This bill aims to modernize the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) type certification process to foster innovation and the development of new and novel aviation technologies , particularly in advanced air mobility. Its core purpose is to enhance transparency, efficiency, and predictability in certification procedures, thereby ensuring the United States maintains its global leadership in the aviation sector. The legislation requires the FAA to publish a plan within 180 days for improving the issue paper process, utilizing industry consensus standards, and creating stable policy for common certification subjects. It also mandates the establishment of standard expected timelines for major certification milestones, including FAA response times and the period between issue paper closure and rulemaking for special conditions, though these timelines exclude complex issues presenting unsafe conditions. The Administrator must consult with various stakeholders, including advanced air mobility representatives and labor organizations, during implementation. 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 airworthiness standards. Within 90 days, the FAA must publish updated delegation guidance for type certification, outlining criteria for applicant eligibility and the classification of compliance findings, while considering safety, predictability, and U.S. leadership for new technologies. An annual report to Congress will detail the FAA's performance, and the established timelines do not create new legal rights or subject FAA adherence to judicial review.
Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act
USA119th CongressS-3885| Senate
| Updated: 2/12/2026
This bill aims to modernize the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) type certification process to foster innovation and the development of new and novel aviation technologies , particularly in advanced air mobility. Its core purpose is to enhance transparency, efficiency, and predictability in certification procedures, thereby ensuring the United States maintains its global leadership in the aviation sector. The legislation requires the FAA to publish a plan within 180 days for improving the issue paper process, utilizing industry consensus standards, and creating stable policy for common certification subjects. It also mandates the establishment of standard expected timelines for major certification milestones, including FAA response times and the period between issue paper closure and rulemaking for special conditions, though these timelines exclude complex issues presenting unsafe conditions. The Administrator must consult with various stakeholders, including advanced air mobility representatives and labor organizations, during implementation. 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 airworthiness standards. Within 90 days, the FAA must publish updated delegation guidance for type certification, outlining criteria for applicant eligibility and the classification of compliance findings, while considering safety, predictability, and U.S. leadership for new technologies. An annual report to Congress will detail the FAA's performance, and the established timelines do not create new legal rights or subject FAA adherence to judicial review.