Sen. Moran Joins Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Streamline FAA Type Certification Process for AAM Aircraft

Washington–U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space and Innovation – joined his colleagues in introducing 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. This legislation would bolster FAA bandwidth to prevent gridlock and increase transparency in the certification process, strengthen the U.S. aviation industry and further American global aviation leadership. This legislation was also cosponsored by Sens. Peter Welsh (D-Vt.), Tedd Budd (R-N.C.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M), John Curtis (R-Utah), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.).

“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 Sen. 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.” 

“Building on generations of leadership in aviation, American companies are spearheading electric aircraft innovation,” said Sen. 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 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 Sen. Welch. “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.”

“American innovators are shaping the future of flight, and Congress must ensure our regulatory framework keeps pace with that innovation,” said Sen. 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.” 

“The United States is no stranger to innovation, and we must continue to protect our competitive edge in aviation,” said Sen. 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,” said Sen. Sheehy. “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.”

“Advanced Air Mobility platforms will revolutionize the American economy,” said Sen. Young. “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.”

Specifically, this legislation would:

• Establish 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.  
• Set 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.  
• Direct the FAA to define when an issue paper is required in the certification process, while providing flexibility for the agency on complex safety issues.  
• Direct the FAA to report to the relevant congressional committees on the status of implementing the certification regulations and managing workload.  
• Clarify when the FAA can delegate routine compliance findings to qualified personnel, allowing agency experts to focus on complex, safety-critical issues.  
• Update 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.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.