The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) recently weighed\nin on two initiatives critical to the safe, timely and successful integration\nof advanced air mobility (AAM) into the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The association\u2019s comments \u2013 informed by NBAA\u2019s AAM\nRoundtable and Emerging Technology Committee \u2013 provide direction to government\nagencies on proposals with potential impact for pilots, manufacturers,\ninfrastructure developers and other stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, NBAA provided feedback to the Federal Aviation\nAdministration (FAA) on its Integration of Powered-Lift: Pilot Certification\nand Operations; Miscellaneous Amendments Related to Rotorcraft and Airplanes\nNotice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). This effort aims to provide transition\nregulations, or Special Federal Aviation Regulations (SFAR), for pilot\ncertification and operating rules, allowing entry into service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The association, along with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots\nAssociation, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the Helicopter\nAssociation International, the National Air Transportation Association and the\nVertical Flight Society, described several concerns regarding the proposal, and\noutlined practical recommendations to ensure safe pilot qualification and\noperations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The stakeholders explained the proposal is not aligned with\nInternational Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for airman\ncertification, creating an unnecessary burden for many powered-lift\nmanufacturers and operators, and establishing impossible mandates for\npowered-lift with a single set of controls. The proposed rule also does not\nalign with ICAO guidance regarding operational rules, inhibiting operators from\nutilizing the full capabilities of these new aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUnfortunately, this NPRM does not empower the development\nof powered-lift aircraft with the potential described by the Government\nAccountability Office (GAO),\u201d the associations stated in their comments. \u201cThe\nproposal for airman qualification creates a barrier for most AAM aircraft\nmanufacturers to enter the U.S. market and the proposed operations rules create\nan uneven playing field for powered-lift aircraft, failing to take advantage of\nthe many benefits provided by vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cClose alignment with ICAO standards and guidance will allow\nU.S.-based manufacturers and operators to achieve anticipated operations launch\ndates in 2025 and ensure a lively AAM industry in the U.S. far into the\nfuture,\u201d they concluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n