Curtis Bill to Support Next Generation of American Aviation Advances Out of Committee

WASHINGTON —U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) today applauded the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee passage of the bipartisan Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act, legislation that would improve the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) type certification process for American Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft companies to help them succeed and cement the United States’ role as a global leader in aviation. The bill, cosponsored by Curtis, was introduced by Senators Peter Welch (D-VT) and Ted Budd (R-NC).
“The Committee passage today brings us one step closer to modernizing the FAA certification process for the next generation of aviation,” said Senator Curtis . “This bipartisan bill will provide greater clarity and accountability, helping American Advanced Air Mobility companies innovate, compete, and lead the world in the future of flight. I’m pleased to see it advance and look forward to its passage by the full Senate.”
“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. Ensuring the FAA certification process is safe, efficient, and more transparent for emerging AAM companies like Beta is critical to promoting aviation innovation,” said Senator Welch . “I’m thankful for the support of my colleagues on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, including my bipartisan co-lead Senator Budd, in helping this bill fly through to the Senate Floor to support American ingenuity, good-paying jobs in Vermont, and our global leadership in aviation.”
“By ensuring that the FAA prioritizes the certification of novel aircraft like eVTOLs, we can quickly incorporate innovative technology into the National Airspace System. I am glad that our common-sense efforts to usher in the next generation of advanced air mobility aircraft will soon be considered by the full Senate,” said Senator Budd .
Background:
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 electric 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.
Since the introduction of the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act , the Congressional Research Service (CRS) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) have both released reports on the AAM certification process and actions that can be taken by Congress to promote aviation innovation.
Specifically, the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act :
The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act is endorsed by the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA); Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA); Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA); American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE); American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA); Archer Aviation; Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI); Beta Technologies; Boeing; Eve Air Mobility; 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.
The full text of the bill is available here .