(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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100 
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. FUNDING FOR ADDITIONAL SAFETY NEEDS. 
Section 44704 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(f) FUNDING FOR ADDITIONAL SAFETY NEEDS.— 
‘‘(1) ACCEPTANCE
OF
APPLICANT-PROVIDED 
FUNDS.—Notwithstanding any other provision of 
law, the Administrator may accept funds from an 
applicant for a certificate under this section to hire 
additional staff or obtain the services of consultants 
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101 
and experts to facilitate the timely processing, re-
view, and issuance of certificates under this section. 
‘‘(2) RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Nothing in this sec-
tion may be construed as permitting the Admin-
istrator to grant priority or afford any pref-
erence to an applicant providing funds under 
paragraph (1). 
‘‘(B) POLICIES
AND
PROCEDURES.—The 
Administrator shall implement such policies and 
procedures as may be required to ensure that 
the acceptance of funds under paragraph (1) 
does not prejudice the Administrator in the 
issuance of any certificate to an applicant. 
‘‘(3) RECEIPTS CREDITED AS OFFSETTING COL-
LECTIONS.—Notwithstanding section 3302 of title 
31, any funds accepted under this subsection— 
‘‘(A) shall be credited as offsetting collec-
tions to the account that finances the activities 
and services for which the funds are accepted; 
‘‘(B) shall be available for expenditure only 
to pay the costs of activities and services for 
which the funds are accepted; and 
‘‘(C) shall remain available until ex-
pended.’’. 
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102 
SEC. 310. FUNDING FOR ADDITIONAL FAA LICENSING 
NEEDS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 509 of title 51, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘§ 50924. Funding to facilitate FAA licensing 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other pro-
vision of law, the Secretary of Transportation may accept 
funds from a person applying for a license or permit under 
this chapter to hire additional staff or obtain the services 
of consultants and experts— 
‘‘(1) to facilitate the timely processing, review, 
and issuance of licenses or permits issued under this 
chapter; 
‘‘(2) to conduct environmental activities, stud-
ies, or reviews associated with such licenses or per-
mits; or 
‘‘(3) to conduct additional activities associated 
with or necessitated by such licenses or permits, in-
cluding pre-application consultation, hazard area de-
termination, or on-site inspection. 
‘‘(b) RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—Nothing in this section 
may be construed as permitting the Secretary to 
grant priority or afford any preference to an appli-
cant providing funds under subsection (a). 
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103 
‘‘(2) POLICIES
AND
PROCEDURES.—The Sec-
retary shall implement such policies and procedures 
as may be required to ensure that the acceptance of 
funds under subsection (a) does not prejudice the 
Secretary in the issuance of any license or permit to 
an applicant. 
‘‘(c) RECEIPTS CREDITED AS OFFSETTING COLLEC-
TIONS.—Notwithstanding section 3302 of title 31, any 
funds accepted under this section— 
‘‘(1) shall be credited as offsetting collections to 
the account that finances the activities and services 
for which the funds are accepted; 
‘‘(2) shall be available for expenditure only to 
pay the costs of activities and services for which the 
funds are accepted; and 
‘‘(3) shall remain available until expended.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chap-
ter 509 of title 51, United States Code, is amended by 
adding at the end the following: 
‘‘50924. Funding to facilitate FAA licensing.’’. 
SEC. 311. 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 
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104 
of Federal Regulations, regarding emergency medical 
equipment, including the contents of first-aid kits, applica-
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. 
SEC. 312. 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. 313. 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. 
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106 
untarily disclose operational or maintenance issues related 
to aviation safety. 
SEC. 314. 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 
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107 
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 
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. 
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108 
(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. 
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. 
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109 
(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. 
SEC. 315. 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. 316. AVIATION MAINTENANCE INDUSTRY TECHNICAL 
WORKFORCE. 
(a) STUDY.—The Comptroller General of the United 
States shall conduct a study on technical workers in the 
aviation maintenance industry. 
(b) 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; 
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110 
(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 
could be improved to address aviation maintenance 
industry needs for technical workers; and 
(6) develop recommendations for better coordi-
nating actions by government, educational institu-
tions, and businesses to support workforce growth in 
the aviation maintenance industry. 
(c) 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-
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111 
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. 
(d) 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. 
(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. 317. 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-
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112 
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. 
SEC. 318. REGULATORY REFORM. 
Section 106(p)(5) of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting ‘‘or aerospace’’ after ‘‘aviation’’. 
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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113 
‘‘CHAPTER 455—UNMANNED AIRCRAFT 
SYSTEMS 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘45501. Definitions. 
‘‘45502. Integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems into national airspace 
system. 
‘‘45503. Risk-based permitting of unmanned aircraft systems. 
‘‘45504. Public unmanned aircraft systems. 
‘‘45505. Special rules for certain unmanned aircraft systems. 
‘‘45506. 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. Special rules for model 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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‘‘(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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‘‘(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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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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‘‘(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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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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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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‘‘(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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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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‘‘(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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‘‘(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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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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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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‘‘(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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‘‘(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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‘‘(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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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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‘‘(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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‘‘(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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‘‘(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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‘‘(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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‘‘§ 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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‘‘§ 45509. Special rules for model aircraft 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other pro-
vision of law relating to the incorporation of unmanned 
aircraft systems into Federal Aviation Administration 
plans and policies, including this subtitle, the Adminis-
trator of the Federal Aviation Administration may not 
promulgate any rule or regulation regarding a model air-
craft or an aircraft being developed as a model aircraft 
(other than the registration of certain model aircraft pur-
suant to section 44103), if— 
‘‘(1) the aircraft is flown strictly for hobby or 
recreational use; 
‘‘(2) the aircraft is operated in accordance with 
a community-based set of safety guidelines and with-
in the programming of a community-based organiza-
tion; 
‘‘(3) the aircraft is limited to not more than 55 
pounds unless otherwise certified through a design, 
construction, inspection, flight test, and operational 
safety program administered by a community-based 
organization; 
‘‘(4) the aircraft is operated in a manner that 
does not interfere with and gives way to any manned 
aircraft; 
‘‘(5) the aircraft is not operated over or within 
the property of a fixed site facility that operates 
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amusement rides available for use by the general 
public or the property extending 500 lateral feet be-
yond the perimeter of such facility unless the oper-
ation is authorized by the owner of the amusement 
facility; and 
‘‘(6) when flown within 5 miles of an airport, 
the operator of the aircraft provides the airport op-
erator and the airport air traffic control tower (when 
an air traffic facility is located at the airport) with 
prior notice of the operation (model aircraft opera-
tors flying from a permanent location within 5 miles 
of an airport should establish a mutually agreed 
upon operating procedure with the airport operator 
and the airport air traffic control tower (when an air 
traffic facility is located at the airport)). 
‘‘(b) COMMERCIAL OPERATION FOR INSTRUCTIONAL 
OR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES.—A flight of an unmanned 
aircraft shall be treated as a flight of a model aircraft 
for purposes of subsection (a) (regardless of any com-
pensation, reimbursement, or other consideration ex-
changed or incidental economic benefit gained in the 
course of planning, operating, or supervising the flight), 
if the flight is— 
‘‘(1) conducted for instructional or educational 
purposes; and 
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‘‘(2) operated or supervised by a member of a 
community-based organization recognized pursuant 
to subsection (e). 
‘‘(c) STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this 
section may be construed to limit the authority of the Ad-
ministrator to pursue enforcement action against persons 
operating model aircraft who endanger the safety of the 
national airspace system. 
‘‘(d) 
COMMUNITY-BASED
ORGANIZATION
DE-
FINED.—In this section, the term ‘community-based orga-
nization’ means an entity that— 
‘‘(1) is described in section 501(c)(3) of the In-
ternal Revenue Code of 1986; 
‘‘(2) is exempt from tax under section 501(a) of 
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; 
‘‘(3) the mission of which is demonstrably the 
furtherance of model aviation; 
‘‘(4) provides a comprehensive set of safety 
guidelines for all aspects of model aviation address-
ing the assembly and operation of model aircraft and 
that emphasize safe aeromodeling operations within 
the national airspace system and the protection and 
safety of individuals and property on the ground; 
‘‘(5) provides programming and support for any 
local charter organizations, affiliates, or clubs; and 
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‘‘(6) provides assistance and support in the de-
velopment and operation of locally designated model 
aircraft flying sites. 
‘‘(e) RECOGNITION OF COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANI-
ZATIONS.—Not later than 180 days after the date of en-
actment of this section, the Administrator shall establish, 
and make available to the public, a process for recognizing 
community-based organizations that meet the eligibility 
criteria under subsection (d). 
‘‘§ 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-
portation shall issue a final rule authorizing the carriage 
of property by operators of small unmanned aircraft sys-
tems for compensation or hire within the United States. 
‘‘(b) CONTENTS.—The final rule required under sub-
section (a) shall provide for the following: 
‘‘(1) SMALL UAS AIR CARRIER CERTIFICATE.— 
The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Adminis-
tration, at the direction of the Secretary, shall estab-
lish a small UAS air carrier certificate for persons 
that undertake directly, or by lease or other arrange-
ment, the operation of small unmanned aircraft sys-
tems to carry property in air transportation, includ-
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ing commercial fleet operations with highly auto-
mated unmanned aircraft systems. The requirements 
to obtain a small UAS air carrier certificate shall— 
‘‘(A) account for the unique characteristics 
of highly automated small unmanned aircraft 
systems; and 
‘‘(B) include only those obligations nec-
essary for the safe operation of small unmanned 
aircraft systems. 
‘‘(2) SMALL UAS AIR CARRIER CERTIFICATION 
PROCESS.—The Administrator, at the direction of 
the Secretary, shall establish a process for the 
issuance of a small UAS air carrier certificate de-
scribed in paragraph (1) that is streamlined, simple, 
performance-based, and risk-based. Such certifi-
cation process shall consider— 
‘‘(A) safety and the mitigation of oper-
ational risks from highly automated small un-
manned aircraft systems to the safety of other 
aircraft, and persons and property on the 
ground; 
‘‘(B) the safety and reliability of highly 
automated small unmanned aircraft system de-
sign, including technological capabilities and 
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