Congressman Cohen Addresses “Advanced Air Mobility” and Drones in FAA Reauthorization Hearing

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), the Ranking Member of the Aviation Subcommittee, today questioned expert witnesses at a hearing on “Harnessing the Evolution of Flight to Deliver for the American People.” The hearing was the fourth in a series reviewing the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

In his opening statement, Congressman Cohen noted that Memphis-based FedEx, the University of Memphis’ FedEx Institute of Technology and the Memphis International Airport have been at the forefront of integrating uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, through its participation in FAA’s UAS Integration Pilot Program and currently in its BEYOND program.

“I applaud the University of Memphis FedEx Institute of Technology’s focus on drone research and appreciate its potential to have a major economic impact on our region,” he said.

See his entire opening statement here.

See Congressman Cohen’s questioning of witnesses here.

Witnesses at today’s hearing were:

• Mr. Adam Woodworth, Chief Executive Officer, Wing
• Ms. Roxana Kennedy, Chief of Police, Chula Vista Police Department
• Dr. Stuart Ginn, Medical Director, WakeMed Innovations, WakeMed Health and Hospitals
• Dr. Catherine Cahill, Director, Alaska Center of UAS Integration, University of Alaska Fairbanks
• Mr. Kyle Clark, Chief Executive Officer, BETA Technologies
• Mr. JoeBen Bevirt, Chief Executive Officer, Joby Aviation
• Mr. Christopher Bradshaw, Chief Executive Officer, Bristow Group Inc. On Behalf of the Helicopter Association International
• Mr. Clint Harper, Advanced Air Mobility Expert and Community Advocate

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