House T&I Committee Passes Nehls' Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act

"I am proud the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed my bipartisan legislation to strengthen American leadership in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)," said Congressman Nehls. "For far too long, outdated regulations and burdensome certification processes have held back American AAM innovation while allowing foreign adversaries like China to gain ground. This legislation cuts through unnecessary red tape while maintaining the highest safety standards and will ensure the United States is the global leader in AAM and aviation."

 

This bill would enhance transparency, predictability, and accountability in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification process for AAM aircraft, helping American companies succeed and cementing 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 requiring 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. Amended type certifications typically take 3 to 5 years to complete. In contrast, certifying a new aircraft type, such as AAM aircraft, can take 5 to 9 years, with little transparency on where it is in the process.

 

Watch Congressman Nehls' remarks on the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act from the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee HERE.