The U.S. House overwhelmingly approved a bill on Thursday that is designed to help facilitate the emergence of the advanced air mobility (AAM) sector. Passed by a 383-41 margin, the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act, H.R.1339, would establish an interagency working group to collaborate on the "safety, infrastructure, physical security, cybersecurity, and federal investment necessary to bolster the AAM ecosystem.”
Similar legislation (S.516) was introduced by Sens. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Arizona) earlier this year and was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee n May.
Sponsored by Reps. Sharice Davids (D-Kansas) and the House aviation subcommittee ranking Republican Garret Graves (Louisiana), H.R.1339 would have the Secretary of Transportation establish the working group with leaders from other government agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Energy, Homeland Security, and Commerce.
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association hailed the passage as an important advancement to fostering the sector.
“The Advanced Air Mobility sector is on the verge of transforming the future of aviation with the introduction of electric and hybrid-powered aircraft into the national airspace system,” said GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce. “The Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act will ensure that the federal government develops a coordinated approach for promoting this innovative sector of aviation which will facilitate additional transportation options, create jobs and economic activity, advance environmental sustainability and new technologies, and support emergency preparedness and competitiveness.”
GAMA noted that the working group will review issues beyond the initial stage of certification and operations to delve into economic and workforce opportunities, potential physical and digital security risks, and infrastructure development. The group will reach out to stakeholders, labor groups, local officials, consumer groups, and first responders.