, comprised of members from nine government agencies, to work with the civil aviation industry on reviewing policies and programs to help advance the maturation of AAM aircraft operations.

The working group also would be tasked with creating recommendations regarding safety, security and federal investments that are necessary for the development of AAM, according to information provided by Sen. Moran’s office.

“Wichita leads the world in aviation, and this legislation will make certain Kansas aviation leaders have a role in developing policies designed to shape a new chapter in aviation,” said Sen. Moran.

The bill has been endorsed 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, Wichita State University, and Spirit AeroSystems.