Reps. Troy E. Nehls, Obernolte, Panetta, Carson, and Sens. Peter Welch, Budd, Luján, Curtis, Padilla, and Moran Introduce Bill to Streamline FAA Certification Process for AAM Aircraft
WASHINGTON, D.C. —Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) joined by Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23), Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), Congressman André Carson (D-IN-07), Senator Peter Welch (D-VT), Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Senator John Curtis (R-Utah), Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act, which would enhance transparency, predictability, and accountability during the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification process for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft, helping American companies succeed and cement the United States' role as the global leader in aviation. Additionally, this bicameral, bipartisan legislation would support FAA staffing capacity and prevent gridlock in the certification process for AAM aircraft by providing more clarity and transparency for industry applicants.
The current FAA type certification process is a rigorous, multi-year evaluation that approves a new aircraft design and ensures it complies with airworthiness, noise, and safety standards. The amended type certifications typically take between 3 and 5 years to complete. In contrast, the certification of a new aircraft type, such as AAM aircraft, can take between 5 and 9 years, with little transparency on where they are in the process.
"Our current process for certifying new aircraft, specifically AAM aircraft, has caused America to fall behind as the leader in AAM aircraft development and production," said Congressman Nehls. "We cannot afford for our foreign adversaries, like China, to become the global leader in AAM. We must responsibly speed up the certification process for AAM so we can cement the United States' position as the world leader in aviation."
“The United States must remain the global leader in aviation innovation, and that means ensuring our regulatory framework keeps pace with emerging technologies,” said Congressman Obernolte. “The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act modernizes the FAA’s certification process by improving transparency, predictability, and accountability while maintaining the highest safety standards so American companies can bring next generation aircraft to market more quickly and safely."
"America has always been a leader in flight and cutting-edge aviation technology, but we're at risk of losing that edge because of bureaucratic red tape," said Congressman Panetta. "The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act fixes this by giving the FAA clear timelines, better staffing, and updated rules that can actually keep pace with these new technologies. We must clear the runway for American companies to innovate quickly and safely, keeping us ahead of the competition while never compromising on safety."
“I am deeply committed to advancing American aviation innovation to ensure safety, our global competitiveness, and grow America’s aviation workforce," said Congressman Carson. "I’m eager to work with Subcommittee Chairman Nehls and our Senate colleagues as we build on the strong bipartisan foundation in the 2024 FAA Reauthorization law. Our new bill directs the FAA to improve their work to support advanced air mobility, better engage with key stakeholders, and ultimately foster the development and safe deployment of new and novel aviation technologies in the U.S.”
“Building on generations of leadership in aviation, American companies are spearheading electric aircraft innovation," said Senator Welch. "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.”
“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," said Senator Budd. "I am pleased to join Rep. Nehls, Sen. Welch, 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.”
“American innovators are shaping the future of flight, and Congress must ensure our regulatory framework keeps pace with that innovation,” said Senator John Curtis. “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.”
Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT), and Senator Todd Young (R-IN) are original cosponsors of the Senate version of Congressman Nehls' legislation.
Specifically, the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act would:
-Streamline FAA certification review standards by directing the agency to set transparent and reliable timelines for consideration of type certification proposals, and to develop means of compliance for aircraft outside of the existing types of AAM aircraft.
Supporting organizations of the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act include the 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, Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL, CIO (PASS), Vertical Aviation International (VIA), Wisk Aero, and the National Air Transportation Association (NATA).