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US representative for California Steve Knight has introduced aerospace research legislation, which will help the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to execute and expand its research, engineering and development activities to 2019.

The HR 4489, the FAA Leadership In Groundbreaking High-Tech Research and Development Act (FLIGHT R&D Act) aims to allow funding for the FAA to study and implement findings in aerospace technology to achieve aviation safety, security and economic competitiveness.

Once approved, the bill expects to fulfil the FAA’s National Aviation research plan, a performance-based plan, which the agency intends to use to ensure result-driven research and development (R&D) investments.

Knight said the expenditure authorised by the legislation has been earmarked and will not be added to the national budget deficit.

Knight said: "When the aerospace community grows, our local economy thrives.

"Aviation research and development means more jobs and more opportunities for our small businesses to flourish."

In addition, the act will direct the FAA to work on various initiatives, such as collaborate with other federal agencies such as Nasa on R&D of unmanned aerospace systems (UAS).

The initiative also aims to enhance the agency’s capacity to protect against cybersecurity threats by undertaking R&D at a federal level.

"Aviation research and development means more jobs and more opportunities for our small businesses to flourish."

The FLIGHT R&D Act also seeks the FAA to conduct research on emerging sectors, including single-piloted aircraft, air traffic surveillance over oceans and advanced fuels.

Knight added: "With applications in everything from national security to law enforcement to economic development, aerospace remains one of our nation’s most vital resources.

"That is why we must act now to ensure that America remains a world leader in aviation technology."

The bill is expected to be considered in committee by the end of the month.

Congressman Earl Blumenauer of Oregon recently introduced a separate bill for the Commercial UAS Modernization Act that expects to support the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems or drones into the country’s National Airspace System.

Image: Steve Knight, the US representative for California. Photo: courtesy of United States Congress.