Bill targets aviation, aerospace development

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Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced last week a measure establishing the National Center for the Advancement of Aviation, which they said focuses on aviation and aerospace workforce development.

The Center would serve as a national, independent forum to facilitate collaboration and cooperation between all sectors of aviation and aerospace stakeholders and related partners.

The sectors would coordinate, promote and support the future of aviation and ensure the United States remains a global aviation and aerospace leader, the lawmakers said.

“I am proud to introduce this bill to establish the National Center for the Advancement of Aviation with Sen. Duckworth today,” Inhofe said. “In the more than 100 years since Wilbur and Orville Wright conducted their historic flights at Kitty Hawk, our nation has seen aviation in the United States grow, powered by the individual passions of pilots, aviators, and countless others. To continue this legacy, our bipartisan legislation would create an independent, stakeholder-led national center where all aviation and aviation-related stakeholders can work in concert to address the demands and challenges associated with a safe and vibrant national aviation system.”

Inhofe said the effort would support aviation and aerospace education and curriculum efforts; leverage industry expertise to develop and deploy the needed workforce of trained and qualified pilots, engineers and maintainers; and serve as a central repository of economic and safety data for all stakeholders.

“As a pilot, I know that investing in aviation-focused education and workforce development programs helps attract and retain the best talent and keeps our nation at the forefront of global aviation innovation,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to introduce the National Center for the Advancement of Aviation Act with Sen. Inhofe to foster collaboration in the aviation and aerospace industries to help meet the challenges of tomorrow.”