Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX) delivered opening remarks at a hearing titled “America Builds: The State of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Industry.” Nehls began by welcoming Ranking Member Andre Carson to his new role on the Subcommittee and expressed anticipation for their collaboration in addressing challenges within the aviation sector, particularly in modernizing the National Airspace System (NAS).
Nehls highlighted the significance of Advanced Air Mobility technologies, such as electric vertical takeoff and landing (e-VTOL) powered-lift aircraft. He noted that these innovations could change how people and goods are transported between areas not previously served by traditional aviation. Citing a 2021 industry report, he stated, “one industry report from 2021 projects that the AAM market will reach $115 billion annually by 2035 and bring about more than 280,000 high-paying jobs.”
He pointed out technological advancements like increased battery density that make e-VTOL aircraft quieter and more efficient but acknowledged that no type certificated aircraft exists yet.
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 included provisions aimed at advancing this technology. Specifically, section 955 required the Federal Aviation Administration to publish a Special Federal Aviation Regulation regarding powered-lift aircraft by November 16, 2024. Nehls remarked on its publication one year ago and expressed interest in hearing feedback from witnesses about its effectiveness and remaining certification challenges.
Nehls also referenced recent regulatory steps such as establishing the e-VTOL Integration Pilot Program under the Trump Administration, intended to build upon previous efforts like the Unmanned Aircraft System Integration Pilot Program.
He addressed ongoing discussions in Congress around air traffic control modernization, emphasizing that future ATC systems must account for both current and future NAS users as operations may become increasingly autonomous.
Nehls concluded his remarks by thanking witnesses for their participation and expressing interest in learning more about developments within the AAM industry.
More information about the hearing is available through video recordings and witness testimony on the committee’s website.
