WASHINGTON—U.S. 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) introduced the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act, bipartisan legislation to streamline the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) type certification process for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft. The senators’ legislation aims to help American AAM companies succeed and cement the United States’ role as a global leader in aviation. The bill would bolster FAA bandwidth to prevent certification process gridlock by providing more clarity and transparency for industry applicants. Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“American innovators are shaping the future of flight, and Congress must ensure our regulatory framework keeps pace with that innovation,” said Senator 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.”
“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,” said Senator Welch. “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. 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.
“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 Senator 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 United States is no stranger to innovation, and we must continue to protect our competitive edge in aviation,” said Senator Lummis. “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.
“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 seek to establish American leadership in these critical technologies and lay the groundwork for the future of air transportation,” said Senator Young.
“As the world enters a new era of advanced aviation and the rise of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), the aviation community—including right here in Utah—must adapt and evolve to stay ahead. The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act lays out the framework and rigor needed to accelerate this transformation, setting the stage for safer, smarter, and more secure skies. At 47G, we are proud to stand behind this legislation,” said Aaron Starks, CEO and President of 47G. “It reinforces the values we share, safety, security, and economic viability—and aligns with our vision of building one of the 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 that will shape the future of flight.”
“We move people—and the things they need—using more than just roads,” said Carlos Braceras, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT). “As Utah’s population grows and we face increasing demands on our ground transportation system, we know that advanced air mobility offers innovative new solutions to address our evolving mobility needs.”
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technology is a novel collection of technologies that will allow new, innovative aircraft to integrate into our airspace system. Emerging U.S.-based AAM companies are also paving the way for new and innovative electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Supporting the United States’ continued leadership in AAM technology development will boost economic growth in American communities across the country.
Specifically, the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act:
- Streamlines 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.
- Updates delegation guidance for type certification to cover new and novel technologies, including eVTOL aircraft.
- Directs the FAA to establish specific criteria to be used to support innovation in aviation and the development of new and novel technologies and ensure continued U.S. global leadership in aviation.
- Directs the FAA to report to the relevant congressional committees on the status of implementing the certification regulations.
The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act is endorsed by 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, and Wisk Aero.
A one-pager on the bill can be found here. The full bill text can be found here.