Regulations & Safety
Pennsylvania AIR Act Introduced to Modernize Aviation Funding
Senate Bill 1365 proposes an Aviation Trust Fund and fuel tax increases to support Pennsylvania airports amid declining federal funds.
This article is based on an official press release from Pennsylvania State Senator Dan Laughlin, supplemented by industry research data.
Introduction to the Pennsylvania AIR Act
On June 2, 2026, Pennsylvania State Senator Dan Laughlin (R-49) officially introduced Senate Bill 1365, formally known as the Pennsylvania AIR Act. According to the official press release, the legislation aims to comprehensively overhaul and modernize the state’s aviation funding mechanisms, which advocates note have not seen significant structural advancement in more than 40 years.
The cornerstone of the proposed legislation is the establishment of a dedicated “Aviation Trust Fund.” This fund is designed to provide stable, long-term financial support for Pennsylvania’s public-use Airports, aviation workforce development, and the integration of emerging aviation technologies. The bill is currently awaiting consideration in the Senate Transportation Committee.
For Pennsylvania, the economic stakes are substantial. Industry data cited in the legislative research indicates that the aviation sector provides an estimated annual economic impact of $23.6 billion to the Commonwealth and supports more than 300,000 jobs. We note that the introduction of this bill comes at a critical juncture, as state officials attempt to preempt a looming drop in federal infrastructure funding.
Restructuring Aviation Revenue and Investments
The AIR Act proposes a significant restructuring of how aviation is taxed and funded within the state. To finance the newly created Aviation Trust Fund, the legislation relies on a combination of modernized fees, redirected tax revenues, and substantial increases in fuel taxes.
Proposed Tax and Fee Adjustments
According to the legislative breakdown, the bill includes notable increases to existing fuel taxes. The aviation fuel tax would increase from 1.5 cents to 24 cents per gallon, while the jet fuel tax would rise from 1.1 cents to 8 cents per gallon. Furthermore, the legislation forward-looks by introducing taxes on emerging aviation fuels, specifically targeting Hydrogen and electricity used for aircraft Propulsion.
In addition to fuel taxes, the Aviation Trust Fund would be supported by redirecting a portion of the state’s general sales and use tax revenue. The bill also updates aircraft registration fees and modernizes licensing and inspection fees for certain aviation facilities, while integrating federal aviation funding revenues.
Targeted Allocations
The revenue generated by these adjustments will be strictly ring-fenced for specific industry uses. According to the bill’s framework, funds will be allocated toward airport development and infrastructure projects, public airport property tax reimbursements, aviation workforce training, and broader economic development initiatives aimed at expanding air service.
The Federal Funding Cliff and Regional Competition
A primary catalyst for the AIR Act is the anticipated expiration of the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) after the 2025-26 fiscal year. Historically, Pennsylvania’s aviation funding has relied heavily on federal sources. Between 2012 and 2015, federal funds accounted for over 70% of the state’s aviation funding, a figure that surged to nearly 90% under the BIL.
Absent congressional action to extend these federal provisions, funding for Pennsylvania airports is projected to drop by approximately half. This looming “funding cliff” has prompted state lawmakers to seek internal revenue solutions to maintain infrastructure development.
Furthermore, proponents of the bill emphasize that Pennsylvania airports currently face a competitive disadvantage. Neighboring states, including Ohio, West Virginia, and New York, have implemented more aggressive state-level funding mechanisms for air service and infrastructure, drawing potential business away from the Commonwealth.
Stakeholder Perspectives
The legislation has garnered strong support from regional business leaders and statewide aviation advocates, who view the tax restructuring as a necessary public-private Partnerships.
“Airports are economic engines for communities across Pennsylvania. This legislation is about making sure they have the resources needed to grow, compete and serve the public for generations to come.”
Sen. Dan Laughlin, Bill Sponsor
“The AIR Act is a transformational investment… This legislation strengthens aviation safety, infrastructure, workforce development, economic development and emerging aviation technology while ensuring aviation-generated dollars are reinvested back into aviation.”
BJ Teichman, President, Aviation Council of Pennsylvania
Local airport authorities have also voiced their support. Derek Martin, Executive Director of the Erie International Airport, described the AIR Act as “landmark legislation” that will allow the Commonwealth to compete against neighboring states. Similarly, Brandon Mendoza, CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, noted in the release that a true public-private partnership is required to secure long-term Sustainability and level the playing field.
Economic Impact of Pennsylvania Aviation
To understand the scale of the proposed legislation, it is vital to look at the current footprint of the state’s aviation industry. Pennsylvania ranks 11th in the United States for its number of public-use aviation facilities, hosting 122 airports, heliports, and seaplane bases.
Beyond the major commercial hubs, general aviation airports alone are significant economic drivers. According to the provided research data, general aviation supports over 8,100 jobs, sustains a payroll exceeding $581 million, and generates over $1.5 billion in economic output annually.
The major commercial hubs drive even larger regional economies. A 2023 study highlighted in the research report found that the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) system contributes an estimated $18.7 billion to the regional economy and supports 102,600 jobs.
AirPro News analysis
While the introduction of the Pennsylvania AIR Act represents a proactive approach to the impending federal funding cliff, we note that the proposed fuel tax increases are steep in percentage terms. The aviation fuel tax jumping from 1.5 cents to 24 cents per gallon represents a 1,500% increase. While major industry lobbying groups like the Aviation Council of Pennsylvania support the measure, arguing that the industry is willing to tax itself to fund its own infrastructure, the downstream effects on smaller private pilots, flight schools, and regional freight carriers warrant close observation. The success of Senate Bill 1365 will likely depend on lawmakers’ ability to convince these smaller operators that the resulting infrastructure improvements and property tax reimbursements will offset the immediate sting of higher fuel costs at the pump.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the Pennsylvania AIR Act?
Introduced as Senate Bill 1365, it is legislation aimed at modernizing Pennsylvania’s aviation funding by creating a dedicated Aviation Trust Fund supported by updated taxes and fees. - Why are aviation fuel taxes increasing under this bill?
The tax increases (including a jump to 24 cents per gallon for aviation fuel) are designed to replace expiring federal infrastructure funds and ensure state airports remain competitive with neighboring states. - Where will the new tax revenue go?
The funds are strictly allocated for airport development, property tax reimbursements, workforce training, and economic development within the aviation sector.
Photo Credit: PA Senate GOP
Regulations & Safety
Bridger Aerospace Integrates TracPlus Data into IGNIS Platform
Bridger Aerospace partners with TracPlus to stream real-time wildfire aircraft data into its IGNIS incident management platform.
Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. has partnered with aviation data provider TracPlus to integrate real-time aircraft tracking and drop event data directly into Bridger’s IGNIS software platform. Announced on July 20, 2026, the collaboration aims to provide wildland firefighters and incident management teams with a unified operational picture of aerial suppression efforts.
In a press release issued from its Belgrade, Montana headquarters, Bridger Aerospace stated the integration is designed to break down information silos between disparate systems. The move directly responds to recent federal directives, specifically the June 2025 Executive Order 14308, which mandated the modernization of wildfire firefighting technology and improved data sharing across agencies.
Integrating aviation intelligence for ground crews
TracPlus currently manages approximately 2,500 wildfire suppression Commercial-Aircraft and processes 800,000 flight hours annually for over 700 customers in more than 40 countries. Under the new partnership, this extensive aviation intelligence, including real-time aircraft positioning and specific drop event data, will stream directly into the IGNIS platform.
The integration allows ground crews, aviation teams, and incident managers to view exact aircraft operating locations and suppression activity impacts within the broader incident environment. By connecting these specialized platforms, the companies intend to shift aerial firefighting response from a reactive model to a proactive one.
“Trying to do everything yourself isn’t the best way in modern wildfire response,” said Todd O’Hara, CEO of TracPlus. “Our industry moves forward when specialists each perform what they do best and connect their work. By delivering our expertise in bringing aviation data together from every source and streaming it directly into the IGNIS platform, we are empowering the people on the frontline with a more complete operational picture to do their jobs better and help keep their communities safe.”
Aligning with federal modernization directives
The Partnerships aligns with the federal government’s ongoing push for connected, interoperable wildfire technology. In 2025, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy called for a national roadmap to modernize firefighting technology and improve data sharing between systems under Executive Order 14308.
Bridger Aerospace CEO Sam Davis noted that the combined solution will enhance situational awareness for both the company’s own aerial firefighting operations and incident management teams nationwide.
“Technology is the new frontier in our mission to protect lives, property, and the environment and we just got stronger with TracPlus as a strategic partner,” Davis said.
The announcement follows Bridger Aerospace’s recent expansion in federal contracting, including a Department of the Interior task order secured on July 16, 2026, for the deployment of its multi-mission wildfire aircraft.
AirPro News analysis
We view the Bridger-TracPlus integration as a direct commercial response to the interoperability mandates outlined in Executive Order 14308. Historically, aerial firefighting has suffered from fragmented data, with ground crews, dispatchers, and pilots relying on separate, non-communicating systems. By embedding TracPlus’s massive data feed into the IGNIS platform, Bridger Aerospace is positioning its Software not just as an internal operational tool, but as a comprehensive incident management solution. This strategic alignment with federal modernization goals likely strengthens Bridger’s competitive posture for future government Contracts as agencies prioritize unified operating pictures.
Sources: Bridger Aerospace
Photo Credit: TracPlus
Regulations & Safety
AIAA Calls for Faster FAA Certification Path for AAM Aircraft
AIAA urges the FAA to adopt predictable AAM certification timelines as bipartisan legislation targets the 5-9 year type certificate process.
This article summarizes reporting by Aerospace America by Ryan Cooperman, J.D.
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is calling for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish a more predictable certification pathway for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft, warning that regulatory uncertainty threatens United States aerospace leadership.
In a July 2, 2026, policy article published in Aerospace America, the AIAA outlined the critical balance between maintaining rigorous safety standards and fostering innovation. The publication notes that while traditional amended type certifications typically require three to five years, certifying entirely new aircraft types like AAM platforms currently takes five to nine years under existing FAA processes.
Legislative push for regulatory predictability
To address these extended timelines, bipartisan lawmakers introduced the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act on February 13, 2026. The legislation seeks to mandate standard expected timelines for the FAA type certification process regarding AAM aircraft. It also aims to clarify the specific conditions under which the agency must require an issue paper, a regulatory step that often introduces variability into the certification timeline.
The AIAA has formally endorsed the legislation, aligning the bill with the institute’s designation of AAM and autonomous flight integration as a 2026 Aviation Priority Issue. According to Aerospace America, securing a predictable regulatory framework is vital not only for engineering progress but also for maintaining the capital investment required to bring hybrid and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to market.
Overcoming historical bottlenecks and workforce gaps
The push for modernization follows years of documented regulatory friction. On June 21, 2023, the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT OIG) released a report indicating that communication and management issues had hindered the FAA’s ability to certify AAM aircraft efficiently. Congress subsequently passed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 on May 16, 2024, which included specific provisions targeting AAM integration.
Beyond statutory changes, Aerospace America highlights that certification modernization is fundamentally a workforce challenge. As aircraft designs incorporate more autonomous flight systems, the FAA must attract and retain technical specialists, software engineers, and flight-test experts capable of evaluating highly complex architectures.
“The challenge is ensuring that America’s certification system can efficiently evaluate increasingly novel aircraft and enabling technologies while preserving the world’s safest aviation system,” Cooperman wrote.
AirPro News analysis
We view the AIAA’s public policy push as a reflection of broader aerospace industry frustration with the ad-hoc nature of early eVTOL certification bases. While the FAA has made strides since the 2023 DOT OIG report, the five to nine year timeline for new type certificates remains a significant barrier for manufacturers relying on continuous venture capital funding. If the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act passes, the mandated timelines could provide financial markets with the predictability they require. However, the FAA will still face the practical hurdle of staffing enough specialized engineers to meet those statutory deadlines without compromising its safety mandate.
Sources: Aerospace America
Photo Credit: Aerospace America
Regulations & Safety
FAA Awards L3Harris Contract to Modernize US Airspace Through 2045
The FAA awarded L3Harris a contract to upgrade 700+ ground stations and operate the US aircraft tracking network through 2045.
On July 1, 2026, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded L3Harris Technologies a contract to upgrade and operate the United States aircraft tracking network through 2045. The modernization effort will overhaul ground infrastructure to support the integration of advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles and drones into the National Airspace System.
In a press release issued on July 1, 2026, L3Harris announced the agreement, which mandates the upgrade of at least 700 ground stations across the country. The enhanced network will provide real-time, satellite-based flight positioning data while bolstering cybersecurity measures to protect air traffic management systems. The exact monetary value of the contract was not disclosed.
Expanding surveillance for next-generation airspace
The contract extends the role of L3Harris in managing the FAA surveillance infrastructure for nearly two more decades. The upgraded ground stations are designed to handle increased network capacity, a requirement as the airspace becomes more crowded with non-traditional aircraft.
Kathy Crandall, President of Mission Networks, Space & Mission Systems at L3Harris, emphasized the operational impact of the upgrades.
“L3Harris is propelling the FAA’s modernization vision forward by delivering an advanced surveillance infrastructure that will define the future of our airspace system and ensure increased safety for all air travelers.”
Crandall added that expanding network capacity ensures the United States maintains its position in global air traffic management.
Alignment with broader FAA modernization initiatives
This surveillance contract aligns with ongoing FAA efforts to replace aging infrastructure across the National Airspace System. The agency has been executing its Facility Replacement and Radar Modernization (FRRM) strategy, which targets the replacement of over 370 air traffic control facilities and 618 radars that average 36 years of age.
L3Harris is already involved in parallel infrastructure projects for the FAA. The company is currently executing the FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure (FTI) upgrade. That project replaces legacy copper wire connections with high-speed fiber optic networks across FAA facilities, providing the bandwidth necessary to support emerging aviation technologies like electric aviation vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and uncrewed aerial systems.
AirPro News analysis
The extension of the L3Harris mandate through 2045 highlights the reliance of the FAA on established defense and aerospace contractors to execute its long-term modernization goals. As the National Airspace System transitions to accommodate AAM and widespread drone operations, the data bandwidth and latency requirements for air traffic control will increase exponentially. We view the concurrent execution of the surveillance network upgrade and the FTI fiber optic rollout as a necessary synchronization. Without high-speed ground data transmission, the benefits of satellite-based, real-time tracking for low-altitude and autonomous aircraft would be severely bottlenecked.
Sources: L3Harris Technologies
Photo Credit: L3Harris Technologies
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