WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) this week introduced the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act, bipartisan legislation to improve 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 legislation would bolster FAA bandwidth to prevent gridlock in the certification process by providing more clarity and transparency for industry applicants. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.) are original cosponsors in the Senate.  

“Building on generations of leadership in aviation, American companies are spearheading electric aircraft innovation. That includes companies like Vermont’s Beta Technologies, which is designing and manufacturing electric aircraft 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 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. 

“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.” 

“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 ground work for the future of air transportation,” said Senator Young. 

U.S. Representative Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22), Chair of the House Aviation Subcommittee, Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23), and Rep. André Carson (D-IN-07) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. 

“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 Rep. 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.” 

“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 Rep. 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.” 

“The United States must remain the global leader in aviation innovation, and that means ensuring our regulatory framework keeps pace with emerging technologies,” said Rep. 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.” 

“I am deeply committed to advancing American aviation innovation to ensure safety, our global competitiveness, and grow the aviation workforce,” said Rep. 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.”  

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: 

• Establishes standard expected timelines for the FAA’s type certification process for AAM aircraft 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.  

• Sets transparent and reliable standard expected ranges of time for the issue paper process, so that type certification applicants know how long reviews will take, reducing uncertainty and delays.  

• Directs the FAA to define when an issue paper is required in the certification process, while providing flexibility for the Agency on complex, safety issues.  

• Directs the FAA to report to the relevant congressional committees on the status of implementing the certification regulations and managing workload.  

• Clarifies when the FAA can delegate routine compliance findings to qualified personnel, allowing Agency experts to focus on complex, safety-critical issues.  

• Updates delegation guidance for type certification to cover new and novel technologies related to AAM, including eVTOL aircraft.  

The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act is endorsed by the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA); Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA); Archer Aviation; Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI); Beta Technologies; Boeing; General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA); Joby Aviation; National Air Transportation Association (NATA); National Business Aviation Association (NBAA); Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO (PASS); Vertical Aviation International (VAI); and Wisk Aero. 

On behalf of the manufacturers and suppliers of established and emerging aviation technology, the Aerospace Industries Association appreciates the bipartisan leadership of Senators Welch, Budd, Curtis, Lujan, Lummis, and Sheehy for introducing the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act. The legislation represents another significant step toward strengthening transparency, predictability, and accountability in the Federal Aviation Administration’s type certification process. We remain committed to collaborating with Congress, the Federal Aviation Administration, and industry partners to move reforms like these forward and deliver a safer, more efficient airspace for all,” said the Aerospace Industries Association. 

“American leadership in the next generation of air mobility depends on government keeping pace with industry innovation and acting as a catalyst, not a bottleneck, for safely integrating AAM technologies into the national airspace,” said Michael Robbins, President and CEO, Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). “AUVSI applauds Senators Welch and Budd for championing this common-sense legislation that will enable commercial AAM operations to scale quickly and take off. We look forward to working with them to get this bill enacted into law.” 

“The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act sends a clear message: America will lead the future of flight. This bipartisan legislation brings consistency and transparency to certification while upholding the FAA’s gold-standard safety oversight. It turns innovation into action,” said Kyle Clark, CEO, BETA Technologies. “It gives companies like us the confidence to invest, create jobs, and deploy next-generation aircraft. The next era of aviation will be designed, built, and certified in the United States first.”

“The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act is critical to preserving U.S. leadership in Advanced Air Mobility. Establishing transparent timelines and clear, predictable guidance for the FAA’s type certification processes for eVTOL and fixed-wing aircraft is essential to preventing unnecessary delays and ensuring domestic OEMs can compete globally. This legislation creates a strong framework for market growth while upholding consistent, rigorous safety standards. NATA strongly supports this approach, which empowers the FAA to accelerate certification where appropriate, provide regulatory certainty, and foster innovation through a safety-based regulatory framework,” said Curt Castanga, President, National Air Transportation Association (NATA). 

“The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act provides some targeted refinements to the FAA type certification process that will assist in accelerating aviation safety and bring innovative technologies and new products more effectively into the global marketplace. The bill will improve transparency and set guideposts that will begin to facilitate a future state of certification that will improve safety oversight and secure continued U.S. aviation leadership.   We are grateful for the leadership of Senators Welch, Budd, Curtis, and Lujan in introducing and championing this important legislation,” said James Viola, President and CEO, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).  

“The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act recognizes that innovation in aviation must be built on a foundation of safety and a highly skilled workforce. As Advanced Air Mobility technologies enter the National Airspace System, the frontline FAA employees who oversee these systems must be fully integrated into the planning and implementation process. This legislation helps ensure that modernization moves forward responsibly, strengthening our global leadership in aviation while protecting the safety, reliability, and integrity of the world’s most complex airspace system,” said Dave Spero, President, Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO. 

“Wisk appreciates the bipartisan leadership of Senators Welch, Budd, Curtis, Lujan, Lummis, Sheehy, and Moran for introducing the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act. This legislation is a vital step towards strengthening the certification process for modern aviation technologies and will provide the regulatory clarity needed to bring safe, autonomous, electric flight to communities across the country,” said Cindy Comer, Vice President of SMS, Certification, & Quality, Wisk Aero. 

Learn more about the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act. 

Read and download the full text of the bill. 

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