Bill > AB431

This bill, known as the Advanced Air Mobility Infrastructure Act, establishes a statewide framework to integrate and plan for next-generation aviation technology in California. It focuses on "advanced air mobility," which refers to innovative air transportation systems that use heavy electric aircraft—weighing 300 pounds or more or capable of carrying humans or cargo—such as eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, which take off and land straight up like helicopters) and eCTOLs (electric conventional takeoff and landing aircraft, which use traditional runways). To support this emerging industry, the legislation requires the California Department of Transportation to incorporate advanced air mobility into the state's official transportation plan following January 1, 2027, and to create a multi-agency statewide working group to foster collaboration among government officials, emergency managers, and industry leaders regarding infrastructure and economic growth. Finally, the bill clarifies that its provisions do not override federal aviation laws and safety regulations overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), nor do they interfere with local land-use zoning laws or the operational authority of existing airport managers and operators.