H. R. 658—56 
capacity for the purpose of research, development, operations, 
testing, or training; or 
‘‘(3) by an individual using a laser emergency signaling 
device to send an emergency distress signal. 
‘‘(d) AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH ADDITIONAL EXCEPTIONS
BY 
REGULATION.—The Attorney General, in consultation with the Sec-
retary of Transportation, may provide by regulation, after public 
notice and comment, such additional exceptions to this section 
as may be necessary and appropriate. The Attorney General shall 
provide written notification of any proposed regulations under this 
section to the Committees on the Judiciary of the Senate and 
the House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, not less 
than 90 days before such regulations become final.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for such chapter is 
amended— 
(1) by moving the item relating to section 39 after the 
item relating to section 38; and 
(2) by inserting after the item relating to section 39 the 
following: 
‘‘39A. Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft’’. 
SEC. 312. AIRCRAFT CERTIFICATION PROCESS REVIEW AND REFORM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration, in consultation with representatives of the aviation 
industry, shall conduct an assessment of the certification and 
approval process under section 44704 of title 49, United States 
Code. 
(b) CONTENTS.—In conducting the assessment, the Adminis-
trator shall consider— 
(1) the expected number of applications for product certifi-
cations and approvals the Administrator will receive under 
section 44704 of such title in the 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year 
periods following the date of enactment of this Act; 
(2) process reforms and improvements necessary to allow 
the Administrator to review and approve the applications in 
a fair and timely fashion; 
(3) the status of recommendations made in previous reports 
on the Administration’s certification process; 
(4) methods for enhancing the effective use of delegation 
systems, including organizational designation authorization; 
(5) methods for training the Administration’s field office 
employees in the safety management system and auditing; 
and 
(6) the status of updating airworthiness requirements, 
including implementing recommendations in the Administra-
tion’s report entitled ‘‘Part 23—Small Airplane Certification 
Process Study’’ (OK–09–3468, dated July 2009). 
(c) RECOMMENDATIONS.—In conducting the assessment, the 
Administrator shall make recommendations to improve efficiency 
and reduce costs through streamlining and reengineering the certifi-
cation process under section 44704 of such title to ensure that 
the Administrator can conduct certifications and approvals under 
such section in a manner that supports and enables the development 
of new products and technologies and the global competitiveness 
of the United States aviation industry.
H. R. 658—57 
(d) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to 
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of the assess-
ment, together with an explanation of how the Administrator will 
implement recommendations made under subsection (c) and 
measure the effectiveness of the recommendations. 
(e) IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS.—Not later than 
1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
shall begin to implement the recommendations made under sub-
section (c). 
SEC. 313. CONSISTENCY OF REGULATORY INTERPRETATION. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF ADVISORY PANEL.—Not later than 90 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
of the Federal Aviation Administration shall establish an advisory 
panel comprised of both Government and industry representatives 
to— 
(1) review the October 2010 report by the Government 
Accountability Office on certification and approval processes 
(GAO–11–14); and 
(2) develop recommendations to address the findings in 
the report and other concerns raised by interested parties, 
including representatives of the aviation industry. 
(b) MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED.—The advisory panel shall— 
(1) determine the root causes of inconsistent interpretation 
of regulations by the Administration’s Flight Standards Service 
and Aircraft Certification Service; 
(2) develop recommendations to improve the consistency 
of interpreting regulations by the Administration’s Flight 
Standards Service and Aircraft Certification Service; and 
(3) develop recommendations to improve communications 
between the Administration’s Flight Standards Service and Air-
craft Certification Service and applicants and certificate and 
approval holders for the identification and resolution of poten-
tially adverse issues in an expeditious and fair manner. 
(c) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit 
to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate a report on the findings of the advisory 
panel, together with an explanation of how the Administrator will 
implement the recommendations of the advisory panel and measure 
the effectiveness of the recommendations. 
SEC. 314. RUNWAY SAFETY. 
(a) STRATEGIC RUNWAY SAFETY PLAN.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 6 months after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
Aviation Administration shall develop and submit to Congress 
a report containing a strategic runway safety plan. 
(2) CONTENTS
OF
PLAN.—The strategic runway safety 
plan— 
(A) shall include, at a minimum— 
(i) goals to improve runway safety;
H. R. 658—58 
(ii) near- and long-term actions designed to reduce 
the severity, number, and rate of runway incursions, 
losses of standard separation, and operational errors; 
(iii) time frames and resources needed for the 
actions described in clause (ii); 
(iv) a continuous evaluative process to track 
performance toward the goals referred to in clause 
(i); and 
(v) a review with respect to runway safety of every 
commercial service airport (as defined in section 47102 
of title 49, United States Code) in the United States 
and proposed action to improve airport lighting, pro-
vide better signs, and improve runway and taxiway 
markings at those airports; and 
(B) shall address the increased runway safety risk 
associated with the expected increased volume of air traffic. 
(b) PROCESS.—Not later than 6 months after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a process for 
tracking and investigating operational errors, losses of standard 
separation, and runway incursions that includes procedures for— 
(1) identifying who is responsible for tracking operational 
errors, losses of standard separation, and runway incursions, 
including a process for lower level employees to report to higher 
supervisory levels and for frontline managers to receive the 
information in a timely manner; 
(2) conducting periodic random audits of the oversight 
process; and 
(3) ensuring proper accountability. 
(c) PLAN FOR INSTALLATION AND DEPLOYMENT OF SYSTEMS TO 
PROVIDE ALERTS OF POTENTIAL RUNWAY INCURSIONS.—Not later 
than June 30, 2012, the Administrator shall submit to Congress 
a report containing a plan for the installation and deployment 
of systems to alert air traffic controllers or flight crewmembers, 
or both, of potential runway incursions. The plan shall be integrated 
into the annual NextGen Implementation Plan of the Administra-
tion or any successor document. 
SEC. 315. FLIGHT STANDARDS EVALUATION PROGRAM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration shall modify the Flight Standards Evaluation Pro-
gram— 
(1) to include periodic and random reviews as part of the 
Administration’s oversight of air carriers; and 
(2) to prohibit an individual from participating in a review 
or audit of an office with responsibility for an air carrier under 
the program if the individual, at any time in the 5-year period 
preceding the date of the review or audit, had responsibility 
for inspecting, or overseeing the inspection of, the operations 
of that carrier. 
(b) ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 1 year after 
the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the 
Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report 
on the Flight Standards Evaluation Program, including the
H. R. 658—59 
Administrator’s findings and recommendations with respect to the 
program. 
(c) FLIGHT STANDARDS EVALUATION PROGRAM DEFINED.—In this 
section, the term ‘‘Flight Standards Evaluation Program’’ means 
the program established by the Federal Aviation Administration 
in FS 1100.1B CHG3, including any subsequent revisions thereto. 
SEC. 316. COCKPIT SMOKE. 
(a) STUDY.—The Comptroller General of the United States shall 
conduct a study on the effectiveness of oversight activities of the 
Federal Aviation Administration relating to the use of new tech-
nologies to prevent or mitigate the effects of dense, continuous 
smoke in the cockpit of a commercial aircraft. 
(b) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 18 months after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall 
submit to Congress a report on the results of the study. 
SEC. 
317. 
OFF-AIRPORT, 
LOW-ALTITUDE 
AIRCRAFT 
WEATHER 
OBSERVATION TECHNOLOGY. 
(a) STUDY.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration shall conduct a review of off-airport, low-altitude 
aircraft weather observation technologies. 
(b) SPECIFIC REVIEW.—The review shall include, at a minimum, 
an examination of off-airport, low-altitude weather reporting needs, 
an assessment of technical alternatives (including automated 
weather observation stations), an investment analysis, and rec-
ommendations for improving weather reporting. 
(c) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to 
Congress a report containing the results of the review. 
SEC. 318. FEASIBILITY OF REQUIRING HELICOPTER PILOTS TO USE 
NIGHT VISION GOGGLES. 
(a) STUDY.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration shall carry out a study on the feasibility of requiring 
pilots of helicopters providing air ambulance services under part 
135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to use night vision 
goggles during nighttime operations. 
(b) CONSIDERATIONS.—In conducting the study, the Adminis-
trator shall consult with owners and operators of helicopters pro-
viding air ambulance services under such part 135 and aviation 
safety professionals to determine the benefits, financial consider-
ations, and risks associated with requiring the use of night vision 
goggles. 
(c) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to 
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of the study. 
SEC. 319. MAINTENANCE PROVIDERS. 
(a) REGULATIONS.—Not later than 3 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration shall issue regulations requiring that covered work 
on an aircraft used to provide air transportation under part 121 
of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, be performed by persons 
in accordance with subsection (b).
H. R. 658—60 
(b) PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO PERFORM CERTAIN WORK.—A per-
son may perform covered work on aircraft used to provide air 
transportation under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regula-
tions, only if the person is employed by— 
(1) a part 121 air carrier; 
(2) a part 145 repair station or a person authorized under 
section 43.17 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any 
successor regulation); or 
(3) subject to subsection (c), a person that— 
(A) provides contract maintenance workers, services, 
or maintenance functions to a part 121 air carrier or part 
145 repair station; and 
(B) meets the requirements of the part 121 air carrier 
or the part 145 repair station, as appropriate. 
(c) TERMS
AND CONDITIONS.—Covered work performed by a 
person who is employed by a person described in subsection (b)(3) 
shall be subject to the following terms and conditions: 
(1) The applicable part 121 air carrier shall be directly 
in charge of the covered work being performed. 
(2) The covered work shall be carried out in accordance 
with the part 121 air carrier’s maintenance manual. 
(3) The person shall carry out the covered work under 
the supervision and control of the part 121 air carrier directly 
in charge of the covered work being performed on its aircraft. 
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the following definitions 
apply: 
(1) COVERED WORK.—The term ‘‘covered work’’ means any 
of the following: 
(A) Essential maintenance that could result in a 
failure, malfunction, or defect endangering the safe oper-
ation of an aircraft if not performed properly or if improper 
parts or materials are used. 
(B) Regularly scheduled maintenance. 
(C) A required inspection item (as defined by the 
Administrator). 
(2) PART 121 AIR CARRIER.—The term ‘‘part 121 air carrier’’ 
means an air carrier that holds a certificate issued under 
part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. 
(3) PART 145 REPAIR STATION.—The term ‘‘part 145 repair 
station’’ means a repair station that holds a certificate issued 
under part 145 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. 
(4) PERSON.—The term ‘‘person’’ means an individual, firm, 
partnership, corporation, company, or association that performs 
maintenance, preventative maintenance, or alterations. 
SEC. 320. STUDY OF AIR QUALITY IN AIRCRAFT CABINS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Adminis-
tration shall initiate a study of air quality in aircraft cabins to— 
(1) assess bleed air quality on the full range of commercial 
aircraft operating in the United States; 
(2) identify oil-based contaminants, hydraulic fluid toxins, 
and other air toxins that appear in cabin air and measure 
the quantity and prevalence, or absence, of those toxins through 
a comprehensive sampling program;
H. R. 658—61 
(3) determine the specific amount and duration of toxic 
fumes present in aircraft cabins that constitutes a health risk 
to passengers; 
(4) develop a systematic reporting standard for smoke and 
fume events in aircraft cabins; and 
(5) identify the potential health risks to individuals exposed 
to toxic fumes during flight. 
(b) AUTHORITY TO MONITOR AIR
IN AIRCRAFT CABINS.—For 
purposes of conducting the study required by subsection (a), the 
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall require 
domestic air carriers to allow air quality monitoring on their aircraft 
in a manner that imposes no significant costs on the air carrier 
and does not interfere with the normal operation of the aircraft. 
SEC. 321. IMPROVED PILOT LICENSES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration shall issue improved pilot licenses consistent with 
requirements under this section. 
(b) TIMING.—Not later than 270 days after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, the Administrator shall— 
(1) provide to the Committee on Transportation and Infra-
structure of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a 
report containing— 
(A) a timeline for the phased issuance of improved 
pilot licenses under this section that ensures all pilots 
are issued such licenses not later than 2 years after the 
initial issuance of such licenses under paragraph (2); and 
(B) recommendations for the Federal installation of 
infrastructure necessary to take advantage of information 
contained on improved pilot licenses issued under this sec-
tion, which identify the necessary infrastructure, indicate 
the Federal entity that should be responsible for installing, 
funding, and operating the infrastructure at airport sterile 
areas, and provide an estimate of the costs of the infrastruc-
ture; and 
(2) begin to issue improved pilot licenses consistent with 
the requirements of title 49, United States Code, and title 
14, Code of Federal Regulations. 
(c) REQUIREMENTS.—Improved pilot licenses issued under this 
section shall— 
(1) be resistant to tampering, alteration, and counterfeiting; 
(2) include a photograph of the individual to whom the 
license is issued for identification purposes; and 
(3) be smart cards that— 
(A) accommodate iris and fingerprint biometric identi-
fiers; and 
(B) are compliant with Federal Information Processing 
Standards-201 
(FIPS–201) 
or 
Personal 
Identity 
Verification-Interoperability Standards (PIV–I) for proc-
essing through security checkpoints into airport sterile 
areas. 
(d) TAMPERING.—To the extent practicable, the Administrator 
shall develop methods to determine or reveal whether any compo-
nent or security feature of an improved pilot license issued under 
this section has been tampered with, altered, or counterfeited.
H. R. 658—62 
(e) USE OF DESIGNEES.—The Administrator may use designees 
to carry out subsection (a) to the extent practicable in order to 
minimize the burdens on pilots. 
(f) REPORT TO CONGRESS.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Adminis-
trator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
a report on the issuance of improved pilot licenses under this 
section. 
(2) EXPIRATION.—The Administrator shall not be required 
to submit annual reports under this subsection after the date 
on which the Administrator has issued improved pilot licenses 
under this section to all pilots. 
Subtitle B—Unmanned Aircraft Systems 
SEC. 331. DEFINITIONS. 
In this subtitle, the following definitions apply: 
(1) ARCTIC.—The term ‘‘Arctic’’ means the United States 
zone of the Chukchi Sea, Beaufort Sea, and Bering Sea north 
of the Aleutian chain. 
(2) CERTIFICATE OF WAIVER; CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORIZA-
TION.—The terms ‘‘certificate of waiver’’ and ‘‘certificate of 
authorization’’ mean a Federal Aviation Administration grant 
of approval for a specific flight operation. 
(3) PERMANENT
AREAS.—The term ‘‘permanent areas’’ 
means areas on land or water that provide for launch, recovery, 
and operation of small unmanned aircraft. 
(4) PUBLIC UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM.—The term ‘‘public 
unmanned aircraft system’’ means an unmanned aircraft 
system that meets the qualifications and conditions required 
for operation of a public aircraft (as defined in section 40102 
of title 49, United States Code). 
(5) SENSE AND AVOID CAPABILITY.—The term ‘‘sense and 
avoid capability’’ means the capability of an unmanned aircraft 
to remain a safe distance from and to avoid collisions with 
other airborne aircraft. 
(6) 
SMALL
UNMANNED
AIRCRAFT.—The 
term 
‘‘small 
unmanned aircraft’’ means an unmanned aircraft weighing less 
than 55 pounds. 
(7) TEST RANGE.—The term ‘‘test range’’ means a defined 
geographic area where research and development are con-
ducted. 
(8) UNMANNED AIRCRAFT.—The term ‘‘unmanned aircraft’’ 
means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of 
direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft. 
(9) UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM.—The term ‘‘unmanned 
aircraft system’’ means an unmanned aircraft and associated 
elements (including communication links and the components 
that control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the 
pilot in command to operate safely and efficiently in the 
national airspace system.
H. R. 658—63 
SEC. 332. INTEGRATION OF CIVIL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS 
INTO NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM. 
(a) REQUIRED PLANNING FOR INTEGRATION.— 
(1) COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.—Not later than 270 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transpor-
tation, in consultation with representatives of the aviation 
industry, Federal agencies that employ unmanned aircraft sys-
tems technology in the national airspace system, and the 
unmanned aircraft systems industry, shall develop a com-
prehensive plan to safely accelerate the integration of civil 
unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system. 
(2) CONTENTS OF PLAN.—The plan required under para-
graph (1) shall contain, at a minimum, recommendations or 
projections on— 
(A) the rulemaking to be conducted under subsection 
(b), with specific recommendations on how the rulemaking 
will— 
(i) define the acceptable standards for operation 
and certification of civil unmanned aircraft systems; 
(ii) ensure that any civil unmanned aircraft system 
includes a sense and avoid capability; and 
(iii) establish standards and requirements for the 
operator and pilot of a civil unmanned aircraft system, 
including standards and requirements for registration 
and licensing; 
(B) the best methods to enhance the technologies and 
subsystems necessary to achieve the safe and routine oper-
ation of civil unmanned aircraft systems in the national 
airspace system; 
(C) a phased-in approach to the integration of civil 
unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace 
system; 
(D) a timeline for the phased-in approach described 
under subparagraph (C); 
(E) creation of a safe 
(F) airspace designation for cooperative manned and 
unmanned flight operations in the national airspace 
system; 
(G) establishment of a process to develop certification, 
flight standards, and air traffic requirements for civil 
unmanned aircraft systems at test ranges where such sys-
tems are subject to testing; 
(H) the best methods to ensure the safe operation 
of civil unmanned aircraft systems and public unmanned 
aircraft systems simultaneously in the national airspace 
system; and 
(I) incorporation of the plan into the annual NextGen 
Implementation Plan document (or any successor docu-
ment) of the Federal Aviation Administration. 
(3) DEADLINE.—The plan required under paragraph (1) 
shall provide for the safe integration of civil unmanned aircraft 
systems into the national airspace system as soon as prac-
ticable, but not later than September 30, 2015. 
(4) REPORT
TO
CONGRESS.—Not later than 1 year after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit 
to Congress a copy of the plan required under paragraph (1).
H. R. 658—64 
(5) ROADMAP.—Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall approve and make 
available in print and on the Administration’s Internet Web 
site a 5-year roadmap for the introduction of civil unmanned 
aircraft systems into the national airspace system, as coordi-
nated by the Unmanned Aircraft Program Office of the Adminis-
tration. The Secretary shall update the roadmap annually. 
(b) RULEMAKING.—Not later than 18 months after the date 
on which the plan required under subsection (a)(1) is submitted 
to Congress under subsection (a)(4), the Secretary shall publish 
in the Federal Register— 
(1) a final rule on small unmanned aircraft systems that 
will allow for civil operation of such systems in the national 
airspace system, to the extent the systems do not meet the 
requirements for expedited operational authorization under sec-
tion 333 of this Act; 
(2) a notice of proposed rulemaking to implement the rec-
ommendations of the plan required under subsection (a)(1), 
with the final rule to be published not later than 16 months 
after the date of publication of the notice; and 
(3) an update to the Administration’s most recent policy 
statement on unmanned aircraft systems, contained in Docket 
No. FAA–2006–25714. 
(c) PILOT PROJECTS.— 
(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish 
a program to integrate unmanned aircraft systems into the 
national airspace system at 6 test ranges. The program shall 
terminate 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act. 
(2) PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.—In establishing the program 
under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall— 
(A) safely designate airspace for integrated manned 
and unmanned flight operations in the national airspace 
system; 
(B) develop certification standards and air traffic 
requirements for unmanned flight operations at test 
ranges; 
(C) coordinate with and leverage the resources of the 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the 
Department of Defense; 
(D) address both civil and public unmanned aircraft 
systems; 
(E) ensure that the program is coordinated with the 
Next Generation Air Transportation System; and 
(F) provide for verification of the safety of unmanned 
aircraft systems and related navigation procedures before 
integration into the national airspace system. 
(3) TEST RANGE LOCATIONS.—In determining the location 
of the 6 test ranges of the program under paragraph (1), the 
Administrator shall— 
(A) take into consideration geographic and climatic 
diversity; 
(B) take into consideration the location of ground infra-
structure and research needs; and 
(C) consult with the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration and the Department of Defense.
H. R. 658—65 
(4) TEST
RANGE
OPERATION.—A project at a test range 
shall be operational not later than 180 days after the date 
on which the project is established. 
(5) REPORT TO CONGRESS.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the 
date of the termination of the program under paragraph 
(1), the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and 
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and 
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the 
House of Representatives a report setting forth the 
Administrator’s findings and conclusions concerning the 
projects. 
(B) ADDITIONAL CONTENTS.—The report under subpara-
graph (A) shall include a description and assessment of 
the progress being made in establishing special use airspace 
to fill the immediate need of the Department of Defense— 
(i) to develop detection techniques for small 
unmanned aircraft systems; and 
(ii) to validate the sense and avoid capability and 
operation of unmanned aircraft systems. 
(d) EXPANDING USE
OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
IN 
ARCTIC.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a plan 
and initiate a process to work with relevant Federal agencies 
and national and international communities to designate 
permanent areas in the Arctic where small unmanned aircraft 
may operate 24 hours per day for research and commercial 
purposes. The plan for operations in these permanent areas 
shall include the development of processes to facilitate the 
safe operation of unmanned aircraft beyond line of sight. Such 
areas shall enable over-water flights from the surface to at 
least 2,000 feet in altitude, with ingress and egress routes 
from selected coastal launch sites. 
(2) AGREEMENTS.—To implement the plan under paragraph 
(1), the Secretary may enter into an agreement with relevant 
national and international communities. 
(3) AIRCRAFT APPROVAL.—Not later than 1 year after the 
entry into force of an agreement necessary to effectuate the 
purposes of this subsection, the Secretary shall work with rel-
evant national and international communities to establish and 
implement a process, or may apply an applicable process 
already established, for approving the use of unmanned aircraft 
in the designated permanent areas in the Arctic without regard 
to whether an unmanned aircraft is used as a public aircraft, 
a civil aircraft, or a model aircraft. 
SEC. 333. SPECIAL RULES FOR CERTAIN UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYS-
TEMS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other requirement of 
this subtitle, and not later than 180 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall determine if 
certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the 
national airspace system before completion of the plan and rule-
making required by section 332 of this Act or the guidance required 
by section 334 of this Act.
H. R. 658—66 
(b) ASSESSMENT OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.—In making 
the determination under subsection (a), the Secretary shall deter-
mine, at a minimum— 
(1) which types of unmanned aircraft systems, if any, as 
a result of their size, weight, speed, operational capability, 
proximity to airports and populated areas, and operation within 
visual line of sight do not create a hazard to users of the 
national airspace system or the public or pose a threat to 
national security; and 
(2) whether a certificate of waiver, certificate of authoriza-
tion, or airworthiness certification under section 44704 of title 
49, United States Code, is required for the operation of 
unmanned aircraft systems identified under paragraph (1). 
(c) REQUIREMENTS
FOR SAFE OPERATION.—If the Secretary 
determines under this section that certain unmanned aircraft sys-
tems may operate safely in the national airspace system, the Sec-
retary shall establish requirements for the safe operation of such 
aircraft systems in the national airspace system. 
SEC. 334. PUBLIC UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS. 
(a) GUIDANCE.—Not later than 270 days after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue guid-
ance regarding the operation of public unmanned aircraft systems 
to— 
(1) expedite the issuance of a certificate of authorization 
process; 
(2) provide for a collaborative process with public agencies 
to allow for an incremental expansion of access to the national 
airspace system as technology matures and the necessary safety 
analysis and data become available, and until standards are 
completed and technology issues are resolved; 
(3) facilitate the capability of public agencies to develop 
and use test ranges, subject to operating restrictions required 
by the Federal Aviation Administration, to test and operate 
unmanned aircraft systems; and 
(4) provide guidance on a public entity’s responsibility when 
operating an unmanned aircraft without a civil airworthiness 
certificate issued by the Administration. 
(b) STANDARDS FOR OPERATION AND CERTIFICATION.—Not later 
than December 31, 2015, the Administrator shall develop and imple-
ment operational and certification requirements for the operation 
of public unmanned aircraft systems in the national airspace 
system. 
(c) AGREEMENTS WITH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall enter into agree-
ments with appropriate government agencies to simplify the 
process for issuing certificates of waiver or authorization with 
respect to applications seeking authorization to operate public 
unmanned aircraft systems in the national airspace system. 
(2) CONTENTS.—The agreements shall— 
(A) with respect to an application described in para-
graph (1)— 
(i) provide for an expedited review of the applica-
tion;
H. R. 658—67 
(ii) require a decision by the Administrator on 
approval or disapproval within 60 business days of 
the date of submission of the application; and 
(iii) allow for an expedited appeal if the application 
is disapproved; 
(B) allow for a one-time approval of similar operations 
carried out during a fixed period of time; and 
(C) allow a government public safety agency to operate 
unmanned aircraft weighing 4.4 pounds or less, if oper-
ated— 
(i) within the line of sight of the operator; 
(ii) less than 400 feet above the ground; 
(iii) during daylight conditions; 
(iv) within Class G airspace; and 
(v) outside of 5 statute miles from any airport, 
heliport, seaplane base, spaceport, or other location 
with aviation activities. 
SEC. 335. SAFETY STUDIES. 
The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall 
carry out all safety studies necessary to support the integration 
of unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system. 
SEC. 336. SPECIAL RULE FOR MODEL AIRCRAFT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law 
relating to the incorporation of unmanned aircraft systems into 
Federal Aviation Administration plans and policies, including this 
subtitle, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
may not promulgate any rule or regulation regarding a model 
aircraft, or an aircraft being developed as a model aircraft, if— 
(1) the aircraft is flown strictly for hobby or recreational 
use; 
(2) the aircraft is operated in accordance with a community- 
based set of safety guidelines and within the programming 
of a nationwide community-based organization; 
(3) the aircraft is limited to not more than 55 pounds 
unless otherwise certified through a design, construction, 
inspection, flight test, and operational safety program adminis-
tered by a community-based organization; 
(4) the aircraft is operated in a manner that does not 
interfere with and gives way to any manned aircraft; and 
(5) when flown within 5 miles of an airport, the operator 
of the aircraft provides the airport operator and the airport 
air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located 
at the airport) with prior notice of the operation (model aircraft 
operators flying from a permanent location within 5 miles of 
an airport should establish a mutually-agreed upon operating 
procedure with the airport operator and the airport air traffic 
control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the 
airport)). 
(b) STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section shall 
be construed to limit the authority of the Administrator to pursue 
enforcement action against persons operating model aircraft who 
endanger the safety of the national airspace system. 
(c) MODEL AIRCRAFT DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘model 
aircraft’’ means an unmanned aircraft that is— 
(1) capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere;
H. R. 658—68 
(2) flown within visual line of sight of the person operating 
the aircraft; and 
(3) flown for hobby or recreational purposes. 
Subtitle C—Safety and Protections 
SEC. 341. AVIATION SAFETY WHISTLEBLOWER INVESTIGATION OFFICE. 
Section 106 (as amended by this Act) is further amended by 
adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(t) 
AVIATION
SAFETY
WHISTLEBLOWER
INVESTIGATION 
OFFICE.— 
‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established in the Federal 
Aviation Administration (in this subsection referred to as the 
‘Agency’) an Aviation Safety Whistleblower Investigation Office 
(in this subsection referred to as the ‘Office’). 
‘‘(2) DIRECTOR.— 
‘‘(A) APPOINTMENT.—The head of the Office shall be 
the Director, who shall be appointed by the Secretary of 
Transportation. 
‘‘(B) QUALIFICATIONS.—The Director shall have a dem-
onstrated ability in investigations and knowledge of or 
experience in aviation. 
‘‘(C) TERM.—The Director shall be appointed for a term 
of 5 years. 
‘‘(D) VACANCIES.—Any individual appointed to fill a 
vacancy in the position of the Director occurring before 
the expiration of the term for which the individual’s prede-
cessor was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder 
of that term. 
‘‘(3) COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATIONS.— 
‘‘(A) AUTHORITY OF DIRECTOR.—The Director shall— 
‘‘(i) receive complaints and information submitted 
by employees of persons holding certificates issued 
under title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (if the 
certificate holder does not have a similar in-house 
whistleblower or safety and regulatory noncompliance 
reporting process) and employees of the Agency con-
cerning the possible existence of an activity relating 
to a violation of an order, a regulation, or any other 
provision of Federal law relating to aviation safety; 
‘‘(ii) assess complaints and information submitted 
under clause (i) and determine whether a substantial 
likelihood exists that a violation of an order, a regula-
tion, or any other provision of Federal law relating 
to aviation safety has occurred; and 
‘‘(iii) based on findings of the assessment conducted 
under clause (ii), make recommendations to the 
Administrator of the Agency, in writing, regarding fur-
ther investigation or corrective actions. 
‘‘(B) DISCLOSURE OF IDENTITIES.—The Director shall 
not disclose the identity of an individual who submits a 
complaint or information under subparagraph (A)(i) 
unless— 
‘‘(i) the individual consents to the disclosure in 
writing; or
H. R. 658—69 
‘‘(ii) the Director determines, in the course of an 
investigation, that the disclosure is required by regula-
tion, statute, or court order, or is otherwise unavoid-
able, in which case the Director shall provide the indi-
vidual reasonable advanced notice of the disclosure. 
‘‘(C) INDEPENDENCE OF DIRECTOR.—The Secretary, the 
Administrator, or any officer or employee of the Agency 
may not prevent or prohibit the Director from initiating, 
carrying out, or completing any assessment of a complaint 
or information submitted under subparagraph (A)(i) or from 
reporting to Congress on any such assessment. 
‘‘(D) ACCESS
TO
INFORMATION.—In conducting an 
assessment of a complaint or information submitted under 
subparagraph (A)(i), the Director shall have access to all 
records, reports, audits, reviews, documents, papers, rec-
ommendations, and other material of the Agency necessary 
to determine whether a substantial likelihood exists that 
a violation of an order, a regulation, or any other provision 
of Federal law relating to aviation safety may have 
occurred. 
‘‘(4) RESPONSES TO RECOMMENDATIONS.—Not later than 60 
days after the date on which the Administrator receives a 
report with respect to an investigation, the Administrator shall 
respond to a recommendation made by the Director under para-
graph (3)(A)(iii) in writing and retain records related to any 
further investigations or corrective actions taken in response 
to the recommendation. 
‘‘(5) INCIDENT REPORTS.—If the Director determines there 
is a substantial likelihood that a violation of an order, a regula-
tion, or any other provision of Federal law relating to aviation 
safety has occurred that requires immediate corrective action, 
the Director shall report the potential violation expeditiously 
to the Administrator and the Inspector General of the Depart-
ment of Transportation. 
‘‘(6) REPORTING OF CRIMINAL VIOLATIONS TO INSPECTOR GEN-
ERAL.—If the Director has reasonable grounds to believe that 
there has been a violation of Federal criminal law, the Director 
shall report the violation expeditiously to the Inspector General. 
‘‘(7) ANNUAL
REPORTS
TO
CONGRESS.—Not later than 
October 1 of each year, the Director shall submit to Congress 
a report containing— 
‘‘(A) information on the number of submissions of com-
plaints and information received by the Director under 
paragraph (3)(A)(i) in the preceding 12-month period; 
‘‘(B) summaries of those submissions; 
‘‘(C) summaries of further investigations and corrective 
actions recommended in response to the submissions; and 
‘‘(D) summaries of the responses of the Administrator 
to such recommendations.’’. 
SEC. 342. POSTEMPLOYMENT RESTRICTIONS FOR FLIGHT STANDARDS 
INSPECTORS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 44711 is amended by adding at the 
end the following: 
‘‘(d) POSTEMPLOYMENT RESTRICTIONS FOR FLIGHT STANDARDS 
INSPECTORS.—