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.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · February 12, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
S. 3866 updates the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) aircraft certification process to streamline approvals for new aviation technologies, particularly advanced air mobility innovations like electric aircraft and powered-lift vehicles. The bill requires the FAA to publish a public plan within 180 days improving the certification process, establish standard timelines for major certification milestones within 270 days, and develop specific criteria determining when issues warrant formal review. The legislation also mandates the FAA update its delegation guidance within 90 days to clarify when manufacturers can conduct their own compliance testing under FAA oversight. The bill affects aircraft manufacturers, technology developers, airports, and aviation safety personnel, and includes requirements for the FAA to report annually to Congress on its performance in meeting the new timelines and implementing reforms. This legislation aims to maintain U.S. global competitiveness in aviation technology while preserving safety standards.
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