crs_reports: R48984

Congressional Research Service reports with summaries, authors, and topic classifications.

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id title publish_date update_date status content_type authors topics summary pdf_url html_url
R48984 The Certification of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Aircraft: In Brief 2026-06-12T04:00:00Z 2026-06-13T05:38:03Z Active Reports Bart Elias   Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) refers to a novel transportation system for flying a few passengers and small payloads of cargo over relatively short distances—about 10 miles to 150 miles—using new aircraft designs. Congress has expressed interest in supporting the development of AAM flight operations and promoting U.S. leadership in technology innovation to support the industry developing AAM aircraft and its supporting infrastructure. This report discusses the framework, approach, and complexities of certifying new aircraft designs to enable future AAM production and operations. Most AAM concepts envision using electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The FAA classifies most of these designs as powered-lift aircraft, which have characteristics of both rotorcraft (helicopters) and fixed-wing airplanes, as well as novel characteristics that are distinct from more traditional aircraft designs. The FAA is requiring developers to address special conditions to demonstrate vehicle safety and airworthiness before the FAA issues a final aircraft type certification approval for the design of a specific AAM model. Type certification of an aircraft refers to the regulatory approval of an aircraft design and the conditions and limitations imposed regarding the use of that aircraft. No AAM vehicles have been certified by the FAA to date, but a few are progressing through the required steps to obtain certification. This process will address aircraft systems, flight operations, maintenance, and noise and environmental considerations. After type certification, manufacturers must obtain production certification to produce aircraft, and each aircraft assembled must obtain an airworthiness certification demonstrating safe construction and adherence to the type design. Future design changes would require FAA approval through either a supplemental type certification or an amended type certification. Manufacturers or their successors would be generally responsible to assist the FAA and aircraft operators in identifying safety concerns regarding the aircraft type design and applying safety modifications and corrections as needed to maintain the continued airworthiness of the aircraft. The Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act (P.L. 117-203) mandated an interagency working group to address safety, security, and federal investment needs to support AAM development and operations. Some legislative proposals in the 119th Congress seek to continue AAM research and development and federal interagency coordination on AAM development and related technological capabilities. https://www.congress.gov/crs_external_products/R/PDF/R48984/R48984.1.pdf https://www.congress.gov/crs_external_products/R/HTML/R48984.html

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