Airport Alert: House Passes AAIM Act

The House passed H.R.6270, the Advanced Aviation Infrastructure Modernization (AAIM) Act late on June 13, which would help communities prepare for and develop the necessary infrastructure to facilitate advanced air mobility (AAM) technologies. The bill was passed by a vote of 338-73, showcasing strong bipartisan support for the future of AAM and its safe integration into the national airspace system. 

The AAIM Act would authorize a $25 million pilot program administered by DOT to provide planning grants to assist state, local, and tribal governments, metropolitan planning organizations, transit agencies and port authorities plan for the development and deployment of vertiport infrastructure required for AAM operations. Additionally, some funding may be allocated for construction activities, including design, bidding, environmental study activities, and other capital costs directly related to the construction of public-use vertiports, but only after the FAA has certified at least two AAM aircraft models, issued airworthiness determinations for at least two AAM operators and published an advisory circular on vertiport design and performance.

With the passage of the AAIM Act, the legislation now goes to the Senate. Last month, the Senate Commerce Committee advanced a similar version of this bill out of committee by voice vote, illustrating not only bipartisan, but also bicameral support for the legislation.