112 
HR 915 RFS 
erning flight time limitations and rest requirements for 
pilots. 
(d) RULEMAKING.—After the Administrator receives 
the report of the National Academy of Sciences, the Ad-
ministrator shall consider the findings in the report and 
update as appropriate based on scientific data Federal 
Aviation Administration regulations governing flight time 
limitations and rest requirements for pilots. 
(e) FLIGHT ATTENDANT FATIGUE.— 
(1) 
STUDY.—The 
Administrator, 
acting 
through the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, shall 
conduct a study on the issue of flight attendant fa-
tigue. 
(2) CONTENTS.—The study shall include the 
following: 
(A) A survey of field operations of flight 
attendants. 
(B) A study of incident reports regarding 
flight attendant fatigue. 
(C) Field research on the effects of such 
fatigue. 
(D) A validation of models for assessing 
flight attendant fatigue. 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00112
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
113 
HR 915 RFS 
(E) A review of international policies and 
practices regarding flight limitations and rest of 
flight attendants. 
(F) An analysis of potential benefits of 
training flight attendants regarding fatigue. 
(3) REPORT.—Not later than June 30, 2010, 
the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report 
on the results of the study. 
(f) AUTHORIZATION
OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There 
are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be 
necessary to carry out this section. 
SEC. 307. OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STAND-
ARDS FOR FLIGHT ATTENDANTS ON BOARD 
AIRCRAFT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 447 (as amended by sec-
tion 303 of this Act) is further amended by adding at the 
end the following: 
‘‘§ 44731. Occupational safety and health standards 
for flight attendants on board aircraft 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator of the Fed-
eral Aviation Administration shall prescribe and enforce 
standards and regulations to ensure the occupational safe-
ty and health of individuals serving as flight attendants 
in the cabin of an aircraft of an air carrier. 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00113
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
114 
HR 915 RFS 
‘‘(b) STANDARDS
AND REGULATIONS.—Standards 
and regulations issued under this section shall require 
each air carrier operating an aircraft in air transpor-
tation— 
‘‘(1) to provide for an environment in the cabin 
of the aircraft that is free from hazards that could 
cause physical harm to a flight attendant working in 
the cabin; and 
‘‘(2) to meet minimum standards for the occu-
pational safety and health of flight attendants who 
work in the cabin of the aircraft. 
‘‘(c) RULEMAKING.—In carrying out this section, the 
Administrator shall conduct a rulemaking proceeding to 
address, at a minimum, the following areas: 
‘‘(1) Record keeping. 
‘‘(2) Blood borne pathogens. 
‘‘(3) Noise. 
‘‘(4) Sanitation. 
‘‘(5) Hazard communication. 
‘‘(6) Anti-discrimination. 
‘‘(7) Access to employee exposure and medical 
records. 
‘‘(8) Temperature standards for the aircraft 
cabin. 
‘‘(d) REGULATIONS.— 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00114
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
115 
HR 915 RFS 
‘‘(1) DEADLINE.—Not later than 3 years after 
the date of enactment of this section, the Adminis-
trator shall issue final regulations to carry out this 
section. 
‘‘(2) CONTENTS.—Regulations issued under 
this subsection shall address each of the issues iden-
tified in subsection (c) and others aspects of the en-
vironment of an aircraft cabin that may cause illness 
or injury to a flight attendant working in the cabin. 
‘‘(3) EMPLOYER ACTIONS TO ADDRESS OCCUPA-
TIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH HAZARDS.—Regula-
tions issued under this subsection shall set forth 
clearly the circumstances under which an air carrier 
is required to take action to address occupational 
safety and health hazards. 
‘‘(e) ADDITIONAL RULEMAKING PROCEEDINGS.— 
After issuing regulations under subsection (c), the Admin-
istrator may conduct additional rulemaking proceedings as 
the Administrator determines appropriate to carry out this 
section. 
‘‘(f) OVERSIGHT.— 
‘‘(1) 
CABIN
OCCUPATIONAL
SAFETY
AND 
HEALTH INSPECTORS.—The Administrator shall es-
tablish the position of Cabin Occupational Safety 
and Health Inspector within the Federal Aviation 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00115
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
116 
HR 915 RFS 
Administration and shall employ individuals with ap-
propriate qualifications and expertise to serve in the 
position. 
‘‘(2) RESPONSIBILITIES.—Inspectors employed 
under this subsection shall be solely responsible for 
conducting proper oversight of air carrier programs 
implemented under this section. 
‘‘(g) CONSULTATION.—In developing regulations 
under this section, the Administrator shall consult with 
the Administrator of the Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, labor organizations representing flight at-
tendants, air carriers, and other interested persons. 
‘‘(h) SAFETY PRIORITY.—In developing and imple-
menting regulations under this section, the Administrator 
shall give priority to the safe operation and maintenance 
of an aircraft. 
‘‘(i) FLIGHT ATTENDANT DEFINED.—In this section, 
the term ‘flight attendant’ has the meaning given that 
term by section 44728. 
‘‘(j) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There 
is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be nec-
essary to carry out this section. Such sums shall remain 
available until expended.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chap-
ter 447 is amended by adding at the end the following: 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00116
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
117 
HR 915 RFS 
‘‘44731. Occupational safety and health standards for flight attendants on board 
aircraft.’’. 
SEC. 308. AIRCRAFT SURVEILLANCE IN MOUNTAINOUS 
AREAS. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration may establish a pilot pro-
gram to improve safety and efficiency by providing surveil-
lance for aircraft flying outside of radar coverage in moun-
tainous areas. 
(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is 
authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be nec-
essary to carry out this section. Such sums shall remain 
available until expended. 
SEC. 309. OFF-AIRPORT, LOW-ALTITUDE AIRCRAFT WEATH-
ER OBSERVATION TECHNOLOGY. 
(a) STUDY.—The Administrator of the Federal Avia-
tion Administration shall conduct a review of off-airport, 
low-altitude aircraft weather observation technologies. 
(b) SPECIFIC REVIEW.—The review shall include, at 
a minimum, an examination of off-airport, low-altitude 
weather reporting needs, an assessment of technical alter-
natives (including automated weather observation sta-
tions), an investment analysis, and recommendations for 
improving weather reporting. 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00117
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
118 
HR 915 RFS 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit 
to Congress a report containing the results of the review. 
SEC. 310. NONCERTIFICATED MAINTENANCE PROVIDERS. 
(a) ISSUANCE OF REGULATIONS.—Not later than 3 
years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Adminis-
trator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue 
regulations requiring that all covered maintenance work 
on aircraft used to provide air transportation under part 
121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, be performed 
by individuals in accordance with subsection (b). 
(b) PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO PERFORM CERTAIN 
WORK.—Covered maintenance work for a part 121 air 
carrier shall only be performed by— 
(1) an individual employed by the air carrier; 
(2) an individual employed by another part 121 
air carrier; 
(3) an individual employed by a part 145 repair 
station; or 
(4) an individual employed by a company that 
provides contract maintenance workers to a part 145 
repair station or part 121 air carrier, if the indi-
vidual— 
(A) meets the requirements of the part 
145 repair station or the part 121 air carrier; 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00118
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
119 
HR 915 RFS 
(B) works under the direct supervision and 
control of the part 145 repair station or part 
121 air carrier; and 
(C) carries out the work in accordance 
with the part 121 air carrier’s maintenance 
manual and, if applicable, the part 145 certifi-
cate holder’s repair station and quality control 
manuals. 
(c) PLAN.— 
(1) DEVELOPMENT.—The Administrator shall 
develop a plan to— 
(A) require air carriers to identify and pro-
vide to the Administrator a complete listing of 
all noncertificated maintenance providers that 
perform, before the effective date of the regula-
tions to be issued under subsection (a), covered 
maintenance work on aircraft used to provide 
air transportation under part 121 of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations; 
(B) validate the lists that air carriers pro-
vide under subparagraph (A) by sampling air 
carrier records, such as maintenance activity re-
ports and general vendor listings; and 
(C) include surveillance and oversight by 
field inspectors of the Federal Aviation Admin-
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00119
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
120 
HR 915 RFS 
istration for all noncertificated maintenance 
providers that perform covered maintenance 
work on aircraft used to provide air transpor-
tation in accordance with such part 121. 
(2) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 6 
months after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator shall transmit to Congress a report 
containing the plan developed under paragraph (1). 
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the following defi-
nitions apply: 
(1) COVERED MAINTENANCE WORK.—The term 
‘‘covered maintenance work’’ means maintenance 
work that is essential, regularly scheduled, or a re-
quired inspection item, as determined by the Admin-
istrator. 
(2) PART 121 AIR CARRIER.—The term ‘‘part 
121 air carrier’’ means an air carrier that holds a 
certificate issued under part 121 of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations. 
(3) PART
145
REPAIR
STATION.—The term 
‘‘part 145 repair station’’ means a repair station 
that holds a certificate issued under part 145 of title 
14, Code of Federal Regulations. 
(4) NONCERTIFICATED
MAINTENANCE
PRO-
VIDER.—The term ‘‘noncertificated maintenance 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00120
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
121 
HR 915 RFS 
provider’’ means a maintenance provider that does 
not hold a certificate issued under part 121 or part 
145 of title 14 Code of Federal Regulations. 
(e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is 
authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be nec-
essary for the Administrator to hire additional field safety 
inspectors to ensure adequate and timely inspection of 
maintenance providers that perform covered maintenance 
work. 
SEC. 311. AIRCRAFT RESCUE AND FIREFIGHTING STAND-
ARDS. 
(a) RULEMAKING PROCEEDING.—Not later than 180 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Adminis-
trator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall initiate 
a rulemaking proceeding for the purpose of issuing a pro-
posed and final rule that revises the aircraft rescue and 
firefighting standards (‘‘ARFF’’) under part 139 of title 
14, Code of Federal Regulations, to improve the protection 
of the traveling public, other persons, aircraft, buildings, 
and the environment from fires and hazardous materials 
incidents. 
(b) CONTENTS OF PROPOSED AND FINAL RULE.— 
The proposed and final rule to be issued under subsection 
(a) shall address the following: 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00121
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
122 
HR 915 RFS 
(1) The mission of aircraft rescue and fire-
fighting personnel, including responsibilities for pas-
senger egress in the context of other Administration 
requirements. 
(2) The proper level of staffing. 
(3) The timeliness of a response. 
(4) The handling of hazardous materials inci-
dents at airports. 
(5) Proper vehicle deployment. 
(6) The need for equipment modernization. 
(c) CONSISTENCY WITH VOLUNTARY CONSENSUS 
STANDARDS.—The proposed and final rule issued under 
subsection (a) shall be, to the extent practical, consistent 
with national voluntary consensus standards for aircraft 
rescue and firefighting services at airports. 
(d) ASSESSMENTS OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS.—In the 
rulemaking proceeding initiated under subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall assess the potential impact of any re-
visions to the firefighting standards on airports and air 
transportation service. 
(e) INCONSISTENCY WITH STANDARDS.—If the pro-
posed or final rule issued under subsection (a) is not con-
sistent with national voluntary consensus standards for 
aircraft rescue and firefighting services at airports, the 
Administrator shall submit to the Office of Management 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00122
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
123 
HR 915 RFS 
and Budget an explanation of the reasons for such incon-
sistency in accordance with section 12(d) of the National 
Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 
U.S.C. 272 note; 110 Stat. 783). 
(f) FINAL RULE.—Not later than 24 months after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
issue the final rule required by subsection (a). 
SEC. 312. COCKPIT SMOKE. 
(a) STUDY.—The Comptroller General shall conduct 
a study on the effectiveness of oversight activities of the 
Federal Aviation Administration relating to preventing or 
mitigating the effects of dense continuous smoke in the 
cockpit of a commercial aircraft. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall 
submit to Congress a report on the results of the study. 
SEC. 313. SAFETY OF HELICOPTER AIR AMBULANCE OPER-
ATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 447 (as amended by this 
Act) is further amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘§ 44732. Helicopter air ambulance operations 
‘‘(a) RULEMAKING.—The Administrator of the Fed-
eral Aviation Administration shall conduct a rulemaking 
proceeding to improve the safety of flight crewmembers, 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00123
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
124 
HR 915 RFS 
medical personnel, and passengers onboard helicopters 
providing helicopter air ambulance services under part 135 
of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. 
‘‘(b) MATTERS TO BE ADDRESSED.—In conducting 
the rulemaking proceeding under subsection (a), the Ad-
ministrator shall address the following: 
‘‘(1) Flight request and dispatch procedures, in-
cluding performance-based flight dispatch proce-
dures. 
‘‘(2) Pilot training standards, including— 
‘‘(A) mandatory training requirements, in-
cluding a minimum time for completing the 
training requirements; 
‘‘(B) training subject areas, such as com-
munications procedures and appropriate tech-
nology use; 
‘‘(C) establishment of training standards 
in— 
‘‘(i) crew resource management; 
‘‘(ii) flight risk evaluation; 
‘‘(iii) preventing controlled flight into 
terrain; 
‘‘(iv) recovery from inadvertent flight 
into instrument meteorological conditions; 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00124
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
125 
HR 915 RFS 
‘‘(v) operational control of the pilot in 
command; and 
‘‘(vi) use of flight simulation training 
devices and line oriented flight training. 
‘‘(3) Safety-enhancing technology and equip-
ment, including— 
‘‘(A) helicopter terrain awareness and 
warning systems; 
‘‘(B) radar altimeters; 
‘‘(C) devices that perform the function of 
flight data recorders and cockpit voice record-
ers, to the extent feasible; and 
‘‘(D) safety equipment that should be worn 
or used by flight crewmembers and medical per-
sonnel on a flight, including the possible use of 
shoulder harnesses, helmets, seatbelts, and fire 
resistant clothing to enhance crash surviv-
ability. 
‘‘(4) Such other matters as the Administrator 
considers appropriate. 
‘‘(c) MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS.—In issuing a final 
rule under subsection (a), the Administrator, at a min-
imum, shall provide for the following: 
‘‘(1) FLIGHT
RISK
EVALUATION
PROGRAM.— 
The Administrator shall ensure that a part 135 cer-
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00125
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
126 
HR 915 RFS 
tificate holder providing helicopter air ambulance 
services— 
‘‘(A) establishes a flight risk evaluation 
program, based on FAA Notice 8000.301 
issued by the Administration on August 1, 
2005, including any updates thereto; 
‘‘(B) as part of the flight risk evaluation 
program, develops a checklist for use by pilots 
in determining whether a flight request should 
be accepted; and 
‘‘(C) requires the pilots of the certificate 
holder to use the checklist. 
‘‘(2) OPERATIONAL
CONTROL
CENTER.—The 
Administrator shall ensure that a part 135 certifi-
cate holder providing helicopter air ambulance serv-
ices using 10 or more helicopters has an operational 
control center that meets such requirements as the 
Administrator may prescribe. 
‘‘(3) COMPLIANCE.—The Administrator shall 
ensure that a part 135 certificate holder providing 
helicopter air ambulance services complies with ap-
plicable regulations under part 135 of title 14, Code 
of Federal Regulations, including regulations on 
weather minima and flight and duty time whenever 
medical personnel are onboard the aircraft. 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00126
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
127 
HR 915 RFS 
‘‘(d) DEADLINES.—The Administrator shall— 
‘‘(1) not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, issue a notice of proposed 
rulemaking under subsection (a); and 
‘‘(2) not later than 16 months after the close 
of the comment period on the proposed rule, issue 
a final rule. 
‘‘(e) PART 135 CERTIFICATE HOLDER DEFINED.— 
In this section, the term ‘part 135 certificate holder’ 
means a person holding a certificate issued under part 135 
of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. 
‘‘§ 44733. Collection of data on helicopter air ambu-
lance operations 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator of the Fed-
eral Aviation Administration shall require a part 135 cer-
tificate holder providing helicopter air ambulance services 
to submit to the Administrator, not later than one year 
after the date of enactment of this section, and annually 
thereafter, a report containing, at a minimum, the fol-
lowing data: 
‘‘(1) The number of helicopters that the certifi-
cate holder uses to provide helicopter air ambulance 
services and the base locations of the helicopters. 
‘‘(2) The number of flights and hours flown, by 
registration number, during which helicopters oper-
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00127
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
128 
HR 915 RFS 
ated by the certificate holder were providing heli-
copter air ambulance services. 
‘‘(3) The number of flight requests for a heli-
copter providing helicopter air ambulance services 
that were accepted or declined by the certificate 
holder and the type of each such flight request (such 
as scene response, inter-facility transport, organ 
transport, or ferry or repositioning flight). 
‘‘(4) The number of accidents involving heli-
copters operated by the certificate holder while pro-
viding helicopter air ambulance services and a de-
scription of the accidents. 
‘‘(5) The number of flights and hours flown 
under instrument flight rules by helicopters operated 
by the certificate holder while providing helicopter 
air ambulance services. 
‘‘(6) The time of day of each flight flown by 
helicopters operated by the certificate holder while 
providing helicopter air ambulance services. 
‘‘(b) REPORTING PERIOD.—Data contained in a re-
port submitted by a part 135 certificate holder under sub-
section (a) shall relate to such reporting period as the Ad-
ministrator determines appropriate. 
‘‘(c) DATABASE.—Not later than 6 months after the 
date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00128
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
129 
HR 915 RFS 
develop a method to collect and store the data collected 
under subsection (a), including a method to protect the 
confidentiality of any trade secret or proprietary informa-
tion provided in response to this section. 
‘‘(d) REPORT
TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 24 
months after the date of enactment of this section, and 
annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report 
containing a summary of the data collected under sub-
section (a). 
‘‘(e) PART 135 CERTIFICATE HOLDER DEFINED.— 
In this section, the term ‘part 135 certificate holder’ 
means a person holding a certificate issued under part 135 
of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chap-
ter 447 (as amended by this Act) is further amended by 
adding at the end the following: 
‘‘Sec. 44732. Helicopter air ambulance operations. 
‘‘Sec. 44733. Collection of data on helicopter air ambulance operations.’’. 
SEC. 314. FEASIBILITY OF REQUIRING HELICOPTER PILOTS 
TO USE NIGHT VISION GOGGLES. 
(a) STUDY.—The Administrator of the Federal Avia-
tion Administration shall carry out a study on the feasi-
bility of requiring pilots of helicopters providing helicopter 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00129
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
130 
HR 915 RFS 
air ambulance services under part 135 of title 14, Code 
of Federal Regulations, to use night vision goggles during 
nighttime operations. 
(b) CONSIDERATIONS.—In conducting the study, the 
Administrator shall consult with owners and operators of 
helicopters providing helicopter air ambulance services 
under such part 135 and aviation safety professionals to 
determine the benefits, financial considerations, and risks 
associated with requiring the use of night vision goggles. 
(c) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than one 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 study. 
SEC. 315. STUDY OF HELICOPTER AND FIXED WING AIR AM-
BULANCE SERVICES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Comptroller General shall 
conduct a study of the helicopter and fixed-wing air ambu-
lance industry. The study shall include information, anal-
ysis, and recommendations pertinent to ensuring a safe 
air ambulance industry. 
(b) REQUIRED INFORMATION.—In conducting the 
study, the Comptroller General shall obtain detailed infor-
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00130
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
131 
HR 915 RFS 
mation on the following aspects of the air ambulance in-
dustry: 
(1) A review of the industry, for part 135 cer-
tificate holders and indirect carriers providing heli-
copter and fixed-wing air ambulance services, includ-
ing— 
(A) a listing of the number, size, and loca-
tion of helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft and 
their flight bases; 
(B) affiliations of certificate holders and 
indirect carriers with hospitals, governments, 
and other entities; 
(C) coordination of air ambulance services, 
with each other, State and local emergency 
medical services systems, referring entities, and 
receiving hospitals; 
(D) nature of services contracts, sources of 
payment, financial relationships between certifi-
cate holders and indirect carriers providing air 
ambulance services and referring entities, and 
costs of operations; and 
(E) a survey of business models for air 
ambulance 
operations, 
including 
expenses, 
structure, and sources of income. 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00131
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
132 
HR 915 RFS 
(2) Air ambulance request and dispatch prac-
tices, including the various types of protocols, mod-
els, training, certifications, and air medical commu-
nications centers relating to part 135 certificate 
holders and indirect carriers providing helicopter 
and fixed-wing air ambulance services, including— 
(A) the practices that emergency and med-
ical officials use to request an air ambulance; 
(B) information on whether economic or 
other nonmedical factors lead to air ambulance 
transport when it is not medically needed, ap-
propriate, or safe; and 
(C) the cause, occurrence, and extent of 
delays in air ambulance transport. 
(3) Economic and medical issues relating to the 
air ambulance industry, including— 
(A) licensing; 
(B) certificates of need; 
(C) public convenience and necessity re-
quirements; 
(D) assignment of geographic coverage 
areas; 
(E) accreditation requirements; 
(F) compliance with dispatch procedures; 
and 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00132
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
133 
HR 915 RFS 
(G) requirements for medical equipment 
and personnel onboard the aircraft. 
(4) Such other matters as the Comptroller Gen-
eral considers relevant to the purpose of the study. 
(c) ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.—Based on 
information obtained under subsection (b) and other infor-
mation the Comptroller General considers appropriate, the 
report shall also include an analysis and specific rec-
ommendations, as appropriate, related to— 
(1) the relationship between State regulation 
and Federal preemption of rates, routes, and serv-
ices of air ambulances; 
(2) the extent to which Federal law may impact 
existing State regulation of air ambulances and the 
potential effect of greater State regulation— 
(A) in the air ambulance industry, on the 
economic viability of air ambulance services, the 
availability and coordination of service, and 
costs of operations both in rural and highly 
populated areas; 
(B) on the quality of patient care and out-
comes; and 
(C) on competition and safety; and 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00133
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
134 
HR 915 RFS 
(3) whether systemic or other problems exist on 
a statewide, regional, or national basis with the cur-
rent system governing air ambulances. 
(d) REPORT.—Not later than June 1, 2010, the 
Comptroller General shall submit to the Secretary of 
Transportation and the appropriate committees of Con-
gress a report containing its findings and recommenda-
tions regarding the study under this section. 
(e) 
ADOPTION
OF
RECOMMENDED
POLICY 
CHANGES.—Not later than 60 days after the date of re-
ceipt of the report under subsection (d), the Secretary 
shall issue a report to the appropriate committees of Con-
gress, that— 
(1) specifies which, if any, policy changes rec-
ommended by the Comptroller General and any 
other policy changes with respect to air ambulances 
the Secretary will adopt and implement; and 
(2) includes recommendations for legislative 
change, if appropriate. 
(f) PART 135 CERTIFICATE HOLDER DEFINED.—In 
this section, the term ‘‘part 135 certificate holder’’ means 
a person holding a certificate issued under part 135 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00134
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
135 
HR 915 RFS 
Subtitle B—Unmanned Aircraft 
Systems 
SEC. 321. COMMERCIAL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS IN-
TEGRATION PLAN. 
(a) INTEGRATION PLAN.— 
(1) COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.—Not later than 9 
months after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary, in consultation with representatives of the 
aviation industry, shall develop a comprehensive plan 
to safely integrate commercial unmanned aircraft 
systems into the national airspace system. 
(2) MINIMUM
REQUIREMENTS.—In developing 
the plan under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, at 
a minimum— 
(A) review technologies and research that 
will assist in facilitating the safe integration of 
commercial unmanned aircraft systems into the 
national airspace system; 
(B) provide recommendations or projec-
tions for the rulemaking to be conducted under 
subsection (b) to— 
(i) define the acceptable standards for 
operations and certification of commercial 
unmanned aircraft systems; 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00135
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
136 
HR 915 RFS 
(ii) ensure that any commercial un-
manned aircraft system includes a detect, 
sense, and avoid capability; and 
(iii) develop standards and require-
ments for the operator, pilot, and pro-
grammer of a commercial unmanned air-
craft system, including standards and re-
quirements for registration and licensing; 
(C) recommend how best to enhance the 
technologies and subsystems necessary to effect 
the safe and routine operations of commercial 
unmanned aircraft systems in the national air-
space system; and 
(D) recommend how a phased-in approach 
to the integration of commercial unmanned air-
craft systems into the national airspace system 
can best be achieved and a timeline upon which 
such a phase-in shall occur. 
(3) DEADLINE.—The plan to be developed 
under paragraph (1) shall provide for the safe inte-
gration of commercial unmanned aircraft systems 
into the national airspace system as soon as possible, 
but not later than September 30, 2013. 
(4) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than one 
year after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00136
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
137 
HR 915 RFS 
Secretary shall submit to Congress a copy of the 
plan developed under paragraph (1). 
(b) RULEMAKING.—Not later than 18 months after 
the date on which the integration plan is submitted to 
Congress under subsection (a)(4), the Administrator of 
the Federal Aviation Administration shall publish in the 
Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking to im-
plement the recommendations of the integration plan. 
(c) AUTHORIZATION.—There are authorized to be ap-
propriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out 
this section. 
SEC. 322. SPECIAL RULES FOR CERTAIN UNMANNED AIR-
CRAFT SYSTEMS. 
(a) IN
GENERAL.—Notwithstanding the require-
ments of sections 321 and 323, and not later than 6 
months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary shall determine if certain unmanned aircraft sys-
tems may operate safely in the national airspace system 
before completion of the plan and rulemaking required by 
section 321 or the guidance required by section 323. 
(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-
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00137
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
138 
HR 915 RFS 
ational capability, proximity to airports and popu-
lation 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 authorization or an 
airworthiness certification under section 44704 of 
title 49, United States Code, is required for the op-
eration of unmanned 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. 
SEC. 323. PUBLIC UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS. 
Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall issue guidance regarding 
the operation of public unmanned aircraft systems to— 
(1) expedite the issuance of a certificate of au-
thorization process; 
(2) provide for a collaborative process with pub-
lic agencies to allow for an incremental expansion of 
access to the national airspace system as technology 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00138
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
149 
HR 915 RFS 
(b) MODIFICATION OF INITIATIVE.—Not later than 
90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Ad-
ministrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall 
modify the customer service initiative, mission and vision 
statements, and other statements of policy of the Agen-
cy— 
(1) to remove any reference to air carriers or 
other entities regulated by the Agency as ‘‘cus-
tomers’’; 
(2) to clarify that in regulating safety the only 
customers of the Agency are individuals traveling on 
aircraft; and 
(3) to clarify that air carriers and other entities 
regulated by the Agency do not have the right to se-
lect the employees of the Agency who will inspect 
their operations. 
(c) SAFETY PRIORITY.—In carrying out the Adminis-
trator’s responsibilities, the Administrator shall ensure 
that safety is given a higher priority than preventing the 
dissatisfaction of an air carrier or other entity regulated 
by the Agency with an employee of the Agency. 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00149
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS
201 
HR 915 RFS 
TITLE 
V—ENVIRONMENTAL 
STEWARDSHIP AND STREAM-
LINING 
SEC. 501. AMENDMENTS TO AIR TOUR MANAGEMENT PRO-
GRAM. 
Section 40128 is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)(1)(C) by inserting ‘‘or vol-
untary agreement under subsection (b)(7)’’ before 
‘‘for the park’’; 
(2) in subsection (a) by adding at the end the 
following: 
‘‘(5) EXEMPTION.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding para-
graph (1), a national park that has 50 or fewer 
commercial air tour flights a year shall be ex-
empt from the requirements of this section, ex-
cept as provided in subparagraph (B). 
‘‘(B) WITHDRAWAL
OF
EXEMPTION.—If 
the Director determines that an air tour man-
agement plan or voluntary agreement is nec-
essary to protect park resources and values or 
park visitor use and enjoyment, the Director 
shall withdraw the exemption of a park under 
subparagraph (A). 
VerDate Nov 24 2008 
23:02 Jun 01, 2009
Jkt 079200
PO 00000
Frm 00201
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H915.RFS
H915
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with BILLS