• Education
    • Higher Education
    • Scholarships & Grants
    • Online Learning
    • School Reforms
    • Research & Innovation
  • Lifestyle
    • Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Fashion & Beauty
    • Home & Living
    • Relationships & Family
  • Technology & Startups
    • Software & Apps
    • Startup Success Stories
    • Startups & Innovations
    • Tech Regulations
    • Venture Capital
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Cybersecurity
    • Emerging Technologies
    • Gadgets & Devices
    • Industry Analysis
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Advertise with Us
  • Privacy & Policy
Today Headline
  • Home
  • World News
    • Us & Canada
    • Europe
    • Asia
    • Africa
    • Middle East
  • Politics
    • Elections
    • Political Parties
    • Government Policies
    • International Relations
    • Legislative News
  • Business & Finance
    • Market Trends
    • Stock Market
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Corporate News
    • Economic Policies
  • Science & Environment
    • Space Exploration
    • Climate Change
    • Wildlife & Conservation
    • Environmental Policies
    • Medical Research
  • Health
    • Public Health
    • Mental Health
    • Medical Breakthroughs
    • Fitness & Nutrition
    • Pandemic Updates
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Basketball
    • Tennis
    • Olympics
    • Motorsport
  • Entertainment
    • Movies
    • Music
    • TV & Streaming
    • Celebrity News
    • Awards & Festivals
  • Crime & Justice
    • Court Cases
    • Cybercrime
    • Policing
    • Criminal Investigations
    • Legal Reforms
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • World News
    • Us & Canada
    • Europe
    • Asia
    • Africa
    • Middle East
  • Politics
    • Elections
    • Political Parties
    • Government Policies
    • International Relations
    • Legislative News
  • Business & Finance
    • Market Trends
    • Stock Market
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Corporate News
    • Economic Policies
  • Science & Environment
    • Space Exploration
    • Climate Change
    • Wildlife & Conservation
    • Environmental Policies
    • Medical Research
  • Health
    • Public Health
    • Mental Health
    • Medical Breakthroughs
    • Fitness & Nutrition
    • Pandemic Updates
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Basketball
    • Tennis
    • Olympics
    • Motorsport
  • Entertainment
    • Movies
    • Music
    • TV & Streaming
    • Celebrity News
    • Awards & Festivals
  • Crime & Justice
    • Court Cases
    • Cybercrime
    • Policing
    • Criminal Investigations
    • Legal Reforms
No Result
View All Result
Today Headline
No Result
View All Result
Home Science & Environment Space Exploration

The future of advanced air mobility under a new Congress and Trump administration

February 27, 2025
in Space Exploration
Reading Time: 6 mins read
A A
0
12
SHARES
26
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter


As the 119th Congress convenes and the Trump administration returns to the helm, the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry stands at a pivotal juncture. Air taxis and other next generation modes of crewed and autonomous aerial transport have captured the American psyche. Recent legislative and regulatory developments have set the stage for rapid advancements in AAM, but significant challenges and opportunities remain. The recent D.C. crash underscores the critical need for skilled air traffic professionals to ensure safety in increasingly complex and evolving airspace. 

Progress and foundations

The passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 was a pivotal moment for AAM, allocating $105 billion for FAA programs over five years and emphasizing streamlined certification for eVTOL aircraft and clear operational rules for powered-lift aircraft. Widely supported by AAM leaders and aviation stakeholders, this legislation prioritizes the regulatory clarity needed to foster innovation and reduce uncertainty. The FAA must now certify AAM aircraft, plan integration, and address funding and staffing. In the meantime, AAM should align with the existing taxation system, with policy discussions needed on its role within the traditional aviation model. The regulator’s ability to adapt quickly to industry changes is crucial for proactive infrastructure development.

Complementing this legislative progress is the FAA’s proposed rule RIN 2120-AL72, which aims to integrate powered-lift aircraft into the National Airspace System (NAS). This rule introduces temporary regulations for pilot certification and operational standards for eVTOLs, crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency during this nascent phase. These measures reflect a robust framework designed to support the safe and effective deployment of AAM technologies. 

“The AAM/[uncrewed aerial systems (UAS)] industry relies on a number of emerging technologies and infrastructure development to support safe integration into the NAS,” Lisa Bee, director of air traffic services at Viasat, told us regarding the proposed rule. “Rulemaking is a critical enabler for manufacturers, developers, and service suppliers.”

The Trump administration’s legacy

Reflecting on the Trump administration’s previous track record reveals a mixed but forward-leaning approach to AAM and UAS. Notably, the administration updated the export policy for United States-origin drones, reinterpreting the Missile Technology Control Regime guidelines to facilitate the export of certain drones. This policy shift aimed to bolster U.S. economic and national security by expanding the UAS market​. The FAA, under Trump’s leadership, also made strides in developing regulatory frameworks for AAM and UAS. This included the establishment of testing corridors and collaborative efforts with NASA and other stakeholders to promote innovation and infrastructure development​. These efforts laid a foundational bedrock upon which the industry can now build, and we predict that certification work surrounding some of the nascent technologies like AAM vehicle take off and landing protocols will receive an immense amount of agency focus.

Challenges and opportunities

Heading into the new administration, the AAM/UAS industry faces both challenges and opportunities. Regulatory clarity, while improved, still requires refinement. A fact alluded to recently by Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) during the nomination hearing of former Congressman Sean Duffy, Trump’s pick to head the U.S. Department of Transportation. The FAA’s temporary rules need to evolve into permanent, comprehensive regulations that ensure safety without stifling innovation.

Infrastructure development remains another critical area necessary for global competitiveness and increased urbanization. The FAA Reauthorization Act’s provisions for vertiport design and integration into the NAS are steps in the right direction, but substantial investment and coordination at federal, state and local levels are necessary to create a robust AAM/UAS ecosystem. The U.S. must maintain its leadership in aviation, or risk falling behind countries like China, the UAE and Japan. These nations are at different stages of AAM development, with China already issuing an Advanced Air Mobility certificate and using vehicles to transport people. 

The ideal use case in the U.S. is to enhance existing aviation infrastructure and expand it into independent facilities, much like how Uber and other disruptive concepts have transformed the transportation industry. This could be applied to high-demand routes between major urban hubs — such as Boston to New York, or the Dallas-Houston-San Antonio triangle, as well as for large-scale events like the Olympics or the Super Bowl, where these vehicles could transport people efficiently. In the near term, private funding will drive the initial lift, with public funding gradually increasing over time. Congress must identify and clarify how AAM fits into the schematic for the sector. Appropriating additional funding will ensure that the FAA can certify these vehicles, have the appropriate staffing and ensure the UTM is beyond reproach with respect to providing situational awareness to the personnel responsible for oversight. 

Additional vital components for the safe integration and commercial operation of AAM include technologies such as command and control communication links for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) UAS operations and UAS Traffic Management (UTM). BVLOS is a critical and fundamental enabler for full-scale operations of many different AAM operators and service suppliers, and UTM will unlock the requisite safety services and data exchange protocols necessary to safely and efficiently support multiple BVLOS operations. The law directs FAA action, including the development of policies, procedures and rule-making to approve BVLOS operations and third-party UTM service suppliers.

“Viasat and its industry partners are working closely with the FAA to develop, test and demonstrate the enabling technologies and concepts in support of the FAA’s regulatory and policymaking efforts,” Bee said.

Moreover, international collaboration and alignment with global standards will be vital. As the U.S. takes bold steps domestically, ensuring compatibility and cooperation with international aviation bodies will help maintain a competitive edge in the global market, and will help American AAM companies avoid undue global regulatory hurdles in the future.

Looking ahead

The 119th Congress and the Trump administration share a unique opportunity to solidify the U.S.’s leadership in the AAM industry. Building on the legislative and regulatory frameworks established, the focus must now shift to implementation, innovation and infrastructure development. 

“A vital new industry is at the threshold and awaiting the rulemaking and policies to allow it to develop and operate to scale,” Bee observed when discussing the new administration’s outlook on the industry.

The advanced air mobility industry, along with its trade associations and advocacy groups, has a critical role to play in shaping the sector’s trajectory during this transformative period. Industry stakeholders can drive progress by engaging proactively with Congress and the new Trump administration to ensure policies align with technological advancements and operational realities.

Through concerted lobbying efforts, industry groups can advocate for increased federal funding for AAM infrastructure, such as vertiports, urban air corridors, charging stations and 3rd party services. The regulator’s quick response is vital for infrastructure development. The FAA must certify AAM aircraft and plan their integration into national airspace, covering funding and staffing. Until then, AAM’s mass use must align with the current taxation system. A policy discussion is needed to determine where AAM fits, as traditional aviation tax laws do not account for these emerging technologies in both urban and rural areas. They can also help shape workforce development programs, and critical safety measures that prepare a new generation of pilots, technicians, and engineers to meet the sector’s demands. Collaborative partnerships with the administration and Congress can also ensure that emerging regulations prioritize safety while remaining flexible enough to accommodate innovation.

By embracing these opportunities and addressing the challenges head-on, the 119th Congress and the new Trump administration can pave the way for a new era in aviation, one where America leads in advanced air mobility becoming a cornerstone of modern transportation that strikes a critical balance between advancing AAM and implementing robust regulations that safeguard both passengers and the rapidly evolving industry.

Rod Hall is a Senior Policy Advisor with Nelson Mullins. He is the former Assistant Administrator for Government & Industry Affairs with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Jake Kohn is an attorney and Senior Policy Advisor with Nelson Mullins. He advises in areas of government relations and regulatory affairs, with experience ranging from health care to transportation, workforce development, foreign affairs and infrastructure.

Liz Demaree is a Senior Policy Advisor with Nelson Mullins. She advises on international, government, healthcare, energy and crisis issues. 

SpaceNews is committed to publishing our community’s diverse perspectives. Whether you’re an academic, executive, engineer or even just a concerned citizen of the cosmos, send your arguments and viewpoints to opinion@spacenews.com to be considered for publication online or in our next magazine. The perspectives shared in these op-eds are solely those of the authors.

Related

Tags: Advanced Air MobilityeVTOLFAAFAA Reauthorization ActOpinion
Previous Post

Payback: Top Execs Of Green Org Receiving Biden’s Billions Are Huge Dem Donors

Next Post

Clinico-epidemiology of tarantula (Poecilotheria spp.) bites in Sri Lanka todayheadline

Related Posts

NASA Supports Artemis Accords Signatories Advancing Exploration

May 23, 2025
3

Dawn Aerospace begins sales of Aurora suborbital spaceplane

May 23, 2025
4
Next Post
Clinico-epidemiology of tarantula (Poecilotheria spp.) bites in Sri Lanka

Clinico-epidemiology of tarantula (Poecilotheria spp.) bites in Sri Lanka todayheadline

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Family calls for change after B.C. nurse dies by suicide after attacks on the job

Family calls for change after B.C. nurse dies by suicide after attacks on the job

April 2, 2025
Pioneering 3D printing project shares successes

Product reduces TPH levels to non-hazardous status

November 27, 2024

Hospital Mergers Fail to Deliver Better Care or Lower Costs, Study Finds todayheadline

December 31, 2024

Police ID man who died after Corso Italia fight

December 23, 2024
Harris tells supporters 'never give up' and urges peaceful transfer of power

Harris tells supporters ‘never give up’ and urges peaceful transfer of power

0
Des Moines Man Accused Of Shooting Ex-Girlfriend's Mother

Des Moines Man Accused Of Shooting Ex-Girlfriend’s Mother

0

Trump ‘looks forward’ to White House meeting with Biden

0
Catholic voters were critical to Donald Trump’s blowout victory: ‘Harris snubbed us’

Catholic voters were critical to Donald Trump’s blowout victory: ‘Harris snubbed us’

0
Meta quietly plans rude awakening for employees after layoffs

Meta quietly plans rude awakening for employees after layoffs todayheadline

May 23, 2025

Procore's chief legal officer sells $289,628 in stock todayheadline

May 23, 2025
ET logo

Net FDI inflows sink 96% to record low todayheadline

May 23, 2025
Aerial view of a highway with many cars and green signs pointing the way to various California destinations

The Senate just voted to block California’s gas car ban todayheadline

May 23, 2025

Recent News

Meta quietly plans rude awakening for employees after layoffs

Meta quietly plans rude awakening for employees after layoffs todayheadline

May 23, 2025
0

Procore's chief legal officer sells $289,628 in stock todayheadline

May 23, 2025
3
ET logo

Net FDI inflows sink 96% to record low todayheadline

May 23, 2025
6
Aerial view of a highway with many cars and green signs pointing the way to various California destinations

The Senate just voted to block California’s gas car ban todayheadline

May 23, 2025
1

TodayHeadline is a dynamic news website dedicated to delivering up-to-date and comprehensive news coverage from around the globe.

Follow Us

Browse by Category

  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Basketball
  • Business & Finance
  • Climate Change
  • Crime & Justice
  • Economic Policies
  • Elections
  • Entertainment
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Environmental Policies
  • Europe
  • Football
  • Gadgets & Devices
  • Health
  • Medical Research
  • Mental Health
  • Middle East
  • Motorsport
  • Olympics
  • Politics
  • Public Health
  • Relationships & Family
  • Science & Environment
  • Software & Apps
  • Space Exploration
  • Sports
  • Stock Market
  • Technology & Startups
  • Tennis
  • Travel
  • Uncategorized
  • Us & Canada
  • Wildlife & Conservation
  • World News

Recent News

Meta quietly plans rude awakening for employees after layoffs

Meta quietly plans rude awakening for employees after layoffs todayheadline

May 23, 2025

Procore's chief legal officer sells $289,628 in stock todayheadline

May 23, 2025
  • Education
  • Lifestyle
  • Technology & Startups
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Advertise with Us
  • Privacy & Policy

© 2024 Todayheadline.co

Welcome Back!

OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Business & Finance
  • Corporate News
  • Economic Policies
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Market Trends
  • Crime & Justice
  • Court Cases
  • Criminal Investigations
  • Cybercrime
  • Legal Reforms
  • Policing
  • Education
  • Higher Education
  • Online Learning
  • Entertainment
  • Awards & Festivals
  • Celebrity News
  • Movies
  • Music
  • Health
  • Fitness & Nutrition
  • Medical Breakthroughs
  • Mental Health
  • Pandemic Updates
  • Lifestyle
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Food & Drink
  • Home & Living
  • Politics
  • Elections
  • Government Policies
  • International Relations
  • Legislative News
  • Political Parties
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Middle East
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cybersecurity
  • Emerging Technologies
  • Gadgets & Devices
  • Industry Analysis
  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Motorsport
  • Olympics
  • Climate Change
  • Environmental Policies
  • Medical Research
  • Science & Environment
  • Space Exploration
  • Wildlife & Conservation
  • Sports
  • Tennis
  • Technology & Startups
  • Software & Apps
  • Startup Success Stories
  • Startups & Innovations
  • Tech Regulations
  • Venture Capital
  • Uncategorized
  • World News
  • Us & Canada
  • Public Health
  • Relationships & Family
  • Travel
  • Research & Innovation
  • Scholarships & Grants
  • School Reforms
  • Stock Market
  • TV & Streaming
  • Advertise with Us
  • Privacy & Policy
  • About us
  • Contact

© 2024 Todayheadline.co