The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), were among the aviation associations that applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing 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).
“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 rulemaking, we can lead the way in this promising new sector,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA President and CEO. “We applaud the leadership of Representatives Rick Larsen, Sharice Davids, Garret Graves, Dina Titus and Troy Balderson who have been championing these important pieces of legislation in the House.”
The Advanced Aviation Infrastructure Modernization Act, introduced by Representatives Rick Larsen (D-WA-2), Garret Graves (R-LA-6), and Dina Titus (D-NV-1), authorizes a grant program to state, local, and tribal governments, transit agencies, port authorities, and metropolitan planning organizations to plan the infrastructure needed to facilitate advanced air mobility (AAM) operations and construction for public-use vertiports. The Senate companion (S.4246), introduced by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Jerry Moran (R-KS), was approved by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation last month. NASAO is part of a coalition of key aviation stakeholders advocating for this legislation.
“State aviation officials appreciate that the House has acted to proactively provide practical assistance to local authorities and other stakeholders to prepare for the future of Aviation”, said Greg Pecoraro, President and CEO. “This bill will provide valuable assistance to state, local, and tribal government agencies as well as many others to plan for and make use of exciting new aviation technologies, and to integrate them safely and effectively into the National Airspace System.”
The Advanced Aviation Infrastructure Modernization Act (AAIM Act), H.R. 6270, supported by NBAA, authorizes funding to plan for and eventually build new AAM infrastructure by leveraging existing vertiports and other public transportation facilities to support AAM operations and fosters community engagement programs to introduce the latest technologies to a diverse set of communities.
The legislation was first introduced last December by T&I Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Rick Larsen (D-2-WA), Ranking Aviation Subcommittee Member Garret Graves (R-6-LA) and Rep. Dina Titus (D-1-NV) and has attracted nearly 30 bi-partisan co-sponsors.
Powered by electric or hybrid propulsion, AAM offers significant potential to improve mobility and complement existing public transportation networks while reducing congestion and carbon and noise emissions.
The House bill results from advocacy efforts led by NBAA with the support of a broad group of aviation stakeholders to underscore the importance of beginning AAM planning and construction, to fully leverage the technology. The effort has been largely driven through the NBAA AAM Roundtable, a group established for high-level sector leaders to chart a course for integrating AAM technologies into the nation’s airspace and infrastructure.
“We applaud the House of Representatives for passing this important legislation, which will support the future of on-demand aviation,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “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.”
