By Chris Stonor
Last week was an important week for the AAM industry when the U.S Senate passed Senators Jerry Moran and Kyrsten Sinema’s bill that “facilitates collaboration between federal agencies and civil aviation industry leaders when developing policies regarding advanced air mobility (AAM)”, reports a press release.
The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Coordination and Leadership Act,“Instructs the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation to lead a working group comprised of members from multiple government agencies to engage and work with the civil aviation industry,” continues the release. “The working group will review policies and programs to help advance the maturation of AAM aircraft operations and create recommendations regarding safety, security and federal investments necessary for the development of AAM.”
Sen. Jerry Moran
Sen. Moran commented, “American aviation is entering a new era of innovation and growth, and industry leaders should have a seat at the table as the federal government creates programs to advance the development of this technology and sets safety and operation standards.”
He continued, “Passing this legislation in the Senate puts it one step closer to being signed into law and will help Kansas aviation leaders have a role in developing policies designed to shape this new chapter in aviation.”
Sen. Sinema added, “Our bipartisan legislation creates jobs that strengthen our national security and technological development.“
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema
The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Coordination and Leadership Act will now be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
This legislation received widespread support from Helicopter Association International (HAI), Vertical Flight Society (VFS), Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), Airports Council International – North America, Wichita State University and Spirit AeroSystems.
Pete Bunce, president and CEO of General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), remarked, “We applaud the Senate for passing the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act, which has broad bipartisan and bicameral support.”
He continued, “As AAM continues to develop, it will be essential for federal government agencies and departments to be coordinated and prepared to usher in this rapidly developing sector of aviation which will facilitate additional transportation options, create jobs, spur economic activity and competitiveness, advance environmental sustainability, foster further advancement in aerospace technology and support emergency preparedness.”
Last November, the U.S House of Representatives passed a companion bill with slight variables. Yet, with both chambers now passing respective bills they can work to resolve the differences in each legislation before going to the President to be signed into law.
Pete Bunce
Bunce continued, “We are on the cusp of the future of aviation, and it is our hope that Congress can work expeditiously to get the bill finalised so that we can further develop and grow the advanced air mobility sector.”
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