A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has introduced the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act, aiming to streamline the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) type certification process for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft. The bill is intended to support American AAM companies and reinforce the United States’ position as a leader in aviation technology.
The legislation was introduced by Senators John Curtis (R-UT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Ted Budd (R-NC), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jerry Moran (R-KA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), and Todd Young (R-IN). Companion legislation has also been introduced in the House of Representatives.
Senator Curtis said, “American innovators are shaping the future of flight, and Congress must ensure our regulatory framework keeps pace with that innovation. 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 Welch highlighted local industry efforts: “Building on generations of leadership in aviation, American companies are spearheading electric aircraft innovation. 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 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. I am pleased to join Sen. Welch, Rep. Nehls, 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,” said Senator Budd.
Senator Moran stated: “Streamlining FAA type certification processes for advanced aviation technologies like advanced air mobility will help to strengthen America’s global leadership in aviation innovation. 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.”
Senator Lummis added: “The United States is no stranger to innovation, and we must continue to protect our competitive edge in aviation. The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act strengthens American leadership in aerospace by promoting innovation and development without compromising safety. I’m proud to work alongside Senator Welch and Senator Budd to keep America at the forefront of aviation and ensure our leadership in the skies.”
“America is the birthplace of aviation, whose innovative spirit has led to the likes of Chuck Yeager and Neil Armstrong forging new frontiers for science and industry. As a lifelong aviator, father to an aspiring pilot, and founder of an aerospace business, I firmly believe America can and must maintain aviation dominance. By streamlining bureaucracy, increasing transparency, and giving innovators the certainty they need to move at the speed of competition — without compromising safety –the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act will help accomplish this critical mission,” said Senator Sheehy.
Senator Young commented: “Advanced Air Mobility platforms will revolutionize the American economy. The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act is a crucial step to securing American drone dominance. Our bill will provide much needed clarity and certainty as we seekto establish American leadership in these critical technologiesand laythe groundworkfor the future of air transportation.”
Aaron Starks, CEO & President of 47G said: “As the world enters a new era of advanced aviation and the rise of Advanced Air Mobility(AAM), the aviation community—including right herein Utah—must adaptand evolve to stay ahead.The Aviation Innovationand Global CompetitivenessAct lays outthe frameworkand rigor neededto accelerate this transformation,seting thestagefor safer smarter,and moresecure skies.At 47G,we areproudtostand behindthislegislation.It reinforces thesafety security,and economic viability—and alignswithour visionof building oneofthe nation’s most dynamic AAM ecosystems.This act isn’t just about policy; it’s about unlocking innovation,strengthening America’s global competitiveness,and creating opportunities thatwill shapethefutureofflight.”
Carlos Braceras,the Executive Directorofthe Utah DepartmentofTransportation(UDOT)stated,“We move people—and things they need—using more than just roads.As Utah’s population growsandwe face increasing demands onour groundtransportationsystem,we knowthatadvancedairmobilityoffersinnovative new solutions addressourevolvingmobilityneeds.”
Advanced Air Mobility refers toa setofnewtechnologies enabling innovativeaircraft,suchas electrical vertical take-offandlanding(eVTOL)models,to enterU.S.airspace.Supportingthesetechnologies couldhelpdriveeconomicgrowthincommunitiesacrossthecountry.
Thebillhasreceivedendorsementsfromorganizationsincludingthe Aerospace Industries Association(AIA),Airports Council International–NorthAmerica(ACI-NA),ArcherAviation,theAssociationforUncrewedVehicleSystemsInternational(AUVSI),BetaTechnologies,Boeing,theGeneralAviationManufacturersAssociation(GAMA),NationalBusinessAviationAssociation(NBAA),JobyAviation,andWisk Aero.
