NBAA is praising the formation of the bipartisan Congressional Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Caucus, which aims to educate members about this emerging technology. Reps. Jay Obernolte (R-California), an ATP pilot and CFI, and Jimmy Panetta (D-California) are co-chairs of the caucus. According to NBAA, Reps. Garret Graves (R-Louisiana) and Dina Titus (D-Nevada) were also instrumental in creating the caucus.
“Advanced air mobility has the potential to combine the benefits of fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, small general aviation aircraft, and intercontinental business jets,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “It allows the U.S. the opportunity to lead on this emerging technology, which is why it’s essential that Congress play a role to ensure we are competitive with other world leaders in this space. NBAA looks forward to engaging with the caucus on AAM technology, which will help connect with communities that have been left behind by existing transit systems.”
The House of Representatives recently passed the Advanced Aviation Infrastructure Modernization Act (H.R.6270), which authorizes funding to plan for and eventually build new AAM infrastructure by leveraging existing vertiports and other public transportation facilities to support AAM operations. Similar legislation—S.4246—was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Alex Padilla (D-California) and Jerry Moran (R-Kansas).