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(2) used in extended overwater operations. 
(b) CONSIDERATIONS.—In carrying out the review 
pursuant to subsection (a), the Committee shall provide 
to the Administrator any consensus recommendations for 
the equipage of aircraft described in subsection (a) with 
a cockpit voice recorder and a flight data recorder that— 
(1) provide a means, in the event of an acci-
dent, to recover mandatory flight data parameters in 
a manner that does not require the underwater re-
trieval of the cockpit voice recorder or flight data re-
corder; 
(2) is equipped with a tamper-resistant method 
to broadcast sufficient information to a ground sta-
tion to establish the location where an aircraft ter-
minates flight as the result of an accident within 6 
nautical miles of the point of impact of the aircraft; 
and 
(3) is equipped with an airframe low-frequency 
underwater locating device that functions for at least 
90 days and that can be detected by appropriate 
equipment. 
(c) RECOMMENDATIONS.—Not later than 18 months 
after tasking the aviation rulemaking advisory committee 
under subsection (a), the committee shall submit to the 
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Administrator any consensus recommendations developed 
under subsection (b). 
(d) RULEMAKING.—Not later than 1 year after re-
ceiving any recommendations pursuant to subsection (c), 
the Administrator shall initiate a rulemaking activity 
based on such consensus recommendations, if determined 
appropriate. 
(e) BRIEFING.—If the Administrator decides not to 
issue a final rule with respect to the rulemaking initiated 
under subsection (d), the Administrator shall brief the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the 
justification for such decision. 
SEC. 527. EMERGENCY MEDICAL EQUIPMENT ON PAS-
SENGER AIRCRAFT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 12 months after 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration shall review and update, 
as appropriate, part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regu-
lations, regarding emergency medical equipment, including 
the contents of emergency medical kits, and training re-
quired for flight crew. 
(b) CONSIDERATION.—In carrying out subsection (a), 
the Administrator shall consider— 
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(1) the benefits and costs (including the costs 
of flight diversions and emergency landings) of re-
quiring any new medications or equipment necessary 
to be included in approved emergency medical kits 
under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regula-
tions; 
(2) whether the contents of the emergency med-
ical kits include the appropriate medications and 
equipment that can practicably be administered to 
address— 
(A) the emergency medical needs of chil-
dren and pregnant women; 
(B) opioid overdose; 
(C) anaphylaxis; and 
(D) cardiac arrest; and 
(3) what contents of the emergency medical kits 
should be readily available, to the extent practicable, 
for use by flight crews without prior approval by a 
medical professional. 
(c) CONSULTATION.—In conducting the review re-
quired under subsection (a), the Administrator shall con-
sult with associations representing aerospace medical pro-
fessionals. 
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SEC. 528. NAVIGATION AIDS STUDY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the 
Department of Transportation shall initiate a study exam-
ining the effects of reclassifying navigation aids to Design 
Assurance Level–A from Design Assurance Level–B, in-
cluding the following navigation aids: 
(1) Distance measuring equipment. 
(2) Very high frequency omni-directional range. 
(3) Tactical air navigation. 
(4) Wide area augmentation system. 
(b) CONTENTS.—In conducting the study required 
under subsection (a), the inspector general shall address— 
(1) the cost-benefit analyses associated with the 
reclassification described in such subsection; 
(2) the findings from the operational safety as-
sessments and preliminary hazard analyses of the 
navigation aids listed in such subsection; 
(3) the risks of such reclassification on naviga-
tion aid equipment currently in use; 
(4) the potential impacts on global interoper-
ability of navigational aids; and 
(5) what additional actions should be taken 
based on the findings of this subsection. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 24 months after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the inspector general shall 
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submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infra-
structure of the House of Representatives and the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate a report describing the results of the study con-
ducted under subsection (a). 
SEC. 529. REMOTE TOWERS. 
(a) STUDY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
of the Federal Aviation Administration shall seek to 
enter into an agreement with a qualified organiza-
tion to conduct a study examining the viability and 
feasibility of remote tower technology available on 
the date of enactment of this Act to accommodate 
existing air traffic activity at non-towered, public-use 
airports and airports with a visual flight rule air 
traffic control tower. 
(2) CONSIDERATIONS.—In the study conducted 
under subsection (a), the qualified organization se-
lected under such subsection shall consider and in-
clude in such study— 
(A) the effectiveness and adequacy of the 
pilot program established under section 161 of 
the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 
U.S.C. 47104 note) in— 
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(i) assessing the installation, mainte-
nance, and operational costs and benefits 
of remote tower technology; and 
(ii) establishing a clear process for the 
safety and operational certification of such 
technology; 
(B) a description of actions that the Ad-
ministration has undertaken to carry out such 
pilot program; 
(C) any barriers related to the safety and 
operational certification of such technology; 
(D) the number and type of non-towered 
airports in the national airspace system; 
(E) the availability and development of re-
mote tower technology; 
(F) the potential to use remote tower sys-
tems to control air traffic at multiple airports 
and from a single physical location, similar to 
a terminal radar approach control facility; 
(G) staffing flexibility to support seasonal 
staffing of remote towers; 
(H) safety factors related to the potential 
need for such remote tower technology; 
(I) the potential to use remote tower sys-
tems to surveil for unmanned aircraft, in con-
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junction with unmanned aircraft system traffic 
management systems, to enhance air traffic 
management of manned air traffic; 
(J) factors related to the demand for re-
mote tower technology; 
(K) an examination of remote tower use in 
other countries; 
(L) projected costs associated with install-
ing and maintain remote tower technology at a 
single airport; and 
(M) recommendations regarding the most 
cost-effective approach to provide air traffic 
control services at non-towered airports in the 
national airspace system. 
(3) INPUT.—In carrying out the study under 
subsection (a), the qualified organization selected 
under such subsection shall— 
(A) seek coordination with the Air Traffic 
Organization and other offices of the Adminis-
tration; and 
(B) seek the participation of representa-
tives of— 
(i) the exclusive bargaining represent-
atives of air traffic controllers certified 
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under section 7111 of title 5, United 
States Code; 
(ii) manufacturers of remote towers; 
(iii) airport operators; and 
(iv) other stakeholders that the Ad-
ministrator determines appropriate. 
(4) REPORT.—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 detailing the 
results of the study under subsection (a). 
(b) CERTIFICATION PROCESS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after 
the completion of the study required under sub-
section (a), the Administrator shall establish a proc-
ess for the certification of system design and oper-
ational approval of remote towers for use at public- 
use airports. 
(2) CONSULTATION.—In carrying out sub-
section (b), the Administrator shall consult with the 
following: 
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(A) The exclusive bargaining representa-
tive of the air traffic controllers certified under 
section 7111 of title 5, United States Code. 
(B) Manufacturers of remote towers. 
(C) Non-towered airport operators. 
(3) REQUIREMENTS.—In developing the certifi-
cation process required under subsection (b), the Ad-
ministrator shall— 
(A) establish requirements for the system 
design and operational approval of remote tow-
ers, including— 
(i) sensor and camera visual require-
ments; 
(ii) datalink latency requirements; and 
(iii) visual presentation design re-
quirements for monitors used to display 
sensor and camera feeds; 
(B) establish tower-closure standards for 
contingency operations and procedures for re-
mote tower failures and malfunctions; and 
(C) consider the use of— 
(i) ground– and space–based tele-
communications infrastructure; and 
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(ii) any other wireless telecommuni-
cations infrastructure that may enable the 
operation of a remote tower. 
(4) OPERATIONAL APPROVAL ASSESSMENTS.— 
In developing the operational approval process re-
quired under this subsection, the Administrator 
shall— 
(A) determine the appropriate number of 
air traffic controllers necessary to staff a re-
mote tower for safe air traffic control oper-
ations at the respective airport based on the ex-
isting or projected air traffic activity at the air-
port; 
(B) use a safety risk management panel 
process to address any safety issues with re-
spect to the remote tower; 
(C) if the remote tower is intended to be 
installed at a non-towered airport, assess the 
safety benefits of the remote tower against the 
lack of an existing tower; and 
(D) establish, to the satisfaction of the Ad-
ministrator and using performance-based cri-
teria, to the extent appropriate, published in 
advance, the level of safety necessary for the 
operation of the remote tower at the airport. 
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(5) AIRPORT OPERATORS.—An airport operator 
seeking to install or construct a certified remote 
tower shall submit to the Administrator an applica-
tion in such form and containing such information 
as the Administrator may require. 
(6) IMPLEMENTATION.—In carrying out this 
section, the Administrator shall— 
(A) identify air traffic control information 
and data that assists the Administrator in cat-
egorically certifying remote towers at different 
types of airports; 
(B) implement processes necessary to col-
lect the information and data identified in sub-
paragraph (A); and 
(C) develop criteria from the information 
and data identified in subparagraph (A) to as-
sess remote towers for widespread use at cat-
egories of public-use airports. 
(7) PRIORITIZATION OF REMOTE TOWER CER-
TIFICATION APPLICANTS.—With respect to applica-
tions submitted as required by paragraph (4), the 
Administrator shall prioritize— 
(A) airports that do not have a permanent 
air traffic control tower at the time of applica-
tion; 
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(B) airports that would provide small and 
rural community air service; or 
(C) airports that have been newly accepted 
as of the date of enactment of this Act into the 
Contract Tower Program. 
(8) BRIEFING.—Not later than 180 days after 
receiving the report required under subsection (a), 
and annually thereafter through fiscal year 2028, 
the Administrator shall brief the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the 
status of the activities required under this section. 
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) AIR
TRAFFIC
ACTIVITY.—The term ‘‘air 
traffic activity’’ means the number of takeoffs, land-
ings, and simulated approaches of an airport and 
the time of which such takeoffs, landings, and simu-
lated approaches occur. 
(2) CONTRACT
TOWER
PROGRAM.—The term 
‘‘Contract Tower Program’’ has the meaning given 
such term in section 47124(e) of title 49, United 
States Code. 
(3) 
QUALIFIED
ORGANIZATION.—The 
term 
‘‘qualified organization’’ means an independent non- 
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profit organization that recommends solutions to 
public policy challenges through objective analysis. 
(4) REMOTE
TOWER.—The term ‘‘remote 
tower’’ has the meaning given such term in section 
161(a)(9) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
(49 U.S.C. 47104 note). 
SEC. 530. WEATHER REPORTING SYSTEMS STUDY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General 
of the United States shall initiate a study to examine how 
to improve the procurement, functionality, and sustain-
ability of weather reporting systems, including— 
(1) automated weather observing systems; 
(2) automated surface observing systems; 
(3) visual weather observing systems; and 
(4) non-Federal weather reporting systems. 
(b) CONTENTS.—In conducting the study required 
under section (a), the Comptroller General shall address— 
(1) the current state of the supply chain related 
to weather reporting systems and the components of 
such systems, including— 
(A) the adequacy of suppliers of such sys-
tems and components; 
(B) the affordability of such systems and 
components; and 
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(C) the availability and affordability of re-
placement parts; 
(2) the average age of weather reporting sys-
tems infrastructure installed in the national airspace 
system; 
(3) challenges to maintaining and replacing 
weather reporting systems, including— 
(A) root causes of weather reporting sys-
tem outages, including failures of such systems, 
and supporting systems such as telecommuni-
cations infrastructure; and 
(B) the degree to which such outages af-
fect weather reporting in the national airspace 
system; 
(4) mitigation measures to maintain aviation 
safety during such an outage; and 
(5) alternative means of obtaining weather ele-
ments at airports, including wind direction, wind 
speed, barometric pressure setting, and cloud cov-
erage, including visibility. 
(c) CONSULTATION.—In conducting the study re-
quired under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall 
consult with the appropriate stakeholders and Federal 
agencies involved in installing, managing, and supporting 
weather reporting systems in the national airspace system. 
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(d) REPORT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller 
General shall submit to the Committee on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure of the House of Represent-
atives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate a report describ-
ing the results of the study conducted under sub-
section (a). 
(2) 
RECOMMENDATIONS.—The 
Comptroller 
General shall include in the report submitted under 
paragraph (1) recommendations for— 
(A) ways to improve the resiliency and re-
dundancy of weather reporting systems; 
(B) alternative means of compliance for 
obtaining weather elements at airports; and 
(C) if necessary, changes to Orders of the 
Administration, including the following: 
(i) Surface Weather Observing, Joint 
Order 7900.5. 
(ii) Notices to Air Missions, Joint 
Order 7930.2. 
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SEC. 531. GAO STUDY ON EXPANSION OF THE FAA WEATH-
ER CAMERA PROGRAM. 
(a) STUDY.—The Comptroller General of the United 
States shall conduct a study on the feasibility and benefits 
and costs of expanding the Weather Camera Program of 
the Federal Aviation Administration to locations in the 
United States that lack weather camera services. 
(b) CONSIDERATIONS.—In conducting the study re-
quired under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall 
review— 
(1) the potential effects of the existing Weather 
Camera Program on weather-related aviation acci-
dents and flight interruptions; 
(2) the potential benefits and costs associated 
with expanding the Weather Camera Program; 
(3) limitations on the real-time access of weath-
er camera information by pilots and aircraft opera-
tors; 
(4) non-safety related regulatory structures or 
barriers to the allowable use of weather camera in-
formation for the purposes of aircraft operations; 
(5) limitations of existing weather camera sys-
tems at the time of the study; 
(6) alternative sources of viable weather data; 
(7) funding mechanisms for weather camera in-
stallation and operations; and 
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(8) other considerations the Comptroller Gen-
eral determines appropriate. 
(c) REPORT
TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 28 
months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comp-
troller General shall submit to the Committee on Trans-
portation and Infrastructure of the House of Representa-
tives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of 
the study required under subsection (a). 
SEC. 532. AUDIT ON AVIATION SAFETY IN ERA OF WIRELESS 
CONNECTIVITY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the 
Department of Transportation shall initiate an audit of 
the Federal Aviation Administration’s internal processes 
and procedures to communicate the position of civil avia-
tion operators and the safety of the national airspace sys-
tem to the National Telecommunications and Information 
Administration regarding proposed spectrum reallocations 
or auction decisions. 
(b) ASSESSMENT.—In conducting the audit described 
in subsection (a), the inspector general shall assess best 
practices and policy recommendations for the Federal 
Aviation Administration to— 
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(1) improve internal processes by which pro-
posed spectrum reallocations or auctions are thor-
oughly reviewed in advance to ensure that any com-
ments or technical concerns regarding aviation safe-
ty from civil aviation stakeholders are communicated 
to the National Telecommunications and Informa-
tion Administration that are to be submitted to the 
Federal Communications Commission; 
(2) develop internal processes and procedures to 
assess the effects a proposed spectrum reallocation 
or auction may have on the national airspace system 
in a timely manner to ensure safety of the national 
airspace system; 
(3) improve external communication processes 
to better inform civil aviation stakeholders, including 
owners and operators of civil aircraft, on any com-
ments or technical concerns of the Federal Aviation 
Administration relating to a proposed spectrum re-
allocation or auction that may impact the national 
airspace system; and 
(4) better communicate to the National Tele-
communications and Information Administration 
when a proposed spectrum reallocation or auction 
may pose a potential risk to aviation safety. 
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(c) STAKEHOLDER VIEWS.—In conducting the audit 
pursuant to subsection (a), the inspector general shall con-
sult with relevant stakeholders, including— 
(1) air carriers operating under part 121 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; 
(2) manufacturers of aircraft and aircraft com-
ponents; 
(3) wireless communication carriers; 
(4) labor unions representing pilots; 
(5) air traffic system safety specialists; 
(6) other representatives of the communications 
industry; 
(7) aviation safety experts; 
(8) the National Telecommunications and Infor-
mation Administration; and 
(9) the Federal Communications Commission. 
(d) REPORT.—Not later than 2 years after the date 
on which the audit is conducted pursuant to subsection 
(a), the inspector general shall complete and submit a re-
port on findings and recommendations to— 
(1) the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration; 
(2) the Committee on Transportation and In-
frastructure of the House of Representatives; 
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(3) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of 
the House of Representatives; and 
(4) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Technology of the Senate. 
SEC. 533. RAMP WORKER SAFETY CALL TO ACTION. 
(a) CALL TO ACTION RAMP WORKER SAFETY RE-
VIEW.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Avia-
tion Administration shall initiate a Call to Action safety 
review of airport ramp worker safety in order to bring 
stakeholders together to share best practices and imple-
ment actions to address airport ramp worker safety. 
(b) CONTENTS.—The Call to Action safety review re-
quired pursuant to subsection (a) shall include— 
(1) a review of Administration regulations, 
guidance, and directives related to airport ramp 
worker procedures and oversight of such processes; 
(2) a review of reportable accidents and inci-
dents involving airport ramp workers, including any 
identified contributing factors to the reportable acci-
dent or incident; 
(3) a review of training and related educational 
materials for airport ramp workers, including super-
visory employees; 
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(4) a review of devices and methods for commu-
nication on the ramp; 
(5) a review of markings on the ramp that de-
fine restriction, staging, safety, or hazard zones; 
(6) a review of aircraft jet blast and engine in-
take safety markings; and 
(7) a process for stakeholders, including air-
lines, aircraft manufacturers, airports, labor, and 
aviation safety experts, to provide feedback and 
share best practices. 
(c) REPORT AND ACTIONS.—Not later than 180 days 
after the conclusion of the Call to Action safety review 
pursuant to subsection (a), the Administrator shall— 
(1) 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 review and any recommendations for actions 
or best practices to improve airport ramp worker 
safety, including the identification of risks and pos-
sible mitigations to be considered in any applicable 
safety management system of air carriers and air-
ports; and 
(2) initiate such actions as are necessary to act 
upon the findings of the review under subsection (b). 
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(d) TRAINING MATERIALS.—Not later than 6 months 
after the completion of the safety review required under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall develop and pub-
lish training and related educational materials about air-
craft engine ingestion and jet blast hazards for ground 
crews (including supervisory employees) that includes in-
formation on— 
(1) the specific dangers and consequences of en-
tering engine ingestion or jet blast zones; 
(2) proper protocols to avoid entering an engine 
ingestion or jet blast zone; and 
(3) on-the-job, instructor-led training to phys-
ically demonstrate the engine ingestion zone bound-
aries and jet blast zones for each kind of aircraft the 
ground crew may encounter. 
SEC. 534. SAFETY DATA ANALYSIS FOR AIRCRAFT WITHOUT 
TRANSPONDERS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration, in coordination with the 
Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, 
shall collect and analyze data relating to accidents and in-
cidents involving covered exempt aircraft that occurred 
within 30 nautical miles of an airport. 
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(b) REQUIREMENTS.—The analysis required under 
subsection (a) shall include with respect to covered exempt 
aircraft a review of— 
(1) incident and accident data since 2006; 
(2) incidents and accidents involving midair 
events, including collisions; 
(3) incidents and accidents involving ground 
proximity warning system alerts; 
(4) incidents and accidents involving traffic col-
lision avoidance system alerts; 
(5) incidents and accidents involving a loss of 
separation or near miss; and 
(6) the causes of the accidents and incidents 
described in paragraphs (1) through (5). 
(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 containing the results of the analysis re-
quired under subsection (a) and, if appropriate, rec-
ommendations on how to reduce the number of incidents 
and accidents associated with such covered exempt air-
craft. 
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(d) COVERED EXEMPT AIRCRAFT DEFINED.—In this 
section, the term ‘‘covered exempt aircraft’’ means air-
craft, balloons, and gliders exempt from air traffic control 
transponder and altitude reporting equipment and use re-
quirements under part 91.215(b)(3) of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations. 
SEC. 535. CRASH-RESISTANT FUEL SYSTEMS IN ROTOR-
CRAFT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator of the Federal 
Aviation Administration shall task the Aviation Rule-
making Advisory Committee to— 
(1) review the data analysis conducted and the 
recommendations developed by the Aviation Rule-
making Advisory Committee Rotorcraft Occupant 
Protection Working Group of the Administration; 
(2) update the 2018 report of such working 
group on rotorcraft occupant protection by— 
(A) reviewing National Transportation 
Safety Board data from 2016 through 2023 on 
post-crash fires in helicopter accidents; and 
(B) determining whether and to what ex-
tent crash-resistant fuel systems could have 
prevented fatalities; and 
(3) develop recommendations for either the Ad-
ministrator or the helicopter industry to encourage 
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helicopter owners and operators to expedite the in-
stallation of crash-resistant fuel systems in the air-
craft of such owners and operators regardless of 
original certification and manufacture date. 
(b) SCHEDULE.— 
(1) DEADLINE.—Not later than 18 months 
after the Administrator tasks the Aviation Rule-
making Advisory Committee under subsection (a), 
the Committee shall submit the recommendations 
developed under subsection (a)(2) to the Adminis-
trator. 
(2) IMPLEMENTATION.—If applicable, and not 
later than 180 days after receiving the recommenda-
tions under paragraph (1), the Administrator 
shall— 
(A) begin implementing, as appropriate, 
any consensus safety recommendations the Ad-
ministrator receives from the Aviation Rule-
making Advisory Committee, and brief the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastruc-
ture of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Trans-
portation of the Senate on any recommenda-
tions the Administrator does not implement; 
and 
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(B) partner with the United States Heli-
copter Safety Team, as appropriate, to facilitate 
implementation of any recommendations for the 
helicopter industry pursuant to subsection 
(a)(2) 
SEC. 536. REDUCING TURBULENCE ON PART 121 AIRCRAFT 
OPERATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 3 years after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration shall review and imple-
ment, as appropriate, the recommendations made by the 
Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board to the 
Administrator contained in the safety research report ti-
tled ‘‘Preventing Turbulence-Related Injuries in Air Car-
rier Operations Conducted Under Title 14 Code of Federal 
Regulations Part 121’’, issued on August 10, 2021 
(NTSB/SS–21/01). 
(b) REPORT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after 
completing the review under subsection (a), and 
every 2 years thereafter, the Administrator shall 
submit to the Committee on Transportation and In-
frastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate a report on the status of the 
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recommendations in the safety research report de-
scribed in subsection (a) until the earlier of— 
(A) the date on which such recommenda-
tions have been adopted; or 
(B) the date that is 10 years after the date 
of enactment of this Act. 
(2) CONTENTS.—If the Administrator decides 
not to implement a recommendation in the safety re-
search report described in subsection (a), the Ad-
ministrator shall provide, as a part of the report re-
quired under paragraph (1), a description of why the 
Administrator did not implement such recommenda-
tion. 
SEC. 537. STUDY ON RADIATION EXPOSURE. 
(a) STUDY.—Not later than 120 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
Aviation Administration shall seek to enter into an agree-
ment with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineer-
ing, and Medicine under which the National Research 
Council of the National Academies shall conduct a study 
on radiation exposure onboard various aircraft types oper-
ated under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regula-
tions. 
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(b) SCOPE
OF STUDY.—In conducting the study 
under subsection (a), the National Research Council shall 
assess— 
(1) radiation concentrations in such aircraft at 
takeoff, in-flight at high altitudes, and upon landing; 
(2) the health risks and impact of radiation ex-
posure to flight attendants and passengers onboard 
aircraft operating at high altitudes; and 
(3) mitigation measures to prevent and reduce 
the health and safety impacts of radiation exposure 
to flight attendants and passengers. 
(c) REPORT
TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 16 
months after the initiation of the study required under 
subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the appro-
priate committees of Congress the study conducted by the 
National Research Council pursuant to this section. 
(d) APPROPRIATE COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS DE-
FINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘appropriate commit-
tees of Congress’’ means the Committee on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Energy 
and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
the Senate. 
SEC. 538. DETERRING CREWMEMBER INTERFERENCE. 
(a) TASK FORCE.— 
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(1) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 120 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Adminis-
trator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall 
convene a task force to develop voluntary standards 
and best practices relating to suspected violations of 
sections 46318, 46503, and 46504 of title 49, 
United States Code, including— 
(A) proper and consistent incident docu-
mentation and reporting techniques; 
(B) best practices for flight crew and cabin 
crew response, including de-escalation; 
(C) improved coordination between stake-
holders, including flight crew and cabin crew, 
airport staff, other Federal agencies as appro-
priate, and law enforcement; and 
(D) appropriate enforcement actions. 
(2) MEMBERSHIP.—The task force convened 
under paragraph (1) shall be comprised representa-
tives of— 
(A) air carriers; 
(B) airport sponsors and airport law en-
forcement agencies; 
(C) other Federal agencies determined nec-
essary by the Administrator; 
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(D) labor organizations representing air 
carrier pilots; 
(E) labor organizations representing flight 
attendants; and 
(F) 
labor 
organizations 
representing 
ticketing, check-in, or other customer service 
representatives employed by air carriers. 
(b) ANNOUNCEMENTS.—Not later than 90 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
initiate such actions as may be necessary to include in the 
briefing of passengers before takeoff required under sec-
tion 121.571 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, a 
statement informing passengers that it is against Federal 
law to assault or threaten to assault any individual on an 
aircraft or interfere with the duties of a crewmember. 
(c) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this section, the 
definitions in section 40102(a) of title 49, United States 
Code, shall apply to terms in this section. 
SEC. 539. CABIN TEMPERATURE STANDARDS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 24 months after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of 
the Federal Aviation Administration shall review existing 
standards produced by recognized industry standards or-
ganizations on safe air temperatures and humidity levels 
in enclosed environments, including onboard aircraft, and 
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determine the validity of such standards, including the 
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Con-
ditioning Engineers (in this section referred to as 
‘‘ASHRAE’’) standards titled ‘‘Air Quality within Com-
mercial Aircraft’’ (ASHRAE Guideline 28–2021) and 
‘‘Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occu-
pancy’’ (ASHRAE Standard 55–2020). 
(b) CONSULTATION.—In conducting the review under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult with— 
(1) certificate holders under part 121 of title 
14, Code of Federal Regulations; 
(2) certified labor representatives of flight at-
tendants, pilots, and other crewmembers; 
(3) relevant Federal agencies; and 
(4) other relevant stakeholders, as appropriate. 
(c) ACADEMIC STUDY.—In the event that the Admin-
istrator determines, through the review carried out under 
subsection (a), that there is not an appropriate standard 
to determine unsafe temperatures onboard aircraft oper-
ated under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regula-
tions, the Administrator shall enter into an appropriate 
agreement with the National Academies to— 
(1) conduct a study of unsafe aircraft cabin 
temperatures and aircraft conditions that contribute 
to such temperatures; and 
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(2) provide recommendations for air carriers 
and aircraft manufacturers to improve the manage-
ment of temperature and related factors onboard 
aircraft. 
(d) REPORTS.— 
(1) FAA.—Not later than 3 months after com-
pleting the review required under subsection (a), 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 findings and determination of the review. 
(2) NATIONAL ACADEMIES.—If a report is pro-
duced under subsection (c), not later than 1 month 
after receiving such report the Administrator shall 
submit to the Committee on Transportation and In-
frastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate such report. 
SEC. 540. CABIN AIR QUALITY. 
(a) REPORTING OF SMOKE OR FUME EVENTS ON-
BOARD COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Ad-
ministrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
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shall develop a standardized system for a flight at-
tendants, pilots, and aircraft maintenance techni-
cians of air carriers to voluntarily report fume 
events onboard passenger-carrying aircraft operating 
under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regula-
tions. 
(2) INFORMATION
SUBMISSION.—The system 
developed under paragraph (1) shall include a meth-
od of submission, which shall request at least the 
following information: 
(A) Identification of the flight number, 
type, and registration of the aircraft. 
(B) The date of the reported fume event 
onboard the aircraft. 
(C) Description of smoke or fume in the 
aircraft, including the nature, intensity, and 
visual consistency or smell (if any). 
(D) The location of the smoke or fumes in 
the aircraft. 
(E) The source (if discernible) of the 
smoke or fumes in the aircraft. 
(F) The phase of flight during which 
smoke or fumes first became present. 
(G) The duration of the fume event. 
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(H) Any required onboard medical atten-
tion for passengers or crew members. 
(I) Any additional factors as determined 
appropriate by the Administrator or crew mem-
ber submitting a report. 
(3) GUIDELINES
FOR
SUBMISSION.—The Ad-
ministrator shall issue guidelines on how to submit 
the information described in paragraph (2). 
(4) CONFIRMATION
OF
SUBMISSION.—Upon 
submitting the information described in paragraph 
(2), the submitting party shall receive a duplicate 
record of the submission and confirmation of receipt. 
(5) USE
OF
INFORMATION.—The Adminis-
trator— 
(A) may not publish any information sub-
mitted under this section; 
(B) shall maintain a database of such in-
formation; 
(C) at the request of an air carrier, shall 
provide to such air carrier any information sub-
mitted under this section that is relevant to 
such air carrier, except any information that 
may be used to identify the party submitting 
such information; 
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(D) may not, without validation, assume 
that information submitted under this section is 
accurate for the purposes of initiating rule-
making or taking an enforcement action; 
(E) may use information submitted under 
this section to inform the oversight of the safety 
management system of an air carrier; and 
(F) may use information submitted under 
this section for the purpose of performing a 
study or supporting a study sponsored by the 
Administrator. 
(b) STUDY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 3 years after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
of the Federal Aviation Administration shall seek to 
enter into the appropriate arrangements with the 
National Academies to conduct a study and issue 
recommendations to be made publicly available per-
taining to cabin air quality and any risk of, and po-
tential for, persistent and accidental fume events on-
board a passenger-carrying aircraft operating under 
part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. 
(2) SCOPE.—In carrying out a study pursuant 
to paragraph (1), the National Academies shall ex-
amine— 
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(A) the information collected pursuant to 
subsection (a); 
(B) the report issued pursuant to section 
326 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
(49 U.S.C. 40101 note) and any identified as-
sumptions or gaps described in such report; 
(C) any health risks or impacts of fume 
events on flight crews, including flight attend-
ants and pilots, and passengers onboard air-
craft operating under part 121 of title 14, Code 
of Federal Regulations; 
(D) instances of persistent or regularly oc-
curring (as determined by the National Acad-
emies) fume events in such aircraft; 
(E) instances of accidental, unexpected, or 
irregularly occurring (as determined by the Na-
tional Academies) fume events on such aircraft, 
including whether such accidental events are 
more frequent during various phases of oper-
ations, including ground operations, taxiing, 
take off, cruise, and landing; 
(F) the likely originating material of, and 
the air contaminants present during, the situa-
tions described in subparagraphs (D) and (E); 
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(G) the frequencies, durations, and likely 
causes of the situations described in subpara-
graphs (D) and (E); and 
(H) any additional data on fume events as 
determined appropriate by the National Acad-
emies. 
(3) RECOMMENDATIONS.—The National Acad-
emies shall provide recommendations based on the 
study conducted under paragraph (1)— 
(A) that shall, at minimum, address how 
to— 
(i) improve overall cabin air quality of 
passenger-carrying aircraft; 
(ii) improve the detection, accuracy, 
and reporting of fume events; and 
(iii) reduce the frequency and impact 
of fume events; and 
(B) for any updates to standards, guide-
lines, or regulations that could help achieve the 
recommendations described in subparagraph 
(A). 
(4) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 1 
month after the completion of the study conducted 
under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall submit 
to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastruc-
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ture of the House of Representatives and the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
the Senate a copy of such study. 
(c) FUME EVENT DEFINED.—In this section, the 
term ‘‘fume event’’ means the presence of fumes in the 
cabin, including smoke. 
SEC. 541. EVACUATION STANDARDS FOR TRANSPORT CAT-
EGORY AIRPLANES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 6 months after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration shall task the Aviation 
Rulemaking Advisory Committee with reviewing and pro-
posing updates to the evacuation requirements under sec-
tion 25.803 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and 
appendix J to part 25 of such title. 
(b) CONSIDERATIONS.—In tasking the Aviation Rule-
making Advisory Committee under subsection (a), the Ad-
ministrator shall, at a minimum, task the Committee to— 
(1) evaluate whether the representative pas-
senger loads, prescribed in regulation on the date of 
enactment of this Act, represent a realistic composi-
tion of passengers on an aircraft operated under 
part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
including accounting for— 
(A) children, including infants; 
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(B) passengers who do not speak English; 
(C) passengers with disabilities; and 
(D) service animals (as such term is de-
fined in section 35.104 and 36.104 of title 28, 
Code of Federal Regulations, or successor regu-
lations); and 
(2) determine if there are technologies or tech-
niques that can be used to more accurately represent 
categories of passengers who are unable to provide 
consent during evacuation testing, but should be 
simulated in such testing; 
(3) evaluate whether the requirements pre-
scribed in regulation on the date of enactment of 
this Act adequately consider the varying sizes, 
weight, and matter or baggage present in an aircraft 
cabin; and 
(4) determine whether the evacuation testing 
performed, associated with section 25.803 of title 
14, Code of Federal Regulations, considers the seat 
size, seat pitch, seating layout, aisle width, and aisle 
layout of the aircraft type being tested. 
(c) CONSULTATION.—In tasking the Aviation Rule-
making Advisory Committee under subsection (a), the Ad-
ministrator shall allow such Committee to consult with the 
National Transportation Safety Board, transport category 
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aircraft manufacturers, air carriers certificated under part 
121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, crew mem-
bers of such air carriers, emergency responders, groups 
representing passengers and passengers with disabilities, 
and other relevant experts. 
(d) RULEMAKING.—Not later than 18 months after 
receiving such recommendations to update section 25.803 
of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and appendix J 
to part 25 of such title, the Administrator shall issue a 
final rulemaking based on the recommendations provided 
by the aviation rulemaking advisory committee tasked 
under this section, as necessary. 
(e) PASSENGER WITH DISABILITIES.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘‘passenger with disabilities’’ means any 
qualified individual with a disability, as such term is de-
fined in section 382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regula-
tions, or successor regulations. 
SEC. 542. LITHIUM–ION POWERED WHEELCHAIRS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transpor-
tation shall task the Air Carrier Access Act Advisory Com-
mittee (in this section referred to as the ‘‘Committee’’) 
to conduct a review of regulations regarding lithium–ion 
battery powered wheelchairs and mobility aids and provide 
recommendations to the Secretary to ensure safe transport 
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of such wheelchairs and mobility aids in air transpor-
tation. 
(b) CONSIDERATIONS.—In conducting the review re-
quired under subsection (a), the Committee shall consider 
the following: 
(1) Any existing or necessary standards for lith-
ium–ion batteries, including casings or other similar 
components, in such wheelchairs and mobility aids. 
(2) The availability of necessary containment or 
storage devices, including fire containment covers or 
fire-resistant storage containers, for such wheel-
chairs and mobility aids. 
(3) The policies of each air carrier (as such 
term is defined in part 121 of title 14, Code of Fed-
eral Regulations) pertaining to lithium–ion battery 
powered wheelchairs and mobility aids (as in effect 
on the date of enactment of this Act). 
(4) Any other considerations the Secretary de-
termines appropriate. 
(c) CONSULTATION REQUIREMENT.—In conducting 
the review required under subsection (a), the Committee 
shall consult with the Administrator of the Pipeline and 
Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. 
(d) NOTIFICATION.— 
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(1) IN GENERAL.—Upon completion of the re-
view conducted under subsection (a), the Committee 
shall notify the Secretary if an air carrier does not 
have a policy pertaining to lithium–ion battery pow-
ered wheelchairs and mobility aids in effect. 
(2) NOTIFICATION.—The Secretary shall notify 
an air carrier described in paragraph (1) of the sta-
tus of such air carrier. 
(e) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 90 days 
after submission of the recommendations to the Secretary, 
the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate any recommendations under sub-
section (a), in the form of a report. 
(f) PUBLICATION.—The Secretary shall publish the 
report required under subsection (e) on the public website 
of the Department of Transportation. 
SEC. 543. NATIONAL SIMULATOR PROGRAM POLICIES AND 
GUIDANCE. 
(a) REVIEW.—Not later than 2 years after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
Aviation Administration shall review relevant policies and 
guidance, including all advisory circulars, information bul-
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letins, and directives, pertaining to part 60 of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations. 
(b) UPDATES.—Upon completion of the review re-
quired under subsection (a), the Administrator shall, at 
a minimum, update the following: 
(1) Advisory Circular 120–40B, issued July 29, 
1991. 
(2) Advisory Circular 120–45A, issued Feb-
ruary 5, 1992. 
(3) Advisory Circular 120–50A, issued Feb-
ruary 9, 1996. 
(4) Advisory Circular 120–63, issued October 
11, 1994. 
(c) CONSULTATION.—In carrying out the review re-
quired under subsection (a), the Administrator shall con-
vene and consult with entities required to comply with part 
60 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, including rep-
resentatives of— 
(1) air carriers; 
(2) flight schools certificated under part 141 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; 
(3) training centers certificated under part 142 
of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and 
(4) manufacturers and suppliers of flight sim-
ulation training devices (as defined in part 1 of title 
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14, Code of Federal Regulations, and Appendix F to 
part 60 of such title). 
SEC. 544. GAO STUDY ON FAA NATIONAL SIMULATOR PRO-
GRAM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 18 months after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General 
of the United States shall conduct a study into the Na-
tional Simulator Program of the Federal Aviation Admin-
istration that is part of the Air Transportation Division’s 
Training and Simulation Group. 
(b) CONSIDERATIONS.—In conducting the study re-
quired under subsection (a), the Comptroller General 
shall, at a minimum, assesses— 
(1) how the program described under subsection 
(a), is maintained to reflect and account for ad-
vancement in technologies pertaining to flight sim-
ulation training devices (as defined in part 1 of title 
14, Code of Federal Regulations, and appendix F to 
part 60 of such title); 
(2) the staffing levels, critical competencies, 
and skills gaps of Administration personnel respon-
sible for carrying out and supporting the program 
described in subsection (a); and 
(3) how the program described in subsection (a) 
engages air carriers and relevant industry stake-
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holders, including flight schools, to ensure efficient 
compliance with part 60 of such title. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 18 months after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General 
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 findings of the study conducted 
under subsection (a). 
SEC. 545. GAO STUDY ON FAA ALIGNMENT WITH BEST 
AVAILABLE 
TECHNOLOGIES 
AND 
STAND-
ARDS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Comptroller General of the 
United States shall conduct a study on the incorporation 
of best available technologies by the Federal Aviation Ad-
ministration to increase aviation safety and improve the 
health and safety of aviation workers. 
(b) SCOPE.—In conducting the study under sub-
section (a), the Comptroller General shall— 
(1) analyze the degree to which the Adminis-
trator of the Federal Aviation Administration is ena-
bling the use or adoption of technologies used by 
other air navigation service providers to meet ICAO 
standards; and 
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(2) identify any barriers to adoption of such 
technologies. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 4 years after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall 
report to the Committee on Transportation and Infra-
structure of the House of Representatives and the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate on the findings of the study. 
(d) ICAO DEFINED.—In this section, the term 
‘‘ICAO’’ means the International Civil Aviation Organiza-
tion. 
SEC. 546. INCREMENTAL SAFETY IMPROVEMENT. 
Section 44704 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(h) INCREMENTAL SAFETY IMPROVEMENT.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Administrator may 
consider and approve a proposed incremental design 
change request from a type certificate holder, if such 
holder is required by the Administrator to make a 
safety-related design change to bring a product into 
compliance, even if the proposed incremental design 
change does not eliminate all noncompliant condi-
tions. 
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‘‘(2) 
PROPOSED
INCREMENTAL
DESIGN 
CHANGE.—A proposed incremental design change 
under paragraph (1) shall— 
‘‘(A) be related to the required safety-re-
lated design change described in this sub-
section; 
‘‘(B) improve the overall safety of the air-
craft; 
‘‘(C) not decrease the level of safety of 
other components or systems on the aircraft; 
‘‘(D) be in the public interest; 
‘‘(E) not include any substantial changes; 
‘‘(F) be recorded on a type certificate data 
sheet or other public instrument that notifies 
the public of such design changes; and 
‘‘(G) be considered through a process that 
applies appropriate requirements as determined 
by the Administrator. 
‘‘(3) FULL COMPLIANCE.—An approval issued 
under this subsection shall not be construed to re-
lieve a type certificate holder from addressing all 
noncompliant conditions under paragraph (1). 
‘‘(4) DEADLINE.—In issuing an approval under 
this subsection, the Administrator shall impose a 
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deadline by which all non-compliant conditions re-
lated to the design change shall be addressed. 
‘‘(5) SAFETY-RELATED
DESIGN
CHANGE
DE-
FINED.—In this subsection, the term ‘safety-related 
design change’ means a design change that has any 
effect on the safety of the aircraft.’’. 
SEC. 547. VOLUNTARY REPORTING PROTECTIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 40123(a) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended in the matter preceding 
paragraph (1) by inserting ‘‘or third party’’ after ‘‘nor any 
agency’’. 
(b) PROTECTED INFORMATION.—Not later than 180 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Adminis-
trator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall pro-
mulgate regulations to amend part 193 of title 14, Code 
of Federal Regulations, to designate and protect from dis-
closure information or data submitted, collected, or con-
tained by the Administrator under voluntary safety pro-
grams, including the following: 
(1) Aviation Safety Action Program. 
(2) Flight Operational Quality Assurance. 
(3) Line Operations Safety Assessments. 
(4) Air Traffic Safety Action Program. 
(5) Technical Operations Safety Action Pro-
gram. 
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(6) Such other voluntarily submitted informa-
tion or programs as the Administrator determines 
appropriate. 
SEC. 548. PROVIDING NON-FEDERAL WEATHER OBSERVER 
TRAINING TO AIRPORT PERSONNEL. 
The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Adminis-
tration shall take such actions as are necessary to provide 
training that is easily accessible and streamlined for air-
port personnel to become certified as non-Federal weather 
observers so that such personnel can manually provide 
weather observations when automated surface observing 
systems and automated weather observing systems experi-
ence outages and errors in order to ensure operational 
safety at airports. 
Subtitle B—Aviation Cybersecurity 
SEC. 571. FINDINGS. 
Congress finds the following: 
(1) Congress has repeatedly tasked the Federal 
Aviation Administration with responsibility for se-
curing the national airspace system, including the 
air traffic control system and other air navigation 
services, civil aircraft, and aeronautical products and 
articles through safety regulation and oversight. 
These mandates have routinely included protecting 
against associated cyber threats affecting aviation 
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safety or the Administration’s provision of safe, se-
cure, and efficient air navigation services and air-
space management. 
(2) In 2016, Congress passed the FAA Exten-
sion, Safety, and Security Act of 2016, which estab-
lished requirements for the Federal Aviation Admin-
istration to enhance the national airspace system’s 
cybersecurity and included mandates for the Admin-
istration to— 
(A) develop a cybersecurity strategic plan; 
(B) coordinate with other Federal agencies 
to identify cyber vulnerabilities; 
(C) develop a cyber threat model; and 
(D) complete a comprehensive, strategic 
policy framework to identify and mitigate cyber-
security risks to the air traffic control system. 
(3) In 2018, Congress passed the FAA Reau-
thorization Act of 2018 which— 
(A) authorized funding for the construction 
of Federal Aviation Administration facilities 
dedicated to improving the cybersecurity of the 
national airspace system; 
(B) required the Federal Aviation Admin-
istration to review and update its comprehen-
sive, strategic policy framework for cybersecu-
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rity to assess the degree to which the frame-
work identifies and addresses known cybersecu-
rity risks associated with the aviation system, 
and evaluate existing short- and long-term ob-
jectives for addressing cybersecurity risks to the 
national airspace system; 
(C) created a Chief Technology Officer po-
sition within the Federal Aviation Administra-
tion to be responsible for, among other things, 
coordinating the implementation, operation, 
maintenance, and cybersecurity of technology 
programs relating to the air traffic control sys-
tem with the aviation industry and other Fed-
eral agencies; and 
(D) directed the National Academy of 
Sciences to study the cybersecurity workforce of 
the Federal Aviation Administration in order to 
develop recommendations to increase the size, 
quality, and diversity of such workforce. 
(4) Congress has tasked the Federal Aviation 
Administration with being the primary Federal 
agency to assess and address the threats posed from 
cyber incidents relating to Federal Aviation Admin-
istration-provided air traffic control and air naviga-
tion services and the threats posed from cyber inci-
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dents relating to civil aircraft, aeronautical products 
and articles, aviation networks, aviation systems, 
services, and operations, and the aerospace industry 
affecting aviation safety or the provision of safe, se-
cure, and efficient air navigation services and air-
space management by the Administration. 
(5) Since 2005, the Federal Aviation Adminis-
tration has been addressing cyber vulnerabilities in 
civil aircraft and aeronautical products and articles 
during the safety certification process. 
SEC. 572. AEROSPACE PRODUCT SAFETY. 
(a) CYBERSECURITY STANDARDS.—Section 44701(a) 
of title 49, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1) by inserting ‘‘cybersecu-
rity,’’ after ‘‘quality of work,’’; and 
(2) in paragraph (5)— 
(A) by inserting ‘‘cybersecurity and’’ after 
‘‘standards for’’; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘procedure’’ and inserting 
‘‘procedures’’. 
(b) EXCLUSIVE RULEMAKING AUTHORITY.—Section 
44701 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by add-
ing at the end the following: 
‘‘(h) EXCLUSIVE RULEMAKING AUTHORITY.—Not-
withstanding any other provision of law and except as pro-
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vided in section 40132, the Administrator, in consultation 
with the heads of such other agencies as the Administrator 
determines necessary, shall have exclusive authority to 
prescribe regulations for purposes of assuring civil air-
craft, including unmanned aircraft systems, aircraft en-
gine, propeller, and appliance cybersecurity.’’. 
SEC. 573. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION REGULA-
TIONS, POLICY, AND GUIDANCE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 401 of title 49, United 
States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the 
following: 
‘‘§ 40132. National airspace system cyber threat man-
agement process 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration, in consultation with 
other agencies as the Administrator determines necessary, 
shall establish a national airspace system cyber threat 
management process to protect the national airspace sys-
tem cyber environment, including the safety, security, and 
efficiency of the air navigation services provided by the 
Administration. 
‘‘(b) ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED.—In establishing 
the national airspace system cyber threat management 
process under subsection (a), the Administrator shall, at 
a minimum— 
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‘‘(1) monitor the national airspace system for 
cybersecurity incidents; 
‘‘(2) in consultation with appropriate Federal 
agencies, evaluate the cyber threat landscape for the 
national airspace system, including updating such 
evaluation 
on 
both 
annual 
and 
threat-based 
timelines; 
‘‘(3) conduct national airspace system cyber in-
cident analyses; 
‘‘(4) create a cyber common operating picture 
for the national airspace system cyber environment; 
‘‘(5) coordinate national airspace system cyber 
incident responses with other appropriate Federal 
agencies; 
‘‘(6) track cyber incident detection, response, 
mitigation implementation, recovery, and closure; 
‘‘(7) establish a process, or utilize existing proc-
esses, to collect relevant interagency and stakeholder 
national airspace system cyber incident data, includ-
ing data from other Federal agencies and private 
persons; 
‘‘(8) 
conduct 
a 
review 
of 
potential 
vulnerabilities in inflight Wi-Fi service that may put 
the data of passengers at risk; and 
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‘‘(9) consider any other matter the Adminis-
trator determines appropriate. 
‘‘(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) CYBER COMMON OPERATING PICTURE.— 
The term ‘cyber common operating picture’ means 
the correlation of a detected cyber incident or cyber 
threat in the national airspace system and other 
operational anomalies to provide a holistic view of 
potential cause and impact. 
‘‘(2) CYBER ENVIRONMENT.—The term ‘cyber 
environment’ means the information environment 
consisting of the interdependent networks of infor-
mation technology infrastructures and resident data, 
including the internet, telecommunications networks, 
computer systems, and embedded processors and 
controllers. 
‘‘(3) CYBER INCIDENT.—The term ‘cyber inci-
dent’ means an action that creates noticeable deg-
radation, disruption, or destruction to the cyber en-
vironment and causes a safety or other negative im-
pact on operations of— 
‘‘(A) the national airspace system; 
‘‘(B) civil aircraft; or 
‘‘(C) aeronautical products and articles. 
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‘‘(4) CYBER THREAT.—The term ‘cyber threat’ 
means the threat of an action that, if carried out, 
would constitute a cyber incident or an electronic at-
tack. 
‘‘(5) ELECTRONIC
ATTACK.—The term ‘elec-
tronic attack’ means the use of electromagnetic spec-
trum energy to impede operations in the cyber envi-
ronment, including through techniques such as jam-
ming or spoofing.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chap-
ter 401 of title 49, United States Code, is further amend-
ed by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘40132. National airspace system cyber threat management process.’’. 
SEC. 574. CIVIL AVIATION CYBERSECURITY RULEMAKING 
COMMITTEE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration shall convene an aviation 
rulemaking committee on civil aircraft cybersecurity to 
conduct a review and develop findings and recommenda-
tions on cybersecurity standards for civil aircraft, aircraft 
ground support information systems, airports, air traffic 
control mission systems, and aeronautical products and 
articles. 
(b) DUTIES.—The Administrator shall— 
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(1) not later than 2 years after the date of en-
actment of this Act, 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 
based on the findings of the aviation rulemaking 
committee convened under subsection (a); and 
(2) not later than 180 days after the date of 
submission of the report under paragraph (1) and, 
in consultation with other agencies as the Adminis-
trator determines necessary, for consensus rec-
ommendations reached by such aviation rulemaking 
committee— 
(A) undertake a rulemaking, if appro-
priate, based on such recommendations; and 
(B) submit to the Committee on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate a 
supplemental report with explanations for each 
consensus recommendation not addressed, if ap-
plicable, by a rulemaking under subparagraph 
(A). 
(c) COMPOSITION.—The aviation rulemaking com-
mittee convened under subsection (a) shall consist of mem-
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bers appointed by the Administrator, including representa-
tives of— 
(1) aircraft manufacturers, to include at least 1 
manufacturer of transport category aircraft; 
(2) air carriers; 
(3) unmanned aircraft system stakeholders, in-
cluding operators, service suppliers, and manufactur-
ers of hardware components and software applica-
tions; 
(4) manufacturers of powered-lift aircraft; 
(5) airports; 
(6) original equipment manufacturers of ground 
and space based aviation infrastructure; 
(7) aviation safety experts with specific knowl-
edge of aircraft cybersecurity; and 
(8) a non-profit which operates 1 or more feder-
ally funded research and development centers with 
specific knowledge of aviation and cybersecurity. 
(d) MEMBER ELIGIBILITY.—Prior to a member’s ap-
pointment under subsection (c), the Administrator shall 
determine if there is cause for such member to be re-
stricted from possessing sensitive security information. 
Upon a determination of no cause being found regarding 
the member, and upon the member voluntarily signing a 
nondisclosure agreement, the member may be granted ac-
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cess to sensitive security information that is relevant to 
the member’s duties on the aviation rulemaking com-
mittee. The member shall protect the sensitive security in-
formation in accordance with part 1520 of title 49, Code 
of Federal Regulations. 
(e) PROHIBITION ON COMPENSATION.—The members 
of the aviation rulemaking committee convened under sub-
section (a) shall not receive pay, allowances, or benefits 
from the Government by reason of their service on such 
committee. 
(f) CONSIDERATIONS.—The Administrator shall di-
rect such committee to consider— 
(1) existing cybersecurity standards, regula-
tions, policies, and guidance, including those from 
other Federal agencies; 
(2) threat- and risk-based security approaches 
used by the aviation industry, including the assess-
ment of the potential costs and benefits of cyberse-
curity actions; 
(3) data gathered from cybersecurity reporting; 
(4) data gathered from safety reporting; 
(5) the diversity of operations and systems on 
aircraft and amongst air carriers; 
(6) security of design data; 
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(7) the need to harmonize or deconflict pro-
posed and existing standards, regulations, policies, 
and guidance with other Federal standards, regula-
tions, policies, and guidance; 
(8) design approval holder aircraft network se-
curity guidance for operators; 
(9) the need for such standards, regulations, 
policies, and guidance as applied to civil aircraft in-
formation, data, networks, systems, services, oper-
ations, and technology; 
(10) Federal Aviation Administration services, 
aviation industry services, and aircraft use of posi-
tioning, navigation, and timing data in the context 
of Executive Order No. 13905, as in effect on the 
date of enactment of this Act; 
(11) updates needed to airworthiness regula-
tions and systems safety assessment methods used 
to show compliance with airworthiness requirements 
for design, function, installation, and certification of 
civil aircraft, aeronautical products and articles, and 
aircraft networks; 
(12) updates needed to air carrier operating 
and maintenance regulations to ensure continued ad-
herence with processes and procedures established in 
airworthiness regulations to provide cybersecurity 
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protections for aircraft systems, including for contin-
ued airworthiness; 
(13) policies and procedures to coordinate with 
other Federal agencies, including intelligence agen-
cies, and the aviation industry in sharing informa-
tion and analyses related to cyber threats to civil 
aircraft information, data, networks, systems, serv-
ices, operations, and technology and aeronautical 
products and articles; 
(14) the response of the Administrator and 
aviation industry to, and recovery from, cyber inci-
dents, including by coordinating with other Federal 
agencies, including intelligence agencies; 
(15) processes for members of the aviation in-
dustry to voluntarily report to the Federal Aviation 
Administration cyber incidents that may affect avia-
tion safety in a manner that protects trade secrets 
and confidential business information; 
(16) the unique nature of the aviation industry, 
including aircraft networks, aircraft systems, and 
aeronautical products, and the interconnectedness of 
cybersecurity and aviation safety; 
(17) appropriate cybersecurity controls for air-
craft networks, aircraft systems, and aeronautical 
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products and articles to protect aviation safety, in-
cluding airworthiness; 
(18) appropriate cybersecurity controls for air-
ports relative to the size and nature of airside oper-
ations of such airports to ensure aviation safety; 
(19) minimum standards for protecting civil 
aircraft, aeronautical products and articles, aviation 
networks, aviation systems, services, and operations 
from cyber threats and cyber incidents; 
(20) international collaboration, where appro-
priate and consistent with the interests of aviation 
safety in air commerce and national security, with 
other civil aviation authorities, international aviation 
and standards organizations, and any other appro-
priate entities to protect civil aviation from cyber in-
cidents and cyber threats; 
(21) the recommendations and implementation 
of the Aircraft System Information Security/Protec-
tion report of the aviation rulemaking advisory com-
mittee submitted on August 22, 2016; and 
(22) any other matter the Administrator deter-
mines appropriate. 
(g) DEFINITIONS.—The definitions set forth in sec-
tion 40132 of title 49, United States Code (as added by 
this subtitle), shall apply to this section. 
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TITLE VI—AEROSPACE 
INNOVATION 
Subtitle A—Unmanned Aircraft 
Systems 
SEC. 601. DEFINITIONS. 
(a) DEFINITION.—Section 44801(1) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subparagraph (B) by striking ‘‘and’’ at 
the end; 
(2) in subparagraph (C) by striking the period 
at the end and inserting a semicolon; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(D) is able to maintain safe flight control 
in the event of a power or flight control failure 
during flight; and 
‘‘(E) is programmed to initiate a controlled 
landing in the event of a tether separation.’’. 
SEC. 602. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM TEST RANGES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 44803 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘§ 44803. Unmanned aircraft system test ranges 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator of the Fed-
eral Aviation Administration shall carry out and update, 
as appropriate, a program to enable a broad variety of 
testing and evaluation activities at unmanned aircraft sys-
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tem test ranges, as in effect on the day before the date 
of enactment of the Securing Growth and Robust Leader-
ship in American Aviation Act, to the extent consistent 
with aviation safety and efficiency, and for purposes of 
the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the 
national airspace system. 
‘‘(b) AIRSPACE REQUIREMENTS.—In carrying out the 
program under subsection (a)— 
‘‘(1) the Administrator may establish non-
regulatory special use airspace areas upon the re-
quest of a test range sponsor selected by the Admin-
istrator under subsection (a), for purposes of accom-
modating hazardous testing and evaluation activities 
to inform the safe integration of unmanned aircraft 
systems into the national airspace system, or for 
purposes of other activities authorized by the Ad-
ministrator under subsection (g); 
‘‘(2) each selected test range sponsor for a des-
ignated test range shall be considered the using 
agency for purposes of the respective nonregulatory 
special use airspace areas established by the Admin-
istrator under this section; and 
‘‘(3) the Administrator may require that each 
selected test range sponsor for a designated test 
range provide a draft environmental review con-
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sistent with the National Environmental Policy Act 
of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), subject to the su-
pervision and adoption of the Administrator, with re-
spect to any request for the establishment of a non-
regulatory special use airspace area under this sec-
tion. 
‘‘(c) PROGRAM REQUIREMENT.—In carrying out the 
program under subsection (a), the Administrator— 
‘‘(1) may develop operational standards and air 
traffic requirements for flight operations at test 
ranges; 
‘‘(2) shall coordinate with, and leverage the re-
sources of, other Federal agencies, as the Adminis-
trator considers appropriate; 
‘‘(3) shall address both civil and public aircraft 
operations; 
‘‘(4) shall provide for verification of the safety 
of flight systems and related navigation procedures 
as it relates to continued development of standards 
for integration into the national airspace system; 
‘‘(5) shall engage test range sponsors, as nec-
essary and within available resources, in projects for 
testing and evaluation of flight systems to facilitate 
the validation of standards by the Administration for 
the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems 
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into the national airspace system, which may include 
solutions for— 
‘‘(A) developing and enforcing geographic 
and altitude limitations; 
‘‘(B) providing for alerts regarding any 
hazards or limitations on flight, including prohi-
bitions on flight; 
‘‘(C) sense and avoid capabilities; 
‘‘(D) technology to support communica-
tions, navigation, and surveillance; 
‘‘(E) unmanned aircraft system operations 
beyond visual line of sight, at nighttime, or over 
people; 
‘‘(F) operation of multiple unmanned air-
craft systems by a single remote pilot; 
‘‘(G) unmanned aircraft systems traffic 
management capabilities or services; 
‘‘(H) counter unmanned aircraft system 
capabilities; 
‘‘(I) improving privacy protections through 
the use of advances in unmanned aircraft sys-
tems; and 
‘‘(J) other critical priority areas for which 
testing and evaluation is needed. 
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‘‘(6) shall coordinate periodically with all test 
range sponsors to ensure test range sponsors know 
which data should be collected, how data can be de- 
identified to flow more readily to the Administration, 
what procedures should be followed, and what test-
ing and evaluations would advance efforts to safely 
integrate unmanned aircraft systems into the na-
tional airspace system; and 
‘‘(7) shall allow test range sponsors to receive 
Federal funding, other than from the Federal Avia-
tion Administration, including in-kind contributions, 
from test range participants in the furtherance of 
testing and evaluation objectives. 
‘‘(d) EXEMPTION.—Except as provided in subsection 
(g), the requirements of section 44711, including related 
implementing regulations, shall not apply to persons ap-
proved by the test range sponsor for operation at a des-
ignated test range under this section. 
‘‘(e) RESPONSIBILITIES
OF TEST RANGE SPON-
SOR.—The sponsor of each test range under subsection 
(a) shall— 
‘‘(1) provide access to all interested private and 
public entities seeking to carry out testing and eval-
uation activities at the test range designated pursu-
ant to this section, to the greatest extent practicable, 
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consistent with safety and any operating procedures 
established by the test range sponsor, including ac-
cess by small business concerns (as that term is de-
scribed in section 3(a) of the Small Business Act (15 
U.S.C. 632(a)); 
‘‘(2) ensure all activities remain within the geo-
graphical boundaries and altitude limitations estab-
lished for the nonregulatory special use airspace 
area covering the test range; 
‘‘(3) ensure no activity is conducted at the des-
ignated test range in a careless or reckless manner; 
‘‘(4) establish safe operating procedures for all 
operators approved for activities at the test range, 
including provisions for maintaining operational con-
trol and ensuring protection of persons and property 
on the ground, subject to approval by the Adminis-
trator; 
‘‘(5) exercise direct oversight of all operations 
conducted at the test range; 
‘‘(6) consult with the Administrator on the na-
ture of planned activities at the test range and 
whether temporary segregation through the use of a 
nonregulatory special use airspace area is required 
to contain such activities is consistent with aviation 
safety; 
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‘‘(7) protect proprietary technology, sensitive 
data, or sensitive research of any civil or private en-
tity when using the test range; 
‘‘(8) maintain detailed records of all ongoing 
and completed testing and evaluation activities con-
ducted at the test range and all operators con-
ducting such activities, for inspection by, and report-
ing to, the Administrator, as required by agreement 
between the Administrator and the test range spon-
sor; 
‘‘(9) make all original records available for in-
spection upon request by the Administrator; and 
‘‘(10) provide recommendations to the Adminis-
trator to further enable public and private testing 
and evaluation activities at the test ranges that con-
tribute to the safe integration of unmanned aircraft 
systems by the Administration into the national air-
space system, on a quarterly basis until the program 
terminates. 
‘‘(f) TESTING.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator may au-
thorize a sponsor of a test range designated under 
subsection (a) to host testing and evaluation activi-
ties other than those directly related to the integra-
tion of unmanned aircraft systems into the national 
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airspace system, provided that the activity is nec-
essary to inform the development of standards or 
policy for integrating new types of flight systems 
into the national airspace system. 
‘‘(2) WAIVER.—In carrying out this subsection, 
the Administrator may waive the requirements of 
section 44711, including related regulations, to the 
extent consistent with aviation safety. 
‘‘(g) AGREEMENTS.—The Administrator may use the 
transaction authority under section 106(l)(6) to enter into 
appropriate agreements to direct testing and evaluation 
activities related to unmanned aircraft systems at any test 
range designated under subsection (a). 
‘‘(h) TERMINATION.—The program under this sec-
tion shall terminate on September 30, 2028.’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 44801(10) 
of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking 
‘‘any of the 6 test ranges’’ and all that follows through 
‘‘January 1, 2009’’ and inserting ‘‘the test ranges estab-
lished by the Administrator under section 44803’’. 
SEC. 603. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT IN THE ARCTIC. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 44804 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended— 
(1) in section heading by striking ‘‘Small un-
manned’’ and inserting ‘‘Unmanned’’; and 
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(2) by striking ‘‘small’’ each place it appears. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chap-
ter 448 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking the item relating to section 44804 and insert the 
following: 
‘‘44804. Unmanned aircraft in the Arctic.’’. 
SEC. 604. PUBLIC SAFETY USE OF TETHERED UAS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 44806 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended— 
(1) in the section heading by inserting ‘‘and 
public safety use of unmanned aircraft 
systems’’ after ‘‘systems’’; 
(2) in subsection (c)— 
(A) in the subsection heading by inserting 
‘‘SAFETY USE OF’’ after ‘‘PUBLIC’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (1)— 
(i) in the matter preceding subpara-
graph (A)— 
(I) by striking ‘‘Not later than 
180 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the’’ and inserting ‘‘The’’; 
(II) by striking ‘‘permit the use 
of’’ and inserting ‘‘permit’’; 
(III) by striking ‘‘public’’; and 
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(IV) by inserting ‘‘by a public 
safety organization for such systems’’ 
after ‘‘systems’’; 
(ii) by striking subparagraph (A) and 
inserting the following: 
‘‘(A) operated— 
‘‘(i) at or below an altitude of 150 
feet above ground level within class B, C, 
D, E, or G airspace, but not at a greater 
altitude than the ceiling depicted on the 
UAS facility maps published by the Fed-
eral Aviation Administration, where appli-
cable; 
‘‘(ii) within zero-grid airspaces as de-
picted on such UAS facility maps, only if 
operated in life-saving or emergency situa-
tions and with prior notification to the Ad-
ministration in a manner determined by 
the Administrator; or 
‘‘(iii) above 150 feet above ground 
level within class B, C, D, E, or G airspace 
only with prior authorization from the Ad-
ministrator;’’; 
(iii) by striking subparagraph (B); 
and 
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(iv) by redesignating subparagraphs 
(C), (D), and (E) as subparagraphs (B), 
(C), and (D), respectively; and 
(C) in paragraph (3) by striking ‘‘Public 
actively’’ and inserting ‘‘Actively’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end, the following: 
‘‘(e) DEFINITION.—In this section, the term ‘public 
safety organization’ means an entity that primarily en-
gages in activities related to the safety and well-being of 
the general public, including law enforcement, fire depart-
ments, emergency medical services, and other organiza-
tions that protect and serve the public in matters of safety 
and security.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chap-
ter 448 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking the item relating to section 44806 and inserting 
the following: 
‘‘44806. Public unmanned aircraft systems and public safety use of unmanned 
aircraft systems.’’. 
SEC. 605. SPECIAL AUTHORITY FOR UNMANNED AIRCRAFT 
SYSTEMS. 
Section 44807 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) by inserting ‘‘or chapter 447’’ after 
‘‘this chapter’’; 
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(B) by striking ‘‘the Secretary of Trans-
portation’’ and inserting ‘‘the Administrator of 
the Federal Aviation Administration’’; and 
(C) by striking ‘‘if certain’’ and inserting 
‘‘how’’; 
(2) in subsection (b)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘the Secretary’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘the Administrator’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (1)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘which types of un-
manned aircraft systems, if any, as a re-
sult of their size’’ and inserting ‘‘how the 
unmanned aircraft, as a result of such air-
craft’s size’’; and 
(ii) by striking ‘‘do not create’’ and 
inserting ‘‘does not create’’; 
(3) in subsection (c) to read as follows: 
‘‘(c) REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFE OPERATION.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—For unmanned aircraft sys-
tems that the Administrator determines under this 
section may operate safely in the national airspace 
system, the Administrator shall establish risk-based 
requirements, or a process to accept risk-based pro-
posed requirements, for the safe operation of such 
aircraft systems in the national airspace system, in-
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cluding operation related to testing and evaluation of 
proprietary systems. 
‘‘(2) TREATMENT OF MITIGATION MEASURES.— 
To the extent that a proposed operation will be con-
ducted exclusively within the airspace of a Mode C 
Veil during the entirety of the operation, such oper-
ation shall be treated as satisfying the requirements 
of section 91.113(b) of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, so long as the operation employs— 
‘‘(A) ADS–B In-based detect and avoid ca-
pabilities; 
‘‘(B) air traffic control communication and 
coordination; and 
‘‘(C) aeronautical information management 
systems to notify other aircraft operators of 
such operations. 
‘‘(3) RULE
OF
CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in 
this subsection shall be construed to give an un-
manned aircraft operating pursuant to this section 
the right of way over a manned aircraft.’’; 
(4) in subsection (d) by striking ‘‘2023’’ and in-
serting ‘‘2033’’; and 
(5) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(e) LIMITATION.—In making determinations under 
this section, the Administrator may not consider un-
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manned aircraft systems to the extent that such systems 
may meet the requirements of established regulations ap-
plicable to the proposed operation of a system. 
‘‘(f) EXEMPTION.—The Administrator may exercise 
the authorities described in this section without requiring 
a rulemaking or imposing the requirements of part 11 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to the extent con-
sistent with aviation safety.’’. 
SEC. 606. RECREATIONAL OPERATIONS OF DRONE SYS-
TEMS. 
(a) SPECIFIED
EXCEPTION
FOR
LIMITED
REC-
REATIONAL OPERATIONS
OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT.— 
Section 44809 of title 49, United States Code, is amend-
ed— 
(1) in subsection (a) by striking paragraph (6) 
and inserting the following: 
‘‘(6) Except for circumstances when the Admin-
istrator establishes alternative altitude ceilings or as 
otherwise authorized in section (c), in Class G air-
space, the aircraft is flown from the surface to not 
more than 400 feet above ground level and complies 
with all airspace and flight restrictions and prohibi-
tions established under this subtitle, such as special 
use airspace designations and temporary flight re-
strictions.’’; 
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(2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the 
following: 
‘‘(c) OPERATIONS AT FIXED SITES.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall es-
tablish a process to approve, and publicly dissemi-
nate the location of, fixed sites at which a person 
may carry out recreational unmanned aircraft sys-
tem operations. 
‘‘(2) OPERATING PROCEDURES.— 
‘‘(A) CONTROLLED
AIRSPACE.—Persons 
operating unmanned aircraft under paragraph 
(1) from a fixed site within Class B, Class C, 
or Class D airspace or within the lateral bound-
aries of the surface area of Class E airspace 
designated for an airport, or a community- 
based organization sponsoring operations within 
such airspace, shall make the location of the 
fixed site known to the Administrator and shall 
establish a mutually agreed upon operating pro-
cedure with the air traffic control facility. 
‘‘(B) ALTITUDE.—The Administrator, in 
coordination with community-based organiza-
tions sponsoring operations at fixed sites, shall 
develop a process to approve requests for rec-
reational unmanned aircraft systems operations 
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at fixed sites that exceed the maximum altitude 
contained in a UAS Facility Map. 
‘‘(C) CLASS G AIRSPACE.—Subject to com-
pliance with all airspace and flight restrictions 
and prohibitions established under this subtitle, 
such as special use airspace designations and 
temporary flight restrictions, persons operating 
drones under paragraph (1) from a fixed site at 
which the operations are sponsored by a com-
munity-based organization may operate within 
Class G airspace— 
‘‘(i) up to 400 feet above ground level, 
without prior authorization from the Ad-
ministrator; and 
‘‘(ii) above 400 feet above ground 
level, with prior authorization from the Ad-
ministrator. 
‘‘(3) 
UNMANNED
AIRCRAFT
WEIGHING
POUNDS OR GREATER.—A person may operate an 
unmanned aircraft weighing 55 pounds or greater, 
including the weight of anything attached to or car-
ried by the aircraft, under paragraph (1) if— 
‘‘(A) the unmanned aircraft complies with 
standards and limitations developed by a com-
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munity-based organization and approved by the 
Administrator; and 
‘‘(B) the aircraft is operated from a fixed 
site as described in paragraph (1). 
‘‘(4) 
FAA-RECOGNIZED
IDENTIFICATION 
AREAS.—In implementing subpart C of part 89 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, the Adminis-
trator shall prioritize the review and adjudication of 
requests to establish FAA Recognized Identification 
Areas at fixed sites established under this section.’’; 
(3) in subsection (d) by striking the subsection 
designation and heading and all that follows through 
‘‘(3) SAVINGS CLAUSE.—’’ and inserting ‘‘(d) SAV-
INGS CLAUSE.—’’; 
(4) in subsection (d) by striking ‘‘subsection (a) 
of’’; 
(5) in subsection (f)(1) by striking ‘‘updates 
to’’; 
(6) by striking subsection (g)(1) and inserting 
the following: 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator, in con-
sultation with manufacturers of unmanned aircraft 
systems, community-based organizations, and other 
industry stakeholders, shall develop, maintain, and 
update, as necessary, an aeronautical knowledge and 
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safety test. Such test shall be administered electroni-
cally by the Administrator or a person designated by 
the Administrator.’’; and 
(7) in subsection (h)— 
(A) 
by 
redesignating 
paragraphs 
(1) 
through (6) as paragraphs (2) through (7), re-
spectively; and 
(B) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as 
so redesignated) the following: 
‘‘(1) is recognized by the Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration;’’. 
(b) USE OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS FOR 
EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES.—Section 350 of the FAA Re-
authorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44809 note) is 
amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and 
(3) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and 
(B) by inserting before paragraph (3) (as 
so redesignated) the following: 
‘‘(2) operated by an elementary school or sec-
ondary school for educational or research pur-
poses;’’; and 
(2) in subsection (d)— 
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(A) in paragraph (2) by inserting ‘‘an ele-
mentary school, or a secondary school,’’ after 
‘‘with respect to the operation of an unmanned 
aircraft system by an institution of higher edu-
cation,’’; and 
(B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the 
following: 
‘‘(3) ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL.—The term ‘ele-
mentary school’ has the meaning given to that term 
by section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary 
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801(19)). 
‘‘(4) SECONDARY
SCHOOL.—The term ‘sec-
ondary school’ has the meaning given to that term 
by section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary 
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801(45)).’’. 
SEC. 607. AIRPORT SAFETY AND AIRSPACE HAZARD MITI-
GATION AND ENFORCEMENT. 
Section 44810(h) of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by striking ‘‘2023’’ and inserting ‘‘2028’’. 
SEC. 608. APPLICATIONS FOR DESIGNATION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 44810(c) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by inserting ‘‘, and any 
other location the Administrator determines appropriate’’ 
after ‘‘Data’’. 
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(b) APPLICATIONS
FOR
DESIGNATION.—Section 
2209 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 
2016 (49 U.S.C. 44802 note) is further amended— 
(1) in subsection (a) by inserting ‘‘, including 
temporarily,’’ after ‘‘restrict’’; 
(2) in subsection (b)(1)(C)(iv) by striking 
‘‘Other locations that warrant such restrictions’’ and 
inserting ‘‘State correctional facilities’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(f) DEADLINES.— 
‘‘(1) Not later than March 1, 2024, the Admin-
istrator shall publish a notice of proposed rule-
making to carry out the requirements of this section. 
‘‘(2) Not later than 16 months after publishing 
the notice of proposed rulemaking under paragraph 
(1), the Administrator shall issue a final rule.’’. 
SEC. 609. BEYOND VISUAL LINE OF SIGHT RULEMAKING. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 4 months after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration shall issue a notice of 
proposed rulemaking establishing performance-based air-
worthiness criteria and risk-based operational regulations 
for unmanned aircraft systems operated beyond visual line 
of sight that are intended to operate primarily at or below 
400 feet above ground level. 
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(b) CONTENTS.—In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall— 
(1) establish a means to accept proposed— 
(A) airworthiness standards for unmanned 
aircraft; 
(B) standards for associated elements of 
unmanned aircraft; and 
(C) qualification standards for remote pi-
lots operating unmanned aircraft beyond visual 
line of sight; 
(2) enable the ability for unmanned aircraft to 
be operated for agricultural purposes including re-
search; 
(3) establish a process by which the Adminis-
trator may approve or accept third party compliance 
services in support of the safe integration of un-
manned aircraft systems into the national airspace 
system; 
(4) establish protocols, as appropriate, for 
networked information exchange, including network- 
based remote identification in support of beyond vis-
ual line of sight operations; and 
(5) ensure the safety of manned aircraft oper-
ating in the national airspace system. 
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(c) CONSIDERATIONS.—In carrying out subsection 
(a), the Administrator may leverage previously gathered 
data, information, and efforts of the Administration to fi-
nalize rulemaking as required under this section. 
(d) UNMANNED AIRCRAFT AIRWORTHINESS STAND-
ARDS.—In carrying out subsection (b)(1)(A), the Adminis-
trator shall— 
(1) define the operational environments for 
which airworthiness is needed to ensure aviation 
safety; 
(2) establish an airworthiness category or cat-
egories for unmanned aircraft to be eligible for a 
special airworthiness certificate; and 
(3) establish a process to approve standards, 
means of compliance, and declarations of compli-
ance. 
(e) UNMANNED AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATED ELEMENTS 
STANDARDS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out subsection 
(b)(1)(B), the Administrator shall establish a proc-
ess to accept or approve the associated elements of 
an unmanned aircraft that, when considered collec-
tively with other associated elements and an un-
manned aircraft, meet an acceptable performance- 
based safety standard. 
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(2) 
CONSIDERATIONS.—In 
establishing 
the 
process under paragraph (1), the Administrator 
shall consider the ways associated elements of an 
unmanned aircraft system interact with other associ-
ated elements and unmanned aircraft. 
(f) REMOTE PILOT QUALIFICATIONS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out subsection 
(b)(1)(C), the Administrator shall establish quali-
fications and standards, or a means to accept pro-
posed qualifications and standards, for remote pilots 
operating unmanned aircraft systems. 
(2) CONSIDERATIONS.—In carrying out para-
graph (1), the Administrator shall account for the 
varying levels of automation of unmanned aircraft 
systems. 
(3) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this 
subsection may be construed to allow for the estab-
lishment of type-ratings that apply specifically and 
exclusively to an aircraft manufactured by 1 manu-
facturer. 
(g) INTERIM APPROVALS.—Before the date on which 
the Administrator issues a final rule under this section, 
the Administrator shall use the process described in sec-
tion 44807 of title 49, United States Code, to authorize 
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unmanned aircraft system operations conducted beyond 
visual line of sight. 
(h) FINAL RULE.—Not later than 16 months after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
issue a final rule establishing the regulations required 
under this section. 
(i) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) ASSOCIATED ELEMENTS.—The term ‘‘asso-
ciated elements’’ means any component of an un-
manned aircraft system, not permanently affixed to 
the unmanned aircraft, required for the remote pilot 
to operate such aircraft safely and efficiently in the 
national airspace system. 
(2) BEYOND
VISUAL
LINE
OF
SIGHT.—The 
term ‘‘beyond visual line of sight’’ means a distance 
at which the remote pilot in command of an un-
manned aircraft system cannot see the unmanned 
aircraft with vision unaided by any device other than 
corrective lenses. 
(3) UNMANNED
AIRCRAFT; UNMANNED
AIR-
CRAFT
SYSTEM.—The terms ‘‘unmanned aircraft’’ 
and ‘‘unmanned aircraft system’’ have the meaning 
given such terms in section 44801 of title 49, United 
States Code. 
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SEC. 610. UAS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration may enter into agree-
ments for purposes of— 
(1) testing and refining UTM capabilities and 
services to inform the development of UTM stand-
ards in subsection (b); 
(2) authorizing UTM service providers that 
meet the requirements described in subsection (b) to 
provide UTM services to better enable advanced un-
manned aircraft systems operations, including— 
(A) beyond visual line of sight operations; 
(B) 
aircraft-to-aircraft 
communications; 
and 
(C) operations in which an individual acts 
as remote pilot in command of more than 1 un-
manned aircraft at the same time; and 
(3) fostering the safe integration of unmanned 
aircraft systems using UTM capabilities and services 
within the national airspace system. 
(b) STANDARDIZATION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall publish requirements or 
guidance associated with UTM, including— 
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(A) the types of operations requiring, or 
benefitting from, the use of UTM capabilities 
and services described in subsection (a), includ-
ing beyond visual line of sight operations; 
(B) areas of operation or categories of air-
space requiring, or benefitting from, the use of 
UTM capabilities and services; 
(C) performance-based technical standards 
for UAS operations using UTM capabilities and 
services; and 
(D) application program interfaces that en-
able UTM service suppliers to integrate UTM 
capabilities and services into other systems for 
use by users of the national airspace system, in-
cluding unmanned aircraft system operators. 
(2) INTERNATIONAL HARMONIZATION.—In car-
rying out paragraph (1), the Administrator shall 
seek to harmonize, to the extent practicable and ad-
visable, UTM standards with standards produced by 
recognized industry standards organizations or other 
peer civil aviation authorities. 
(3) FEEDBACK OF CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS.— 
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall solicit feedback 
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from stakeholders on the most recently published 
UTM concept of operations of the Administration. 
(4) FINALIZATION
OF
CONCEPT
OF
OPER-
ATIONS.—Not later than 1 year after the date of en-
actment of this Act, the Administrator shall publish 
a final version of the UTM concept of operations of 
the Administration. 
(c) STAKEHOLDER PARTNERSHIPS.—In carrying out 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall establish a means 
by which the Administrator can enter into cooperative 
agreements, contracts, other transaction agreements, and 
other appropriate mechanisms with appropriate persons, 
partnerships, and consortia to enable qualified third-par-
ties to design, build, develop, fund, and manage UTM. 
(d) RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.— 
(1) BEYOND
VISUAL
LINE
OF
SIGHT
OPER-
ATIONS.—Nothing in this section shall be construed 
to prevent or prohibit beyond visual line of sight op-
erations through the use of technologies other than 
UTM capabilities and services. 
(2) AIRSPACE.—Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to alter the authority under section 40103 
of title 49, United States Code. 
(e) BRIEFING.—Not later than 90 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Ad-
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ministrator shall brief the Committee on Transportation 
and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and 
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
of the Senate on progress made by the Administration de-
tailing the implementation and requirements of this sec-
tion and any applicable timelines to completion. 
(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) APPROPRIATE PERSONS.—The term ‘‘appro-
priate persons’’ means a Federal, State, local, Trib-
al, or territorial governmental entity, or a person. 
(2) UTM.—The term ‘‘UTM’’ means the man-
ner in which the Administration will support oper-
ations for unmanned aircraft systems operating in 
low-altitude airspace. 
SEC. 611. RADAR DATA PILOT PROGRAM. 
(a) SENSITIVE RADAR DATA FEED PILOT PRO-
GRAM.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Avia-
tion Administration, in coordination with the Secretary of 
Defense, and other heads of relevant Federal agencies, 
shall establish a pilot program to make airspace data feeds 
containing classified or controlled unclassified information 
available to qualified users, in conjunction with subsection 
(b). 
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(b) AUTHORIZATION.—In carrying out subsection (a), 
the Administrator and the heads of other relevant Federal 
agencies and in coordination with the Secretary of De-
fense, shall establish a process to authorize qualified enti-
ties to receive airspace data feeds containing classified in-
formation related to air traffic within the national airspace 
system and use such information in an agreed upon man-
ner to— 
(1) provide— 
(A) air traffic management services; and 
(B) unmanned aircraft system traffic man-
agement services; or 
(2) to test technologies that may enable or en-
hance the provision of the services described in para-
graph (1). 
(c) BRIEFING.—Not later than 90 days after estab-
lishing the pilot program under subsection (a), and annu-
ally thereafter, the Administrator shall brief the Com-
mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the findings 
of the Administrator related to the pilot program estab-
lished under this section. 
(d) SUNSET.—This section shall cease to be effective 
on October 1, 2028. 
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(e) DEFINITION OF QUALIFIED USER.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘‘qualified user’’ means an entity authorized 
to receive airspace data feeds containing classified or con-
trolled unclassified information pursuant to subsection 
(b). 
SEC. 612. ELECTRONIC CONSPICUITY STUDY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Comptroller General of the 
United States shall conduct a study of technologies and 
methods that may be used by operators of unmanned air-
craft systems to detect and avoid manned aircraft that 
may lawfully operate below 500 feet above ground level 
and that are— 
(1) not equipped with a transponder or auto-
matic dependent surveillance-broadcast out equip-
ment; or 
(2) otherwise not electronically conspicuous. 
(b) CONSULTATION.—In conducting the study re-
quired under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall 
consult with— 
(1) representatives from— 
(A) unmanned aircraft systems manufac-
turers and operators; 
(B) general aviation operators; 
(C) aerial applicators; and 
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(D) helicopter operators, including State 
and local governments; and 
(2) any other person the Comptroller General 
determines appropriate. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall 
submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infra-
structure of the House of Representatives and the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate a report describing the results of such study. 
SEC. 613. REMOTE IDENTIFICATION ALTERNATIVE MEANS 
OF COMPLIANCE. 
(a) STUDY.—The Administrator of the Federal Avia-
tion Administration shall review and evaluate the final 
rule titled ‘‘Remote Identification of Unmanned Aircraft’’, 
issued on January 15, 2021, to determine the feasibility 
and advisability of whether unmanned aircraft manufac-
turers and operators can meet the intent of such final rule 
through alternative means of compliance, including 
through network–based remote identification. 
(b) REPORT.—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 
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Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a 
report on the results of the study under subsection (a). 
SEC. 614. PART 107 WAIVER IMPROVEMENTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator of the Federal 
Aviation Administration shall adopt a performance– and 
risk–based approach in reviewing requests for certificates 
of waiver under section 107.200 of title 14, Code of Fed-
eral Regulations. 
(b) STANDARDIZATION OF WAIVER APPLICATION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall improve the process es-
tablished to submit requests for certificates of waiv-
er described in subsection (a). 
(2) FORMAT.—In carrying out paragraph (1), 
the Administrator may not require the use of open- 
ended descriptive prompts that are required to be 
filled out by an applicant, except to provide appli-
cants the ability to provide the Administration with 
information for an unusual or irregular operation. 
(3) DATA.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out para-
graph (1), the Administrator shall leverage data 
gathered from previous requests for certificates 
of waivers. 
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(B) CONSIDERATIONS.—In carrying out 
subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall safe-
ly use— 
(i) big data analytics; and 
(ii) machine learning. 
(c) CONSIDERATION OF PROPERTY OWNERSHIP IN-
TEREST.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In determining whether to 
issue a certificate of waiver under section 107.200 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, the Adminis-
trator shall— 
(A) consider whether the waiver applicant 
has control over access to all real property on 
the ground within the area of operation; and 
(B) recognize and account for the safety 
enhancements of such controlled access. 
(2) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this 
subsection shall be construed to direct the Adminis-
trator to consider the lack of control over access to 
all real property on the ground within an area of op-
eration, or a lack of property interest in such area 
of operation, as negatively affecting the safety of the 
operation intended to be conducted under such cer-
tificate of waiver. 
(d) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF WAIVERS.— 
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(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Administrator shall 
publish all certificates of waiver issued under section 
107.200 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, on 
the website of the Administration, including, with re-
spect to each issued certificate of waiver— 
(A) the terms, conditions, and limitations; 
and 
(B) the class of airspace and any restric-
tions related to operating near airports or heli-
ports. 
(2) PUBLICATION.—In carrying out paragraph 
(1), the Administrator shall ensure that published 
information is made available in a manner that pre-
vents inappropriate disclosure of proprietary infor-
mation. 
(e) PRECEDENTIAL USE OF PREVIOUSLY APPROVED 
WAIVERS.— 
(1) WAIVER
APPROVAL
PRECEDENT.—Except 
as provided in paragraph (3), if the Administrator 
determines, using criteria for a particular waiver, 
that an application for a certificate of waiver issued 
under section 107.200 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, is substantially similar (or is comprised 
of elements that are substantially similar) to an ap-
plication for a certificate of waiver that the Adminis-
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trator has previously approved, the Administrator 
may streamline, as appropriate, the approval of ap-
plications with substantially similar conditions and 
limitations as a previously approved application. 
(2) RULE
OF
CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in 
paragraph (1) shall be construed to preclude an ap-
plicant for a certificate of waiver from applying to 
modify a condition, or remove a limitation of, such 
certificate. 
(f) MODIFICATION OF WAIVERS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall es-
tablish an expedited review process for a request to 
modify or renew certificates of waiver previously 
issued under section 107.200 of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations, as appropriate. 
(2) USE
OF
REVIEW
PROCESS.—The review 
process established under paragraph (1) shall be 
used to review certificates of waiver that cover oper-
ations that are substantially similar in all material 
facts to operations covered under a subsequently 
issued certificate of waiver. 
SEC. 615. ACCEPTABLE LEVELS OF RISK AND RISK ASSESS-
MENT METHODOLOGY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
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Federal Aviation Administration shall establish acceptable 
levels of risk, and develop a risk assessment methodology 
associated with such levels of risk, to enable unmanned 
aircraft system operations conducted— 
(1) under waivers issued to part 107 of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations; 
(2) pursuant to section 44807 of title 49, 
United States Code; or 
(3) pursuant to future regulations promulgated 
by the Administrator, as appropriate. 
(b) ACCEPTABLE LEVELS OF RISK.—In carrying out 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall establish accept-
able levels of risk for unmanned aircraft system operations 
in the national airspace system and a method for assessing 
the operational risk of a proposed operation in accordance 
with such acceptable level. 
(c) RISK ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY.—In carrying 
out subsections (a) and (b), the Administrator shall de-
velop a risk assessment methodology to allow remote pilots 
in command operating unmanned aircraft systems pursu-
ant to subsection (a) to determine the risk associated with 
a specific operation, and mitigate such a risk, as nec-
essary. 
(d) RISK ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY CONSIDER-
ATIONS.—In establishing the risk assessment methodology 
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described under this section, the Administrator shall con-
sider— 
(1) the time of day of the operation; 
(2) the population density of the area of oper-
ation; 
(3) the class of airspace and such requirements 
necessary for airspace users to legally operate in 
each class of airspace; 
(4) the proximity to infrastructure, to the ex-
tent that proximity mitigates risk to other operators 
of the national airspace system; 
(5) the nature of the detect and avoid mitiga-
tion measures of an unmanned aircraft system; and 
(6) the attributes and characteristics of the un-
manned aircraft of the unmanned aircraft system, 
including the— 
(A) size; 
(B) visibility; 
(C) maximum takeoff weight; 
(D) maximum indicated airspeed; and 
(E) payload. 
(e) PUBLICATION.—The Administrator shall make 
the risk assessment methodology established under this 
section available to the public on an appropriate website 
of the Administration. 
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(f) DEFINITIONS OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT AND UN-
MANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM.—In this section, the terms 
‘‘unmanned aircraft’’ and ‘‘unmanned aircraft system’’ 
have the meanings given such terms in section 44801 of 
title 49, United States Code. 
SEC. 616. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW. 
(a) GUIDANCE UPDATES.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
of the Federal Aviation Administration shall publish un-
manned aircraft system-specific guidance and implementa-
tion procedures. Such guidance and implementation proce-
dures shall— 
(1) provide guidance to streamline environ-
mental assessments at a programmatic level, as the 
Administrator considers appropriate, for an un-
manned aircraft system operator’s network of oper-
ations within a defined geographical region, includ-
ing within and over approved commercial or indus-
trial sites closed or restricted to the public; 
(2) provide guidance for nationwide pro-
grammatic approaches for large scale distributed un-
manned aircraft system operations whereby a Pro-
grammatic Environmental Assessment or Environ-
mental Impact Statement can be leveraged for sub-
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sequent related actions to ensure efficient environ-
mental review; 
(3) consider additional Categorical Exclusions 
based on previously prepared and finalized Environ-
mental Assessments or in consultation with the 
Council on Environmental Quality; 
(4) prioritize proposed projects or activities that 
may— 
(A) offset or limit the impacts of non-zero 
emission activities; 
(B) offset or limit the release of environ-
mental pollutants to soil or water; or 
(C) demonstrate other factors to the ben-
efit of the environment as determined by the 
Administrator; 
(5) contain intra-agency process improvements 
to avoid providing conflicting safety and environ-
mental feedback to operators; 
(6) contain standards and criteria for engaging 
specialized third parties to support the Administra-
tion’s preparation and review of documentation re-
lating to the requirements of the National Environ-
mental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) 
to ensure streamlined timelines for complex reviews; 
and 
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(7) any other modifications the Administrator 
considers necessary within the stated environmental 
objectives of the National Environmental Policy Act 
of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and the Federal 
priority to maintain global leadership in aviation in-
novation. 
(b) BRIEFING.—No later than 90 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the 
plan of the Administration to implement subsection (b), 
including each of the considerations specified in the sub-
section, and an explanation for any consideration the Ad-
ministrator does not intend to implement. 
(c) CONCURRENT REVIEWS.—If the Administrator 
determines that the review of an unmanned aircraft sys-
tem’s design, construction, maintenance and operational 
sustainability, airworthiness approval, or operational ap-
proval requires environmental assessment, including re-
quirements under the National Environmental Policy Act 
of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the Administrator shall, 
to the maximum extent practicable, conduct such reviews 
and analyses concurrent with one another. 
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(d) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this sec-
tion shall be construed as prohibiting, restricting or other-
wise limiting the authority of the Secretary of Transpor-
tation or the Administrator from implementing or com-
plying with the requirements of the National Environ-
mental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and 
any related requirements to ensure the protection of the 
environment and aviation safety. 
(e) ASSOCIATED
UAS CERTIFICATION
STAND-
ARDS.— 
(1) OPTION TO SUSPEND NOISE CERTIFICATION 
REQUIREMENT
PENDING
STANDARDS
DEVELOP-
MENT.—Notwithstanding the requirements of sec-
tion 44715 of title 49, United States Code, the Ad-
ministrator may waive the determination of compli-
ance with part 36 of title 14, Code of Federal Regu-
lations, for an applicant seeking an unmanned air-
craft system type and airworthiness certification, 
provided the Administrator has developed appro-
priate noise measurement procedures for such sys-
tems and the Administrator has received the noise 
measurements results based on such procedures 
from the applicant. 
(2) DEVELOPMENT
OF
CRITERIA.—Not later 
than 90 days after the date of enactment of this 
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Act, the Administrator shall develop and establish 
substantive criteria and standards metrics used by 
the Administrator to determine whether to approve 
or disapprove the airworthiness of an unmanned air-
craft pursuant to part 36 of title 14, Code of Fed-
eral Regulations. 
(3) SUBSTANTIVE
CRITERIA
AND
STANDARDS 
METRICS.—In establishing the substantive criteria 
and standards metrics as required under paragraph 
(2), the Administrator shall include such criteria and 
metrics related to the airworthiness of unmanned 
aircraft for the following: 
(A) Noise impacts. 
(B) Visual impacts. 
(4) PUBLICATION.—The Administrator shall 
publish in the Federal Register and post on a 
website of the Federal Aviation Administration the 
criteria and metrics established pursuant to para-
graph (2). 
(f) DEFINITION
OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYS-
TEM.—In this section, the term ‘‘unmanned aircraft sys-
tem’’ has the meaning given such term in section 44801 
of title 49, United States Code. 
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SEC. 617. CARRIAGE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. 
(a) NEAR-TERM APPROVALS.—Not later than 180 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Adminis-
trator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall coordi-
nate with the Administrator of the Pipeline and Haz-
ardous Materials Safety Administration to revise processes 
in effect on the date of enactment of this Act for the car-
riage of hazardous materials by unmanned aircraft sys-
tems to provide that— 
(1) special conditions, waivers, or other require-
ments necessary to enable the carriage of hazardous 
materials shall be incorporated into the existing reg-
ulatory and operator certification processes of the 
Federal Aviation Administration for unmanned air-
craft operations in which the aircraft— 
(A) weighs less than 100 pounds; and 
(B) is capable of carrying less than 10 
pounds gross weight of limited quantity cargo; 
and 
(2) the existing special permitting process or 
other existing processes carried out by the Adminis-
trator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safe-
ty Administration shall be initiated as early as prac-
ticable, and in conjunction with the existing regu-
latory and operator certification processes of the 
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Federal Aviation Administration, for unmanned air-
craft operations in which the unmanned aircraft— 
(A) weighs 100 pounds or more; or 
(B) is capable of carrying 10 pounds or 
more gross weight of limited quantity cargo. 
(b) RULEMAKING.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Transportation shall revise requirements, guidance, 
standards, or other policy materials governing the 
carriage of hazardous materials to allow for the car-
riage of a de minimis amount of hazardous materials 
by an unmanned aircraft. 
(2) CONSIDERATIONS.—In carrying out para-
graph (1), the Secretary shall consider— 
(A) whether a hazardous material is a con-
sumer commodity; 
(B) requirements for common carriage and 
private carriage; 
(C) whether the transportation of a de 
minimis volume, weight, or amount of a haz-
ardous material would pose an unreasonable 
risk to health and safety or property; 
(D) whether the volume, weight, or amount 
of a hazardous material is large enough to per-
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mit the transportation of a commercially mean-
ingful volume, weight, or amount; and 
(E) the altitude at which unmanned air-
craft operations are conducted. 
(3) IMPLEMENTATION.— 
(A) PETITION.—The Secretary shall estab-
lish a process for a person to petition to estab-
lish or revise a de minimis amount or a haz-
ardous material. 
(B) PERIODIC
UPDATES.—The Secretary 
shall— 
(i) periodically review, as necessary, 
de minimis amounts of hazardous mate-
rials established under paragraph (1); 
(ii) determine whether such amounts 
of Hazardous materials should be revised, 
based on operational and safety data or 
other factors; and 
(iii) assess whether to establish a de 
minimis amount for a hazardous material 
for which a de minimis volume, weight, or 
amount has previously not been estab-
lished. 
(c) SAVING CLAUSE.—Nothing in this section shall 
be construed to— 
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(1) limit the authority of the Secretary, the Ad-
ministrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, 
or the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous 
Materials Safety Administration from implementing 
requirements under existing authorities to ensure 
the safe carriage of hazardous materials by aircraft; 
and 
(2) confer upon the Administrator of the Fed-
eral Aviation Administration the authorities of the 
Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Mate-
rials Safety Administration, as described in part 175 
of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, and chapter 
51 of title 49, United States Code. 
(d) EXEMPTION.—The authorities of the Adminis-
trator related to the transportation, packaging, marking, 
or description of hazardous materials in section 106(g)(1) 
of title 49, United States Code, shall not apply to the ex-
tent necessary to enact the requirements of this section. 
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In the section: 
(1) UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM.—The term 
‘‘unmanned aircraft system’’ has the meaning given 
the term in section 44801 of title 49, United States 
Code. 
(2) CONSUMER COMMODITY.—The term ‘‘con-
sumer commodity’’ has the meaning given such term 
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in section 171.8 of title 49, Code of Federal Regula-
tions. 
SEC. 618. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM USE IN WILDFIRE 
RESPONSE. 
(a) UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS IN WILDFIRE 
RESPONSE.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
of the Federal Aviation Administration, in coordina-
tion with the United States Forest Service and any 
other Federal entity or contracted operator the Ad-
ministrator considers appropriate, shall develop a 
plan on the use of unmanned aircraft systems by 
public entities in wildfire response efforts, including 
research, wildfire detection, mitigation, and suppres-
sion. 
(2) PLAN
CONTENTS.—The plan under sub-
section (a) shall provide recommendations to— 
(A) identify and designate areas of public 
land with high potential for wildfires in which 
public entities may conduct unmanned aircraft 
system beyond visual line of sight operations as 
part of wildfire response efforts, including wild-
fire detection, mitigation, and suppression; 
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(B) develop a process to facilitate the safe 
and efficient operation of unmanned aircraft 
systems beyond the visual line of sight in wild-
fire response efforts in areas designated under 
paragraph (A), including the waiver process 
under section 91.113 or section 107.31 of title 
14, Code of Federal Regulations, for public en-
tities that use unmanned aircraft systems for 
aerial wildfire detection, mitigation, and sup-
pression; and 
(C) improve coordination between the rel-
evant Federal agencies and public entities on 
the use of unmanned aircraft systems in wild-
fire response efforts. 
(3) PLAN
SUBMISSION.—Upon completion of 
the plan under subsection (a), the Administrator of 
the Federal Aviation Administration shall submit 
such plan to, and provide a briefing for, the Com-
mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Sen-
ates. 
(4) PUBLICATION.—Upon submission of the 
plan under subsection (a), the Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration shall publish such 
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plan on a publicly available website of the Adminis-
tration. 
(b) APPLICABILITY.—This section shall only apply to 
unmanned aircraft systems that are— 
(1) operated by, or on behalf of, a public entity; 
(2) operated in airspace covered by a wildfire- 
related temporary flight restriction under section 
91.137 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and 
(3) under the operational control of, or other-
wise are being operationally coordinated by, an au-
thorized aviation coordinator responsible for coordi-
nating disaster relief aircraft within the airspace 
covered by such temporary flight restriction. 
(c) INTERAGENCY COORDINATION.—Not later than 
180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Ad-
ministrator shall seek to enter into the necessary agree-
ments to provide a liaison of the Administration to the 
National Interagency Fire Center to facilitate the use of 
manned and unmanned aircraft in wildfire response ef-
forts, including wildfire detection, mitigation, and suppres-
sion. 
(d) SAVINGS CLAUSE.—Nothing in this Act shall be 
construed to confer upon the Administrator of the Federal 
Aviation Administration the authorities of the Administra-
tion of the Federal Emergency Management Agency on 
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wildfire response under section 611 of the Robert T. Staf-
ford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
U.S.C. 5196). 
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) PUBLIC ENTITY.—The term ‘‘public entity’’ 
means— 
(A) a Federal agency; 
(B) a State government; 
(C) a local government; 
(D) a Tribal government; and 
(E) a territorial government. 
(2) PUBLIC
LAND.—The term ‘‘public land’’ 
has the meaning given such term in section 205 of 
the Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. 670k). 
(3) UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM.—The term 
‘‘unmanned aircraft system’’ has the meaning given 
such term in section 44801 of title 49, United 
States Code. 
(4) WILDFIRE.—The term ‘‘wildfire’’ has the 
meaning given that term in section 2 of the Emer-
gency Wildfire Suppression Act (42 U.S.C. 1856m). 
SEC. 619. PILOT PROGRAM FOR UAS INSPECTIONS OF FAA 
INFRASTRUCTURE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transpor-
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tation shall establish and initiate a pilot program to sup-
plement appropriate inspection and oversight activities of 
the department with unmanned aircraft systems for the 
purposes of increasing employee safety, enhancing data 
collection, increasing the accuracy of inspections, reducing 
costs, and other purposes the Secretary considers to be 
in the broader interests of good government. 
(b) GROUND-BASED AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE.— 
Under the program required in subsection (a), the Admin-
istrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall 
evaluate the use of unmanned aircraft systems to inspect 
ground-based aviation infrastructure that may require vis-
ual inspection in hard-to-reach areas, including— 
(1) navigational aids; 
(2) air traffic control towers; 
(3) radar facilities; 
(4) communication facilities; and 
(5) other air traffic control facilities. 
(c) COORDINATION.—In carrying out the pilot pro-
gram established under subsection (a), the Secretary shall 
consult with the labor union certified under section 7111 
of title 5, United States Code, to represent personnel re-
sponsible for the inspection of the ground-based aviation 
infrastructure described in subsection (b). 
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(d) COVERED FOREIGN UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYS-
TEM.—The Secretary may not carry out an inspection 
under this section using an unmanned aircraft system 
manufactured by— 
(1) an entity included on the Consolidated 
Screening list or Entity List as designated by the 
Secretary of Commerce; 
(2) an entity domiciled in the People’s Republic 
of China or the Russian Federation; or 
(3) an entity, or a subsidiary or affiliate of an 
entity, that is subject to influence or control by— 
(A) the Government of the People’s Repub-
lic of China; 
(B) the Chinese Communist Party; or 
(C) the Russian Federation. 
(e) BRIEFING.—Not later than 2 years after the date 
of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until the 
termination of the pilot program under this section, the 
Secretary shall provide to the Committee on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate a briefing on the status and results 
of the pilot program established under subsection (a), in-
cluding— 
(1) cost saving; 
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(2) a description of how unmanned aircraft sys-
tems were used to supplement existing inspection, 
data collection, or oversight activities of Department 
employees, including the number of operations and 
types of activities performed; 
(3) efficiency or safety improvements, if any, 
associated with the use of unmanned aircraft sys-
tems to supplement conventional inspection, data 
collection, or oversight activities; 
(4) the fleet of unmanned aircraft systems 
maintained by the Department of Transportation for 
the program, or an overview of the services used as 
part of the pilot program; and 
(5) recommendations for improving the use or 
efficacy of unmanned aircraft systems to supplement 
the Department’s conventional inspection, data col-
lection, or oversight activities. 
(f) SUNSET AND INCORPORATION INTO STANDARD 
PRACTICE.— 
(1) SUNSET.—The pilot program established 
under subsection (a) and the reporting requirement 
under subsection (f) shall terminate on the date that 
is 50 months after the date of enactment of this Act. 
(2) INCORPORATION
INTO
STANDARD
PRAC-
TICE.—Upon termination of the pilot program, the 
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Secretary shall assess the results of the pilot pro-
gram under this section and determine whether to 
permanently incorporate the use of unmanned air-
craft systems into the regular inspection, data collec-
tion, and oversight activities of the Department. 
(3) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 3 
months after the termination of the pilot program 
under paragraph (1), the Secretary 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 final results of the pilot pro-
gram and the actions taken by the Administrator 
pursuant to paragraph (2). 
SEC. 620. DRONE INFRASTRUCTURE INSPECTION GRANT 
PROGRAM. 
(a) AUTHORITY.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transpor-
tation shall establish a drone infrastructure inspection 
grant program to make grants to governmental entities 
to facilitate the use of eligible small unmanned aircraft 
systems to support more efficient inspection, operation, 
construction, maintenance, modernization, and repair of 
an element of critical infrastructure to improve worker 
safety related to critical infrastructure projects. 
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(b) USE OF GRANT AMOUNTS.—A governmental enti-
ty may use a grant provided under this section to— 
(1) purchase or lease eligible small unmanned 
aircraft systems; 
(2) support operational capabilities of eligible 
small unmanned aircraft systems by the govern-
mental entity; 
(3) contract for services performed using an eli-
gible small unmanned aircraft system in cir-
cumstances in which the governmental entity does 
not have the resources or expertise to safely carry 
out or assist in carrying out the activities described 
under subsection (a); and 
(4) support the program management capability 
of the governmental entity to use an eligible small 
unmanned aircraft system. 
(c) ELIGIBILITY.—To be eligible to receive a grant 
under this section, a governmental entity shall submit an 
application to the Secretary at such time, in such form, 
and containing such information as the Secretary may re-
quire, including an assurance that the governmental entity 
or any contractor of the governmental entity, will comply 
with relevant Federal regulations. 
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(d) SELECTION
OF APPLICANTS.—In awarding a 
grant under this section, the Secretary shall prioritize ap-
plications that propose to— 
(1) carry out a critical infrastructure project in 
a variety of communities, including urban, suburban, 
rural, tribal, or any other type of community; and 
(2) address a safety risk in the inspection, oper-
ation, construction, maintenance, or repair of an ele-
ment of critical infrastructure. 
(e) LIMITATION.—Nothing in this section shall be 
construed as to interfere with an agreement between a 
governmental entity and a labor union, including require-
ments under section 5333(b) of title 49, United States 
Code. 
(f) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 1 year 
after the first grant is provided under this section, the 
Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate a report that evaluates the program 
carried out under this section, including— 
(1) a description of the number of grants 
awarded; 
(2) the amount of each grant; 
(3) the activities funded under this section; and 
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(4) the effectiveness of such funded activities in 
meeting the objectives described in subsection (a). 
(g) FUNDING.— 
(1) FEDERAL SHARE.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in 
subparagraph (B), the Federal share of the cost 
of a project carried out using a grant under 
this section shall not exceed 50 percent of the 
total project cost. 
(B) WAIVER.—The Secretary may increase 
the Federal share requirement under subpara-
graph (A) to up to 75 percent for a project car-
ried out using a grant under this section by a 
governmental entity if such entity— 
(i) submits a written application to 
the Secretary requesting an increase in the 
Federal share; and 
(ii) demonstrates that the additional 
assistance is necessary to facilitate the ac-
ceptance and full use of a grant under this 
section, such as alleviating economic hard-
ship, meeting additional workforce needs, 
or such other uses that the Secretary de-
termines to be appropriate. 
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(2) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Out 
of amounts authorized to be appropriated under sec-
tion 106(k) of title 49, United States Code, the Sec-
retary shall make available to carry out this sec-
tion— 
(A) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; 
(B) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; 
(C) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2026; 
(D) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and 
(E) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2028. 
(h) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) COVERED
FOREIGN
ENTITY.—The term 
‘‘covered foreign entity’’ means an entity— 
(A) included on the Consolidated Screening 
List or Entity List as designated by the Sec-
retary of Commerce; 
(B) domiciled in the People’s Republic of 
China or the Russian Federation; 
(C) subject to influence or control by the 
government of the People’s Republic of China 
or by the Russian Federation; or 
(D) is a subsidiary or affiliate of an entity 
described in subparagraphs (A) through (C). 
(2) CRITICAL
INFRASTRUCTURE.—The term 
‘‘critical infrastructure’’ has the meaning given such 
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term in subsection (e) of the Critical Infrastructures 
Protection Act of 2001 (42 U.S.C. 5195c(e)). 
(3) 
ELEMENT
OF
CRITICAL
INFRASTRUC-
TURE.—The term ‘‘element of critical infrastruc-
ture’’ means a critical infrastructure facility or 
asset, including public bridges, tunnels, roads, high-
ways, dams, electric grid, water infrastructure, com-
munication systems, pipelines, or other related facili-
ties or assets, as determined by the Secretary. 
(4) ELIGIBLE
SMALL
UNMANNED
AIRCRAFT 
SYSTEM.—The term ‘‘eligible small unmanned air-
craft system’’ means a small unmanned aircraft sys-
tem manufactured or assembled by a company that 
is domiciled in the United States and is not a cov-
ered foreign entity. 
(5) GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY.—The term ‘‘gov-
ernmental entity’’ means— 
(A) a State, the District of Columbia, the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a territory of 
the United States, or a political subdivision 
thereof; 
(B) a unit of local government; 
(C) a Tribal Government; 
(D) a metropolitan planning organization; 
or 
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(E) a consortia of more than 1 of the enti-
ties described in subparagraphs (A) through 
(D). 
(6) PROJECT.—The term ‘‘project’’ means a 
project for the inspection, operation, maintenance, 
repair, modernization, or construction of an element 
of critical infrastructure, including mitigating envi-
ronmental hazards to such infrastructure. 
(7) SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT; UNMANNED 
AIRCRAFT
SYSTEM.—The terms ‘‘small unmanned 
aircraft’’ and ‘‘unmanned aircraft system’’ have the 
meanings given such terms in section 44801 of title 
49, United States Code. 
SEC. 621. DRONE EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE TRAINING 
GRANT PROGRAM. 
(a) AUTHORITY.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transpor-
tation shall establish a drone education and training grant 
program to make grants to educational institutions for 
workforce training for eligible small unmanned aircraft 
systems. 
(b) USE OF GRANT AMOUNTS.—Amounts from a 
grant under this section shall be used in furtherance of 
activities authorized under sections 631 and 632 of the 
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FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 
note). 
(c) ELIGIBILITY.—To be eligible to receive a grant 
under this section, an educational institution shall submit 
an application to the Secretary at such time, in such form, 
and containing such information as the Secretary may re-
quire. 
(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Out of 
amounts authorized to be appropriated under section 
106(k) of title 49, United States Code, the Secretary shall 
make available to carry out this section— 
(1) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; 
(2) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; 
(3) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2026; 
(4) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and 
(5) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2028. 
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) COVERED
FOREIGN
ENTITY.—The term 
‘‘covered foreign entity’’ means an entity— 
(A) included on the Consolidated Screening 
List or Entity List as designated by the Sec-
retary of Commerce; 
(B) domiciled in the People’s Republic of 
China or the Russian Federation; 
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(C) subject to influence or control by the 
government of the People’s Republic of China 
or by the Russian Federation; or 
(D) is a subsidiary or affiliate of an entity 
described in subparagraphs (A) through (C). 
(2) EDUCATIONAL
INSTITUTION.—The term 
‘‘educational institution’’ means an institution of 
higher education (as defined in section 101 of the 
High Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) that 
participates in a program authorized under sections 
631 and 632 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note). 
(3) ELIGIBLE
SMALL
UNMANNED
AIRCRAFT 
SYSTEM.—The term ‘‘eligible small unmanned air-
craft system’’ means a small unmanned aircraft sys-
tem manufactured or assembled by a company that 
is domiciled in the United States and is not a cov-
ered foreign entity. 
(4) SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT; UNMANNED 
AIRCRAFT
SYSTEM.—The terms ‘‘small unmanned 
aircraft’’ and ‘‘unmanned aircraft system’’ have the 
meanings given such terms in section 44801 of title 
49, United States Code. 
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SEC. 622. DRONE WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAM STUDY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General 
of the United States shall initiate a study of the effective-
ness of the Collegiate Training Initiative Program for Un-
manned Aircraft Systems, established pursuant to section 
632 of the FAA Reauthorization Act 2018 (49 U.S.C. 
40101 note). 
(b) REPORT.—Upon completion of the study under 
subsection (a), the Comptroller General 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 
describing— 
(1) the findings of the study; and 
(2) any recommendations to improve and ex-
pand the Collegiate Training Initiative Program for 
Unmanned Aircraft Systems. 
SEC. 623. UAS INTEGRATION OFFICE. 
The Executive Director of the UAS Integration Of-
fice of the Federal Aviation Administration shall— 
(1) support, and provide substantive rec-
ommendations for, rulemaking proceedings, in co-
ordination with other relevant services and offices 
and the Assistant Administrator of Rulemaking and 
Regulatory Improvement, regarding the integration 
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of unmanned aircraft systems into the national air-
space system; 
(2) 
support, 
and 
make 
substantive 
rec-
ommendations to inform, the review and adjudica-
tion of submissions under the processes established 
under section 44807 of title 49, United States Code, 
as amended by section 605; 
(3) 
support, 
and 
make 
substantive 
rec-
ommendations to inform, the development, modifica-
tion, and acceptance or approval of relevant con-
sensus standards, means of compliance, and declara-
tions of compliance related to unmanned aircraft 
systems; 
(4) ensure the timely consideration of airworthi-
ness and operational determinations related to un-
manned aircraft systems by relevant offices of the 
Administration; 
(5) consult, advise, coordinate with, and make 
substantive recommendations to relevant lines of 
business and staff offices of the Administration to 
support the activities of the Administration and effi-
ciently carry out the duties described in this section; 
(6) hire full-time equivalent employees, as nec-
essary, to build expertise within the UAS Integration 
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Office to assess unmanned aviation technologies and 
related operational risk mitigation; and 
(7) engage in any other activities determined 
necessary by the Executive Director or the Adminis-
trator of the Federal Aviation Administration, to ful-
fill the duties described in this section. 
SEC. 624. TERMINATION OF ADVANCED AVIATION ADVI-
SORY COMMITTEE. 
The Secretary of Transportation may not renew the 
charter of the Advanced Aviation Advisory Committee 
(chartered by the Secretary on June 10, 2022). 
SEC. 625. UNMANNED AND AUTONOMOUS FLIGHT ADVI-
SORY COMMITTEE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the 
termination of the Advanced Aviation Advisory Committee 
pursuant to section 624, the Administrator of the Federal 
Aviation Administration shall establish an Unmanned and 
Autonomous Flight Advisory Committee (in this section 
referred to as the ‘‘Advisory Committee’’). 
(b) DUTIES.—The Advisory Committee shall provide 
the Administrator advice on policy- and technical-level 
issues related to unmanned and autonomous aviation oper-
ations and activities, including, at a minimum, the fol-
lowing: 
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(1) The safe integration of unmanned aircraft 
systems and autonomous flight operations into the 
national airspace system, including feedback on— 
(A) the certification and operational stand-
ards of highly automated aircraft, unmanned 
aircraft, and associated elements of such air-
craft; 
(B) coordination of procedures for oper-
ations in controlled airspace; and 
(C) communication protocols. 
(2) The use cases of unmanned aircraft sys-
tems, including evaluating and assessing the poten-
tial benefits of using unmanned aircraft systems. 
(3) The development of processes and meth-
odologies to address safety concerns related to the 
operation of unmanned aircraft systems, including 
risk assessments and mitigation strategies. 
(4) Unmanned aircraft system training, edu-
cation, and workforce development programs, includ-
ing evaluating aeronautical knowledge gaps in the 
unmanned aircraft system workforce, assessing the 
workforce needs of unmanned aircraft system oper-
ations, and establishing a strong pipeline to ensure 
a robust unmanned aircraft system workforce. 
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(5) The analysis of unmanned aircraft system 
data and trends. 
(6) Unmanned aircraft system infrastructure, 
including the use of existing aviation infrastructure 
and the development of necessary infrastructure. 
(c) MEMBERSHIP.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Advisory Committee 
shall be composed of not more than 12 members. 
(2) REPRESENTATIVES.—The Advisory Com-
mittee shall include at least 1 representative of each 
of the following: 
(A) Small unmanned aircraft system com-
mercial operators. 
(B) Small unmanned aircraft system man-
ufacturers. 
(C) Manufacturers of unmanned aircraft 
weighing 55 pounds or more pursuing or hold-
ing a certificate for design or production of 
such unmanned aircraft. 
(D) Counter-unmanned aircraft system 
manufacturers. 
(E) Federal Aviation Administration ap-
proved unmanned aircraft system service sup-
pliers. 
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(F) Unmanned aircraft system test sites 
under section 44803 of title 49, United States 
Code. 
(G) An unmanned aircraft system physical 
infrastructure network provider. 
(H) Community advocates. 
(I) Certified labor organizations rep-
resenting commercial airline pilots, air traffic 
control specialists employed by the Administra-
tion, certified aircraft maintenance technicians, 
certified aircraft dispatchers, and aviation safe-
ty inspectors. 
(J) Operators pursuing or holding a cer-
tificate for the operation of an unmanned air-
craft weighing 55 pounds or more. 
(d) REPORTING.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Advisory Committee 
shall submit to the Secretary an annual report of the 
activities, findings, and recommendations of the 
Committee. 
(2) CONGRESSIONAL
REPORTING.—The Sec-
retary shall submit to the Committee on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure of the House of Represent-
atives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
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and Transportation of the Senate the reports re-
quired under paragraph (1). 
(e) DEFINITION OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT.—In this 
section, the term ‘‘unmanned aircraft’’ has the meaning 
given such term in section 44801 of title 49, United States 
Code. 
SEC. 626. NEXTGEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP 
EXPANSION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transpor-
tation shall take such actions as may be necessary to ex-
pand the membership of the NextGen Advisory Committee 
chartered by the Secretary on June 15, 2022, and any 
subsequent chartered committees, to include a representa-
tive from the unmanned aircraft system industry and a 
representative from the powered-lift industry. 
(b) QUALIFICATIONS.—The representatives required 
under subsection (a) shall have the following qualifica-
tions, as applicable: 
(1) Demonstrated expertise in the design, man-
ufacture, and operation of unmanned aircraft sys-
tems. 
(2) Demonstrated experience in the develop-
ment or implementation of unmanned aircraft sys-
tems policies and procedures. 
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(3) Demonstrated commitment to advancing the 
safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems into 
the national airspace system. 
SEC. 627. TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION INTEGRITY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 40103(b) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
following: 
‘‘(5)(A) In issuing a temporary flight restriction, the 
Administrator shall— 
‘‘(i) ensure there is a specific and articulable 
safety or security basis for the size, scope, and dura-
tion of such restriction; 
‘‘(ii) immediately distribute a notice of the tem-
porary flight restriction via the Notice to Air Mis-
sions system; and 
‘‘(iii) detail in the notice required under clause 
(ii)— 
‘‘(I) the safety basis for the restriction; 
and 
‘‘(II) how a covered person may lawfully 
and expeditiously operate an aircraft within the 
restriction. 
‘‘(B) In this paragraph, the term ‘covered person’ 
means— 
‘‘(i) a public safety agency; 
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‘‘(ii) a first responder; 
‘‘(iii) an accredited news representative; or 
‘‘(iv) any other person as determined appro-
priate by the Administrator.’’. 
SEC. 628. INTERAGENCY COORDINATION. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Con-
gress that— 
(1) the purpose of the joint Department of De-
fense-Federal Aviation Administration executive 
committee (referred to in this subsection as ‘‘Execu-
tive Committee’’) on conflict and dispute resolution 
as described in Section 1036(b) of the Duncan Hun-
ter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2009 (Public Law 110–417) is to resolve dis-
putes on the matters of policy and procedures be-
tween the Department of Defense and the Federal 
Aviation Administration relating to airspace, aircraft 
certifications, aircrew training, and other issues, in-
cluding the access of unmanned aerial systems of the 
Department of Defense to the national airspace sys-
tem; 
(2) by mutual agreement of Executive Com-
mittee leadership, operating with the best of inten-
tions, the current scope of activities and membership 
of the Executive Committee has exceeded the origi-
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nal intent of, and tasking to, the Executive Com-
mittee; and 
(3) the expansion described in paragraph (2) 
has resulted in an imbalance in the oversight of cer-
tain Federal entities in matters concerning civil avia-
tion safety and security. 
(b) IN GENERAL.— 
(1) CHARTER REVISION.—Not later than 180 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Ad-
ministrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
shall seek to revise the charter of the Executive 
Committee to reflect the scope, objectives, member-
ship, and activities described in such section 1036(b) 
in order to achieve the increasing, and ultimately 
routine, access of unmanned aircraft systems (as de-
fined in section 44801 of title 49, United States 
Code) into the national airspace system. 
(2) SUNSET.—Not earlier than 2 years after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
shall seek to sunset Executive Committee activities 
by joint agreement of the Administrator and the 
Secretary of Defense. 
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SEC. 
629. 
REVIEW 
OF 
REGULATIONS 
TO 
ENABLE 
UNESCORTED UAS OPERATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration shall, in coordination 
with the Secretary of Defense, conduct a review of require-
ments necessary to permit an unmanned aircraft systems 
(excluding small unmanned aircraft systems) operated by 
a Federal agency or an armed service to be operated in 
the national airspace system, including outside of re-
stricted airspace, without being escorted by a manned air-
craft. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 2 years 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 review, including findings and 
recommendations on regulatory and statutory changes 
that can be made to enable the operations described under 
subsection (a). 
(c) DEFINITIONS.—The definitions under section 
44801 of title 49, United States Code, shall apply to this 
section. 
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SEC. 630. UAS OPERATIONS OVER HIGH SEAS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—An unmanned aircraft system op-
eration that begins and ends within the United States or 
the territorial waters of the United States, shall not be 
considered international flight regardless of whether the 
unmanned aircraft system enters international airspace. 
(b) DEFINITION
OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYS-
TEM.—In this section, the term ‘‘unmanned aircraft sys-
tem’’ has the meaning given such term in section 44801 
of title 49, United States Code. 
SEC. 631. BEYOND BEYOND. 
(a) FAA BEYOND PROGRAM EXTENSION.—The 
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
shall extend the BEYOND program of the Administration 
as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of 
this Act (referred to in this section as the ‘‘Program’’) 
and the existing agreements with State, local, and Tribal 
governments entered into under the Program until such 
date, as specified in subsection (b). 
(b) FAA BEYOND PROGRAM EXPANSION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
shall expand the Program to additional locations and 
test the use of new and emerging aviation concepts 
and technologies, including concepts and tech-
nologies unrelated to unmanned aircraft systems, to 
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evaluate and inform Administration policies, rule-
making, and guidance related to the safe integration 
of such concepts and technologies into the national 
airspace system. 
(2) SCOPE.—In expanding the Program under 
this subsection, the Administrator shall address ad-
ditional factors, including— 
(A) increasing automation in civil aircraft, 
including unmanned aircraft systems and new 
or emerging aviation technologies; 
(B) operations of such systems and tech-
nologies, including beyond visual line of sight; 
and 
(C) the social and economic impacts of 
such operations. 
(3) CONTINUATION.—The Administrator shall 
carry out the expanded Program required under this 
subsection until such time that the Administrator 
determines the Program is no longer necessary or 
useful. 
SEC. 632. UAS INTEGRATION STRATEGY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator of the Federal 
Aviation Administration shall implement the recommenda-
tions made by— 
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(1) the Comptroller General of the United 
States to the Secretary of Transportation contained 
in the report titled ‘‘Drones: FAA Should Improve 
Its Approach to Integrating Drones into the Na-
tional Airspace System’’ issued in January 2023 
(GAO–23–105189); and 
(2) the inspector general of the Department of 
Transportation to the Administrator contained in 
the audit report titled ‘‘FAA Made Progress 
Through Its UAS Integration Pilot Program, but 
FAA and Industry Challenges Remain To Achieve 
Full UAS Integration’’ issued in April 2022 (Project 
ID: AV2022027). 
(b) BRIEFING.—Not later than 12 months after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall pro-
vide a briefing to the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
the Senate annually on the status of the activities de-
scribed in subsection (a). 
SEC. 633. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR KNOW 
BEFORE YOU FLY CAMPAIGN. 
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Admin-
istrator $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 
2028, out of funds made available under section 106(k) 
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of title 49, United States Code, for the Know Before You 
Fly educational campaign or similar public informational 
efforts intended to broaden unmanned aircraft systems 
safety awareness. 
SEC. 634. PUBLIC AIRCRAFT DEFINITION. 
Section 40125(a)(2) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended— 
(1) by striking the first instance of ‘‘or’’; and 
(2) by inserting ‘‘(including data collection on 
civil aviation systems undergoing research, develop-
ment, test, or evaluation at a test range (as such 
term is defined in section 44801)), infrastructure in-
spections, or any other activity undertaken by a gov-
ernmental entity that the Administrator determines 
is inherently governmental’’ after ‘‘biological or geo-
logical resource management’’. 
SEC. 635. PROTECTION OF PUBLIC GATHERINGS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration shall establish a process 
to allow applicants to request temporary prohibitions of 
unmanned aircraft operations in close proximity to an eli-
gible large public gathering for a specified period of time. 
(b) APPLICATION PROCEDURES.— 
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(1) IN GENERAL.—In making a determination 
whether to grant or deny an application for a des-
ignation, the Administrator shall consider— 
(A) aviation safety; 
(B) protection of persons and property on 
the ground; 
(C) national security; or 
(D) homeland security. 
(2) REQUIREMENTS.—The application proce-
dures under this section shall allow eligible petitions 
to apply for a prohibition individually or collectively. 
(3) ELIGIBLE
LARGE
GATHERINGS.—Large 
public gatherings eligible for application under this 
section shall— 
(A) have an estimated attendance of great-
er than 20,000 people; 
(B) be primarily outdoors; 
(C) have defined and static geographical 
boundaries; and 
(D) be advertised in the public domain. 
(4) ELIGIBLE PETITIONERS.—Applicants eligi-
ble to submit petitions for consideration in sub-
section (a) shall be a credentialed law enforcement 
organization or public safety organization otherwise 
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recognized by a Federal, State, local, Tribal, or ter-
ritorial governmental entity. 
(c) REVIEW PROCESS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall pro-
vide for a timely determination on an application 
submitted under subsection (a) to allow for the pub-
lic to be notified of a prohibition in advance of the 
public gathering. 
(2) ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT.—The Admin-
istrator shall make every practicable effort to make 
a determination on an application submitted under 
subsection (a) not later than 7 days before the ex-
pected start date of the large public gathering. 
(d) PUBLIC INFORMATION.—Temporary prohibition 
designated under subsection (a) shall be published by the 
Federal Aviation Administration in a publicly accessible 
manner, in English and other non-English languages, at 
least 2 days before the large public gathering. 
(e) SAVINGS CLAUSE.—Nothing in this section may 
be construed as prohibiting the Administrator from au-
thorizing operation of an aircraft, including an unmanned 
aircraft system, over, under, or within a specified distance 
from that large public gathering designated under sub-
section (b). 
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(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the terms ‘‘un-
manned aircraft’’ and ‘‘unmanned aircraft system’’ have 
the meanings given such terms in section 44801 of title 
49, United States Code. 
Subtitle B—Advanced Air Mobility 
SEC. 651. DEFINITION. 
In this subtitle, the term ‘‘powered-lift aircraft’’ has 
the meaning given the term ‘‘powered-lift’’ in section 1.1 
of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. 
SEC. 652. POWERED-LIFT AIRCRAFT RULEMAKINGS. 
(a) FINAL RULEMAKING.—Not later than 13 months 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
of the Federal Aviation Administration shall publish a 
final rule for a special Federal aviation regulation estab-
lishing procedures for certifying powered-lift pilots and 
providing operational rules for powered-lift aircraft. 
(b) FUTURE RULEMAKING.—Not later than 5 years 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
shall initiate a rulemaking activity providing for a perma-
nent pathway for the— 
(1) performance-based certification of powered- 
lift aircraft; 
(2) certification of powered-lift airmen; and 
(3) operation of powered-lift aircraft in com-
mercial service and air transportation. 
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(c) RULEMAKING CONSIDERATIONS.— 
(1) CONTENTS OF RULEMAKINGS.—In the de-
velopment of the rulemakings required under sub-
sections (a) and (b), the Administrator shall— 
(A) provide for any aircraft type certifi-
cated by the Administrator— 
(i) a practical pathway for pilot quali-
fication and operations; and 
(ii) performance-based requirements 
for energy reserves and other range- and 
endurance-related requirements that reflect 
the capabilities and intended operations of 
the aircraft; 
(B) provide for a combination of pilot 
training requirements, including simulators, to 
ensure the safe operation of powered-lift air-
craft; 
(C) grant an individual with an existing 
commercial airplane (single- or multi-engine) or 
helicopter pilot certificate the authority to serve 
as pilot-in-command of a powered-lift aircraft in 
commercial operation following the completion 
of a Federal Aviation Administration-approved 
pilot type rating for such type of aircraft; 
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(D) to the maximum extent practicable, 
align powered-lift pilot qualifications with sec-
tion 2.1.1.4 of the International Civil Aviation 
Organization’s Annex 1; 
(E) consider the adoption of the rec-
ommendations contained in document 10103 of 
the International Civil Aviation Organization 
for powered-lift operations, as appropriate; and 
(F) consult with the Secretary of Defense 
with regard to— 
(i) the U.S. Air Force Agility Prime 
Program and powered-lift aircraft evalu-
ated and deployed for military purposes, 
including the F35B program; 
(ii) the commonalities and differences 
between powered-lift aircraft types and the 
handling qualities of such aircraft; and 
(iii) the pathways for pilots to gain 
proficiency and earn the necessary ratings 
required to act as a pilot in command of 
powered-lift aircraft. 
(2) 
CONSIDERATIONS
FOR
FUTURE 
RULEMAKINGS.—In 
the 
development 
of 
the 
rulemakings required under subsection (b), the Ad-
ministrator shall— 
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(A) consider and plan for unmanned and 
remotely piloted powered-lift aircraft systems, 
and the associated elements of such aircraft, 
through the promulgation of performance-based 
regulations; 
(B) consider and plan for alternative fuel 
types and propulsion methods, including review-
ing the performance-based nature of parts 33 
and 35 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; 
(C) work to harmonize the certification 
and operational requirements of the Federal 
Aviation Administration with the certification 
and operational requirements of civil aviation 
authorities with bilateral safety agreements in 
place with the United States, to the extent har-
monization does not negatively impact domestic 
manufacturers and operators; and 
(D) inform such rulemakings based on op-
erations and efforts that occur as a result of 
the special Federal aviation regulation pursuant 
to subsection (b). 
(d) INTERIM APPLICATION OF RULES AND PRIVI-
LEGES IN LIEU OF RULEMAKING.—Beginning 21 months 
after the date of enactment of this Act, if a final rule has 
not been published pursuant to subsection (a)— 
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(1) rules in effect on such date that apply to 
the operation and the operator of rotorcraft or fixed- 
wing aircraft under subchapters F, G, H, and I of 
chapter 1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
shall be— 
(A) deemed to apply to— 
(i) the operation of a powered-lift air-
craft in the national airspace system; and 
(ii) the operator of such a powered-lift 
aircraft; and 
(B) applicable as determined by the oper-
ator of an airworthy powered-lift aircraft in 
consultation with the Administrator and con-
sistent with sections 91.3 and 91.13 of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations; and 
(2) upon the completion of a type rating for a 
specific powered-lift aircraft, airmen that hold a 
pilot or instructor certification with airplane cat-
egory ratings in any class or rotorcraft category rat-
ings in the helicopter class shall be deemed to have 
privileges of a powered-lift rating for that aircraft. 
(e) TERMINATION OF INTERIM RULES AND PRIVI-
LEGES.—Subsection (d) shall cease to have effect 1 month 
after the effective date of a final rule issued pursuant to 
subsection (a). 
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SEC. 653. POWERED-LIFT AIRCRAFT ENTRY INTO SERVICE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator of the Federal 
Aviation Administration shall, in consultation with exclu-
sive bargaining representatives of air traffic controllers 
certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code, 
take such actions as may be necessary to safely integrate 
powered-lift aircraft into the national airspace system, in-
cluding in controlled airspace, and learn from any efforts 
to adopt and update related policy and guidance. 
(b) AIR TRAFFIC POLICIES FOR ENTRY INTO SERV-
ICE.—Not later than 24 months after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, the Administrator shall update air traffic 
orders and policies, to the extent necessary, and address 
air traffic control system challenges in order to allow for— 
(1) the use of existing air traffic procedures, 
where safe, by powered-lift aircraft; and 
(2) the approval of letters of agreement between 
air traffic control system facilities and powered-lift 
operators and infrastructure operators to minimize 
the amount of active coordination required for safe 
recurring powered-lift aircraft operations, as appro-
priate. 
(c) LONG-TERM AIR TRAFFIC POLICIES.—Based on 
the implementation of subsection (b), the Administrator 
shall— 
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(1) continue to update air traffic orders and 
policies; 
(2) to the extent necessary, develop powered-lift 
specific procedures for airports, heliports, and 
vertiports; 
(3) evaluate the human factors impacts on con-
trollers associated with managing powered-lift air-
craft operations, consider the impact of additional 
operations on air traffic controller staffing, and 
make necessary changes to staffing, procedures, reg-
ulations, and orders; and 
(4) consider the use of third-party service pro-
viders to manage increased operations in controlled 
airspace to support and supplement the work of air 
traffic controllers. 
SEC. 654. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON PREPARATION FOR 
ENTRY INTO SERVICE OF POWERED-LIFT AIR-
CRAFT. 
It is the sense of Congress that the Administrator 
of the Federal Aviation Administration should work with 
manufacturers, prospective operators of powered-lift air-
craft, and other stakeholders, to enable the safe entry of 
such aircraft into commercial service following the publica-
tion of the final special Federal Aviation Administration 
rulemaking titled ‘‘Integration of Powered-Lift: Pilot Cer-
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tification and Operations; Miscellaneous Amendments Re-
lated to Rotorcraft and Airplanes’’, including by reviewing 
and providing feedback to such manufacturers and opera-
tors on draft pilot training, operations, and maintenance 
manuals after the publication of the draft special Federal 
Aviation Administration rulemaking and prior to the pub-
lication of a final rule, as appropriate. 
SEC. 
655. 
INFRASTRUCTURE 
SUPPORTING 
VERTICAL 
FLIGHT. 
(a) UPDATES
TO
REGULATIONS
FOR
CONSIST-
ENCY.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Ad-
ministration shall update part 1 and part 157 of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations, and other regulations as nec-
essary to implement the amendments made by section 
401. 
(b) UPDATE TO HELIPORT DESIGN STANDARDS.— 
The Administrator shall update the Advisory Circular 
150/5390–2, titled ‘‘Heliport Design’’ to— 
(1) increase the inclusion of performance-based 
guidance, including around aircraft fuel type and 
propulsion method; 
(2) update guidance to consider risk mitigations 
and hazards associated with different aircraft fuel 
types and propulsion methods; 
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(3) affirm the general permissibility of vertical 
takeoff and landing capable aircraft to use a heliport 
when such heliport can safely accommodate the 
physical and operating characteristics of such air-
craft; and 
(4) include vertiport as a subclass of heliport. 
(c) ENGINEERING BRIEF ON VERTIPORT DESIGN.— 
The Administrator may update the version of Engineering 
Brief 105, titled ‘‘Vertiport Design’’ in effect on the date 
of enactment of this Act, prior to issuing an update to 
Advisory Circular 150/5390–2, as required under sub-
section (b). 
(d) ENGINEERING BRIEF SUNSET.—The Adminis-
trator shall revoke Engineering Brief 105, titled 
‘‘Vertiport Design’’, on the earlier of— 
(1) the date on which Advisory Circular 150/ 
5390–2 is updated under subsection (b); or 
(2) 5 years after the date of enactment of this 
Act. 
(e) GUIDANCE, FORMS, AND PLANNING.—The Ad-
ministrator shall— 
(1) ensure airport district offices of the Admin-
istration have sufficient guidance and policy direc-
tion regarding the Administration’s heliport and 
vertiport design guidance not later than 18 months 
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after the date of enactment of this Act and update 
such guidance routinely; 
(2) determine if updates to Administration 
Form 7460 and Form 7480 are necessary and take 
such actions, as appropriate; and 
(3) ensure that the methodology and underlying 
data sources of the Administration’s Terminal Area 
Forecast include commercial operations conducted 
by aircraft regardless of propulsion type or fuel type. 
SEC. 656. CHARTING OF AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator of the Federal 
Aviation Administration shall increase efforts to update 
and keep current the Airport Master Record of the Admin-
istration, including by establishing a streamlined process 
by which the owners and operators of public and private 
aviation facilities with nontemporary, nonintermittent op-
erations are encouraged to keep the information on such 
facilities current. 
(b) BRIEFING.—The Administrator shall brief the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the 
plans of the Administrator to update and keep current the 
Airport Master Record for private and public airports, hel-
iports, and vertiports. 
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SEC. 657. ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY WORKING GROUP. 
Section 2 of the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination 
and Leadership Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (b) by striking ‘‘, particularly 
passenger-carrying aircraft,’’; 
(2) in subsection (d)(1) by striking subpara-
graph (D) and inserting the following: 
‘‘(D) operators of airports, heliports, and 
vertiports, and fixed-base operators;’’; 
(3) in subsection (e)— 
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) 
by striking ‘‘1 year’’ and inserting ‘‘18 
months’’; 
(B) in paragraph (3) by inserting ‘‘or that 
may impede maturation’’ after ‘‘AAM indus-
try’’; 
(C) in paragraph (7) by striking ‘‘and’’ at 
the end; 
(D) in paragraph (8) by striking the period 
at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(E) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(9) processes and programs that can be lever-
aged to improve the efficiency of Federal reviews re-
quired for infrastructure development, including for 
electrical capacity projects.’’; 
(4) in subsection (g)— 
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(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) 
by striking ‘‘working group’’ and inserting 
‘‘Secretary of Transportation’’; 
(B) in paragraph (1) by striking ‘‘and’’ at 
the end; 
(C) by redesignating paragraph (2) as 
paragraph (3); and 
(D) by inserting after paragraph (1) the 
following: 
‘‘(2) summarizing any dissenting views and 
opinions of a participant of the working group de-
scribed in subsection (c)(3); and’’; 
(5) in subsection (i)— 
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking ‘‘that 
transports people and property by air between 
two points in the United States using aircraft 
with advanced technologies, including electric 
aircraft or electric vertical take-off and landing 
aircraft,’’ and inserting ‘‘comprised of urban air 
mobility and regional air mobility using manned 
or unmanned aircraft’’; 
(B) by redesignating paragraph (5) as 
paragraph (7); 
(C) by redesignating paragraph (6) as 
paragraph (9); 
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(D) by inserting after paragraph (4) the 
following: 
‘‘(5) POWERED-LIFT
AIRCRAFT.—The term 
‘powered-lift aircraft’ has the meaning given the 
term ‘powered-lift’ in section 1.1 of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations. 
‘‘(6) REGIONAL AIR MOBILITY.—The term ‘re-
gional air mobility’ means the movement of people or 
property by air between 2 points using an airworthy 
aircraft that— 
‘‘(A) has advanced technologies, such as 
distributed propulsion, vertical take-off and 
landing, powered-lift, non-traditional power sys-
tems, or autonomous technologies; 
‘‘(B) has a maximum takeoff weight of 
greater than 1,320 pounds; and 
‘‘(C) is not urban air mobility.’’; 
(E) by inserting after paragraph (7), as so 
redesignated, the following: 
‘‘(8) URBAN AIR MOBILITY.—The term ‘urban 
air mobility’ means the movement of people or prop-
erty by air between 2 intracity or intercity points 
using an airworthy aircraft that— 
‘‘(A) advanced technologies, such as dis-
tributed propulsion, vertical take-off and land-
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ing, powered-lift, nontraditional power systems, 
or autonomous technologies; and 
‘‘(B) a maximum takeoff weight of greater 
than 1,320 pounds.’’; and 
(F) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(10) VERTIPORT.—The term ‘vertiport’ has 
the meaning given such term in section 47102 of 
title 49, United States Code.’’; 
(6) by redesignating subsection (i) as subsection 
(j); and 
(7) by inserting after subsection (h) the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(i) CONSIDERATIONS FOR TERMINATION OF WORK-
ING GROUP.—In deciding whether to terminate the work-
ing group under subsection (h), the Secretary and the Ad-
ministrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall 
consider other interagency coordination activities associ-
ated with AAM, or other new or novel users of the national 
airspace system, that could benefit from continued wider 
interagency coordination.’’. 
SEC. 658. ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY INFRASTRUCTURE 
PILOT PROGRAM EXTENSION. 
Section 101 of division Q of the Consolidated Appro-
priations Act, 2023 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (b)— 
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(A) in paragraph (2)— 
(i) in subparagraph (A) by inserting 
‘‘, as well as the use of existing airport and 
heliport infrastructure that may require 
modifications to safely accommodate AAM 
operations,’’ after ‘‘vertiport infrastruc-
ture’’; and 
(ii) in subparagraph (B)— 
(I) in clause (iii) by striking 
‘‘vertiport’’ and inserting ‘‘locations 
for’’; 
(II) in clause (iv) by inserting 
‘‘and guidance’’ after ‘‘any stand-
ards’’; 
(III) in clause (v) by striking 
‘‘vertiport infrastructure’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘urban air mobility and regional 
air mobility operations’’; and 
(IV) in clause (x) by inserting 
‘‘or the modification of existing avia-
tion infrastructure’’ after ‘‘operation 
of a vertiport’’; 
(B) in paragraph (4)(B) by inserting ‘‘the 
Department of Defense, the National Guard,’’ 
before ‘‘or’’; and 
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(C) in paragraph (6)(B)— 
(i) in clause (i) by striking ‘‘and’’ at 
the end; 
(ii) in clause (ii) by striking the pe-
riod at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(iii) by adding at the end the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(iii) a description of— 
‘‘(I) initial community engage-
ment efforts and responses from the 
public on the planning and develop-
ment efforts of eligible entities related 
to urban air mobility and regional air 
mobility operations; 
‘‘(II) how eligible entities are 
planning for and encouraging early 
adoption of urban air mobility and re-
gional air mobility operations; 
‘‘(III) what role each level of gov-
ernment plays in the process; and 
‘‘(IV) whether such entities rec-
ommend specific regulatory or guid-
ance actions be taken by the Secretary 
of Transportation or other Federal 
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agencies in order to support such 
early adoption.’’; 
(2) in subsection (c)(1)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘years 2023 and 2024’’ 
and inserting ‘‘years 2023 through 2026’’; and 
(B) by inserting before the period ‘‘out of 
funds made available under section 106(k) of 
title 49, United States Code’’; 
(3) in subsection (d) by striking ‘‘2024’’ and in-
serting ‘‘2026’’ each place it appears; and 
(4) in subsection (e)— 
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and insert-
ing the following: 
‘‘(1) ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY; AAM; REGIONAL 
AIR MOBILITY; URBAN AIR MOBILITY; VERTIPORT.— 
The terms ‘advanced air mobility’, ‘AAM’, ‘regional 
air mobility’, ‘urban air mobility’, and ‘vertiport’ 
have the meaning given such terms in section 2(j) of 
the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leader-
ship Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note).’’; and 
(B) by striking paragraphs (9) and (10). 
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Subtitle C—Other Provisions 
SEC. 681. REPORT ON NATIONAL SPACEPORTS POLICY. 
Section 580(c)(3) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
2018 (Public Law 115–254) is amended by striking 
‘‘2024’’ and inserting ‘‘2028’’. 
SEC. 682. INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUC-
TURE IMPROVEMENT PILOT PROGRAM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may establish a 
pilot program to issue grants to operators of launch and 
reentry sites for projects to construct, repair, maintain, 
or improve transportation infrastructure and facilities at 
such sites. 
(b) PILOT PROGRAM QUALIFICATIONS.—The Sec-
retary may enter into agreements under this section to 
issue a grant to an operator only if the operator— 
(1) has submitted an application to the Sec-
retary in such form, at such time, and containing 
such information as prescribed by the Secretary; 
(2) demonstrates to the Secretary’s satisfaction 
that the project for which the application has been 
submitted is for an eligible purpose under subsection 
(c); and 
(3) agrees to maintain such records relating to 
the grant as the Secretary may require and to make 
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