Is advanced air mobility a generational opportunity for the U.S. to reboot its leadership in the global aviation industry or a political football? In Washington, D.C., it would seem, it can be both, with the U.S. House aviation subcommittee this week turning its attention to new market entrants, such as drones and eVTOL aircraft, as it considers its position on the pending FAA reauthorization bill.
In opening statements before industry testimony on March 30, several lawmakers accused the Biden Administration of failing to support the emerging advanced air mobility (AAM) sector. Comparing the newcomers to the U.S. aviation system to runners in a marathon race who can’t find the finish line when signposts are removed after 26 miles with just two-10ths of a mile to go, subcommittee chairman Rep. Garret Graves (R-Louisiana) said the industry has been thwarted by its own government.
