Bills · S 3866
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 3866Licensing and registrationsAviation and airports
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.
INTRO FEB 12· LAST ACTION FEB 12
READING
6MIN
COSPONSORS
8BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because the current process for getting new aircraft approved by the FAA can be lengthy and complex, which can slow down innovation. With the rise of advanced air mobility – things like electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, sometimes called 'flying taxis' – there's a need for a more efficient system that can still ensure safety. By requiring the FAA to establish clearer guidelines and timelines, this bill aims to speed up the approval of these cutting-edge technologies.
If this bill becomes law, it could help U.S. companies bring new aviation products to market faster, potentially creating jobs and strengthening America's position in the global aerospace industry. It also aims to make the FAA's decision-making more transparent and consistent. If it doesn't pass, the existing certification process might continue to be a bottleneck for new technologies, potentially pushing innovation to other countries and delaying the public's access to future air travel options.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires the FAA to publish a public plan within 180 days to improve its aircraft type certification process, focusing on transparency, use of industry standards, and stable policies for new technologies.
This provision aims to make the complex aircraft approval process more predictable and understandable for innovators, especially those developing cutting-edge aviation technologies.
PROVISION 02
Directs the FAA to establish standard expected timelines within 270 days for major milestones in the type certification process, including FAA response times to applications and rule publications.
Setting clear timelines helps reduce delays and provides companies with a better understanding of how long the approval process for new aircraft will take, improving planning and efficiency.
PROVISION 03
Mandates the FAA to amend internal orders within 180 days to include specific criteria for when formal 'issue papers' are necessary and to eliminate recurring issue papers by converting stable guidance into official policy or advisory circulars.
This will streamline internal FAA procedures, preventing redundant reviews and ensuring that formal issue papers are only used for truly significant safety or design questions.
PROVISION 04
Requires the FAA to publish updated delegation guidance for type certification within 90 days.
Clear guidance on delegated certification tasks helps ensure consistency and efficiency when the FAA relies on approved entities to assist with aspects of the approval process.
PROVISION 05
Requires the FAA to consult with various stakeholders, including trade associations, advanced air mobility companies, and FAA employee representatives, when implementing these changes and to report annually to Congress on progress.
Ensuring broad input from industry and labor and regular reporting to Congress holds the FAA accountable and ensures the new processes are practical and effective.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 8
D· Vermont
YRS IN OFFICE
19
BILLS LED
84
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 50%
DEM 2 REP 6 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 12
Introduced in Senate
FEB 12
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 3866
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 12, 2026
Last actionFeb 12, 2026
READER REACTIONS
OVERALL SENTIMENT
No reactions yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Discussion
Loading comments...
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 12, 2026
Senate BillS 3866Licensing and registrationsAviation and airports
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.
INTRODUCED FEB 12, 2026· LAST ACTION FEB 12, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
6 min
COSPONSORS
8
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
