On Wednesday December 3, the U.S. House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation met for a hearing to discuss the state of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry. AAM refers to next-generation air transport systems such eVTOL or autonomous aircraft. Members called on several witnesses from the industry and associations to provide their insight into innovations and opportunities in the AAM space.  

Witness List 

Kyle Clark, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, BETA Technologies  

Tyler Painter, Chief Financial Officer, Wisk Aero 

Robert Rose, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Reliable Robotics 

Gregory Pecoraro, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Association of State Aviation Officials 

Aviation Innovation in the Current Aviation Landscape 

The AAM space is an emerging one, with a rise in AAM, eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing), and other next-generation aviation technologies. Companies are emerging to take advantage of the interest in AAM, and the government is recognizing this growing industry with both interest and concern.  

Subcommittee Chair Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) pointed to AAM and eVTOL as important advancements in aviation technology that have the ability to transform the aviation space. On the other side of the aisle, full Committee Ranking Member Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA) praised the electric element of AAM, suggesting that continued investment in electric aviation propulsion is an important step in the fight against climate change, as electric-powered aircraft generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions. The hearing illustrated a moment of bi-partisan support for advances in AAM technology.  

The witnesses testified to the many benefits of AAM that justify the subcommittee’s support for emerging aviation technology. In his opening remarks, Pecoraro commented that AAM integration into the aviation space is an opportunity to “rethink transportation.” Throughout the hearing, the witnesses pointed to various elements of AAM that will be transformative for the industry. In addition to its environmental benefit, electric propulsion provides for quieter aviation, which was a concern for Rep. Laura Gillen (D-NY), who represents an area close to New York’s JFK airport. Noise pollution from aviation is a concern for many communities. In rural areas, especially near parks, aviation noise disturbs the natural quiet of the environment, which is an attractive feature for visitors. Electric-powered aircraft make little noise and can be attractive alternatives in areas where noise pollution is a concern.  

Another benefit of emerging AAM technology is in automation. In his opening remarks, Painter noted that automation is a key factor in ensuring safe operations. For example, zero visibility automated landing technology allows aircraft to land in hazardous conditions, and Rose explained that such a capability is valuable in cases where an aircraft must reach a destination, but under sub-optimal conditions. Take-off and landing operations during rainstorms, snowstorms, or high winds can be dangerous, and human error is a factor in accidents during take-off and landing. Human error is not the only factor in accidents, but the witnesses argued that automation provides an extra layer of security in aviation operations.   

A third benefit that the witnesses discussed regarding AAM technology was in communications. Responding to Rep. Gillen, Clark raised the importance of situational awareness, in which both aircraft in the air and air traffic control (ATC) on the ground are aware of weather conditions in the airspace, location of aircraft, and important restrictions in place. In congested areas like New York City and Washington DC, the presence of many aircraft makes situational awareness of the airspace critical to ensure safe operations. Following the collision at DCA in January 2023, conversations about situational awareness and communications almost always involve mention of ADS-B technology, and this hearing was no different. Responding to Rep. Bob Onder (R-MO), Rose emphasized the value in ADS-B technology in avoiding collisions. Prior ETW articles have discussed ADS-B technology, but as a refresher, ADS-B refers to technology that broadcasts aircraft location, altitude, and speed. ADS-B Out transmits data to ATC and ADS-B In receives data into the cockpit. The witnesses discussed that having this communication technology is a staple in AAM, assuring the subcommittee that AAM is prioritizing safe operations.  

While members took note of the various benefits of AAM, and voiced their support for the industry, some members did raise concerns. Subcommittee Ranking Member Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN) pointed out that AAM technology must not add additional strain to the system, particularly to air traffic controllers. Controllers work long hours in high-pressure and stressful environments, and for almost two months during the government shutdown, did the work without pay. Rep. Carson wanted to make clear that integrating AAM into the existing aviation system is done safely, equitably, and without adding more stress on controllers.  

Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS) raised the question about balancing innovation, safety, and leadership in the AAM space. The sentiment present in Rep. David’s question, as well as Rep. Carson’s comments, is not that AAM is unsafe or unworthy of support. Rather, it is a concern that while AAM presents opportunities to “rethink” the transportation space, it is an industry in its infancy. Emerging aviation technology exists within an established and old aviation system. Aging airport runways, aging air traffic control technology, and workforce shortages paint a picture of a system that is in need of modernization. The federal government is working towards the modernization of the national airspace, through the efforts of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 which targeted workforce development and increased federal funding for modernization projects. But fully modernizing the national airspace will take time. Moreover, modernizing the national airspace to accommodate an emerging AAM industry will require detailed and careful policymaking that encourages innovation, but prioritizes safety and workforce health.  

Leadership from the FAA 

In response to questions about the role of the FAA in the AAM industry, witnesses highlighted the importance of the agency’s leadership and empowerment of industry. The FAA has programs like the Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing Integration Pilot Program (EIPP), which seeks to safely deploy eVTOL and other AAM operations into the national airspace by way of public private partnerships. Responding to Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-MI), Clark praised the program, suggesting that it provides the AAM industry with a competitive edge to the rest of the world, by empowering companies to work with the public sector in integrating AAM into the airspace.  

Training and Education 

Rep. Tracey Mann (R-KS) and Henry Johnson (D-GA) inquired about where training and education fit into the conversation. In his response, Clark assured both representatives that education and training are critical in getting the AAM industry off the ground. Investments in trade schools and working with universities to include both piloting and maintenance-related components in curriculums are strategies that expose students and young people to the AAM space and provide resources to academic institutions. Workforce development remains a challenge in the aviation industry, and government investment in education is a policy choice that reflects the public sector’s interest in attracting more people into the aviation workforce.