Carson, Young, Larsen Co-Sponsor National Aviation Center Resolution
WASHINGTON – Newly proposed legislation by Reps. André Carson, D-Ind., Don Young, R-Alaska, and Rick Larsen, D-Wash., in the House of Representatives would support and promote a national aviation center for research, education and training.
The “National Center for the Advancement of Aviation Act of 2020” was introduced in the House Oct. 6, according to congress.gov. The resolution would encourage collaboration among civil, commercial, military and aviation sectors, according to a press release from Young’s office.
“Alaska’s geography is incredibly unique. Because of this, aviation has become a central part of our state’s culture and transportation needs,” Young said in a statement. “The need for pilots in our state will continue to grow, and if Alaska’s aviation sector is to succeed, we must ensure that the next generation of aviators, mechanics, and other professionals have the training and support necessary to succeed.”
Young continued, “As a pilot myself, I am proud to introduce this crucial legislation alongside Carson and 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, and I will continue working to get it across the finish line so that the dreams of Alaska’s future pilots can take flight.”
The national center would support educators “at all levels” and provide resources to curriculum developers, providing a foundation for new generations of aviation professionals, according to the release.
In addition, the center would focus on providing a forum to share insight from experts across industry sectors. According to the release, this initiative would include the “dissemination of existing high school education curriculum,” establishing a pipeline of pilots, aerospace engineers, aviation maintenance technicians and other aviation maintenance professionals needed in the coming decades.
“In Washington state and across the country, aviation and aerospace mean jobs,” Larsen said in a statement. “A National Center for the Advancement of Aviation would foster greater collaboration and technological innovation in U.S. airspace, help improve aviation safety, boost U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace, and prepare the next generation workforce to meet the demands of the 21st century aviation economy. As chair of the House Aviation Subcommittee, I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure the future of aviation remains bright.”
Other duties of the center would include serving as the “central repository for economic and safety data research and analysis,” according to the release. This repository would provide a comprehensive outlook of industry information aimed at improving aviation safety standards.
Further, should the resolution pass, the center would organize “symposiums and conferences” to facilitate industry-wide collaboration and spur advancement. The resolution has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Aviation and currently awaits a hearing, according to congress.gov.
“I am honored to join my colleagues in introducing this common-sense, yet bold piece of legislation,” Carson said in a statement. “Indiana is known as the crossroads of America. And thanks to our world class airports, that nickname applies to our state’s skyways as well. We need to keep growing and improving this sector, but obstacles persist.”
“Too often in the past, innovation and lessons learned in various aviation sectors have not been shared in a collaborative or timely manner, especially in the face of rapid developments in new technology,” Carson’s statement continued. “Our bill helps break down silos across commercial aviation, general aviation and military aviation sectors. This will not only improve safety and best practices, but also expand opportunities for those interested in the aviation workforce. That includes the young and not so young, from those just starting out, to those with experience who want to move into other types of aviation work. I urge all of my congressional colleagues to support this bill, so we can ensure this industry creates jobs and sparks passions for years to come.”