Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act

This bill aims to modernize the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) type certification process to foster innovation and ensure United States global leadership in aviation, particularly for new and novel technologies. It mandates the FAA to publish a plan within 180 days to improve the issue paper process, maximize the use of industry consensus standards, create stable policy for common issues, and consider performance-based standards for certification requirements. The legislation also requires the FAA to establish standard expected timelines for major milestones in the type certification process, such as issue paper development, special conditions, and responses to applicant petitions. These timelines are intended to increase predictability and efficiency, with an annual report to Congress on performance, though complex safety issues are excluded. The Administrator must consult with various stakeholders, including advanced air mobility representatives and labor unions, when developing these updates. Furthermore, the bill directs the FAA to amend its orders to include specific criteria for when an issue paper is warranted and to improve efficiency by converting stable issue papers into published policy or incorporating them into annual airworthiness standards. It also requires updated delegation guidance for type certification, which must include criteria for applicant eligibility, classification of routine versus safety-critical findings, and consideration of new technologies and global leadership. Congress emphasizes the importance of United States leadership in advanced air mobility and aviation innovation. The bill clarifies that the established timelines do not create new legal rights and are not subject to judicial review, ensuring administrative flexibility while promoting efficiency improvements.