DeKalb GA News

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As a senior member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) this week secured several of his priorities in the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act, including help to streamline and advance power-lift aircraft certifications, and efforts to diversify the aviation industry.

Rep. Johnson secured language in the base text to ensure that no less than 20 percent of the authorized funding in the Aviation Workforce Development plan be reserved for the Willa Brown Aviation Education Program, named for the first African American woman to earn a pilot’s license in the United States and first woman in the U.S. to have both a pilot’s license and an aircraft mechanic's license. The effort is based on his Minorities in Aviation Education Act, which was re-introduced earlier this year that works to improve the preparation and representation of minorities in aviation-related fields.

He also secured passage of an amendment to help boost the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry’s certification process. AAM is a burgeoning type of aircraft using electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) to move people and cargo between places not currently or easily served by surface transportation or existing aviation modes. EVTOL aircraft – also known as “air taxis” are typically powered by hybrid electric systems, batteries or potentially hydrogen fuel cells.

“I’m pleased I was able to deliver measures in this bill for Georgians that helps create jobs, is good for aviation consumers and works toward decarbonizing the industry and tackle climate change,” said Rep. Johnson, who also sits on the Aviation Subcommittee. “It’s important that Congress strengthens our aviation sector, diversify our workforce, invest in infrastructure and innovation.”

“Rep. Johnson’s leadership and support for the Advanced Air Mobility industry and its future in Georgia is unmatched,” said Michael Romanowski of Archer Aviation, an AAM company with a manufacturing facility in Covington. “With this amendment clarifying Congress' intent and expectations, he is ensuring that the FAA's emerging regulations enable viable and timely pathways into safe, commercial AAM operations. This will make AAM a viable transportation option for US communities in the coming years.”

The Congressman also put forward amendments to support research into hydrogen as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels for planes, and he supported an amendment to increase the number of flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

Both amendments were withdrawn with a promise from leadership that further discussion of the amendments would be had before the bill hits the House floor for a full vote.

The FAA Reauthorization process takes place every five years – the last being in 2018. H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, is bipartisan legislation that reauthorizes the FAA for the next five years, as well as gives the agency its “marching orders” from lawmakers.

Original source can be found here.