Broad Support for Pro Air-Mobility Measures

The United States House of Representatives has passed two important bills that support the development of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector: the Advanced Aviation Infrastructure Modernization (AAIM) Act (H.R. 6270), and the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act (S-516).

Advanced Air Mobility refers to a transportation system that transports people and property by air between two points in the United States using aircraft, including electric aircraft or electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace.

The AAIM Act establishes a two-year pilot initiative that invests $25 million in competitive grants for state, local and tribal governments to further AAM infrastructure.

Conversely, the  Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act, authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to establish an interagency working group composed of leaders from key government agencies to plan for and coordinate efforts for the advancement of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry.

Aerospace organizations broadly support the measures, positing they will accelerate the growth of advanced air mobility (AAM).

In a statement, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen praised lawmakers, saying, “The targeted investments outlined in this legislation will assist in creating new, innovative and sustainable air transportation networks throughout our country that will support hundreds of thousands of green jobs while also ensuring our nation's global leadership in aviation."

Pete Bunce, President and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) also applauded the U.S. House of Representatives, stating: “It is very encouraging to see Congress placing a priority on the growth of advanced air mobility. We are on the cusp of transforming the future of human flight with the introduction of electric and hybrid powered aircraft into the national airspace system. The support of Congress will be instrumental in the emergence of AAM and its facilitation of additional transportation options, job creation, economic growth, further environmental sustainability, and advancement in aerospace technology. Through proper planning and infrastructure preparation, and close cooperation with the FAA on enabling rule-making, we can lead the way in this promising new sector,”

Similar legislation (S.4246), which authorizes advanced air mobility planning grants, has been introduced to the Senate and approved by the Senate Commerce Committee.

FMI: www.congress.gov