A bill to provide for updates to the Federal Aviation Administration type certification process to support development of new and novel technologies, and for other purposes.
Sponsored By: Senator Peter Welch
Introduced
Summary
Make FAA type certification more predictable for new and novel aviation technologies. This bill would require the FAA to publish plans, set standard timelines, update how issue papers are handled, and issue delegation guidance to better support advanced aircraft innovation.
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- Manufacturers and developers would get a public plan within 180 days to improve the "issue paper" process, increase use of industry consensus standards where appropriate, create more stable policy on recurring certification topics, and ensure performance-based standards are considered.
- Certification applicants and FAA reviewers would see FAA Order 8110.112A amended within 270 days to set expected timelines for key milestones like issue papers, petitions for exemptions, and applicant responses, with a narrow exclusion for complex unsafe issues. The FAA must report to Congress within 180 days after timelines are set and then annually on performance and missed timelines.
- Airports, vertiport planners, and FAA technical staff would be consulted on changes. Within 90 days the FAA would publish updated delegation guidance that sets criteria for delegation eligibility, classifies routine versus safety-critical findings, and requires documentation and management review when the FAA does not use authorized representatives.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Clearer certification timelines for manufacturers
If enacted, the FAA would publish a public plan on its website within 180 days. The plan would explain how issue papers work and when industry consensus standards can be used. The FAA would update its issue-paper rules within 180 days to set clear criteria and convert repeat issue papers into published policy or advisory guidance. The FAA would set standard expected certification timelines within 270 days to make timing more predictable for applicants.
Rules on FAA delegation and oversight
If enacted, the FAA would publish updated delegation guidance within 90 days. The guidance would say who can get delegation, how to mark routine versus safety-critical findings, and what documentation is needed when the FAA does not use authorized representatives. The FAA would consult industry groups and bargaining representatives when making the plan and timelines. The FAA would also report to Congress within 180 days after timelines are set, and then yearly, on its performance and missed deadlines.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Peter Welch
VT • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC]
NC • R
Sponsored 2/12/2026
Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT]
UT • R
Sponsored 2/12/2026
Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]
NM • D
Sponsored 2/12/2026
Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY]
WY • R
Sponsored 2/12/2026
Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]
MT • R
Sponsored 2/12/2026
Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS]
KS • R
Sponsored 2/12/2026
Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN]
IN • R
Sponsored 2/12/2026
Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
CA • D
Sponsored 2/12/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov