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(d) PART 121 AIR CARRIER DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘‘part 121 air carrier’’ means an air carrier 
that holds a certificate issued under part 121 of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations. 
SEC. 305. ADVANCED COCKPIT DISPLAYS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration shall initiate a review of 
heads-up display systems, heads-down display systems em-
ploying synthetic vision systems, and enhanced vision sys-
tems (in this section referred to as ‘‘HUD systems’’, 
‘‘SVS’’, and ‘‘EVS’’, respectively). 
(b) CONTENTS.—The review shall— 
(1) evaluate the impacts of single- and dual-in-
stalled HUD systems, SVS, and EVS on the safety 
and efficiency of aircraft operations within the na-
tional airspace system; and 
(2) review a sufficient quantity of commercial 
aviation accidents or incidents in order to evaluate 
if HUD systems, SVS, and EVS would have pro-
duced a better outcome in that accident or incident. 
(c) CONSULTATION.—In conducting the review, the 
Administrator shall consult with aviation manufacturers, 
representatives of pilot groups, aviation safety organiza-
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tions, and any government agencies the Administrator 
considers appropriate. 
(d) 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 containing the results of the review, the actions the 
Administrator plans to take with respect to the systems 
reviewed, and the associated timeline for such actions. 
SEC. 306. MARKING OF TOWERS. 
Section 2110 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Se-
curity Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44718 note) is amended— 
(1) by striking subsections (a) through (c) and 
inserting the following: 
‘‘(a) APPLICATION.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—Except as provided by 
paragraph (2), not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
2018 or the availability of the database developed by 
the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Adminis-
tration pursuant to subsection (c), whichever is 
later, all covered towers shall be either— 
‘‘(A) clearly marked consistent with appli-
cable guidance in the advisory circular of the
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Federal Aviation Administration issued Decem-
ber 4, 2015 (AC 70/7460–IL); or 
‘‘(B) included in the database described in 
subsection (c). 
‘‘(2) METEOROLOGICAL EVALUATION TOWER.— 
A covered tower that is a meteorological evaluation 
tower shall be subject to the requirements of para-
graphs (1)(A) and (1)(B).’’; 
(2) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as 
subsections (b) and (c), respectively; 
(3) in subsection (b)(1)(A) (as so redesig-
nated)— 
(A) in clause (i)(I) by striking ‘‘self-stand-
ing or’’ and inserting ‘‘a meteorological evalua-
tion tower or tower’’; and 
(B) in clause (ii)— 
(i) in subclause (IV) by striking ‘‘or’’ 
at the end; 
(ii) in subclause (V) by striking the 
period at the end and inserting a semi-
colon; and 
(iii) by adding at the end the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(VI) is located within the right- 
of-way of a rail carrier, including
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within the boundaries of a rail yard, 
and is used for a railroad purpose; 
‘‘(VII) is determined by the Ad-
ministrator to pose no hazard to air 
navigation; or 
‘‘(VIII) has already mitigated 
any hazard to aviation safety in ac-
cordance with Federal Aviation Ad-
ministration guidance or as otherwise 
approved by the Administrator.’’; and 
(4) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated)— 
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and insert-
ing the following: 
‘‘(1) develop a database that contains the loca-
tion and height of each covered tower that, pursuant 
to subsection (a), the owner or operator of such 
tower elects not to mark, except that meteorological 
evaluation towers shall be marked and contained in 
the database;’’; 
(B) in paragraph (3) by striking ‘‘and’’ at 
the end; 
(C) in paragraph (4) by striking the period 
at the end and inserting a semicolon; and 
(D) by adding at the end the following:
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‘‘(5) ensure that the tower information in the 
database is de-identified and that the information 
only includes the location and height of covered tow-
ers; and 
‘‘(6) make the database available for use not 
later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the 
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.’’. 
SEC. 307. CABIN EVACUATION. 
(a) REVIEW.—The Administrator of the Federal 
Aviation Administration shall review— 
(1) evacuation certification of transport-cat-
egory aircraft used in air transportation, with regard 
to— 
(A) emergency conditions, including im-
pacts into water; 
(B) crew procedures used for evacuations 
under actual emergency conditions; and 
(C) any relevant changes to passenger de-
mographics and legal requirements (including 
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) 
that affect emergency evacuations; and 
(2) recent accidents and incidents where pas-
sengers evacuated such aircraft. 
(b) CONSULTATION; REVIEW
OF DATA.—In con-
ducting the review, the Administrator shall—
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(1) consult with the National Transportation 
Safety Board, transport-category aircraft manufac-
turers, air carriers, and other relevant experts and 
Federal agencies, including groups representing pas-
sengers, airline crewmembers, maintenance employ-
ees, and emergency responders; and 
(2) review relevant data with respect to evacu-
ation certification of transport-category aircraft. 
(c) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 1 year 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and In-
frastructure of the House of Representatives and the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate a report on the results of the review and related 
recommendations, if any, including any recommendations 
for revisions to the assumptions and methods used for as-
sessing evacuation certification of transport-category air-
craft. 
SEC. 308. ODA STAFFING AND OVERSIGHT. 
(a) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 270 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
of the Federal Aviation Administration shall submit to the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Com-
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merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report 
on the Administration’s progress with respect to— 
(1) determining what additional model inputs 
and labor distribution codes are needed to identify 
ODA oversight staffing needs; 
(2) developing and implementing system-based 
evaluation criteria and risk-based tools to aid ODA 
team members in targeting their oversight activities; 
(3) developing agreements and processes for 
sharing resources to ensure adequate oversight of 
ODA personnel performing certification and inspec-
tion work at supplier and company facilities; and 
(4) ensuring full utilization of ODA authority. 
(b) ODA DEFINED.—In this section, the term 
‘‘ODA’’ has the meaning given that term in section 44736 
of title 49, United States Code, as added by this Act. 
SEC. 309. EMERGENCY MEDICAL EQUIPMENT ON PAS-
SENGER AIRCRAFT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration shall evaluate and revise, 
as appropriate, regulations in part 121 of title 14, Code 
of Federal Regulations, regarding emergency medical 
equipment, including the contents of first-aid kits, applica-
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ble to all certificate holders operating passenger aircraft 
under that part. 
(b) CONSIDERATION.—In carrying out subsection (a), 
the Administrator shall consider whether the minimum 
contents of approved emergency medical kits, including 
approved first-aid kits, include appropriate medications 
and equipment to meet the emergency medical needs of 
children and pregnant women. 
SEC. 310. HIMS PROGRAM. 
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Ad-
ministration shall conduct a human intervention motiva-
tion study (HIMS) program for flight crewmembers em-
ployed by commercial air carriers operating in United 
States airspace. 
SEC. 311. ACCEPTANCE OF VOLUNTARILY PROVIDED SAFE-
TY INFORMATION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—There shall be a presumption that 
an individual’s voluntary disclosure of an operational or 
maintenance issue related to aviation safety under an avia-
tion safety action program meets the criteria for accept-
ance as a valid disclosure under such program. 
(b) DISCLAIMER REQUIRED.—Any dissemination of 
a disclosure that was submitted and accepted under an 
aviation safety action program pursuant to the presump-
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tion under subsection (a), but that has not undergone re-
view by an event review committee, shall be accompanied 
by a disclaimer stating that the disclosure— 
(1) has not been reviewed by an event review 
committee tasked with reviewing such disclosures; 
and 
(2) may subsequently be determined to be ineli-
gible for inclusion in the aviation safety action pro-
gram. 
(c) REJECTION OF DISCLOSURE.—A disclosure de-
scribed under subsection (a) shall be rejected from an 
aviation safety action program if, after a review of the dis-
closure, an event review committee tasked with reviewing 
such disclosures determines that the disclosure fails to 
meet the criteria for acceptance under such program. 
(d) AVIATION
SAFETY
ACTION
PROGRAM
DE-
FINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘aviation safety action 
program’’ means a program established in accordance with 
Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular 120– 
66B, issued November 15, 2002 (including any similar 
successor advisory circular), to allow an individual to vol-
untarily disclose operational or maintenance issues related 
to aviation safety.
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SEC. 312. FLIGHT ATTENDANT DUTY PERIOD LIMITATIONS 
AND REST REQUIREMENTS. 
(a) MODIFICATION OF FINAL RULE.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 30 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Transportation shall modify the final rule of the 
Federal Aviation Administration published in the 
Federal Register on August 19, 1994 (59 Fed. Reg. 
42974; relating to flight attendant duty period limi-
tations and rest requirements) in accordance with 
the requirements of this subsection. 
(2) CONTENTS.—The final rule, as modified 
under paragraph (1), shall ensure that— 
(A) a flight attendant scheduled to a duty 
period of 14 hours or less is given a scheduled 
rest period of at least 10 consecutive hours; and 
(B) the rest period is not reduced under 
any circumstances. 
(b) FATIGUE RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN.— 
(1) SUBMISSION OF PLAN BY PART 121 AIR CAR-
RIERS.—Not later than 90 days after the date of en-
actment of this Act, each air carrier operating under 
part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (in 
this section referred to as a ‘‘part 121 air carrier’’), 
shall submit to the Administrator of the Federal 
Aviation Administration for review and acceptance a
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fatigue risk management plan for the carrier’s flight 
attendants. 
(2) CONTENTS OF PLAN.—A fatigue risk man-
agement plan submitted by a part 121 air carrier 
under paragraph (1) shall include the following: 
(A) Current flight time and duty period 
limitations. 
(B) A rest scheme consistent with such 
limitations that enables the management of 
flight attendant fatigue, including annual train-
ing to increase awareness of— 
(i) fatigue; 
(ii) the effects of fatigue on flight at-
tendants; and 
(iii) fatigue countermeasures. 
(C) Development and use of a methodology 
that continually assesses the effectiveness of im-
plementation of the plan, including the ability 
of the plan— 
(i) to improve alertness; and 
(ii) to mitigate performance errors. 
(3) REVIEW.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
shall review and accept or reject each fatigue risk 
management plan submitted under this subsection.
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If the Administrator rejects a plan, the Adminis-
trator shall provide suggested modifications for re-
submission of the plan. 
(4) PLAN UPDATES.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—A part 121 air carrier 
shall update its fatigue risk management plan 
under paragraph (1) every 2 years and submit 
the update to the Administrator for review and 
acceptance. 
(B) REVIEW.—Not later than 1 year after 
the date of submission of a plan update under 
subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall re-
view and accept or reject the update. If the Ad-
ministrator rejects an update, the Adminis-
trator shall provide suggested modifications for 
resubmission of the update. 
(5) COMPLIANCE.—A part 121 air carrier shall 
comply with the fatigue risk management plan of the 
air carrier that is accepted by the Administrator 
under this subsection. 
(6) CIVIL PENALTIES.—A violation of this sub-
section by a part 121 air carrier shall be treated as 
a violation of chapter 447 of title 49, United States 
Code, for purposes of the application of civil pen-
alties under chapter 463 of that title.
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SEC. 313. SECONDARY COCKPIT BARRIERS. 
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Ad-
ministration shall issue an order requiring the installation 
of a secondary cockpit barrier on each aircraft that is 
manufactured for delivery to a passenger air carrier in the 
United States operating under the provisions of part 121 
of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. 
SEC. 314. AVIATION MAINTENANCE INDUSTRY TECHNICAL 
WORKFORCE. 
(a) WORKFORCE READINESS.—The Administrator of 
the Federal Aviation Administration shall coordinate with 
government, educational institutions, labor organizations 
representing aviation maintenance workers, and busi-
nesses to develop guidance or model curricula for aviation 
maintenance technician schools certificated under part 
147 of title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations to en-
sure workforce readiness for industry needs, including cur-
ricula related to training in avionics, troubleshooting, and 
other areas of industry needs. 
(1) Not later than 1 year after the date of en-
actment of this Act, the Administrator shall publish 
the guidance or model curricula. 
(2) The Administrator shall publish updates to 
the guidance or model curricula at least once every 
2 years from the date of initial publication.
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(b) STUDY.—The Comptroller General of the United 
States shall conduct a study on technical workers in the 
aviation maintenance industry. 
(c) CONTENTS.—In conducting the study, the Comp-
troller General shall— 
(1) analyze the current Standard Occupational 
Classification system with regard to the aviation 
profession, particularly technical workers in the avia-
tion maintenance industry; 
(2) analyze how changes to the Federal employ-
ment classification of aviation maintenance industry 
workers might affect government data on unemploy-
ment rates and wages; 
(3) analyze how changes to the Federal employ-
ment classification of aviation maintenance industry 
workers might affect projections for future aviation 
maintenance industry workforce needs and project 
technical worker shortfalls; 
(4) analyze the impact of Federal regulation, 
including Federal Aviation Administration oversight 
of certification, testing, and education programs, on 
employment of technical workers in the aviation 
maintenance industry; 
(5) develop recommendations on how Federal 
Aviation Administration regulations and policies
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could be improved to address aviation maintenance 
industry needs for technical workers; 
(6) develop recommendations for better coordi-
nating actions by government, educational institu-
tions, and businesses to support workforce growth in 
the aviation maintenance industry; and 
(7) develop recommendations for addressing the 
needs for government funding, private investment, 
equipment for training purposes, and other re-
sources necessary to strengthen existing training 
programs or develop new training programs to sup-
port workforce growth in the aviation industry. 
(d) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date 
of 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 on the results of the study. 
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the following defi-
nitions apply: 
(1) AVIATION MAINTENANCE INDUSTRY.—The 
term ‘‘aviation maintenance industry’’ means repair 
stations certificated under part 145 of title 14, Code 
of Federal Regulations.
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(2) TECHNICAL WORKER.—The term ‘‘technical 
worker’’ means an individual authorized under part 
43 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to main-
tain, rebuild, alter, or perform preventive mainte-
nance on an aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, pro-
peller, appliance, or component part or employed by 
an entity so authorized to perform such a function. 
SEC. 315. CRITICAL AIRFIELD MARKINGS. 
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Ad-
ministration shall issue a request for proposal for a study 
that includes— 
(1) an independent, third party study to assess 
the durability of Type III and Type I glass beads 
applied to critical markings over a 2-year period at 
not fewer than 2 primary airports in varying weath-
er conditions to measure the retroreflectivity levels 
of such markings on a quarterly basis; and 
(2) a study at 2 other airports carried out by 
applying Type III beads on half of the centerline 
and Type I beads to the other half and providing for 
assessments from pilots through surveys adminis-
tered by a third party as to the visibility and per-
formance of the Type III glass beads as compared 
to the Type I glass beads over a 1-year period.
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SEC. 316. REGULATORY REFORM. 
Section 106(p)(5) of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting ‘‘or aerospace’’ after ‘‘aviation’’. 
SEC. 317. FAA AND NTSB REVIEW OF GENERAL AVIATION 
SAFETY. 
(a) STUDY REQUIRED.—Not later than 30 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 initiate a study of general aviation safety. 
(b) STUDY CONTENTS.—The study required under 
subsection (a) shall include— 
(1) a review of all general aviation accidents 
since 2000, including a review of— 
(A) the number of such accidents; 
(B) the number of injuries and fatalities, 
including with respect to both occupants of air-
craft and individuals on the ground, as a result 
of such accidents; 
(C) the number of such accidents inves-
tigated by the National Transportation Safety 
Board; 
(D) the number of such accidents inves-
tigated by the Federal Aviation Administration; 
and
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(E) a summary of the factual findings and 
probable cause determinations with respect to 
such accidents; 
(2) an assessment of the most common prob-
able cause determinations issued for general aviation 
accidents since 2000; 
(3) an assessment of the most common facts 
analyzed by the Federal Aviation Administration and 
the National Transportation Safety Board in the 
course of investigations of general aviation accidents 
since 2000, including operational details; 
(4) a review of the safety recommendations of 
the National Transportation Safety Board related to 
general aviation accidents since 2000; 
(5) an assessment of the responses of the Fed-
eral Aviation Administration and the general avia-
tion community to the safety recommendations of 
the National Transportation Safety Board related to 
general aviation accidents since 2000; 
(6) an assessment of the most common general 
aviation safety issues; 
(7) a review of the total costs to the Federal 
Government to conduct investigations of general 
aviation accidents over the last 10 years; and
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(3) a review of reportable accidents and inci-
dents involving airline engines during calendar years 
2014 through 2018, including any identified contrib-
uting factors to the reportable accident or incident; 
and 
(4) a process for stakeholders, including inspec-
tors, manufacturers, maintenance providers, airlines, 
and aviation safety experts, to provide feedback and 
share best practices. 
(c) REPORT
AND RECOMMENDATIONS.—Not later 
than 90 days after the conclusion of the Call to Action 
safety review pursuant to subsection (a), the Adminis-
trator 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 and 
any recommendations for actions or best practices to im-
prove airline engine safety. 
SEC. 319. SPECIAL RULE FOR CERTAIN AIRCRAFT OPER-
ATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 447 of title 49, United 
States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended 
by adding at the end the following:
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‘‘§ 44737. Special rule for certain aircraft operations 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The operator of an aircraft with 
a special airworthiness certificate in the experimental cat-
egory may— 
‘‘(1) operate the aircraft for the purpose of con-
ducting a commercial space transportation support 
flight; and 
‘‘(2) conduct such flight under such certificate 
carrying persons or property for compensation or 
hire notwithstanding any rule or term of a certificate 
issued by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration that would prohibit flight for com-
pensation or hire. 
‘‘(b) LIMITED APPLICABILITY.—Subsection (a) shall 
apply only to a commercial space transportation support 
flight that satisfies each of the following: 
‘‘(1) The aircraft conducting the commercial 
space transportation support flight— 
‘‘(A) takes flight and lands at a single site 
that is licensed for operation under chapter 509 
of title 51; and 
‘‘(B) is used only to simulate space flight 
conditions in support of— 
‘‘(i) training for potential space flight 
participants or crew (as those terms are 
defined in chapter 509 of title 51); or
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‘‘(ii) the testing of hardware to be 
used in space flight. 
‘‘(2) The operator of the commercial space 
transportation support flight— 
‘‘(A) informs, in writing, any individual 
serving as crew of the aircraft that the United 
States Government has not certified the aircraft 
as safe for carrying crew or passengers prior to 
executing any contract or other arrangement to 
employ that individual (or, in the case of an in-
dividual already employed as of the date of en-
actment of this section, prior to any commercial 
space transportation support flight in which the 
individual will participate as crew); 
‘‘(B) prior to receiving any compensation 
for carrying any passengers on the aircraft— 
‘‘(i) informs, in writing, the pas-
sengers about the risks of the aircraft and 
commercial space transportation support 
flight, including the safety record for the 
operator’s fleet of similar vehicle types and 
information sufficient to adequately de-
scribe the safety record for the vehicle type 
regardless of operator; and
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‘‘(ii) informs, in writing, any pas-
senger that the United States Government 
has not certified the aircraft as safe for 
carrying crew or passengers; 
‘‘(C) provides any passenger an oppor-
tunity to ask questions orally to acquire a bet-
ter understanding of the safety record of the 
aircraft and commercial space transportation 
support flight; and 
‘‘(D) obtains written informed consent 
from any individual serving as crew and all pas-
sengers of the commercial space transportation 
support flight that— 
‘‘(i) identifies the specific aircraft the 
consent covers; 
‘‘(ii) states that the individual under-
stands the risk and that the presence of 
the individual on board the aircraft is vol-
untary; and 
‘‘(iii) is signed and dated by the indi-
vidual. 
‘‘(3) When the aircraft is also a launch vehicle, 
reentry vehicle, or component of a launch or reentry 
vehicle, the operator of the aircraft holds a license
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or permit issued under chapter 509 of title 51 for 
that vehicle or vehicle component. 
‘‘(4) Any other requirements that the Adminis-
trator may prescribe to permit a commercial space 
transportation support flight under this section. 
‘‘(c) RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.— 
‘‘(1) Section 44711(a)(1) shall not apply to a 
person conducting a commercial space transpor-
tation support flight under this section only to the 
extent that a term of the experimental certificate 
under which the person is operating the aircraft pro-
hibits the carriage of persons or property for com-
pensation or hire. 
‘‘(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed 
to limit the authority of the Administrator to exempt 
a person from a regulatory prohibition on the car-
riage of persons or property for compensation or 
hire subject to terms and conditions other than 
those described in this section.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chap-
ter 447 of title 49, United States Code, as amended by 
this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘44737. Special rule for certain aircraft operations.’’.
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SEC. 320. EXIT ROWS. 
(a) REVIEW.—The Administrator of the Federal 
Aviation Administration shall conduct a review of current 
safety procedures regarding unoccupied exit rows on a cov-
ered aircraft in passenger air transportation during all 
stages of flight. 
(b) CONSULTATION.—In carrying out the review, the 
Administrator shall consult with air carriers, aviation 
manufacturers, and labor stakeholders. 
(c) 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 on the results of the review. 
(d) COVERED AIRCRAFT DEFINED.—In this section, 
the term ‘‘covered aircraft’’ means an aircraft operating 
under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. 
SEC. 321. COMPTROLLER GENERAL REPORT ON FAA EN-
FORCEMENT POLICY. 
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States 
shall complete a study, and report to the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the United States Senate on the
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results thereof, on the effectiveness of Order 8000.373, 
Federal Aviation Administration Compliance Philosophy, 
announced on June 26, 2015. Such study shall include 
information about— 
(1) whether reports of safety incidents in-
creased following the order; 
(2) whether reduced enforcement penalties in-
creased the overall number of safety incidents that 
occurred; and 
(3) whether FAA enforcement staff registered 
complaints about reduced enforcement reducing 
compliance with safety regulations. 
Subtitle B—Unmanned Aircraft 
Systems 
SEC. 331. DEFINITIONS. 
Except as otherwise provided, the definitions con-
tained in section 45501 of title 49, United States Code 
(as added by this Act), shall apply to this subtitle. 
SEC. 332. CODIFICATION OF EXISTING LAW; ADDITIONAL 
PROVISIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subtitle VII of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by inserting after chapter 453 
the following:
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‘‘CHAPTER 455—UNMANNED AIRCRAFT 
SYSTEMS 
‘‘45501. Definitions. 
‘‘45502. Integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems into national airspace 
system. 
‘‘45503. Risk-based permitting of unmanned aircraft systems. 
‘‘45504. Public unmanned aircraft systems. 
‘‘45505. Special rules for certain unmanned aircraft systems. 
‘‘45506. Certification of new air navigation facilities for unmanned aircraft and 
other aircraft. 
‘‘45507. Special rules for certain UTM and low-altitude CNS. 
‘‘45508. Operation of small unmanned aircraft. 
‘‘45509. Exception for limited recreational operations of unmanned aircraft. 
‘‘45510. Carriage of property for compensation or hire. 
‘‘45511. Micro UAS operations. 
‘‘§ 45501. Definitions 
‘‘In this chapter, the following definitions apply: 
‘‘(1) AERIAL
DATA
COLLECTION.—The term 
‘aerial data collection’ means the gathering of data 
by a device aboard an unmanned aircraft during 
flight, including imagery, sensing, and measurement 
by such device. 
‘‘(2) ARCTIC.—The term ‘Arctic’ means the 
United States zone of the Chukchi Sea, Beaufort 
Sea, and Bering Sea north of the Aleutian chain. 
‘‘(3) CERTIFICATE
OF
WAIVER; CERTIFICATE 
OF AUTHORIZATION.—The terms ‘certificate of waiv-
er’ and ‘certificate of authorization’ mean a Federal 
Aviation Administration grant of approval for a spe-
cific flight operation.
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•HR 4 EH1S 
‘‘(4) CNS.—The term ‘CNS’ means a commu-
nication, navigation, or surveillance system or serv-
ice. 
‘‘(5) MODEL AIRCRAFT.—the term ‘model air-
craft’ means an unmanned aircraft that is— 
‘‘(A) capable of sustained flight in the at-
mosphere; 
‘‘(B) flown within visual line of sight of the 
person operating the aircraft; and 
‘‘(C) flown for hobby or recreational pur-
poses. 
‘‘(6) PERMANENT AREAS.—The term ‘perma-
nent areas’ means areas on land or water that pro-
vide for launch, recovery, and operation of small un-
manned aircraft. 
‘‘(7) PUBLIC UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM.— 
The term ‘public unmanned aircraft system’ means 
an unmanned aircraft system that meets the quali-
fications and conditions required for operation of a 
public aircraft (as defined in section 40102(a)). 
‘‘(8) SENSE-AND-AVOID CAPABILITY.—The term 
‘sense-and-avoid capability’ means the capability of 
an unmanned aircraft to remain a safe distance 
from and to avoid collisions with other airborne air-
craft.
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•HR 4 EH1S 
‘‘(9) SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT.—The term 
‘small unmanned aircraft’ means an unmanned air-
craft weighing less than 55 pounds, including every-
thing that is on board or otherwise attached to the 
aircraft. 
‘‘(10) UNMANNED AIRCRAFT.—The term ‘un-
manned aircraft’ means an aircraft that is operated 
without the possibility of direct human intervention 
from within or on the aircraft. 
‘‘(11) UNMANNED
AIRCRAFT
SYSTEM.—The 
term ‘unmanned aircraft system’ means an un-
manned aircraft and associated elements (including 
communication links and the components that con-
trol the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the 
pilot in command to operate safely and efficiently in 
the national airspace system. 
‘‘(12) UTM.—The term ‘UTM’ means an un-
manned aircraft traffic management system or serv-
ice. 
‘‘§ 45502. Integration of civil unmanned aircraft sys-
tems into national airspace system 
‘‘(a) REQUIRED PLANNING FOR INTEGRATION.— 
‘‘(1) COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.—Not later than 
November 10, 2012, the Secretary of Transpor-
tation, in consultation with representatives of the
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aviation industry, Federal agencies that employ un-
manned aircraft systems technology in the national 
airspace system, and the unmanned aircraft systems 
industry, shall develop a comprehensive plan to safe-
ly accelerate the integration of civil unmanned air-
craft systems into the national airspace system. 
‘‘(2) CONTENTS OF PLAN.—The plan required 
under paragraph (1) shall contain, at a minimum, 
recommendations or projections on— 
‘‘(A) the rulemaking to be conducted under 
subsection (b), with specific recommendations 
on how the rulemaking will— 
‘‘(i) define the acceptable standards 
for operation and certification of civil un-
manned aircraft systems; 
‘‘(ii) ensure that any civil unmanned 
aircraft system includes a sense-and-avoid 
capability; and 
‘‘(iii) establish standards and require-
ments for the operator and pilot of a civil 
unmanned 
aircraft 
system, 
including 
standards and requirements for registra-
tion and licensing; 
‘‘(B) the best methods to enhance the tech-
nologies and subsystems necessary to achieve
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•HR 4 EH1S 
the safe and routine operation of civil un-
manned aircraft systems in the national air-
space system; 
‘‘(C) a phased-in approach to the integra-
tion of civil unmanned aircraft systems into the 
national airspace system; 
‘‘(D) a timeline for the phased-in approach 
described under subparagraph (C); 
‘‘(E) creation of a safe airspace designa-
tion for cooperative manned and unmanned 
flight operations in the national airspace sys-
tem; 
‘‘(F) establishment of a process to develop 
certification, flight standards, and air traffic re-
quirements for civil unmanned aircraft systems 
at test ranges where such systems are subject 
to testing; 
‘‘(G) the best methods to ensure the safe 
operation of civil unmanned aircraft systems 
and public unmanned aircraft systems simulta-
neously in the national airspace system; and 
‘‘(H) incorporation of the plan into the an-
nual NextGen Implementation Plan document 
(or any successor document) of the Federal 
Aviation Administration.
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•HR 4 EH1S 
‘‘(3) DEADLINE.—The plan required under 
paragraph (1) shall provide for the safe integration 
of civil unmanned aircraft systems into the national 
airspace system as soon as practicable, but not later 
than September 30, 2015. 
‘‘(4) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 
February 14, 2013, the Secretary shall submit to 
Congress a copy of the plan required under para-
graph (1). 
‘‘(5) ROADMAP.—Not later than February 14, 
2013, the Secretary shall approve and make avail-
able in print and on the Administration’s internet 
website a 5-year roadmap for the introduction of 
civil unmanned aircraft systems into the national 
airspace system, as coordinated by the Unmanned 
Aircraft Program Office of the Administration. The 
Secretary shall update, in coordination with the Ad-
ministrator of the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration (NASA) and relevant stakeholders, 
including those in industry and academia, the road-
map annually. The roadmap shall include, at a min-
imum— 
‘‘(A) cost estimates, planned schedules, 
and performance benchmarks, including specific 
tasks, milestones, and timelines, for unmanned
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•HR 4 EH1S 
aircraft systems integration into the national 
airspace system, including an identification of— 
‘‘(i) the role of the unmanned aircraft 
systems test ranges established under sub-
section (c) and the Unmanned Aircraft 
Systems Center of Excellence; 
‘‘(ii) performance objectives for un-
manned aircraft systems that operate in 
the national airspace system; and 
‘‘(iii) research and development prior-
ities for tools that could assist air traffic 
controllers as unmanned aircraft systems 
are integrated into the national airspace 
system, as appropriate; 
‘‘(B) a description of how the Administra-
tion plans to use research and development, in-
cluding research and development conducted 
through NASA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems 
Traffic Management initiatives, to accommo-
date, integrate, and provide for the evolution of 
unmanned aircraft systems in the national air-
space system; 
‘‘(C) an assessment of critical performance 
abilities necessary to integrate unmanned air-
craft systems into the national airspace system,
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•HR 4 EH1S 
and how these performance abilities can be 
demonstrated; and 
‘‘(D) an update on the advancement of 
technologies needed to integrate unmanned air-
craft systems into the national airspace system, 
including decisionmaking by adaptive systems, 
such as sense-and-avoid capabilities and cyber 
physical systems security. 
‘‘(b) RULEMAKING.—Not later than 18 months after 
the date on which the plan required under subsection 
(a)(1) is submitted to Congress under subsection (a)(4), 
the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register— 
‘‘(1) a final rule on small unmanned aircraft 
systems that will allow for civil operation of such 
systems in the national airspace system, to the ex-
tent the systems do not meet the requirements for 
expedited operational authorization under section 
45508; 
‘‘(2) a notice of proposed rulemaking to imple-
ment the recommendations of the plan required 
under subsection (a)(1), with the final rule to be 
published not later than 16 months after the date of 
publication of the notice; and
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•HR 4 EH1S 
‘‘(3) an update to the Administration’s most re-
cent policy statement on unmanned aircraft systems, 
contained in Docket No. FAA–2006–25714. 
‘‘(c) EXPANDING USE
OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT 
SYSTEMS IN ARCTIC.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than August 12, 
2012, the Secretary shall develop a plan and initiate 
a process to work with relevant Federal agencies and 
national and international communities to designate 
permanent areas in the Arctic where small un-
manned aircraft may operate 24 hours per day for 
research and commercial purposes. The plan for op-
erations in these permanent areas shall include the 
development of processes to facilitate the safe oper-
ation of unmanned aircraft beyond line of sight. 
Such areas shall enable over-water flights from the 
surface to at least 2,000 feet in altitude, with in-
gress and egress routes from selected coastal launch 
sites. 
‘‘(2) AGREEMENTS.—To implement the plan 
under paragraph (1), the Secretary may enter into 
an agreement with relevant national and inter-
national communities. 
‘‘(3) AIRCRAFT APPROVAL.—Not later than 1 
year after the entry into force of an agreement nec-
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•HR 4 EH1S 
essary to effectuate the purposes of this subsection, 
the Secretary shall work with relevant national and 
international communities to establish and imple-
ment a process, or may apply an applicable process 
already established, for approving the use of un-
manned aircraft in the designated permanent areas 
in the Arctic without regard to whether an un-
manned aircraft is used as a public aircraft, a civil 
aircraft, or a model aircraft. 
‘‘§ 45503. Risk-based permitting of unmanned aircraft 
systems 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 120 days after 
the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator 
of the Federal Aviation Administration shall establish pro-
cedures for issuing permits under this section with respect 
to certain unmanned aircraft systems and operations 
thereof. 
‘‘(b) PERMITTING STANDARDS.—Upon the submis-
sion of an application in accordance with subsection (d), 
the Administrator shall issue a permit with respect to the 
proposed operation of an unmanned aircraft system if the 
Administrator determines that the unmanned aircraft sys-
tem and the proposed operation achieve a level of safety 
that is equivalent to—
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•HR 4 EH1S 
‘‘(1) other unmanned aircraft systems and op-
erations permitted under regulation, exemption, or 
other authority granted by the Administrator; or 
‘‘(2) any other aircraft operation approved by 
the Administrator with similar risk characteristics or 
profiles. 
‘‘(c) SAFETY CRITERIA
FOR CONSIDERATION.—In 
determining whether a proposed operation meets the 
standards described in subsection (b), the Administrator 
shall consider the following safety criteria: 
‘‘(1) The kinetic energy of the unmanned air-
craft system. 
‘‘(2) The location of the proposed operation, in-
cluding the proximity to— 
‘‘(A) structures; 
‘‘(B) congested areas; 
‘‘(C) special-use airspace; and 
‘‘(D) persons on the ground. 
‘‘(3) The nature of the operation, including any 
proposed risk mitigation. 
‘‘(4) Any known hazard of the proposed oper-
ation and the severity and likelihood of such hazard. 
‘‘(5) Any known failure modes of the unmanned 
aircraft system, failure mode effects and criticality, 
and any mitigating features or capabilities.
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•HR 4 EH1S 
‘‘(6) The operational history of relevant tech-
nologies, if available. 
‘‘(7) Any history of civil penalties or certificate 
actions by the Administrator against the applicant 
seeking the permit. 
‘‘(8) Any other safety criteria the Administrator 
considers appropriate. 
‘‘(d) APPLICATION.—An application under this sec-
tion shall include evidence that the unmanned aircraft sys-
tem and the proposed operation thereof meet the stand-
ards described in subsection (b) based on the criteria de-
scribed in subsection (c). 
‘‘(e) SCOPE OF PERMIT.—A permit issued under this 
section shall— 
‘‘(1) be valid for 5 years; 
‘‘(2) constitute approval of both the airworthi-
ness of the unmanned aircraft system and the pro-
posed operation of such system; 
‘‘(3) be renewable for additional 5-year periods; 
and 
‘‘(4) contain any terms necessary to ensure 
aviation safety. 
‘‘(f) NOTICE.—Not later than 120 days after the Ad-
ministrator receives a complete application under sub-
section (d), the Administrator shall provide the applicant
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•HR 4 EH1S 
written notice of a decision to approve or disapprove of 
the application or to request a modification of the applica-
tion that is necessary for approval of the application. 
‘‘(g) PERMITTING
PROCESS.—The Administrator 
shall issue a permit under this section without regard to 
subsections (b) through (d) of section 553 of title 5 and 
chapter 35 of title 44 if the Administrator determines that 
the operation permitted will not occur near a congested 
area. 
‘‘(h) EXEMPTION FROM CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS.— 
To the extent consistent with aviation safety, the Adminis-
trator may exempt applicants under this section from 
paragraphs (1) through (3) of section 44711(a). 
‘‘(i) WITHDRAWAL.—The Administrator may, at any 
time, modify or withdraw a permit issued under this sec-
tion. 
‘‘(j) APPLICABILITY.—This section shall not apply to 
small unmanned aircraft systems and operations author-
ized by the final rule on small unmanned aircraft systems 
issued pursuant to section 45502(b)(1). 
‘‘(k) EXPEDITED REVIEW.—The Administrator shall 
review and act upon applications under this section on an 
expedited basis for unmanned aircraft systems and oper-
ations thereof to be used primarily in, or primarily in di-
rect support of, emergency preparedness, emergency re-
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•HR 4 EH1S 
sponse, or disaster recovery efforts, including efforts in 
connection with natural disasters and severe weather 
events. 
‘‘§ 45504. Public unmanned aircraft systems 
‘‘(a) GUIDANCE.—Not later than November 10, 
2012, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue guidance 
regarding the operation of public unmanned aircraft sys-
tems to— 
‘‘(1) expedite the issuance of a certificate of au-
thorization process; 
‘‘(2) provide for a collaborative process with 
public agencies to allow for an incremental expan-
sion of access to the national airspace system as 
technology matures and the necessary safety anal-
ysis and data become available, and until standards 
are completed and technology issues are resolved; 
‘‘(3) facilitate the capability of public agencies 
to develop and use test ranges, subject to operating 
restrictions required by the Federal Aviation Admin-
istration, to test and operate unmanned aircraft sys-
tems; and 
‘‘(4) provide guidance on a public entity’s re-
sponsibility when operating an unmanned aircraft 
without a civil airworthiness certificate issued by the 
Administration.
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•HR 4 EH1S 
‘‘(b) STANDARDS
FOR OPERATION
AND CERTIFI-
CATION.—Not later than December 31, 2015, the Admin-
istrator shall develop and implement operational and cer-
tification requirements for the operation of public un-
manned aircraft systems in the national airspace system. 
‘‘(c) AGREEMENTS
WITH
GOVERNMENT
AGEN-
CIES.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than May 14, 
2012, the Secretary shall enter into agreements with 
appropriate government agencies to simplify the 
process for issuing certificates of waiver or author-
ization with respect to applications seeking author-
ization to operate public unmanned aircraft systems 
in the national airspace system. 
‘‘(2) CONTENTS.—The agreements shall— 
‘‘(A) with respect to an application de-
scribed in paragraph (1)— 
‘‘(i) provide for an expedited review of 
the application; 
‘‘(ii) require a decision by the Admin-
istrator on approval or disapproval within 
60 business days of the date of submission 
of the application; and 
‘‘(iii) allow for an expedited appeal if 
the application is disapproved;
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•HR 4 EH1S 
‘‘(B) allow for a one-time approval of simi-
lar operations carried out during a fixed period 
of time; and 
‘‘(C) allow a government public safety 
agency to operate unmanned aircraft weighing 
4.4 pounds or less, if operated— 
‘‘(i) within the line of sight of the op-
erator; 
‘‘(ii) less than 400 feet above the 
ground; 
‘‘(iii) during daylight conditions; 
‘‘(iv) within Class G airspace; and 
‘‘(v) outside of 5 statute miles from 
any airport, heliport, seaplane base, space-
port, or other location with aviation activi-
ties. 
‘‘§ 45505. Special rules for certain unmanned aircraft 
systems 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other re-
quirement of this subtitle, and not later than August 12, 
2012, the Secretary of Transportation shall determine if 
certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in 
the national airspace system before completion of the plan 
and rulemaking required by section 45502 or the guidance 
required under section 45504.
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•HR 4 EH1S 
‘‘(b) ASSESSMENT OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYS-
TEMS.—In making the determination under subsection 
(a), the Secretary shall determine, at a minimum— 
‘‘(1) which types of unmanned aircraft systems, 
if any, as a result of their size, weight, speed, oper-
ational capability, proximity to airports and popu-
lated areas, and operation within visual line of sight 
do not create a hazard to users of the national air-
space system or the public or pose a threat to na-
tional security; and 
‘‘(2) whether a certificate of waiver, certificate 
of authorization, or airworthiness certification under 
section 44704 is required for the operation of un-
manned aircraft systems identified under paragraph 
(1). 
‘‘(c) REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFE OPERATION.—If the 
Secretary determines under this section that certain un-
manned aircraft systems may operate safely in the na-
tional airspace system, the Secretary shall establish re-
quirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems 
in the national airspace system. 
‘‘§ 45506. Certification of new air navigation facilities 
for unmanned aircraft and other aircraft 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 18 months after 
the date of enactment of this section, and notwithstanding
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•HR 4 EH1S 
section 2208 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security 
Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note), the Administrator 
of the Federal Aviation Administration shall initiate a 
rulemaking to establish procedures for issuing air naviga-
tion facility certificates pursuant to section 44702 to oper-
ators of— 
‘‘(1) UTM for unmanned aircraft operations 
that occur primarily or exclusively in airspace 400 
feet above ground level and below; and 
‘‘(2) low-altitude CNS for aircraft operations 
that occur primarily or exclusively in airspace 400 
feet above ground level and below. 
‘‘(b) MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS.—In issuing a final 
rule pursuant to subsection (a), the Administrator, at a 
minimum, shall provide for the following: 
‘‘(1) CERTIFICATION STANDARDS.—The Admin-
istrator shall issue an air navigation facility certifi-
cate under the final rule if the Administrator deter-
mines that a UTM or low-altitude CNS facilitates or 
improves the safety of unmanned aircraft or other 
aircraft operations that occur primarily or exclu-
sively in airspace 400 feet above ground level and 
below, including operations conducted under a waiv-
er issued pursuant to subpart D of part 107 of title 
14, Code of Federal Regulations.
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•HR 4 EH1S 
‘‘(2) CRITERIA FOR CONSIDERATION.—In deter-
mining whether a UTM or low-altitude CNS meets 
the standard described in paragraph (1), the Admin-
istrator shall, as appropriate, consider— 
‘‘(A) protection of persons and property on 
the ground; 
‘‘(B) remote identification of aircraft; 
‘‘(C) collision avoidance with respect to ob-
stacles and aircraft; 
‘‘(D) deconfliction of aircraft trajectories; 
‘‘(E) safe and reliable interoperability or 
noninterference with air traffic control and 
other systems operated in the national airspace 
system; 
‘‘(F) detection of noncooperative aircraft; 
‘‘(G) geographic and local factors; 
‘‘(H) aircraft equipage; and 
‘‘(I) qualifications, if any, necessary to op-
erate the UTM or low-altitude CNS. 
‘‘(3) APPLICATION.—An application for an air 
navigation facility certificate under the final rule 
shall include evidence that the UTM or low-altitude 
CNS meets the standard described in paragraph (1) 
based on the criteria described in paragraph (2).
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•HR 4 EH1S 
‘‘(4) SCOPE OF CERTIFICATE.—The Adminis-
trator shall ensure that an air navigation facility 
certificate issued under the final rule— 
‘‘(A) constitutes approval of the UTM or 
low-altitude CNS for the duration of the term 
of the certificate; 
‘‘(B) constitutes authorization to operate 
the UTM or low-altitude CNS for the duration 
of the term of the certificate; and 
‘‘(C) contains such limitations and condi-
tions as may be necessary to ensure aviation 
safety. 
‘‘(5) NOTICE.—Not later than 120 days after 
the Administrator receives a complete application 
under the final rule, the Administrator shall provide 
the applicant with a written approval, disapproval, 
or request to modify the application. 
‘‘(6) LOW RISK AREAS.—Under the final rule, 
the Administrator shall establish expedited proce-
dures for approval of UTM or low-altitude CNS op-
erated in— 
‘‘(A) airspace away from congested areas; 
or
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•HR 4 EH1S 
‘‘(B) other airspace above areas in which 
operations of unmanned aircraft pose very low 
risk. 
‘‘(7) EXEMPTION
FROM
CERTAIN
REQUIRE-
MENTS.—To the extent consistent with aviation safe-
ty, the Administrator may exempt applicants under 
the final rule from requirements under sections 
44702, 44703, and 44711. 
‘‘(8) CERTIFICATE
MODIFICATIONS
AND
REV-
OCATIONS.—A certificate issued under the final rule 
may, at any time, be modified or revoked by the Ad-
ministrator. 
‘‘(c) CONSULTATION.—In carrying out this section, 
the Administrator shall consult with other Federal agen-
cies, as appropriate. 
‘‘§ 45507. Special rules for certain UTM and low-alti-
tude CNS 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other re-
quirement of this chapter, and not later than 120 days 
after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary 
of Transportation shall determine if certain UTM and low- 
altitude CNS may operate safely in the national airspace 
system before completion of the rulemaking required by 
section 45506.
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•HR 4 EH1S 
‘‘(b) ASSESSMENT
OF UTM AND LOW-ALTITUDE 
CNS.—In making the determination under subsection (a), 
the Secretary shall determine, at a minimum, which types 
of UTM and low-altitude CNS, if any, as a result of their 
operational capabilities, reliability, intended use, and areas 
of operation, and the characteristics of the aircraft in-
volved, do not create a hazard to users of the national 
airspace system or the public. 
‘‘(c) REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFE OPERATION.—If the 
Secretary determines that certain UTM and low-altitude 
CNS may operate safely in the national airspace system, 
the Secretary shall establish requirements for their safe 
operation in the national airspace system. 
‘‘(d) EXPEDITED PROCEDURES.—The Secretary shall 
provide expedited procedures for reviewing and approving 
UTM or low-altitude CNS operated to monitor or control 
aircraft operated primarily or exclusively in airspace 
above— 
‘‘(1) croplands; 
‘‘(2) areas other than congested areas; and 
‘‘(3) other areas in which the operation of un-
manned aircraft poses very low risk. 
‘‘(e) CONSULTATION.—In carrying out this section, 
the Administrator shall consult with other Federal agen-
cies, as appropriate.
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•HR 4 EH1S 
‘‘§ 45508. Operation of small unmanned aircraft 
‘‘(a) EXEMPTION AND CERTIFICATE OF WAIVER OR 
AUTHORIZATION FOR CERTAIN OPERATIONS.—Not later 
than 270 days after the date of enactment of this section, 
the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
shall establish a procedure for granting an exemption and 
issuing a certificate of waiver or authorization for the op-
eration of a small unmanned aircraft system in United 
States airspace for the purposes described in section 
45501(1). 
‘‘(b) OPERATION OF EXEMPTION AND CERTIFICATE 
OF WAIVER OR AUTHORIZATION.— 
‘‘(1) 
EXEMPTION.—An 
exemption 
granted 
under this section shall— 
‘‘(A) exempt the operator of a small un-
manned aircraft from the provisions of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations, that are exempted 
in Exemption No. 11687, issued on May 26, 
2015, Regulatory Docket Number FAA–2015– 
0117, or in a subsequent exemption; and 
‘‘(B) contain conditions and limitations de-
scribed in paragraphs 3 through 31 of such Ex-
emption No. 11687, or conditions and limita-
tions of a subsequent exemption. 
‘‘(2) CERTIFICATE OF WAIVER OR AUTHORIZA-
TION.—A certificate of waiver or authorization
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•HR 4 EH1S 
issued under this section shall allow the operation of 
small unmanned aircraft according to— 
‘‘(A) the standard provisions and air traf-
fic control special provisions of the certificate of 
waiver or authorization FAA Form 7711–1 (7– 
74); or 
‘‘(B) the standard and special provisions of 
a subsequent certificate of waiver or authoriza-
tion. 
‘‘(c) NOTICE TO ADMINISTRATOR.—Before operating 
a small unmanned aircraft pursuant to a certificate of 
waiver or authorization granted under this section, the op-
erator shall provide written notice to the Administrator, 
in a form and manner specified by the Administrator, that 
contains such information and assurances as the Adminis-
trator determines necessary in the interest of aviation 
safety and the efficiency of the national airspace system, 
including a certification that the operator has read, under-
stands, and will comply with all terms, conditions, and lim-
itations of the certificate of waiver or authorization. 
‘‘(d) WAIVER OF AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE.— 
Notwithstanding section 44711(a)(1), the holder of a cer-
tificate of waiver or authorization granted under this sec-
tion may operate a small unmanned aircraft under the
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•HR 4 EH1S 
terms, conditions, and limitations of such certificate with-
out an airworthiness certificate. 
‘‘(e) PROCEDURE.—The granting of an exemption or 
the issuance of a certificate of waiver or authorization, or 
any other action authorized by this section, shall be made 
without regard to— 
‘‘(1) section 553 of title 5; or 
‘‘(2) chapter 35 of title 44. 
‘‘(f) STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this 
section may be construed to— 
‘‘(1) affect the issuance of a rule by or any 
other activity of the Secretary of Transportation or 
the Administrator under any other provision of law; 
or 
‘‘(2) invalidate an exemption or certificate of 
waiver or authorization issued by the Administrator 
before the date of enactment of this section. 
‘‘(g) EFFECTIVE PERIODS.—An exemption or certifi-
cate of waiver or authorization issued under this section, 
or an amendment of such exemption or certificate, shall 
cease to be valid on the effective date of a final rule on 
small unmanned aircraft systems issued under section 
45502(b)(1).
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•HR 4 EH1S 
‘‘§ 45509. Exception for limited recreational oper-
ations of unmanned aircraft 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in subsection 
(e), and notwithstanding chapter 447 of title 49, United 
States Code, a person may operate a small unmanned air-
craft without specific certification or operating authority 
from the Federal Aviation Administration if the operation 
adheres to all of the following limitations: 
‘‘(1) The aircraft is flown strictly for rec-
reational purposes. 
‘‘(2) The aircraft is operated in accordance with 
or within the programming of a community-based 
set of safety guidelines that conform with published 
Federal Aviation Administration advisory materials. 
‘‘(3) The aircraft is flown within the visual line 
of sight of the person operating the aircraft or a vis-
ual observer co-located and in direct communication 
with the operator. 
‘‘(4) The aircraft is operated in a manner that 
does not interfere with and gives way to any manned 
aircraft. 
‘‘(5) In Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace 
or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area 
of Class E airspace designated for an airport, the 
operator obtains prior authorization from the Ad-
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•HR 4 EH1S 
ministrator or designee before operating and com-
plies with all airspace restrictions and prohibitions. 
‘‘(6) In Class G airspace, the aircraft is flown 
from the surface to not more than 400 feet above 
ground level and complies with all airspace restric-
tions and prohibitions. 
‘‘(7) The operator has passed an aeronautical 
knowledge and safety test described in subsection (g) 
and administered by the Federal Aviation Adminis-
tration online for the operation of unmanned aircraft 
systems and maintains proof of test passage to be 
made available to the Administrator or law enforce-
ment upon request. 
‘‘(8) The aircraft is registered and marked in 
accordance with chapter 441 of this title and proof 
of registration is made available to the Adminis-
trator or a designee of the Administrator or law en-
forcement upon request. 
‘‘(b) OTHER OPERATIONS.—Unmanned aircraft op-
erations that do not conform to the limitations in sub-
section (a) must comply with all statutes and regulations 
generally applicable to unmanned aircraft and unmanned 
aircraft systems. 
‘‘(c) OPERATIONS AT FIXED SITES.—
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•HR 4 EH1S 
‘‘(1) OPERATING PROCEDURE REQUIRED.—Per-
sons operating unmanned aircraft under subsection 
(a) from a fixed site within Class B, Class C, or 
Class D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of 
the surface area of Class E airspace designated for 
an airport, or a community-based organization con-
ducting a sanctioned event within such airspace, 
shall establish a mutually agreed upon operating 
procedure with the air traffic control facility. 
‘‘(2) UNMANNED
AIRCRAFT
WEIGHING
MORE 
THAN 55 POUNDS.—A person may operate an un-
manned aircraft weighing more than 55 pounds, in-
cluding the weight of anything attached to or carried 
by the aircraft, under subsection (a) if— 
‘‘(A) the unmanned aircraft complies with 
standards and limitations developed by a com-
munity-based organization and approved by the 
Administrator; and 
‘‘(B) the aircraft is operated from a fixed 
site as described in paragraph (1). 
‘‘(d) UPDATES.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator, in con-
sultation with government and industry stake-
holders, including community-based organizations, 
shall initiate a process to periodically update the
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•HR 4 EH1S 
operational parameters under subsection (a), as ap-
propriate. 
‘‘(2) CONSIDERATIONS.—In updating an oper-
ational parameter under paragraph (1), the Admin-
istrator shall consider— 
‘‘(A) appropriate operational limitations to 
mitigate risks to aviation safety and national 
security, including risk to the uninvolved public 
and critical infrastructure; 
‘‘(B) operations outside the membership, 
guidelines, and programming of a community- 
based organization; 
‘‘(C) physical characteristics, technical 
standards, and classes of aircraft operating 
under this section; 
‘‘(D) trends in use, enforcement, or inci-
dents involving unmanned aircraft systems; 
‘‘(E) ensuring, to the greatest extent prac-
ticable, that updates to the operational param-
eters correspond to, and leverage, advances in 
technology; and 
‘‘(F) equipage requirements that facilitate 
safe, efficient, and secure operations and fur-
ther integrate all unmanned aircraft into the 
National Airspace System.
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‘‘(3) SAVINGS CLAUSE.—Nothing in this sub-
section shall be construed as expanding the author-
ity of the Administrator to require a person oper-
ating an unmanned aircraft under this section to 
seek permissive authority of the Administrator, be-
yond that required in subsection (a) of this section, 
prior to operation in the National Airspace System. 
‘‘(e) STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this 
section shall be construed to limit the authority of the Ad-
ministrator to pursue an enforcement action against a per-
son operating any unmanned aircraft who endangers the 
safety of the National Airspace System. 
‘‘(f) EXCEPTIONS.—Nothing in this section prohibits 
the Administrator from promulgating rules generally ap-
plicable to unmanned aircraft, including those unmanned 
aircraft eligible for the exception set forth in this section, 
relating to— 
‘‘(1) updates to the operational parameters for 
unmanned aircraft in subsection (a); 
‘‘(2) the registration and marking of unmanned 
aircraft; 
‘‘(3) the standards for remotely identifying 
owners and operators of unmanned aircraft systems 
and associated unmanned aircraft; and
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‘‘(4) other standards consistent with maintain-
ing the safety and security of the National Airspace 
System. 
‘‘(g) AERONAUTICAL
KNOWLEDGE
AND
SAFETY 
TEST.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of this section, the Ad-
ministrator, in consultation with manufacturers of 
unmanned aircraft systems, other industry stake-
holders, and community-based aviation organiza-
tions, shall develop an aeronautical knowledge and 
safety test that can be administered electronically. 
‘‘(2) REQUIREMENTS.—The Administrator shall 
ensure the aeronautical knowledge and safety test is 
designed to adequately demonstrate an operator’s— 
‘‘(A) understanding of aeronautical safety 
knowledge; and 
‘‘(B) knowledge of Federal Aviation Ad-
ministration regulations and requirements per-
taining to the operation of an unmanned air-
craft system in the National Airspace System. 
‘‘§ 45510. Carriage of property for compensation or 
hire 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this section, the Secretary of Trans-
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‘‘(A) registration with the Department of 
Transportation; and 
‘‘(B) a valid small UAS air carrier certifi-
cate as described in paragraph (1). 
‘‘§ 45511. Micro UAS operations 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 60 days after the 
date of enactment of this section, the Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration shall charter an aviation 
rulemaking advisory committee to develop recommenda-
tions for regulations under which any person may operate 
a micro unmanned aircraft system, the aircraft component 
of which weighs 4.4 pounds or less, including payload, 
without the person operating the system being required 
to pass any airman certification requirement, including 
any requirements under section 44703, part 61 of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations, or any other rule or regula-
tion relating to airman certification. 
‘‘(b) CONSIDERATIONS.—In developing recommenda-
tions for the operation of micro unmanned aircraft sys-
tems under subsection (a), the members of the aviation 
rulemaking advisory committee shall consider rules for op-
eration of such systems— 
‘‘(1) at an altitude of less than 400 feet above 
ground level;
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‘‘(2) with an airspeed of not greater than 40 
knots; 
‘‘(3) within the visual line of sight of the oper-
ator; 
‘‘(4) during the hours between sunrise and sun-
set; 
‘‘(5) by an operator who has passed an aero-
nautical knowledge and safety test administered by 
the Federal Aviation Administration online specifi-
cally for the operation of micro unmanned aircraft 
systems, with such test being of a length and dif-
ficulty that acknowledges the reduced operational 
complexity and low risk of micro unmanned aircraft 
systems; 
‘‘(6) not over unprotected persons uninvolved in 
its operation; and 
‘‘(7) at least 5 statute miles from the geo-
graphic center of a tower-controlled airport or air-
port denoted on a current Federal Aviation Adminis-
tration-published aeronautical chart, except that a 
micro unmanned aircraft system may be operated 
closer than 5 statute miles to the airport if the oper-
ator— 
‘‘(A) provides prior notice to the airport 
operator; and
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‘‘(B) receives, for a tower-controlled air-
port, prior approval from the air traffic control 
facility located at the airport. 
‘‘(c) CONSULTATION.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In developing recommenda-
tions for recommended regulations under subsection 
(a), the aviation rulemaking advisory committee 
shall consult with— 
‘‘(A) unmanned aircraft systems stake-
holders, including manufacturers of micro un-
manned aircraft systems; 
‘‘(B) community-based aviation organiza-
tions; 
‘‘(C) the Center of Excellence for Un-
manned Aircraft Systems; and 
‘‘(D) appropriate Federal agencies. 
‘‘(2) FACA.—The Federal Advisory Committee 
Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to an aviation 
rulemaking advisory committee chartered under this 
section. 
‘‘(d) RULEMAKING.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of receipt of the recommendations under sub-
section (a), the Administrator shall issue regulations in-
corporating recommendations of the aviation rulemaking
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advisory committee that provide for the operation of micro 
unmanned aircraft systems in the United States— 
‘‘(1) without an airman certificate; and 
‘‘(2) without an airworthiness certificate for the 
associated unmanned aircraft. 
‘‘(e) SCOPE OF REGULATIONS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In determining whether a 
person may operate an unmanned aircraft system 
under 1 or more of the circumstances described 
under paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (b), 
the Administrator shall use a risk-based approach 
and consider, at a minimum, the physical and func-
tional characteristics of the unmanned aircraft sys-
tem. 
‘‘(2) LIMITATION.—The Administrator may 
only issue regulations under this section for un-
manned aircraft systems that the Administrator de-
termines may be operated safely in the national air-
space system pursuant to those regulations. 
‘‘(f) RULES
OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this 
section may be construed— 
‘‘(1) to prohibit a person from operating an un-
manned aircraft system under a circumstance de-
scribed under paragraphs (1) through (3) of sub-
section (b) if—
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‘‘(A) the circumstance is allowed by regula-
tions issued under this section; and 
‘‘(B) the person operates the unmanned 
aircraft system in a manner prescribed by the 
regulations; or 
‘‘(2) to limit or affect in any way the Adminis-
trator’s authority to conduct a rulemaking, make a 
determination, or carry out any activity related to 
unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft systems 
under any other provision of law.’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) REPEALS.— 
(A) 
IN
GENERAL.—Sections 
332(a), 
332(b), 332(d), 333, 334, and 336 of the FAA 
Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 
U.S.C. 40101 note) are repealed. 
(B) CLERICAL
AMENDMENT.—The items 
relating to sections 333, 334, and 336 of the 
FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 
(49 U.S.C. 40101 note) in the table of contents 
contained in section 1(b) of that Act are re-
pealed. 
(2) PENALTIES.—Section 46301 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(A) in subsection (a)—
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(i) in paragraph (1)(A) by inserting 
‘‘chapter 455,’’ after ‘‘chapter 451,’’; and 
(ii) in paragraph (5)(A)(i) by striking 
‘‘or chapter 451,’’ and inserting ‘‘chapter 
451, chapter 455,’’; 
(B) in subsection (d)(2) by inserting 
‘‘chapter 455,’’ after ‘‘chapter 451,’’; and 
(C) in subsection (f)(1)(A)(i) by striking 
‘‘or chapter 451’’ and inserting ‘‘chapter 451, 
or chapter 455’’. 
(3) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for 
subtitle VII of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting after the item relating to 
chapter 453 the following: 
‘‘455. Unmanned aircraft systems ..............................................45501’’. 
SEC. 333. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT TEST RANGES. 
(a) EXTENSION OF PROGRAM.—Section 332(c)(1) of 
the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 
U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended by striking ‘‘September 
30, 2019’’ and inserting ‘‘the date that is 6 years after 
the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act 
of 2018’’. 
(b) SENSE-AND-AVOID AND BEYOND LINE OF SIGHT 
SYSTEMS AT TEST RANGES.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—To the extent consistent 
with aviation safety, the Administrator of the Fed-
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eral Aviation Administration shall permit and en-
courage flights of unmanned aircraft equipped with 
sense-and-avoid and beyond line of sight systems at 
the 6 test ranges designated under section 332(c) of 
the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. 
(2) WAIVERS.—In carrying out paragraph (1), 
the Administrator may waive the requirements of 
section 44711 of title 49, United States Code, in-
cluding related regulations, to the extent consistent 
with aviation safety. 
(c) TEST RANGE DEFINED.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—In this section, the term 
‘‘test range’’ means a defined geographic area where 
research and development are conducted as author-
ized by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration. 
(2) INCLUSIONS.—Such term includes any of 
the 6 test ranges established by the Administrator of 
the Federal Aviation Administration under section 
332(c) of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act 
of 2012, as in effect on the day before the date of 
enactment of this subsection, and any public entity 
authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration 
as an unmanned aircraft system flight test center 
before January 1, 2009.