190 
(D) is a wind-powered electrical generator 
with a rotor blade radius that exceeds 6 feet; or 
(E) is a street light erected or maintained 
by a Federal, State, or local transportation en-
tity. 
(e) COVERED TOWER DATABASE.—The Adminis-
trator shall— 
(1) develop a publicly available database that 
contains the location and height of covered towers; 
(2) keep the database current to the extent 
practicable; and 
(3) ensure that proprietary information in the 
database is protected. 
SEC. 416. CABIN EVACUATION. 
(a) REVIEW.—The Administrator of the Federal 
Aviation Administration shall review— 
(1) evacuation certification of transport-cat-
egory aircraft used in air transportation, with regard 
to— 
(A) emergency conditions, including im-
pacts into water; 
(B) crew procedures used for evacuations 
under actual emergency conditions; and 
(C) any relevant changes to passenger de-
mographics and legal requirements (including 
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the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) 
that affect emergency evacuations; and 
(2) recent accidents and incidents where pas-
sengers evacuated such aircraft. 
(b) CONSULTATION; REVIEW
OF DATA.—In con-
ducting the review, the Administrator shall— 
(1) consult with the National Transportation 
Safety Board, transport-category aircraft manufac-
turers, air carriers, and other relevant experts and 
Federal agencies, including groups representing pas-
sengers, airline crewmembers, maintenance employ-
ees, and emergency responders; and 
(2) review relevant data with respect to evacu-
ation certification of transport-category aircraft. 
(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 In-
frastructure of the House of Representatives and the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate a report on the results of the review and related 
recommendations, if any, including any recommendations 
for revisions to the assumptions and methods used for as-
sessing evacuation certification of transport-category air-
craft. 
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SEC. 417. MEDICAL CERTIFICATION OF CERTAIN SMALL 
AIRCRAFT PILOTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration shall issue or revise med-
ical certificate regulations to ensure that an individual 
may operate as pilot in command of a covered aircraft 
without regard to any medical certificate or proof of health 
requirement otherwise applicable under Federal law if— 
(1) the individual possesses a valid driver’s li-
cense issued by a State, the District of Columbia, or 
a territory or possession of the United States and 
complies with any medical requirement associated 
with that license; 
(2) the individual is transporting not more than 
5 passengers; 
(3) the individual is operating under visual 
flight rules or instrument flight rules; 
(4) the relevant flight, including each portion 
thereof, is not carried out— 
(A) for compensation or hire, including 
that no passenger or property on the flight is 
being carried for compensation; 
(B) at an altitude that is more than 
14,000 feet above mean sea level; 
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(C) outside the United States, unless au-
thorized by the country in which the flight is 
conducted; or 
(D) at an indicated air speed exceeding 
250 knots; and 
(5) the individual has completed a medical edu-
cation course in accordance with subsection (b). 
(b) MEDICAL EDUCATION COURSE.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—To meet the requirement of 
subsection (a)(5), an individual shall complete (and 
demonstrate proof of completion of) a medical edu-
cation course during the 2-year period ending on the 
date on which the individual operates as pilot in 
command of a covered aircraft. 
(2) REQUIREMENTS.—The medical education 
course shall— 
(A) be established and periodically updated 
by the Administrator in coordination with rep-
resentatives of relevant not-for-profit general 
aviation stakeholder groups; 
(B) be available on the Internet free of 
charge; 
(C) educate pilots on conducting medical 
self-assessments; 
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(D) advise pilots on identifying warning 
signs of potential serious medical conditions; 
(E) identify risk mitigation strategies for 
medical conditions; 
(F) increase awareness of the impacts of 
potentially impairing over-the-counter and pre-
scription drug medications; 
(G) encourage regular medical exams and 
consultations with primary care physicians; 
(H) inform pilots of the regulations per-
taining to the prohibition on operations during 
medical deficiency; and 
(I) include a signature page, that shall be 
transmitted to the Administrator, for the indi-
vidual to certify that the individual has com-
pleted 
all 
necessary 
educational 
medical 
coursework. 
(3) EXCEPTIONS.—The requirement of sub-
section (a)(5) shall not apply to an individual who 
exercises sport pilot privileges or acts as the pilot in 
command of a glider or balloon. 
(c) COVERED AIRCRAFT DEFINED.—In this section, 
the term ‘‘covered aircraft’’ means an aircraft that— 
(1) is not authorized under Federal law to carry 
more than 6 occupants; and 
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(2) has a maximum certificated takeoff weight 
of not more than 6,000 pounds. 
(d) REPORT.—Not later than 5 years after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit 
to Congress a report that describes the effect of the regu-
lations issued or revised under subsection (a) and includes 
statistics with respect to changes in small aircraft activity 
and safety incidents. 
(e) PROHIBITION ON ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS.—On 
and after the date that is 180 days after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, the Administrator may not take an en-
forcement action for not holding a valid third-class med-
ical certificate against a pilot of a covered aircraft for a 
flight if the pilot and the flight meet the requirements 
under paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (a) unless 
the Administrator has published final regulations in the 
Federal Register under subsection (a). 
SEC. 418. ODA STAFFING AND OVERSIGHT. 
(a) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than May 31, 
2017, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Adminis-
tration shall report to the Committee on Transportation 
and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and 
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
of the Senate on the Administration’s progress with re-
spect to— 
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(1) determining what additional model inputs 
and labor distribution codes are needed to identify 
ODA oversight staffing needs; 
(2) developing and implementing system-based 
evaluation criteria and risk-based tools to aid ODA 
team members in targeting their oversight activities; 
and 
(3) developing agreements and processes for 
sharing resources to ensure adequate oversight of 
ODA personnel performing certification and inspec-
tion work at supplier and company facilities. 
(b) ODA DEFINED.—In this section, the term 
‘‘ODA’’ has the meaning given that term in section 44736 
of title 49, United States Code, as added by this Act. 
Subtitle B—Unmanned Aircraft 
Systems 
SEC. 431. DEFINITIONS. 
Except as otherwise provided, the definitions con-
tained in section 45501 of title 49, United States Code 
(as added by this Act), shall apply to this subtitle. 
SEC. 432. CODIFICATION OF EXISTING LAW; ADDITIONAL 
PROVISIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subtitle VII of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by inserting after chapter 453 
the following: 
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‘‘CHAPTER 455—UNMANNED AIRCRAFT 
SYSTEMS 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘45501. Definitions. 
‘‘45502. Integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems into national airspace 
system. 
‘‘45503. Risk-based permitting of unmanned aircraft systems. 
‘‘45504. Public unmanned aircraft systems. 
‘‘45505. Special rules for certain unmanned aircraft systems. 
‘‘45506. Operation of small unmanned aircraft. 
‘‘45507. Special rules for model aircraft. 
‘‘45508. Safety information for operation of covered unmanned aircraft. 
‘‘§ 45501. Definitions 
‘‘In this chapter, the following definitions apply: 
‘‘(1) AERIAL
DATA
COLLECTION.—The term 
‘aerial data collection’ means the gathering of data 
by a device aboard an unmanned aircraft during 
flight, including imagery, sensing, and measurement 
by such device. 
‘‘(2) ARCTIC.—The term ‘Arctic’ means the 
United States zone of the Chukchi Sea, Beaufort 
Sea, and Bering Sea north of the Aleutian chain. 
‘‘(3) CERTIFICATE
OF
WAIVER; CERTIFICATE 
OF AUTHORIZATION.—The terms ‘certificate of waiv-
er’ and ‘certificate of authorization’ mean a Federal 
Aviation Administration grant of approval for a spe-
cific flight operation. 
‘‘(4) MODEL AIRCRAFT.—the term ‘model air-
craft’ means an unmanned aircraft that is— 
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‘‘(A) capable of sustained flight in the at-
mosphere; 
‘‘(B) flown within visual line of sight of the 
person operating the aircraft; and 
‘‘(C) flown for hobby or recreational pur-
poses. 
‘‘(5) PERMANENT AREAS.—The term ‘perma-
nent areas’ means areas on land or water that pro-
vide for launch, recovery, and operation of small un-
manned aircraft. 
‘‘(6) PUBLIC UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM.— 
The term ‘public unmanned aircraft system’ means 
an unmanned aircraft system that meets the quali-
fications and conditions required for operation of a 
public aircraft (as defined in section 40102(a)). 
‘‘(7) 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 air-
craft. 
‘‘(8) SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT.—The term 
‘small unmanned aircraft’ means an unmanned air-
craft weighing less than 55 pounds, including every-
thing that is on board the aircraft. 
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‘‘(9) UNMANNED
AIRCRAFT.—The term ‘un-
manned aircraft’ means an aircraft that is operated 
without the possibility of direct human intervention 
from within or on the aircraft. 
‘‘(10) UNMANNED
AIRCRAFT
SYSTEM.—The 
term ‘unmanned aircraft system’ means an un-
manned aircraft and associated elements (including 
communication links and the components that con-
trol the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the 
pilot in command to operate safely and efficiently in 
the national airspace system. 
‘‘§ 45502. Integration of civil unmanned aircraft sys-
tems into national airspace system 
‘‘(a) REQUIRED PLANNING FOR INTEGRATION.— 
‘‘(1) COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.—Not later than 
November 10, 2012, the Secretary of Transpor-
tation, in consultation with representatives of the 
aviation industry, Federal agencies that employ un-
manned aircraft systems technology in the national 
airspace system, and the unmanned aircraft systems 
industry, shall develop a comprehensive plan to safe-
ly accelerate the integration of civil unmanned air-
craft systems into the national airspace system. 
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‘‘(2) CONTENTS OF PLAN.—The plan required 
under paragraph (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 un-
manned aircraft systems; 
‘‘(ii) ensure that any civil unmanned 
aircraft system includes a sense-and-avoid 
capability; and 
‘‘(iii) establish standards and require-
ments for the operator and pilot of a civil 
unmanned 
aircraft 
system, 
including 
standards and requirements for registra-
tion and licensing; 
‘‘(B) the best methods to enhance the tech-
nologies and subsystems necessary to achieve 
the safe and routine operation of civil un-
manned aircraft systems in the national air-
space system; 
‘‘(C) a phased-in approach to the integra-
tion of civil unmanned aircraft systems into the 
national airspace system; 
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‘‘(D) a timeline for the phased-in approach 
described under subparagraph (C); 
‘‘(E) creation of a safe airspace designa-
tion for cooperative manned and unmanned 
flight operations in the national airspace sys-
tem; 
‘‘(F) establishment of a process to develop 
certification, flight standards, and air traffic re-
quirements for civil unmanned aircraft systems 
at test ranges where such systems are subject 
to testing; 
‘‘(G) the best methods to ensure the safe 
operation of civil unmanned aircraft systems 
and public unmanned aircraft systems simulta-
neously in the national airspace system; and 
‘‘(H) incorporation of the plan into the an-
nual NextGen Implementation Plan document 
(or any successor document) 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 practicable, but not later 
than September 30, 2015. 
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‘‘(4) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 
February 14, 2013, the Secretary shall submit to 
Congress a copy of the plan required under para-
graph (1). 
‘‘(5) ROADMAP.—Not later than February 14, 
2013, the Secretary shall approve and make avail-
able 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 coordinated by the Unmanned 
Aircraft Program Office of the Administration. 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 ex-
tent the systems do not meet the requirements for 
expedited operational authorization under section 
45506; 
‘‘(2) a notice of proposed rulemaking to imple-
ment the recommendations of the plan required 
under subsection (a)(1), with the final rule to be 
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published not later than 16 months after the date of 
publication of the notice; and 
‘‘(3) an update to the Administration’s most re-
cent policy statement on unmanned aircraft systems, 
contained in Docket No. FAA–2006–25714. 
‘‘(c) EXPANDING USE
OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT 
SYSTEMS IN ARCTIC.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than August 12, 
2012, 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 un-
manned aircraft may operate 24 hours per day for 
research and commercial purposes. The plan for op-
erations in these permanent areas shall include the 
development of processes to facilitate the safe oper-
ation 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 in-
gress 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 inter-
national communities. 
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‘‘(3) AIRCRAFT APPROVAL.—Not later than 1 
year after the entry into force of an agreement nec-
essary to effectuate the purposes of this subsection, 
the Secretary shall work with relevant national and 
international communities to establish and imple-
ment a process, or may apply an applicable process 
already established, for approving the use of un-
manned aircraft in the designated permanent areas 
in the Arctic without regard to whether an un-
manned aircraft is used as a public aircraft, a civil 
aircraft, or a model aircraft. 
‘‘§ 45503. Risk-based permitting of unmanned aircraft 
systems 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 120 days after 
the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator 
of the Federal Aviation Administration shall establish pro-
cedures for issuing permits under this section with respect 
to certain unmanned aircraft systems and operations 
thereof. 
‘‘(b) PERMITTING STANDARDS.—Upon the submis-
sion of an application in accordance with subsection (d), 
the Administrator shall issue a permit with respect to the 
proposed operation of an unmanned aircraft system if the 
Administrator determines that— 
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‘‘(1) the unmanned aircraft system and the pro-
posed operation achieve a level of safety that is 
equivalent to— 
‘‘(A) other unmanned aircraft systems and 
operations permitted under regulation, exemp-
tion, or other authority granted by the Adminis-
trator; or 
‘‘(B) any other aircraft operation approved 
by the Administrator with similar risk charac-
teristics or profiles; and 
‘‘(2) the applicant for the permit has adequate 
liability insurance based on the criteria specified in 
subsection (c). 
‘‘(c) SAFETY CRITERIA
FOR CONSIDERATION.—In 
determining whether a proposed operation meets the 
standards described in subsection (b), the Administrator 
shall consider the following safety criteria: 
‘‘(1) The kinetic energy of the unmanned air-
craft system. 
‘‘(2) The location of the proposed operation, in-
cluding the proximity to— 
‘‘(A) structures; 
‘‘(B) congested areas; 
‘‘(C) special-use airspace; and 
‘‘(D) persons on the ground. 
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‘‘(3) The nature of the operation, including any 
proposed risk mitigation. 
‘‘(4) Any known hazard of the proposed oper-
ation and the severity and likelihood of such hazard. 
‘‘(5) Any known failure modes of the unmanned 
aircraft system, failure mode effects and criticality, 
and any mitigating features or capabilities. 
‘‘(6) The operational history of relevant tech-
nologies, if available. 
‘‘(7) Any history of civil penalties or certificate 
actions by the Administrator against the applicant 
seeking the permit. 
‘‘(8) Any other safety criteria the Administrator 
considers appropriate. 
‘‘(d) APPLICATION.—An application under this sec-
tion shall include evidence that the unmanned aircraft sys-
tem and the proposed operation thereof meet the stand-
ards described in subsection (b) based on the criteria de-
scribed in subsection (c). 
‘‘(e) SCOPE OF PERMIT.—A permit issued under this 
section shall— 
‘‘(1) be valid for 5 years; 
‘‘(2) constitute approval of both the airworthi-
ness of the unmanned aircraft system and the pro-
posed operation of such system; 
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‘‘(3) be renewable for additional 5-year periods; 
and 
‘‘(4) contain any terms necessary to ensure 
aviation safety. 
‘‘(f) NOTICE.—Not later than 120 days after the Ad-
ministrator receives a complete application under sub-
section (d), the Administrator shall provide the applicant 
written notice of a decision to approve, disapprove, or re-
quest a modification of the application. 
‘‘(g) PERMITTING
PROCESS.—The Administrator 
shall issue a permit under this section without regard to 
subsections (b) through (d) of section 553 of title 5 and 
chapter 35 of title 44 if the Administrator determines that 
the operation permitted will not occur near a congested 
area. 
‘‘(h) EXEMPTION FROM CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS.— 
To the extent consistent with aviation safety, the Adminis-
trator may exempt applicants under this section from 
paragraphs (1) through (3) of section 44711(a). 
‘‘(i) WITHDRAWAL.—The Administrator may, at any 
time, modify or withdraw a permit issued under this sec-
tion. 
‘‘(j) APPLICABILITY.—This section shall not apply to 
small unmanned aircraft systems and operations ad-
dressed by the proposed rule on small unmanned aircraft 
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systems issued pursuant to section 45502(b)(1) or any 
final rule based on such proposed rule. 
‘‘(k) EXPEDITED REVIEW.—The Administrator shall 
review and act upon applications under this section on an 
expedited basis for unmanned aircraft systems and oper-
ations thereof to be used primarily in, or primarily in di-
rect support of, emergency preparedness, response, or dis-
aster recovery. 
‘‘§ 45504. Public unmanned aircraft systems 
‘‘(a) GUIDANCE.—Not later than November 10, 
2012, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue guidance 
regarding the operation of public unmanned aircraft sys-
tems to— 
‘‘(1) expedite the issuance of a certificate of au-
thorization process; 
‘‘(2) provide for a collaborative process with 
public agencies to allow for an incremental expan-
sion of access to the national airspace system as 
technology matures and the necessary safety anal-
ysis 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 Admin-
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istration, to test and operate unmanned aircraft sys-
tems; and 
‘‘(4) provide guidance on a public entity’s re-
sponsibility when operating an unmanned aircraft 
without a civil airworthiness certificate issued by the 
Administration. 
‘‘(b) STANDARDS
FOR OPERATION
AND CERTIFI-
CATION.—Not later than December 31, 2015, the Admin-
istrator shall develop and implement operational and cer-
tification requirements for the operation of public un-
manned aircraft systems in the national airspace system. 
‘‘(c) AGREEMENTS
WITH
GOVERNMENT
AGEN-
CIES.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than May 14, 
2012, the Secretary shall enter into agreements with 
appropriate government agencies to simplify the 
process for issuing certificates of waiver or author-
ization with respect to applications seeking author-
ization to operate public unmanned aircraft systems 
in the national airspace system. 
‘‘(2) CONTENTS.—The agreements shall— 
‘‘(A) with respect to an application de-
scribed in paragraph (1)— 
‘‘(i) provide for an expedited review of 
the application; 
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‘‘(ii) require a decision by the Admin-
istrator 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 simi-
lar 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 operated— 
‘‘(i) within the line of sight of the op-
erator; 
‘‘(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, space-
port, or other location with aviation activi-
ties. 
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‘‘§ 45505. Special rules for certain unmanned aircraft 
systems 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other re-
quirement of this subtitle, and not later than August 12, 
2012, 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 rulemaking required by section 45502 or the guidance 
required under section 45504. 
‘‘(b) ASSESSMENT OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYS-
TEMS.—In making the determination under subsection 
(a), the Secretary shall determine, at a minimum— 
‘‘(1) which types of unmanned aircraft systems, 
if any, as a result of their size, weight, speed, oper-
ational capability, proximity to airports and popu-
lated areas, and operation within visual line of sight 
do not create a hazard to users of the national air-
space system or the public or pose a threat to na-
tional security; and 
‘‘(2) whether a certificate of waiver, certificate 
of authorization, or airworthiness certification under 
section 44704 is required for the operation of un-
manned aircraft systems identified under paragraph 
(1). 
‘‘(c) REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFE OPERATION.—If the 
Secretary determines under this section that certain un-
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manned aircraft systems may operate safely in the na-
tional airspace system, the Secretary shall establish re-
quirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems 
in the national airspace system. 
‘‘§ 45506. Operation of small unmanned aircraft 
‘‘(a) EXEMPTION AND CERTIFICATE OF WAIVER OR 
AUTHORIZATION FOR CERTAIN OPERATIONS.—Not later 
than 270 days after the date of enactment of this section, 
the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
shall establish a procedure for granting an exemption and 
issuing a certificate of waiver or authorization for the op-
eration of a small unmanned aircraft system in United 
States airspace for the purposes described in section 
45501(1). 
‘‘(b) OPERATION OF EXEMPTION AND CERTIFICATE 
OF WAIVER OR AUTHORIZATION.— 
‘‘(1) 
EXEMPTION.—An 
exemption 
granted 
under this section shall— 
‘‘(A) exempt the operator of a small un-
manned aircraft from the provisions of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations, that are exempted 
in Exemption No. 11687, issued on May 26, 
2015, Regulatory Docket Number FAA–2015– 
0117, or in a subsequent exemption; and 
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‘‘(B) contain conditions and limitations de-
scribed in paragraphs 3 through 31 of such Ex-
emption No. 11687, or conditions and limita-
tions of a subsequent exemption. 
‘‘(2) CERTIFICATE OF WAIVER OR AUTHORIZA-
TION.—A certificate of waiver or authorization 
issued under this section shall allow the operation of 
small unmanned aircraft according to— 
‘‘(A) the standard provisions and air traf-
fic control special provisions of the certificate of 
waiver or authorization FAA Form 7711–1 (7– 
74); or 
‘‘(B) the standard and special provisions of 
a subsequent certificate of waiver or authoriza-
tion. 
‘‘(c) NOTICE TO ADMINISTRATOR.—Before operating 
a small unmanned aircraft pursuant to a certificate of 
waiver or authorization granted under this section, the op-
erator shall provide written notice to the Administrator, 
in a form and manner specified by the Administrator, that 
contains such information and assurances as the Adminis-
trator determines necessary in the interest of aviation 
safety and the efficiency of the national airspace system, 
including a certification that the operator has read, under-
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stands, and will comply with all terms, conditions, and lim-
itations of the certificate of waiver or authorization. 
‘‘(d) WAIVER OF AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE.— 
Notwithstanding section 44711(a)(1), the holder of a cer-
tificate of waiver or authorization granted under this sec-
tion may operate a small unmanned aircraft under the 
terms, conditions, and limitations of such certificate with-
out an airworthiness certificate. 
‘‘(e) PROCEDURE.—The granting of an exemption or 
the issuance of a certificate of waiver or authorization, or 
any other action authorized by this section, shall be made 
without regard to— 
‘‘(1) section 553 of title 5; or 
‘‘(2) chapter 35 of title 44. 
‘‘(f) STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this 
section may be construed to— 
‘‘(1) affect the issuance of a rule by or any 
other activity of the Secretary of Transportation or 
the Administrator under any other provision of law; 
or 
‘‘(2) invalidate an exemption or certificate of 
waiver or authorization issued by the Administrator 
before the date of enactment of this section. 
‘‘(g) EFFECTIVE PERIODS.—An exemption or certifi-
cate of waiver or authorization issued under this section, 
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or an amendment of such exemption or certificate, shall 
cease to be valid on the effective date of a final rule on 
small unmanned aircraft systems issued under section 
45502(b)(1). 
‘‘(h) APPLICABILITY.— 
‘‘(1) DEFAULT.—The requirements of this sec-
tion shall apply beginning on the date that is 270 
days after the date of enactment of this Act unless 
the Administrator issues, before such date, a final 
rule based on the notice of proposed rulemaking 
issued on February 23, 2015, entitled ‘Operation 
and Certification of Small Unmanned Aircraft Sys-
tems’ (80 Fed. Reg. 9543). 
‘‘(2) EXPIRATION.—The requirements of this 
section shall not be effective beginning on the date 
on which the Administrator issues a final rule based 
on the notice of proposed rulemaking issued on Feb-
ruary 23, 2015, entitled ‘Operation and Certification 
of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems’ (80 Fed. Reg. 
9543). 
‘‘§ 45507. Special rules for model aircraft 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other pro-
vision of law relating to the incorporation of unmanned 
aircraft systems into Federal Aviation Administration 
plans and policies, including this subtitle, the Adminis-
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216 
trator of the Federal Aviation Administration may not 
promulgate any rule or regulation regarding a model air-
craft, 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 with-
in the programming of a community-based organiza-
tion; 
‘‘(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 administered 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 op-
erator 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 opera-
tors flying from a permanent location within 5 miles 
of an airport should establish a mutually agreed 
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217 
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) COMMERCIAL OPERATION FOR INSTRUCTIONAL 
OR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES.—A flight of an unmanned 
aircraft shall be treated as a flight of a model aircraft 
for purposes of subsection (a) (regardless of any com-
pensation, reimbursement, or other consideration ex-
changed or incidental economic benefit gained in the 
course of planning, operating, or supervising the flight), 
if the flight is— 
‘‘(1) conducted for instructional or educational 
purposes; and 
‘‘(2) operated or supervised by an eligible not- 
for-profit organization. 
‘‘(c) STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this 
section may be construed to limit the authority of the Ad-
ministrator to pursue enforcement action against persons 
operating model aircraft who endanger the safety of the 
national airspace system. 
‘‘(d) ELIGIBLE
NOT-FOR-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION 
DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘eligible not-for-prof-
it organization’ means an entity that— 
‘‘(1) is described in section 501(c)(3) of the In-
ternal Revenue Code of 1986; 
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‘‘(2) is exempt from tax under section 501(a) of 
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; 
‘‘(3) the mission of which is demonstrably the 
furtherance of model aviation; 
‘‘(4) provides a comprehensive set of safety 
guidelines for all aspects of model aviation address-
ing the assembly and operation of model aircraft and 
that emphasize safe aeromodeling operations within 
the national airspace system and the protection and 
safety of individuals and property on the ground; 
‘‘(5) provides programming and support for any 
local charter organizations, affiliates, or clubs; and 
‘‘(6) provides assistance and support in the de-
velopment and operation of locally designated model 
aircraft flying sites. 
‘‘§ 45508. Safety information for operation of covered 
unmanned aircraft 
‘‘Beginning not later than 120 days after the date 
of enactment of this section, the Administrator of the Fed-
eral Aviation Administration shall make available to the 
public, through electronic or other suitable means, infor-
mation developed jointly by the Federal Aviation Adminis-
tration and appropriate non-governmental organizations 
relating to the safe operation of unmanned aircraft in 
United States airspace that includes— 
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‘‘(1) notice of the existence of airspace bound-
aries, designated navigational routes, and navigable 
airspace; 
‘‘(2) the requirements for entry into and oper-
ation within class A, B, C, D, and E airspace, as de-
fined in subparts A through E of part 71 of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor provi-
sions); 
‘‘(3) notice of the existence and a description of 
Federal aviation regulations applicable to the flight 
of unmanned aircraft, including regulations prohib-
iting careless and reckless operation and operation 
of unairworthy aircraft in part 91 of such title (or 
any successor provisions); 
‘‘(4) notice of sources of aeronautical informa-
tion and applicable regulations, including publicly 
available resources for determining the locations of 
airports, designated navigational routes, and con-
trolled airspace; 
‘‘(5) notice of criminal and civil penalties that 
may result from unlawful operation of unmanned 
aircraft; and 
‘‘(6) examples of the hazards associated with 
the operation of an unmanned aircraft— 
‘‘(A) in a careless or reckless manner; 
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‘‘(B) in an unairworthy condition; and 
‘‘(C) in proximity to other aircraft.’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) REPEALS.— 
(A) 
IN
GENERAL.—Sections 
332(a), 
332(b), 332(d), 333, 334, and 336 of the FAA 
Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 
U.S.C. 40101 note) are repealed. 
(B) CLERICAL
AMENDMENT.—The items 
relating to sections 333, 334, and 336 of the 
FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 
(49 U.S.C. 40101 note) in the table of contents 
contained in section 1(b) of that Act are re-
pealed. 
(2) PENALTIES.—Section 46301 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(A) in subsection (a)— 
(i) in paragraph (1)(A) by inserting 
‘‘chapter 455,’’ after ‘‘chapter 451,’’; and 
(ii) in paragraph (5)(A)(i) by striking 
‘‘or chapter 451,’’ and inserting ‘‘chapter 
451, chapter 455,’’; 
(B) in subsection (d)(2) by inserting 
‘‘chapter 455,’’ after ‘‘chapter 451,’’; and 
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(C) in subsection (f)(1)(A)(i) by striking 
‘‘or chapter 451’’ and inserting ‘‘chapter 451, 
or chapter 455’’. 
(3) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for 
subtitle VII of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting after the item relating to 
chapter 453 the following: 
‘‘455. Unmanned aircraft systems ..............................................45501’’. 
SEC. 433. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT TEST RANGES. 
(a) EXTENSION OF PROGRAM.—Section 332(c)(1) of 
the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 
U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended by striking ‘‘5 years after 
the date of enactment of this Act’’ and inserting ‘‘5 years 
after the date of enactment of the Aviation Innovation, 
Reform, and Reauthorization Act of 2016’’. 
(b) SENSE-AND-AVOID
TECHNOLOGIES
AT
TEST 
RANGES.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—To the extent consistent 
with aviation safety, the Administrator of the Fed-
eral Aviation Administration shall permit and en-
courage flights of unmanned aircraft systems 
equipped with sense-and-avoid technologies at the 6 
test ranges designated under section 332(c) of the 
FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. 
(2) WAIVERS.—In carrying out paragraph (1), 
the Administrator may waive the requirements of 
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section 44711 of title 49, United States Code, in-
cluding related regulations, to the extent consistent 
with aviation safety. 
(c) PROVISIONAL CIVIL OPERATION OF SMALL UN-
MANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS AT TEST RANGES.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out the program 
established under section 332(c) of the FAA Mod-
ernization and Reform Act of 2012, and subject to 
the requirements of paragraph (2), the Secretary 
shall allow civil operation of small unmanned air-
craft systems at the 6 test ranges designated pursu-
ant to that section. 
(2) REQUIREMENTS.—The Secretary shall pro-
vide that— 
(A) operations of small unmanned aircraft 
systems occur exclusively within airspace des-
ignated in an applicable certificate of authoriza-
tion or waiver; and 
(B) notwithstanding section 44711 of title 
49, United States Code, operations are con-
ducted, to the extent practicable, pursuant to 
the proposed rule on small unmanned aircraft 
systems issued pursuant to section 45502(b)(1) 
of such title, or any final rule issued based on 
that proposed rule, except that a passing grade 
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223 
on the aeronautical knowledge test required for 
a sport pilot certificate described in part 61 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or more 
advanced aeronautical knowledge test under 
such part, shall be treated as satisfying the 
aeronautical knowledge testing requirement 
contained in such proposed rule. 
(3) SUNSET.—This subsection shall cease to be 
effective on the date that is the earlier of— 
(A) 5 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act; and 
(B) the date of publication of a final rule 
based on the proposed rule described under 
paragraph (2)(B). 
(d) DEFINITION OF TEST RANGE.—In this section, 
the term ‘‘test range’’ means a defined geographic area 
where research and development are conducted. 
SEC. 434. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS SENIOR LEADER-
SHIP AND STAFFING. 
(a) INTRA-AGENCY LEADERSHIP.— 
(1) UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS INTEGRA-
TION OFFICE.—There is in the Federal Aviation Ad-
ministration an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Inte-
gration Office (in this section referred to as the ‘‘Of-
fice’’). 
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(2) CHIEF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS IN-
TEGRATION OFFICER.— 
(A) DESIGNATION.—Not later than 30 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Ad-
ministration shall designate an individual to 
serve as the head of the Office, to be known as 
the Chief Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integra-
tion Officer. 
(B) DUTIES; REPORTING.—The Chief Un-
manned Aircraft Systems Integration Officer 
shall— 
(i) report directly to the Associate Ad-
ministrator for Aviation Safety (or a suc-
cessor position); 
(ii) have the duties and functions of 
the position of the Director of the UAS In-
tegration Office, as of the date of enact-
ment of this section; and 
(iii) optimize intra-agency efforts to 
establish a sound technical and safety 
methodology for the integration of un-
manned aircraft systems into the national 
airspace system. 
(b) INTERAGENCY LEADERSHIP.— 
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(1) DIRECTOR OF UAS EXTERNAL AFFAIRS.— 
Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall designate an in-
dividual to serve as the head of interagency efforts 
on unmanned aircraft systems integration for the 
Administration, to be known as the Director of UAS 
External Affairs. 
(2) DUTIES; REPORTING.—The individual des-
ignated under paragraph (1) shall— 
(A) report directly to the Deputy Adminis-
trator; 
(B) have the duties and functions of the 
position of Senior Advisor on UAS Integration, 
as of the date of enactment of this section; and 
(C) focus on external outreach, education, 
and interagency initiatives consistent with the 
Administration’s management of unmanned air-
craft systems integration efforts. 
(c) STAFFING.—The Administrator shall designate a 
sufficient number of safety inspectors to focus on the safe-
ty oversight of unmanned aircraft systems into the na-
tional airspace system, taking into consideration the cur-
rent and anticipated— 
(1) budgetary environment; and 
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226 
(2) volume of unmanned aircraft system oper-
ations. 
SEC. 435. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING UNMANNED 
AIRCRAFT SAFETY. 
It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) the unauthorized operation of unmanned 
aircraft near airports presents a serious hazard to 
aviation safety; 
(2) with increasing regularity, pilots are report-
ing near misses with unmanned aircraft at low alti-
tudes during critical phases of flight, either on final 
approach or shortly after takeoff; 
(3) a collision between an unmanned aircraft 
and a conventional aircraft in flight could jeopardize 
the safety of persons aboard aircraft and on the 
ground; 
(4) Federal aviation regulations, including sec-
tions 91.126 through 91.131 of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations, prohibit unauthorized operation 
of an aircraft in controlled airspace near an airport; 
(5) Federal aviation regulations, including sec-
tion 91.13 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
prohibit the operation of an aircraft in a careless or 
reckless manner so as to endanger the life or prop-
erty of another; 
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(6) the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration should pursue all available civil and 
administrative remedies available to the Adminis-
trator, including referrals to other government agen-
cies for criminal investigations, with respect to per-
sons who operate unmanned aircraft in an unauthor-
ized manner; 
(7) the Administrator should place particular 
priority on continuing measures, including partner-
ships with nongovernmental organizations, to edu-
cate the public about the dangers to the public safe-
ty of operating unmanned aircraft near airports 
without the appropriate approvals or authorizations; 
and 
(8) manufacturers and retail sellers of small 
unmanned aircraft systems should take steps to edu-
cate consumers about the safe and lawful operation 
of such systems. 
SEC. 436. UAS PRIVACY REVIEW. 
(a) REVIEW.—The Secretary of Transportation, in 
consultation with the heads of appropriate Federal agen-
cies, appropriate State and local officials, and subject-mat-
ter experts and in consideration of relevant efforts led by 
the National Telecommunications and Information Ad-
ministration, shall carry out a review to identify any po-
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228 
tential reduction of privacy specifically caused by integra-
tion of unmanned aircraft systems into the national air-
space system. 
(b) CONSULTATION.—In carrying out the review, the 
Secretary shall consult with the National Telecommuni-
cations and Information Administration of the Depart-
ment of Commerce on its ongoing efforts responsive to the 
presidential memorandum titled ‘‘Promoting Economic 
Competitiveness While Safeguarding Privacy, Civil Rights, 
and Civil Liberties in Domestic Use of Unmanned Aircraft 
Systems’’ and dated February 15, 2015. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report 
on the results of the review required under subsection (a). 
SEC. 437. PUBLIC UAS OPERATIONS BY TRIBAL GOVERN-
MENTS. 
(a) PUBLIC UAS OPERATIONS BY TRIBAL GOVERN-
MENTS.—Section 40102(a)(41) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(F) An unmanned aircraft that is owned 
and operated by, or exclusively leased for at 
least 90 continuous days by, an Indian tribal 
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229 
government, as defined in section 102 of the 
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emer-
gency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122), except 
as provided in section 40125(b).’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 40125(b) 
of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking 
‘‘or (D)’’ and inserting ‘‘(D), or (F)’’. 
SEC. 438. FACILITATING UNMANNED AIRCRAFT AUTHOR-
IZATION IN SUPPORT OF FIREFIGHTING OP-
ERATIONS. 
The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Adminis-
tration shall enter into agreements with the Secretary of 
the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture as necessary 
to continue the expeditious authorization of safe un-
manned aircraft system operations in support of fire-
fighting operations consistent with the requirements of 
section 45504(c) of title 49, United States Code. 
SEC. 439. LOW ALTITUDE UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM 
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE.— 
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this 
Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Adminis-
tration shall establish an advisory committee comprised of 
government representatives and appropriate industry rep-
resentatives to— 
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230 
(1) assess the necessity, feasibility, and benefits 
of establishing unmanned aircraft traffic manage-
ment systems for airspace between the surface and 
400 feet above ground level; 
(2) develop recommendations for government 
oversight of such systems; and 
(3) address any other issues the advisory panel 
considers necessary and appropriate. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the estab-
lishment of the advisory committee under subsection (a), 
the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate a report on the findings 
of the advisory committee. 
(c) SUNSET.—The advisory committee shall termi-
nate upon transmission of the report pursuant to sub-
section (b). 
SEC. 440. UAS DETECTION SYSTEMS PILOT PROGRAM. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Trans-
portation shall establish a pilot program to deploy and 
evaluate the effectiveness of unmanned aircraft detection 
systems in maintaining the safety of air commerce and 
navigable airspace in light of aviation safety hazards posed 
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by unauthorized operations of unmanned aircraft in prox-
imity to airports. 
(b) PARTICIPATING AIRPORTS.—The Secretary shall 
select not fewer than 3 airports in the United States with 
scheduled commercial air service that the Secretary deter-
mines to be suitable locations for participation in the pilot 
program. 
(c) DETECTION CAPABILITIES.—In carrying out the 
pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary may uti-
lize unmanned aircraft detection systems to— 
(1) detect, locate, and track unmanned aircraft; 
(2) detect, locate, and track operators of un-
manned aircraft; and 
(3) mitigate unauthorized operations of un-
manned aircraft in any airspace in which they may 
pose an aviation safety risk. 
(d) LIMITATION.—The Secretary shall ensure that 
the unmanned aircraft detection systems used in carrying 
out the pilot program do not interfere with or harm air-
port operations, essential navigation systems, wireless 
communications, or the general public. 
(e) REPORT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 18 months 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary shall submit to the Committee on Transpor-
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232 
tation and Infrastructure of the House of Represent-
atives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate a report on the re-
sults of the pilot program established under sub-
section (a). 
(2) CONTENTS.—The report submitted under 
paragraph (1) shall include the following: 
(A) The number of unauthorized un-
manned aircraft operations detected at each 
participating airport, together with a descrip-
tion of such operations. 
(B) The number of instances in which un-
authorized unmanned aircraft were mitigated 
pursuant to subsection (c)(3), together with a 
description of such instances. 
(C) The number of enforcement cases 
brought by the Federal Aviation Administration 
for unauthorized operation of unmanned air-
craft detected through the pilot program, to-
gether with a description of such cases. 
(D) The number of any technical failures 
in the pilot program, together with a descrip-
tion of such failures. 
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(b) CONTENTS.—In conducting the assessment and 
making recommendations under subsection (a), the task 
force shall consider— 
(1) process reforms and improvements to allow 
the FAA to review and approve applications in a fair 
and timely fashion; 
(2) the appropriateness of requiring an author-
ization for each experimental aircraft rather than 
using a broader all makes and models approach; 
(3) ways to improve the timely response to let-
ters of authorization applications for aircraft owners 
and operators who operate pursuant to part 91, in-
cluding setting deadlines and granting temporary or 
automatic authorizations if deadlines are missed by 
the FAA; 
(4) methods for enhancing the effective use of 
delegation systems; 
(5) methods for training the FAA’s field office 
employees in risk-based and safety management sys-
tem oversight; and 
(6) such other matters related to streamlining 
part 91 authorization and approval processes as the 
task force considers appropriate. 
(c) REPORT TO CONGRESS.— 
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(1) IN GENERAL.—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 task force’s assessment. 
(2) CONTENTS.—The report shall include an 
explanation of how the Administrator will— 
(A) implement the recommendations of the 
task force; 
(B) measure progress in implementing the 
recommendations; and 
(C) measure the effectiveness of the imple-
mented recommendations. 
(d) IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS.—Not 
later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this 
Act, the Administrator shall implement the recommenda-
tions made under this section. 
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the following defi-
nitions apply: 
(1) FAA.—The term ‘‘FAA’’ means the Fed-
eral Aviation Administration. 
(2) PART 91.—The term ‘‘part 91’’ means part 
91 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. 
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with timely information about the development 
of lithium ion battery technology and transpor-
tation safety practices and methodologies; 
(C) provide a forum for the Secretary to 
provide information on and to discuss the ac-
tivities of the Department of Transportation re-
lating to lithium ion battery transportation 
safety, the policies underlying the activities, and 
positions to be advocated in international fo-
rums; 
(D) provide a forum for the Secretary to 
provide information and receive advice on— 
(i) activities carried out throughout 
the world to communicate and enforce rel-
evant United States regulations and the 
ICAO Technical Instructions (as defined in 
subsection (a)(4)); and 
(ii) the effectiveness of the activities; 
and 
(E) provide advice and recommendations to 
the Secretary with respect to lithium ion bat-
tery transportation safety. 
(3) MEMBERSHIP.—The Committee shall be 
composed of the following members: 
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(A) Individuals appointed by the Secretary 
to represent— 
(i) large volume manufacturers of lith-
ium ion cells and batteries; 
(ii) domestic manufacturers of lithium 
ion batteries or battery packs; 
(iii) manufacturers of consumer prod-
ucts powered by lithium ion batteries; 
(iv) manufacturers of vehicles powered 
by lithium ion batteries; 
(v) marketers of products powered by 
lithium ion batteries; 
(vi) cargo air service providers based 
in the United States; 
(vii) passenger air service providers 
based in the United States; 
(viii) employees of air service pro-
viders described in clauses (vi) and (vii); 
and 
(ix) employees of the Department of 
Transportation. 
(B) Representatives of such other Govern-
ment departments and agencies as the Sec-
retary determines appropriate. 
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