Obernolte legislation incorporated in FAA reauthorization | Representative Jay Obernolte
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Obernolte legislation incorporated in FAA reauthorization

eVTOL Simulator
July 20, 2023
Press Release

U.S. Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-Hesperia), a pilot with over 30 years of experience and co-chair of the bipartisan Advanced Air Mobility Caucus, helped to shape policy included in the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization legislation that passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday. His amendments and provisions in the bill will help to modernize the aviation industry and enable the testing and future commercial use of advanced air mobility technology.

“I am proud to have contributed in shaping this critical bill to ensure a stable and innovative future for America’s aviation industry,” said Rep. Obernolte. “Unfortunately, inaction at the FAA can sometimes prevent the implementation of innovative new ideas that could improve aviation for passengers, businesses, and the transportation industry. This bill advances innovative and exciting new ideas as well as correcting bad policies that have limited access to the aviation industry for pilots.”

Section 1139’s Airport and Airfield Pavement Technology Research Program and Section 1138’s Air Traffic Surface Operations Safety provision were both authored by Rep. Obernolte and included in the final text. The provisions pave the way for advanced air mobility infrastructure by directing the FAA to study possibilities for new resilient and sustainable airfield and vertiport pavement and examine the economic benefits of utilizing existing airport infrastructure for use in Advanced Air Mobility operations.

Rep. Obernolte secured the inclusion of an additional two amendments in the FAA Reauthorization Act to help modernize the aviation industry:

  • Unleaded Aviation Gas Amendment:Capitalizes on recent innovations to allow FAA approved high-octane unleaded aviation gasoline to be sold at airports in lieu of 100 octane low-lead aviation gasoline, increasing the sustainability of aviation and addressing critical environmental concerns.

  • Airman Practical Test Amendment: Reduces the significant administrative delays in obtaining a pilots’ license by requiring the FAA to schedule Airman Practical Tests no more than 14 calendar days after a test is requested.