Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) introduced bipartisan legislation to help communities prepare for the eventual integration of advanced air mobility technologies. The Advanced Aviation Infrastructure Modernization (AAIM) Act would establish a pilot program to help state, local and Tribal governments prepare for anticipated advanced air mobility operations and ensure communities can take advantage of the potential benefits of the safe integration of these technologies in our nation’s airspace.
Advanced air mobility consists of a system to move people and cargo between places previously not served, or underserved, by aviation. The new technologies allow for new methods of air travel, including electric vertical take-off and landing of aircraft. The bill is expected to be considered by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation this week.
“American aviation is entering a new era of innovation and growth, and we need to make sure we have the right tools and infrastructure in place to keep pace with these developments,” said Sen. Moran. “Equipping cities with the resources to plan for and utilize this next generation of aircraft will help integrate advanced air mobility operations into existing and future transportation networks.”
“As next-generation propulsion aircraft are poised to revolutionize how people and cargo move within and between cities, suburban, and rural areas, advanced air mobility technologies have the potential to transform how we link historically underserved communities,” said Sen. Padilla. “That’s why I’m excited to introduce this legislation to help states and localities keep pace with this growing sector. And I look forward to seeing this legislation move forward in the Senate Commerce Committee.”
“The AAIM Act, offered by Senators Moran and Padilla, provides essential resources for state and local governments to prepare for their specific AAM infrastructure needs,” says James Viola, President and CEO of HAI. “The AAIM Act outlines a comprehensive set of considerations for infrastructure planning that will enable communities to maximize the societal benefits that AAM stands to offer. States and local governments across the country are eager to make the investments necessary to support new vertical flight technology. HAI applauds Senators Moran and Padilla for identifying this demand and crafting a thoughtfully-structured pilot program that will support the development and deployment of AAM infrastructure and provide valuable information on best practices that can be utilized in federal standards and guidance.”
The AAIM Act is supported by the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), the Helicopter Association International (HAI), the National Association of Counties (NACo), the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), and the National League of Cities (NLC).
Full text of the bill can be found here.
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