Carson Reintroduces Bill to Strengthen Aviation Industry

Press Release

Representatives André Carson (D-IN), a member of the Aviation Subcommittee; Don Young (R-AK), Chairman Emeritus of the Transportation Committee; and Rick Larsen, the Chairman of the Aviation Subcommittee, have reintroduced the bipartisan National Center for the Advancement of Aviation Act of 2021 (HR 3482 ). The legislation supports and promotes collaboration amongst civil, commercial, military and aviation sectors. It will also address the demands and challenges associated with ensuring a safe and vibrant national aviation system through research, education, and training.

"I'm honored to join my colleagues in reintroducing our legislation to help expand knowledge and good ideas across various aviation sectors," Rep. Carson said. "Our bill helps break down the information silos that still persist across commercial aviation, general aviation and military aviation sectors, which will help improve safety and best practices, and expand opportunities for people interested in the aviation workforce. America's aviation industry has broken barriers, created good jobs, and made our world better-connected. As air travel bounces back from the pandemic, it's imperative that we pass this legislation to help expand that legacy and strengthen the industry."

"Alaska's geography is incredibly unique. For a state that is 2.5 times the size of Texas, Alaska has about the same amount of public road mileage as Delaware. Approximately 82% of Alaskan communities are not served by a road system, and the state owns and operates 235 rural airports. As a result, aviation is central part of our state's transportation culture," Congressman Young said. "The need for pilots in our state will only continue to grow, and if Alaska's aviation sector is to prosper, we must ensure that the next-generation of aviators, mechanics, and other professionals have the training and support necessary to succeed. As a pilot myself, I am proud to introduce this crucial legislation alongside Congressmen André Carson and Rick Larsen. Our bill takes important steps to promote aerospace education, develop our next generation aviation workforce, and improve the safety of our skies. This legislation is urgently needed, particularly as we continue negotiating a potential infrastructure package. This Congress, I will continue working to get this bill across the finish line so that the dreams of Alaska's future pilots can take flight."

"In Washington state and across the country, aviation and aerospace mean jobs, and are key to economic recovery," Chair Larsen said. "A National Center for the Advancement of Aviation would foster greater collaboration and technological innovation in U.S. airspace, improve aviation safety, boost U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace, and prepare the next generation workforce to meet the demands of the aviation economy. As Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee, I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure the future of aviation remains bright."

The National Center would focus on four key areas with an emphasis on aviation workforce development:

First, it would support education efforts and provide resources to curriculum developers so educators at all levels have the tools and training to educate the next generation of aviation professionals.
Second, the national center would provide a forum to leverage and share expertise amongst industry sectors including the dissemination of existing high school education curriculum to develop and deploy a workforce of pilots, aerospace engineers, unmanned aircraft system operators, aviation maintenance technicians, or other aviation maintenance professionals needed in the coming decades.
Third, it would serve as a central repository for economic and safety data research and analysis allowing a comprehensive perspective of industry information that would improve safety for all stakeholders.
Finally, it would support symposiums and conferences to facilitate collaboration across the industry and develop future advancements for the aviation and aerospace community.
This legislation would also allow the FAA to focus on safety, certification, and air traffic operations.

Approximately 180 organizations have expressed strong support for the legislation. They include schools, airports, airlines, manufacturers, unions, and other entities involved in aviation and aerospace.

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