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† HR 3935 EAS 
‘‘(V) the sensitivity of the natural 
and historic resources that could be af-
fected by the project. 
‘‘(iii) 
MAXIMUM
PROJECT
SCHED-
ULE.—To the maximum extent practicable 
and consistent with applicable Federal law, 
the Secretary shall develop, in concurrence 
with the project sponsor, a maximum sched-
ule for the project described or designated 
under subsection (b) that is not more than 
2 years for the completion of the environ-
mental review process for such projects, as 
measured from, as applicable, the date of 
publication of a notice of intent to prepare 
an environmental impact statement to the 
record of decision. 
‘‘(iv) DISPUTE RESOLUTION.— 
‘‘(I) IN GENERAL.—Any issue or 
dispute that arises between the Sec-
retary and participating agencies (or 
amongst participating agencies) dur-
ing the environmental review process 
shall be addressed expeditiously to 
avoid delay.
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† HR 3935 EAS 
‘‘(II) 
RESPONSIBILITIES.—The 
Secretary and participating agencies 
shall— 
‘‘(aa) implement the require-
ments of this section consistent 
with any dispute resolution proc-
ess established in an applicable 
law, regulation, or legally binding 
agreement to the maximum extent 
permitted by law; and 
‘‘(bb) seek to resolve issues or 
disputes at the earliest possible 
time at the project level through 
agency employees who have day- 
to-day involvement in the project. 
‘‘(III) SECRETARY
RESPONSIBIL-
ITIES.— 
‘‘(aa) 
IN
GENERAL.—The 
Secretary shall make information 
available to each cooperating and 
participating agency and project 
sponsor as early as practicable in 
the environmental review regard-
ing the environmental, historic, 
and socioeconomic resources lo-
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† HR 3935 EAS 
cated within the project area and 
the general locations of the alter-
natives under consideration. 
‘‘(bb) SOURCES OF INFORMA-
TION.—The information described 
in item (aa) may be based on ex-
isting data sources, including geo-
graphic information systems map-
ping. 
‘‘(IV) COOPERATING AND PARTICI-
PATING
AGENCY
RESPONSIBILITIES.— 
Each cooperating and participating 
agency shall— 
‘‘(aa) identify, as early as 
practicable, any issues of concern 
regarding any potential environ-
mental impacts of the project, in-
cluding any issues that could sub-
stantially delay or prevent an 
agency from completing any envi-
ronmental review or authorization 
required for the project; and 
‘‘(bb) 
communicate 
any 
issues described in item (aa) to 
the project sponsor.
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† HR 3935 EAS 
‘‘(V) ELEVATION
FOR
MISSED 
MILESTONE.—If a dispute between the 
Secretary and participating agencies 
(or amongst participating agencies) 
causes a milestone to be missed or ex-
tended, or the Secretary anticipates 
that a permitting timetable milestone 
will be missed or will need to be ex-
tended, the dispute shall be elevated to 
an official designated by the relevant 
agency for resolution. The elevation of 
a dispute shall take place as soon as 
practicable after the Secretary becomes 
aware of the dispute or potential 
missed milestone. 
‘‘(VI) EXCEPTION.—Disputes that 
do not impact the ability of an agency 
to meet a milestone may be elevated as 
appropriate. 
‘‘(VII) FURTHER
EVALUATION.— 
If a resolution has not been reached at 
the end of the 30-day period after a 
relevant milestone date or extension 
date after a dispute has been elevated 
to the designated official, the relevant
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† HR 3935 EAS 
agencies shall elevate the dispute to 
senior agency leadership for resolution. 
‘‘(D) CONSISTENCY WITH OTHER TIME PE-
RIODS.—A schedule under subparagraph (C) 
shall be consistent with any other relevant time 
periods established under Federal law. 
‘‘(E) MODIFICATION.— 
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided 
in clause (ii), the Secretary may lengthen 
or shorten a schedule established under sub-
paragraph (C) for good cause. The Sec-
retary may consider a decision by the 
project sponsor to change, modify, expand, 
or reduce the scope of a project as good 
cause for purposes of this clause. 
‘‘(ii) LIMITATIONS.— 
‘‘(I) LENGTHENED
SCHEDULE.— 
The Secretary may lengthen a schedule 
under clause (i) for a cooperating Fed-
eral agency by not more than 1 year 
after the latest deadline established for 
the project described or designated 
under subsection (b) by the Secretary. 
‘‘(II) SHORTENED
SCHEDULE.— 
The Secretary may not shorten a
730 
† HR 3935 EAS 
schedule under clause (i) if doing so 
would impair the ability of a cooper-
ating Federal agency to conduct nec-
essary analyses or otherwise carry out 
relevant obligations of the Federal 
agency for the project. 
‘‘(F) FAILURE TO MEET DEADLINE.—If a 
cooperating Federal agency fails to meet a dead-
line established under subparagraph (D)(ii)(I)— 
‘‘(i) the cooperating Federal agency 
shall, not later than 10 days after failing to 
meet the deadline, submit to the Secretary a 
report that describes the reasons why the 
deadline was not met; and 
‘‘(ii) the Secretary shall— 
‘‘(I) 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 copy of 
the report under clause (i); and 
‘‘(II) make the report under clause 
(i) publicly available on a website of 
the Department of Transportation.
731 
† HR 3935 EAS 
‘‘(G) DISSEMINATION.—A copy of a sched-
ule under subparagraph (C), and of any modi-
fications to the schedule under subparagraph 
(E), shall be— 
‘‘(i) provided to all participating agen-
cies and to the State department of trans-
portation of the State in which the project 
is located (and, if the State is not the 
project sponsor, to the project sponsor); and 
‘‘(ii) made available to the public. 
‘‘(2) COMMENT DEADLINES.—The Secretary shall 
establish the following deadlines for comment during 
the environmental review process for a project: 
‘‘(A) For comments by agencies and the 
public on a draft environmental impact state-
ment, a period of not more than 60 days after 
publication in the Federal Register of notice of 
the date of public availability of such statement, 
unless— 
‘‘(i) a different deadline is established 
by agreement of the lead agency, the project 
sponsor, and all participating agencies; or 
‘‘(ii) the deadline is extended by the 
lead agency for good cause.
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† HR 3935 EAS 
‘‘(B) For all other comment periods estab-
lished by the lead agency for agency or public 
comments in the environmental review process, a 
period of not more than 45 days from avail-
ability of the materials on which comment is re-
quested, unless— 
‘‘(i) a different deadline is established 
by agreement of the Secretary, the project 
sponsor, and all participating agencies; or 
‘‘(ii) the deadline is extended by the 
lead agency for good cause. 
‘‘(3) DEADLINES FOR DECISIONS UNDER OTHER 
LAWS.—In any case in which a decision under any 
Federal law relating to a project described or des-
ignated under subsection (b) (including the issuance 
or denial of a permit or license) is required to be 
made by the later of the date that is 180 days after 
the date on which the Secretary made all final deci-
sions of the lead agency with respect to the project or 
180 days after the date on which an application was 
submitted for the permit or license, the Secretary 
shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
733 
† HR 3935 EAS 
tation of the Senate and publish on a website of the 
Department of Transportation— 
‘‘(A) as soon as practicable after the 180- 
day period, an initial notice of the failure of the 
Federal agency to make the decision; and 
‘‘(B) every 60 days thereafter until such 
date as all decisions of the Federal agency relat-
ing to the project have been made by the Federal 
agency, an additional notice that describes the 
number of decisions of the Federal agency that 
remain outstanding as of the date of the addi-
tional notice. 
‘‘(4) INVOLVEMENT OF THE PUBLIC.—Nothing in 
this subsection shall reduce any time period provided 
for public comment in the environmental review proc-
ess under existing Federal law, including a regula-
tion. 
‘‘(n) CONCURRENT REVIEWS AND SINGLE NEPA DOC-
UMENT.— 
‘‘(1) CONCURRENT
REVIEWS.—Each partici-
pating agency and cooperating agency under the ex-
pedited and coordinated environmental review process 
established under this section shall— 
‘‘(A) carry out the obligations of such agen-
cy under other applicable law concurrently, and
734 
† HR 3935 EAS 
in conjunction, with the review required under 
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), unless doing so would 
impair the ability of such agency to conduct 
needed analysis or otherwise carry out such obli-
gations; and 
‘‘(B) formulate and implement administra-
tive, policy, and procedural mechanisms to en-
able the agency to ensure completion of the envi-
ronmental review process in a timely, coordi-
nated, and environmentally responsible manner. 
‘‘(2) SINGLE NEPA DOCUMENT.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—To the maximum ex-
tent practicable and consistent with Federal law, 
all Federal permits and reviews for a project 
shall rely on a single environmental document 
prepared under the National Environmental Pol-
icy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) under 
the leadership of the Secretary. 
‘‘(B) USE OF DOCUMENT.— 
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—To the maximum 
extent practicable, the Secretary shall de-
velop an environmental document sufficient 
to satisfy the requirements for any Federal 
approval or other Federal action required
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† HR 3935 EAS 
for the project, including permits issued by 
other Federal agencies. 
‘‘(ii) COOPERATION OF PARTICIPATING 
AGENCIES.—In carrying out this subpara-
graph, other participating agencies shall co-
operate with the lead agency and provide 
timely information. 
‘‘(C) TREATMENT
AS
PARTICIPATING
AND 
COOPERATING AGENCIES.—A Federal agency re-
quired to make an approval or take an action 
for a project, as described in this paragraph, 
shall work with the Secretary to ensure that the 
agency making the approval or taking the action 
is treated as being both a participating and co-
operating agency for the project. 
‘‘(D) EXCEPTIONS.—The Secretary may 
waive the application of subparagraph (A) with 
respect to a project if— 
‘‘(i) the project sponsor requests that 
agencies issue separate environmental docu-
ments; 
‘‘(ii) the obligations of a cooperating 
agency or participating agency under the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
736 
† HR 3935 EAS 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) have already been 
satisfied with respect to the project; or 
‘‘(iii) the Secretary determines that re-
liance on a single environmental document 
(as described in subparagraph (A)) would 
not facilitate timely completion of the envi-
ronmental review process for the project. 
‘‘(3) 
PARTICIPATING
AGENCY
RESPONSIBIL-
ITIES.—An agency participating in the expedited and 
coordinated environmental review process under this 
section shall— 
‘‘(A) provide comments, responses, studies, 
or methodologies on areas within the special ex-
pertise or jurisdiction of the agency; and 
‘‘(B) use the process to address any environ-
mental issues of concern to the agency. 
‘‘(o) ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In preparing a final envi-
ronmental impact statement under the National En-
vironmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
seq.) for a project described or designated under sub-
section (b), if the Secretary modifies the statement in 
response to comments that are minor and are con-
fined to factual corrections or explanations of why the 
comments do not warrant additional agency response,
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† HR 3935 EAS 
the Secretary may write on errata sheets attached to 
the statement instead of rewriting the draft statement, 
subject to the condition that the errata sheets— 
‘‘(A) cite the sources, authorities, and rea-
sons that support the position of the agency; and 
‘‘(B) if appropriate, indicate the cir-
cumstances that would trigger agency re-
appraisal or further response. 
‘‘(2) SINGLE DOCUMENT.—To the maximum ex-
tent practicable, for a project subject to a coordinated 
review process under this section, the Secretary shall 
expeditiously develop a single document that consists 
of a final environmental impact statement and a 
record of decision, unless— 
‘‘(A) the final environmental impact state-
ment or record of decision makes substantial 
changes to the project that are relevant to envi-
ronmental or safety concerns; or 
‘‘(B) there is a significant new cir-
cumstance or information relevant to environ-
mental concerns that bears on the proposed ac-
tion or the environmental impacts of the pro-
posed action. 
‘‘(3) LENGTH OF ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT.—
738 
† HR 3935 EAS 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in 
subparagraph (B), an environmental impact 
statement shall not exceed 150 pages, not includ-
ing any citations or appendices. 
‘‘(B) EXTRAORDINARY
COMPLEXITY.—An 
environmental impact statement for a proposed 
agency action of extraordinary complexity shall 
not exceed 300 pages, not including any cita-
tions or appendices. 
‘‘(p) INTEGRATION
OF
PLANNING
AND
ENVIRON-
MENTAL REVIEW.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (5) 
and to the maximum extent practicable and appro-
priate, the following agencies may adopt or incor-
porate by reference, and use a planning product in 
proceedings relating to, any class of action in the en-
vironmental review process of a project described or 
designated under subsection (b): 
‘‘(A) The lead agency for a project, with re-
spect to an environmental impact statement, en-
vironmental assessment, categorical exclusion, or 
other document prepared under the National En-
vironmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 
et seq.).
739 
† HR 3935 EAS 
‘‘(B) A cooperating agency with responsi-
bility under Federal law with respect to the 
process for and completion of any environmental 
permit, approval, review, or study required for a 
project under any Federal law other than the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), if consistent with such Act. 
‘‘(2) IDENTIFICATION.—If a lead or cooperating 
agency makes a determination to adopt or incor-
porate by reference and use a planning product under 
paragraph (1), such agency shall identify the agencies 
that participated in the development of the planning 
products. 
‘‘(3) ADOPTION
OR
INCORPORATION
BY
REF-
ERENCE
OF
PLANNING
PRODUCTS.—Such agency 
may— 
‘‘(A) adopt or incorporate by reference an 
entire planning product under paragraph (1); or 
‘‘(B) select portions of a planning project 
under paragraph (1) for adoption or incorpora-
tion by reference. 
‘‘(4) TIMING.—The adoption or incorporation by 
reference of a planning product under paragraph (1) 
may—
740 
† HR 3935 EAS 
‘‘(A) be made at the time the lead and co-
operating agencies decide the appropriate scope 
of environmental review for the project; or 
‘‘(B) occur later in the environmental re-
view process, as appropriate. 
‘‘(5) CONDITIONS.—Such agency in the environ-
mental review process may adopt or incorporate by 
reference a planning product under this section if 
such agency determines, with the concurrence of the 
lead agency, if appropriate, and, if the planning 
product is necessary for a cooperating agency to issue 
a permit, review, or approval for the project, with the 
concurrence of the cooperating agency, if appropriate, 
that the following conditions have been met: 
‘‘(A) The planning product was developed 
through a planning process conducted pursuant 
to applicable Federal law. 
‘‘(B) The planning product was developed 
in consultation with appropriate Federal and 
State resource agencies and Indian Tribes. 
‘‘(C) The planning process included broad 
multidisciplinary consideration of systems-level 
or corridor-wide transportation needs and poten-
tial effects, including effects on the human and 
natural environment.
741 
† HR 3935 EAS 
‘‘(D) The planning process included public 
notice that the planning products produced in 
the planning process may be adopted during any 
subsequent environmental review process in ac-
cordance with this section. 
‘‘(E) During the environmental review 
process, the such agency has— 
‘‘(i) made the planning documents 
available for public review and comment by 
members of the general public and Federal, 
State, local, and Tribal governments that 
may have an interest in the proposed 
project; 
‘‘(ii) provided notice of the intention of 
the such agency to adopt or incorporate by 
reference the planning product; and 
‘‘(iii) considered any resulting com-
ments. 
‘‘(F) There is no significant new informa-
tion or new circumstance that has a reasonable 
likelihood of affecting the continued validity or 
appropriateness of the planning product or por-
tions thereof. 
‘‘(G) The planning product has a rational 
basis and is based on reliable and reasonably
742 
† HR 3935 EAS 
current data and reasonable and scientifically 
acceptable methodologies. 
‘‘(H) The planning product is documented 
in sufficient detail to support the decision or the 
results of the analysis and to meet requirements 
for use of the information in the environmental 
review process. 
‘‘(I) The planning product is appropriate 
for adoption or incorporation by reference and 
use in the environmental review process for the 
project and is incorporated in accordance with, 
and is sufficient to meet the requirements of, the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and section 1502.21 of title 
40, Code of Federal Regulations. 
‘‘(6) EFFECT OF ADOPTION OR INCORPORATION 
BY REFERENCE.—Any planning product or portions 
thereof adopted or incorporated by reference by such 
agency in accordance with this subsection may be— 
‘‘(A) incorporated directly into an environ-
mental review process document or other envi-
ronmental document; and 
‘‘(B) relied on and used by other Federal 
agencies in carrying out reviews of the project. 
‘‘(q) REPORT ON NEPA DATA.—
743 
† HR 3935 EAS 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary shall carry 
out a process to track, and annually submit to the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
the House of Representatives, the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the 
Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Rep-
resentatives, and the Committee on Environment and 
Public Works of the Senate a report on projects de-
scribed in subsection (b)(1) that contains the informa-
tion described in paragraph (3). 
‘‘(2) TIME
TO
COMPLETE.—For purposes of 
paragraph (3), the NEPA process— 
‘‘(A) for an environmental impact state-
ment— 
‘‘(i) begins on the date on which a no-
tice of intent is published in the Federal 
Register; and 
‘‘(ii) ends on the date on which the 
Secretary issues a record of decision, in-
cluding, if necessary, a revised record of de-
cision; and 
‘‘(B) for an environmental assessment— 
‘‘(i) begins on the date on which the 
Secretary makes a determination to prepare 
an environmental assessment; and
744 
† HR 3935 EAS 
‘‘(ii) ends on the date on which the 
Secretary issues a finding of no significant 
impact or determines that preparation of 
an environmental impact statement is nec-
essary. 
‘‘(3) INFORMATION
DESCRIBED.—The informa-
tion referred to in paragraph (1) is, with respect to 
the Federal Aviation Administration— 
‘‘(A) the number of proposed actions for 
which a categorical exclusion was applied by the 
Secretary during the reporting period; 
‘‘(B) the number of proposed actions for 
which a documented categorical exclusion was 
applied by the Secretary during the reporting 
period; 
‘‘(C) the number of proposed actions pend-
ing on the date on which the report is submitted 
for which the issuance of a documented categor-
ical exclusion by the Secretary is pending; 
‘‘(D) the number of proposed actions for 
which an environmental assessment was issued 
by the Secretary during the reporting period; 
‘‘(E) the length of time the Administration 
took to complete each environmental assessment 
described in subparagraph (D);
745 
† HR 3935 EAS 
‘‘(F) the number of proposed actions pend-
ing on the date on which the report is submitted 
for which an environmental assessment is being 
drafted by the Secretary; 
‘‘(G) the number of proposed actions for 
which a final environmental impact statement 
was completed by the Secretary during the re-
porting period; 
‘‘(H) the length of time that the Secretary 
took to complete each environmental impact 
statement described in subparagraph (G); 
‘‘(I) the number of proposed actions pend-
ing on the date on which the report is submitted 
for which an environmental impact statement is 
being drafted; and 
‘‘(J) for the proposed actions reported under 
subparagraphs (F) and (I), the percentage of 
such proposed actions for which— 
‘‘(i) project funding has been identi-
fied; and 
‘‘(ii) all other Federal, State, and local 
activities that are required to allow the pro-
posed action to proceed are completed. 
‘‘(4) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
746 
† HR 3935 EAS 
‘‘(A) ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT.—The 
term ‘environmental assessment’ has the meaning 
given such term in section 1508.1 of title 40, 
Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regu-
lation). 
‘‘(B) 
ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT
STATE-
MENT.—The term ‘environmental impact state-
ment’ means a detailed statement required under 
section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)). 
‘‘(C) NEPA PROCESS.—The term ‘NEPA 
process’ means the entirety of the development 
and documentation of the analysis required 
under the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), including the as-
sessment and analysis of any impacts, alter-
natives, and mitigation of a proposed action, 
and any interagency participation and public 
involvement required to be carried out before the 
Secretary undertakes a proposed action. 
‘‘(D) PROPOSED ACTION.—The term ‘pro-
posed action’ means an action (within the mean-
ing of the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.)) under this title 
that the Secretary proposes to carry out.
747 
† HR 3935 EAS 
‘‘(E) REPORTING
PERIOD.—The term ‘re-
porting period’ means the fiscal year prior to the 
fiscal year in which a report is issued under sub-
section (a).’’. 
SEC. 784. SUBCHAPTER III DEFINITIONS. 
Section 47175 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in paragraph (3)(A) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the 
end and inserting ‘‘or’’; 
(2) in paragraph (4)— 
(A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ‘‘and’’ 
at the end; and 
(B) in subparagraph (B)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘(B)’’; and 
(ii) by redesignating clauses (i) and 
(ii) as subparagraphs (B) and (C), respec-
tively; 
(3) by striking paragraph (5); 
(4) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (1), (4), 
(2), (6), and (8) as paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), 
and (6), respectively; and 
(5) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(8) TERMINAL DEVELOPMENT.—The term ‘ter-
minal development’ has the meaning given such term 
in section 47102.’’.
748 
† HR 3935 EAS 
SEC. 785. PILOT PROGRAM EXTENSION. 
Section 190 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
(49 U.S.C. 47104 note) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a) by inserting ‘‘in each fiscal 
year’’ after ‘‘6 projects’’; and 
(2) in subsection (i) by striking ‘‘5 years’’ and 
all that follows through the period at the end and in-
serting ‘‘on October 1, 2028.’’. 
SEC. 786. PART 150 NOISE STANDARDS UPDATE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall review and 
revise, as appropriate, part 150 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, to reflect all relevant laws and regulations, in-
cluding part 161 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. 
(b) OUTREACH.—As part of the review conducted 
under subsection (a), the Administrator shall clarify exist-
ing and future noise policies and standards and seek feed-
back from airports, airport users, and individuals living 
in the vicinity of airports and in airport adjacent commu-
nities before implementing any changes to any noise poli-
cies or standards. 
(c) BRIEFING.—Not later than 90 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, and every 6 months thereafter, the 
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of 
Congress regarding the review conducted under subsection 
(a).
749 
† HR 3935 EAS 
(d) SUNSET.—The requirement under subsection (c) 
shall terminate on the earlier of— 
(1) October 1, 2028; or 
(2) the date on which 1 briefing is provided 
under subsection (c) after the changes in subsection 
(a) are implemented. 
SEC. 787. REDUCING COMMUNITY AIRCRAFT NOISE EXPO-
SURE. 
In implementing or substantially revising a flight pro-
cedure, the Administrator shall consider the following ac-
tions (to the extent that such actions do not negatively affect 
aviation safety or efficiency) to reduce undesirable aircraft 
noise: 
(1) Implement flight procedures that can miti-
gate the impact of aircraft noise, based on a con-
sensus community recommendation. 
(2) Work with airport sponsors and potentially 
impacted neighboring communities in establishing or 
modifying aircraft arrival and departure routes. 
(3) In collaboration with local governments, dis-
courage local encroachment of residential or other 
buildings near airports that could create future air-
craft noise complaints or impact airport operations 
or aviation safety.
750 
† HR 3935 EAS 
SEC. 788. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS. 
(a) CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FOR PROJECTS OF LIM-
ITED FEDERAL ASSISTANCE.—An action by the Adminis-
trator to approve, permit, finance, or otherwise authorize 
any airport project that is undertaken by the sponsor, 
owner, or operator of a public-use airport shall be presumed 
to be covered by a categorical exclusion under FAA Order 
1050.1F (or any successor document), if such project— 
(1) receives less than $6,000,000 (as adjusted an-
nually by the Administrator to reflect any increases 
in the Consumer Price Index prepared by the Depart-
ment of Labor) of Federal funds or funds from 
charges collected under section 40117 of title 49, 
United States Code; or 
(2) has a total estimated cost of not more than 
$35,000,000 (as adjusted annually by the Adminis-
trator to reflect any increases in the Consumer Price 
Index prepared by the Department of Labor) and 
Federal funds comprising less than 15 percent of the 
total estimated project cost. 
(b) CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION IN EMERGENCIES.—An 
action by the Administrator to approve, permit, finance, 
or otherwise authorize an airport project that is undertaken 
by the sponsor, owner, or operator of a public-use airport 
shall be presumed to be covered by a categorical exclusion
751 
† HR 3935 EAS 
under FAA Order 1050.1F (or any successor document), if 
such project is— 
(1) for the repair or reconstruction of any air-
port facility, runway, taxiway, or similar structure 
that is in operation or under construction when dam-
aged by an emergency declared by the Governor of the 
State with concurrence of the Administrator or for a 
disaster or emergency declared by the President pur-
suant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.); 
(2) in the same location with the same capacity, 
dimensions, and design as the original airport facil-
ity, runway, taxiway, or similar structure as before 
the declaration described in this section; and 
(3) commenced within a 2-year period beginning 
on the date of a declaration described in this section. 
(c) EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES.—The presump-
tion that an action is covered by a categorical exclusion 
under subsections (a) and (b) shall not apply if the Admin-
istrator determines that extraordinary circumstances exist 
with respect to such action. 
(d) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section 
shall be construed to impact any aviation safety authority 
of the Administrator. 
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
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† HR 3935 EAS 
(1) CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION.—The term ‘‘cat-
egorical exclusion’’ has the meaning given such term 
in section 1508.1(d) of title 40, Code of Federal Regu-
lations. 
(2) PUBLIC-USE AIRPORT; SPONSOR.—The terms 
‘‘public-use airport’’ and ‘‘sponsor’’ have the mean-
ings given such terms in section 47102 of title 49, 
United States Code. 
SEC. 789. UPDATING PRESUMED TO CONFORM LIMITS. 
Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall take such actions as 
are necessary to update the FAA’s list of actions that are 
presumed to conform to a State implementation plan pur-
suant to section 93.153(f) of title 40, Code of Federal Regu-
lations, to include projects relating to the construction of 
aircraft hangars. 
SEC. 790. RECOMMENDATIONS ON REDUCING ROTORCRAFT 
NOISE IN DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 
(a) STUDY.—The Comptroller General shall conduct a 
study on reducing rotorcraft noise in the District of Colum-
bia. 
(b) CONTENTS.—In carrying out the study under sub-
section (a), the Comptroller General shall consider—
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(1) the extent to which military operators con-
sider operating over unpopulated areas outside of the 
District of Columbia for training missions; 
(2) the extent to which vehicles or aircraft other 
than conventional rotorcraft (such as unmanned air-
craft) could be used for emergency and law enforce-
ment response; and 
(3) the extent to which relevant operators and 
entities have assessed and addressed, as appropriate, 
the noise impacts of various factors of operating 
rotorcraft, including, at a minimum— 
(A) altitude; 
(B) the number of flights; 
(C) flight paths; 
(D) time of day of flights; 
(E) types of aircraft; 
(F) operating procedures; and 
(G) pilot training. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall brief 
the appropriate committees of Congress on preliminary ob-
servations, with a report to follow at a date agreed upon 
at the time of the briefing, containing— 
(1) the contents of the study conducted under 
subsection (a); and
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(2) any recommendations for the reduction of 
rotorcraft noise in the District of Columbia. 
(d) RELEVANT
OPERATORS
AND
ENTITIES
DE-
FINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘relevant operators and 
entities’’ means— 
(1) the Chief of Police of the Metropolitan Police 
Department of the District of Columbia; 
(2) any medical rotorcraft operator that rou-
tinely flies a rotorcraft over the District of Columbia; 
and 
(3) any other operator that routinely flies a 
rotorcraft over the District of Columbia. 
SEC. 791. UFP STUDY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek 
to enter into an agreement with the National Academies 
under which the National Research Council shall carry out 
a study examining airborne ultrafine particles and the ef-
fect of such particles on airport-adjacent communities. 
(b) SCOPE OF STUDY.—In carrying out the study 
under subsection (a), the National Research Council shall— 
(1) summarize the relevant literature and studies 
done on airborne UFPs worldwide; 
(2) focus on large hub airports;
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(3) examine airborne UFPs and the potential ef-
fect of such UFPs on airport-adjacent communities, 
including— 
(A) characteristics of UFPs present in the 
air; 
(B) spatial and temporal distributions of 
UFP concentrations; 
(C) primary sources of UFPs; 
(D) the contribution of aircraft and airport 
operations to the distribution of UFP concentra-
tions compared to other sources; 
(E) potential health effects associated with 
elevated UFP exposures, including outcomes re-
lated to cardiovascular disease, respiratory infec-
tion and disease, degradation of neurocognitive 
functions, and other health effects; and 
(F) potential UFP exposures, especially to 
susceptible groups; 
(4) consider the concentration of UFPs resulting 
from various aviation fuel sources including aviation 
gasoline, sustainable aviation fuel, and hydrogen, to 
the extent practicable; 
(5) identify measures intended to reduce the re-
lease of UFPs; and
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(6) identify information gaps related to under-
standing potential relationships between UFP expo-
sures and health effects, contributions of aviation-re-
lated emissions to UFP exposures, and the effective-
ness of mitigation measures. 
(c) COORDINATION.—The Administrator may coordi-
nate with the heads of such other agencies that the Adminis-
trator considers appropriate to provide data and other as-
sistance necessary for the study. 
(d) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the Na-
tional Research Council submits of the results of the study 
to the Administrator, the Administrator shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report containing the 
results of the study carried out under subsection (a), includ-
ing any recommendations based on such study. 
(e) DEFINITION OF ULTRAFINE PARTICLE.—In this 
section, the terms ‘‘ultrafine particle’’ and ‘‘UFP’’ mean 
particles with diameters less than or equal to 100 nano-
meters. 
SEC. 792. AIRCRAFT NOISE ADVISORY COMMITTEE. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
establish an Aircraft Noise Advisory Committee (in this sec-
tion referred to as the ‘‘Advisory Committee’’) to advise the 
Administrator on issues facing the aviation community
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that are related to aircraft noise exposure and existing FAA 
noise policies and regulations. 
(b) MEMBERSHIP.—The Administrator shall appoint 
the members of the Advisory Committee, which shall be com-
prised of— 
(1) at least 1 representative of each of— 
(A) engine manufacturers; 
(B) air carriers; 
(C) airport owners or operators; 
(D) aircraft manufacturers; 
(E) advanced air mobility manufacturers or 
operators; and 
(F) institutions of higher education; and 
(2) representatives of airport-adjacent commu-
nities from geographically diverse regions. 
(c) DUTIES.—The duties of the Advisory Committee 
shall include— 
(1) the evaluation of existing research on aircraft 
noise impacts and annoyance; 
(2) the assessment of alternative noise metrics 
that could be used to supplement or replace the exist-
ing Day Night Level standard, in consultation with 
the National Academies; 
(3) the evaluation of the current 65-decibel expo-
sure threshold, including the impact to land use com-
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patibility around airports if such threshold was low-
ered; 
(4) the evaluation of current noise mitigation 
strategies and the community engagement efforts by 
the FAA with respect to changes in airspace utiliza-
tion, such as the integration of new entrants and 
usage of performance-based navigation; and 
(5) other duties determined appropriate by the 
Administrator. 
(d) REPORTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after 
the date of establishment of the Advisory Committee, 
the Advisory Committee shall submit to the Adminis-
trator a report on any recommended changes to cur-
rent aviation noise policies. 
(2) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 180 
days after the date the Administrator receives the re-
port under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall 
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
report containing the recommendations made by the 
Advisory Committee. 
(e) CONGRESSIONAL BRIEFING.—Not later than 30 
days after submission of the report under paragraph (2), 
the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of 
Congress on how the Administrator plans to implement rec-
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ommendations contained in the report and, for each rec-
ommendation that the Administrator does not plan to im-
plement, the reason of the Administrator for not imple-
menting the recommendation. 
(f) CONSULTATION.—The Advisory Committee shall 
consult with other relevant Federal agencies, including the 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, in car-
rying out the duties described in section (c). 
SEC. 793. COMMUNITY COLLABORATION PROGRAM. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Administrator shall con-
tinue existing community engagement activities under the 
designation of a Community Collaboration Program (in 
this section referred to as the ‘‘Program’’). 
(b) RESPONSIBILITIES.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out the Program, 
the Administrator shall facilitate and harmonize, as 
appropriate, policies and procedures carried out by 
various offices of the FAA pertaining to community 
engagement relating to— 
(A) airport planning and development; 
(B) noise and environmental policy; 
(C) NextGen implementation; 
(D) air traffic route changes; 
(E) integration of new and emerging en-
trants; and
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(F) other topics with respect to which com-
munity engagement is critical to program suc-
cess. 
(2) SPECIFIED RESPONSIBILITIES.—In carrying 
out the Program, the Administrator shall be respon-
sible for— 
(A) updating the internal guidance of the 
FAA for community engagement based on— 
(i) best practices of other Federal agen-
cies and external organizations with exper-
tise in community engagement; 
(ii) interviews with impacted residents; 
and 
(iii) recommendations solicited from 
individuals and local government officials 
in communities adversely impacted by air-
craft noise; 
(B) coordinating with the Air Traffic Orga-
nization on community engagement efforts re-
lated to air traffic procedure changes to ensure 
that impacted communities are consulted in a 
meaningful way; 
(C) coordination with Regional Ombudsmen 
of the FAA;
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(D) oversight, streamlining, and increasing 
the responsiveness of the noise complaint process 
of the FAA by— 
(i) centralizing noise complaint data 
and improving data collection methodolo-
gies; 
(ii) ensuring such Regional Ombuds-
men are consulted in local air traffic proce-
dure development decisions; and 
(iii) collecting feedback from such Re-
gional Ombudsmen to inform national pol-
icymaking efforts; 
(E) timely implementation of the rec-
ommendations, as appropriate, made by the 
Comptroller General to the Secretary contained 
in the report titled ‘‘Aircraft Noise: FAA Could 
Improve Outreach Through Enhanced Noise 
Metrics, Communication, and Support to Com-
munities’’, issued in September 2021 (GAO–21– 
103933) to improve the outreach of the FAA to 
local communities impacted by aircraft noise, 
including— 
(i) any recommendations to— 
(I) identify appropriate supple-
mental metrics for assessing noise im-
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pacts and circumstances for their use 
to aid in the internal assessment of the 
FAA of noise impacts related to pro-
posed flight path changes; 
(II) update guidance to incor-
porate additional tools to more clearly 
convey expected impacts, such as other 
noise metrics and visualization tools; 
and 
(III) improve guidance to airports 
and communities on effectively engag-
ing with the FAA; and 
(ii) any other recommendations in-
cluded in the report that would assist the 
FAA in improving outreach to communities 
affected by aircraft noise; 
(F) ensuring engagement with local commu-
nity groups as appropriate in conducting the 
other responsibilities described in this section; 
and 
(G) other responsibilities as considered ap-
propriate by the Administrator. 
(c) BRIEFING.—Not later than 2 years after the Ad-
ministrator implements the recommendations described in
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subsection (b)(2)(E), the Administrator shall brief the ap-
propriate committees of Congress describing— 
(1) the implementation of each such rec-
ommendation; 
(2) how any recommended actions are assisting 
the Administrator in improving outreach to commu-
nities affected by aircraft noise and other community 
engagement concerns; and 
(3) any challenges or barriers that limit or pre-
vent the ability of the Administrator to take such ac-
tions. 
(d) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section 
shall be construed to require the Administrator to alter the 
organizational structure of the FAA nor change the report-
ing structure of any employee. 
SEC. 794. INFORMATION SHARING REQUIREMENT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, acting through 
the Administrator, shall establish a mechanism to make hel-
icopter noise complaint data accessible to the FAA, to heli-
copter operators operating in the Washington, DC area, and 
to the public on a website of the FAA, based on the rec-
ommendation of the Government Accountability Office in 
the report titled ‘‘Aircraft Noise: Better Information Shar-
ing Could Improve Responses to Washington, D.C. Area
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Helicopter Noise Concerns’’, published on January 7, 2021 
(GAO–21–200). 
(b) COOPERATION.—Any helicopter operator operating 
in the Washington, DC area shall, to the extent practicable, 
provide helicopter noise complaint data to the FAA through 
the mechanism established under subsection (a). 
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) HELICOPTER NOISE COMPLAINT DATA.—The 
term ‘‘helicopter noise complaint data’’— 
(A) means general data relating to a com-
plaint made by an individual about helicopter 
noise in the Washington, DC area and may in-
clude— 
(i) the location and description of the 
event that is the subject of the complaint; 
(ii) the start and end time of such 
event; 
(iii) a description of the aircraft that 
is the subject of the complaint; and 
(iv) the airport name associated with 
such event; and 
(B) does not include the personally identifi-
able information of the individual who submitted 
the complaint.
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(2) WASHINGTON, DC AREA.—The term ‘‘Wash-
ington, DC area’’ means the area inside of a 30-mile 
radius surrounding Ronald Reagan Washington Na-
tional Airport. 
SEC. 795. MECHANISMS TO REDUCE HELICOPTER NOISE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 3 years after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall 
initiate a study to examine ways in which a State, terri-
torial, or local government may mitigate the negative im-
pacts of commercial helicopter noise. 
(b) CONSIDERATIONS.—In conducting the study under 
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall consider— 
(1) the varying degree of commercial helicopter 
operations in different communities; and 
(2) actions that State and local governments 
have taken, and authorities such governments have 
used, to reduce the impact of commercial helicopter 
noise and the success of such actions. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall provide 
to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the 
findings of the study conducted under subsection (a).
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TITLE VIII—GENERAL AVIATION 
SEC. 801. REEXAMINATION OF PILOTS OR CERTIFICATE 
HOLDERS. 
The Pilot’s Bill of Rights (Public Law 112–153) is 
amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘SEC. 5. REEXAMINATION OF AN AIRMAN CERTIFICATE. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall provide 
timely, written notification to an individual subject to a 
reexamination of an airman certificate issued under chap-
ter 447 of title 49, United States Code. 
‘‘(b) INFORMATION REQUIRED.—In providing notifi-
cation under subsection (a), the Administrator shall inform 
the individual— 
‘‘(1) of the nature of the reexamination and the 
specific activity on which the reexamination is neces-
sitated; 
‘‘(2) that the reexamination shall occur within 1 
year from the date of the notice provided by the Ad-
ministrator, however, if the reexamination is not con-
ducted within 30 days, the Administrator may re-
strict passenger carrying operations; 
‘‘(3) that if such reexamination is not conducted 
after 1 year from date of notice, the airman certifi-
cate of the individual may be suspended or revoked; 
and
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‘‘(4) when, as determined by the Administrator, 
an oral or written response to the notification from 
the Administrator is not required. 
‘‘(c) EXCEPTION.—Nothing in this section prohibits 
the Administrator from reexamining a certificate holder if 
the Administrator has reasonable grounds— 
‘‘(1) to establish that an airman may not be 
qualified to exercise the privileges of a certificate or 
rating based upon an act or omission committed by 
the airman while exercising such privileges or per-
forming ancillary duties associated with the exercise 
of such privileges; or 
‘‘(2) to demonstrate that the airman obtained 
such a certificate or rating through fraudulent means 
or through an examination that was inadequate to es-
tablish the qualifications of an airman. 
‘‘(d) STANDARD OF REVIEW.—An order issued by the 
Administrator to amend, modify, suspend, or revoke an air-
man certificate after reexamination of the airman is subject 
to the standard of review provided for under section 2 of 
this Act.’’. 
SEC. 802. GAO REVIEW OF PILOT’S BILL OF RIGHTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall
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submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a study 
of the implementation of the Pilot’s Bill of Rights. 
(b) CONTENTS.—In conducting the study under sub-
section (a), the Comptroller General shall review— 
(1) the implementation and application of the 
Pilot’s Bill of Rights; 
(2) the application of the Federal Rules of Civil 
Procedure and the Federal Rules of Evidence to cov-
ered proceedings by the National Transportation 
Safety Board, as required by section 2 of the Pilot’s 
Bill of Rights; 
(3) the appeal process and the typical length of 
time associated with a final determination in a cov-
ered proceeding; and 
(4) any impacts of the implementation of the Pi-
lot’s Bill of Rights. 
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) COVERED PROCEEDING.—The term ‘‘covered 
proceeding’’ means a proceeding conducted under sub-
part C, D, or F of part 821 of title 49, Code of Fed-
eral Regulations, relating to denial, amendment, 
modification, suspension, or revocation of an airman 
certificate.
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(2) PILOT’S BILL OF RIGHTS.—The term ‘‘Pilot’s 
Bill of Rights’’ means the Pilot’s Bill of Rights (Pub-
lic Law 112–153). 
SEC. 803. DATA PRIVACY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 441 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 44114. Privacy 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other provi-
sion of law, including section 552(b)(3) of title 5, the Ad-
ministrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall 
establish and update as necessary a process by which, upon 
request of a private aircraft owner or operator, the Admin-
istrator withholds the registration number and other simi-
lar identifiable data or information, except for physical 
markings required by law, of the aircraft of the owner or 
operator from any broad dissemination or display (except 
in furnished data or information made available to or from 
a Government agency pursuant to a government contract, 
subcontract, or agreement, including for traffic manage-
ment purposes) for the noncommercial flights of the owner 
or operator. 
‘‘(b) WITHHOLDING PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE IN-
FORMATION ON THE AIRCRAFT REGISTRY.—Not later than 
2 years after the enactment of this Act and notwithstanding 
any other provision of law, including section 552(b)(3) of
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title 5, the Administrator shall establish a procedure by 
which, upon request of a private aircraft owner or operator, 
the Administrator shall withhold from broad dissemination 
or display by the FAA (except in furnished data or infor-
mation made available to or from a Government agency 
pursuant to a government contract, subcontract, or agree-
ment, including for traffic management purposes) the per-
sonally identifiable information of such individual, includ-
ing on a publicly available website of the FAA. 
‘‘(c) ICAO AIRCRAFT IDENTIFICATION CODE.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall es-
tablish a program for aircraft owners and operators 
to apply for a new ICAO aircraft identification code. 
‘‘(2) LIMITATIONS.—In carrying out the pro-
gram described in paragraph (1), the Administrator 
shall require— 
‘‘(A) each applicant to attest to a safety or 
security need in applying for a new ICAO air-
craft identification code; and 
‘‘(B) each approved applicant who obtains 
a new ICAO aircraft identification code to com-
ply with all applicable aspects of, or related to, 
part 45 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
including updating an aircraft’s registration
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number and N–Number to reflect such aircraft’s 
new ICAO aircraft identification code. 
‘‘(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) ADS–B.—The term ‘ADS–B’ means auto-
matic dependent surveillance-broadcast. 
‘‘(2) ICAO.—The term ‘ICAO’ means the Inter-
national Civil Aviation Organization. 
‘‘(3) 
PERSONALLY
IDENTIFIABLE
INFORMA-
TION.—The term ‘personally identifiable information’ 
means— 
‘‘(A) the mailing address or registration ad-
dress of an individual; 
‘‘(B) an electronic address (including an 
email address) of an individual; or 
‘‘(C) the telephone number of an individual. 
‘‘(D) the names of the aircraft owner or op-
erator, if the owner or operator is an indi-
vidual.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chapter 
441 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following: 
‘‘44114. Privacy.’’. 
(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 566 of the 
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44103 note) 
and the item relating to such section in the table of contents 
under section 1(b) of such Act are repealed.
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SEC. 804. ACCOUNTABILITY FOR AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION 
NUMBERS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall ini-
tiate a review of the process for reserving aircraft registra-
tion numbers to ensure that such process offers an equal 
opportunity for members of the general public to obtain spe-
cific aircraft registration numbers. 
(b) ASSESSMENT.—In conducting the review under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall assess the following: 
(1) Whether the use of readily available software 
to prevent computer or web-based auto-fill systems 
from reserving aircraft registration numbers in bulk 
would improve participation in the reservation proc-
ess by the general public. 
(2) Whether a limit should be imposed on the 
number of consecutive years a person may reserve an 
aircraft registration number. 
(c) BRIEFING.—Not later than 18 months after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief 
the appropriate committees of Congress on the review con-
ducted under subsection (a), including any recommenda-
tions of the Administrator to improve equal participation 
in the process for reserving aircraft registration numbers 
by the general public.
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SEC. 805. TIMELY RESOLUTION OF INVESTIGATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years after the 
date of issuance of a letter of investigation to any person, 
as required by section 2(b) of the Pilot’s Bill of Rights (49 
U.S.C. 44703 note), the Administrator shall— 
(1) make a determination regarding such inves-
tigation and pursue subsequent action; or 
(2) close such investigation. 
(b) EXTENSION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—If, upon review of the facts 
and status of an investigation described in subsection 
(a), the Administrator determines that the time pro-
vided to make a final determination or close such in-
vestigation is insufficient, the Administrator shall ap-
prove an extension of such investigation for 2 years. 
(2) ADDITIONAL
EXTENSIONS.—The Adminis-
trator may approve consecutive extensions under 
paragraph (1). 
(c) DELEGATION.—The Administrator may not dele-
gate the authority to approve an extension described in sub-
section (b) to anyone other than the leadership of the Ad-
ministration as described in section 106(b) of title 49, 
United States Code. 
SEC. 806. ALL MAKES AND MODELS AUTHORIZATION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—
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(1) UNLIMITED LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION.— 
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall take such action as 
may be necessary to allow for the issuance of letters 
of authorizations to airmen with the authorization 
for— 
(A) all types and makes of experimental 
high–performance single engine piston powered 
aircraft; and 
(B) all types and makes of experimental 
high–performance multiengine piston powered 
aircraft. 
(2) REQUIREMENTS.—An individual who holds a 
letter of authorization and applies for an authoriza-
tion described in paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(B)— 
(A) shall be given an all-makes and models 
authorization of— 
(i) experimental single–engine piston 
powered authorized aircraft; or 
(ii) experimental multiengine piston 
powered authorized aircraft; 
(B) shall hold the appropriate category and 
class rating for the authorized aircraft;
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(C) shall hold 3 experimental aircraft au-
thorizations in aircraft of the same category and 
class rating for the authorization sought; and 
(D) may become qualified in additional ex-
perimental aircraft by completing aircraft-spe-
cific ground and flight training. 
(b) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section 
may be construed to disallow an individual from being 
given both an authorization described in paragraph (1)(A) 
and an authorization described in paragraph (1)(B). 
(c) FAILURE TO COMPLY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—If the Administrator fails to 
implement subsection (a) within the time period pre-
scribed in such subsection, the Administrator shall 
brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the 
status of the implementation of such subsection on a 
monthly basis until the implementation is complete. 
(2) NO DELEGATION.—The Administrator may 
not delegate the briefing described in paragraph (1). 
SEC. 807. RESPONSE TO LETTER OF INVESTIGATION. 
Section 2(b) of the Pilot’s Bill of Rights (49 U.S.C. 
44703 note) is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(6) RESPONSE
TO
LETTER
OF
INVESTIGA-
TION.—
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‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—If an individual de-
cides to respond to a Letter of Investigation de-
scribed in paragraph (2)(B), such individual 
may respond not later than 30 days after receipt 
of such Letter, including providing written com-
ments on the incident to the investigating office. 
‘‘(B) 
CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing 
in 
this 
paragraph shall be construed to diminish the au-
thority of the Administrator (as of the day before 
the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthoriza-
tion Act of 2024) to take emergency action relat-
ing to an airman certificate.’’. 
SEC. 808. ADS–B OUT EQUIPAGE STUDY; VEHICLE-TO-VEHI-
CLE LINK PROGRAM. 
(a) STUDY AND BRIEFING ON ADS–B OUT EQUI-
PAGE.— 
(1) STUDY.—Not later than 90 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
initiate a study to determine— 
(A) the number of aircraft registered in the 
United States, and any other aerial vehicles op-
erating in the airspace of the United States, that 
are not equipped with Automatic Dependent 
Surveillance–Broadcast out equipment (in this 
section referred to as ‘‘ADS–B out’’);
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(B) the requirements for, and impact of, ex-
panding the dual-link architecture that is used 
below an altitude of flight level 180; 
(C) the costs and benefits of equipage of 
ADS–B out; 
(D) the costs and benefits of any accommo-
dation made for aircraft with inoperable ADS– 
B out; 
(E) reasons why aircraft owners choose not 
to equip or use an aircraft with ADS–B out; and 
(F) ways to further incentivize aircraft 
owners to equip and use aircraft with ADS–B 
out. 
(2) BRIEFING.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the 
results of the study conducted under paragraph (1). 
(b) VEHICLE-TO-VEHICLE LINK PROGRAM.—Not later 
than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator, in coordination with the Administrator of 
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and 
the Chair of the Federal Communications Commission, 
shall establish an interagency coordination program to ad-
vance vehicle-to-vehicle link initiatives that—
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(1) enable the real-time digital exchange of key 
information between nearby aircraft; and 
(2) are not reliant on ground infrastructure or 
air-to-ground communication links. 
SEC. 809. ENSURING SAFE LANDINGS DURING OFF-AIRPORT 
OPERATIONS. 
The Administrator shall not apply section 91.119 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, in any manner that 
requires a pilot to continue a landing that is unsafe. 
SEC. 810. DEVELOPMENT OF LOW-COST VOLUNTARY ADS–B. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall pre-
pare a report on the development of a suitable position re-
porting system for voluntary use in covered airspace to fa-
cilitate traffic awareness. 
(b) TECHNICAL ADVICE.—In preparing the report 
under subsection (a), the Administrator shall solicit tech-
nical advice from representatives from— 
(1) industry groups, including pilots, aircraft 
owners, avionics manufacturers; and 
(2) any others determined necessary by the Ad-
ministrator. 
(c) REQUIREMENTS.—In preparing the report under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall—
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(1) research and catalog domestic and inter-
national equipment, standards, and systems analo-
gous to ADS–B available as of the date on which the 
report is completed; 
(2) address strengths and weaknesses of such 
equipment, standards, and systems, including with 
respect to cost; 
(3) to enable the development and voluntary use 
of portable, installed, low-cost position reporting sys-
tems for use in covered airspace— 
(A) provide recommendations on any regu-
latory and procedural changes to be taken by the 
Administrator or other Federal entities; and 
(B) describe any equipment, standards, and 
systems that may need to be developed with re-
spect to such reporting systems; 
(4) determine market size, development costs, 
and barriers that may need to be overcome for the de-
velopment of technology that enables such position re-
porting systems in covered airspace; and 
(5) include a communication strategy that— 
(A) targets potential users of such position 
reporting systems as soon as such technology is 
available for commercial use; and
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(B) promotes the benefits of the voluntary 
use in covered airspace of position reporting sys-
tems to enhance traffic awareness. 
(d) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 30 days 
after the date on which the report prepared under subsection 
(a) is finalized, the Administrator shall submit to the ap-
propriate committees of Congress the report prepared under 
subsection (a). 
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) COVERED AIRSPACE.—The term ‘‘covered air-
space’’ means airspace for which the use of ADS–B 
out equipment on an aircraft is not required under 
section 91.225 of title 14, Code of Federal Regula-
tions, 
(2) ADS–B.—The term ‘‘ADS–B’’ means Auto-
matic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast. 
SEC. 811. AIRSHOW SAFETY TEAM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator may, as 
determined necessary by the Administration, coordinate 
with the General Aviation Joint Safety Committee to estab-
lish an Airshow Safety Team focused on airshow and aerial 
event safety. 
(b) OBJECTIVE.—The objective of the Airshow Safety 
Team described in subsection (a) shall be to—
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(1) serve as a mechanism for Federal Govern-
ment and industry cooperation, communication, and 
coordination on airshow and aerial event safety; and 
(2) reduce airshow and aerial event accidents 
and incidents through non-regulatory, proactive safe-
ty strategies. 
(c) ACTIVITIES.—In carrying out the objectives pursu-
ant to subsection (b), the Airshow Safety Team shall, at 
a minimum— 
(1) perform an analysis of airshow and aerial 
event accidents and incidents in conjunction with the 
Safety Analysis Team; 
(2) publish and update every 2 years after ini-
tial publication an Airshow Safety Plan that incor-
porates consensus based and data driven mitigation 
measures and non-regulatory safety strategies to im-
prove and promote safety of the public, performers, 
and airport personnel; and 
(3) engage the airshow and aerial event commu-
nity to— 
(A) communicate non-regulatory, proactive 
safety strategies identified by the Airshow Safety 
Plan to mitigate incidents; and 
(B) discuss best practices to uphold and 
maintain safety at events.
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(d) MEMBERSHIP.—The Administrator may request 
the Airshow Safety Team be comprised of at least 10 indi-
viduals, each of whom shall have knowledge or a background 
in the planning, execution, operation, or management of 
an airshow or aerial event. 
(e) MEETINGS.—The Airshow Safety Team shall meet 
at least twice a year at the direction of the co-chairs of 
the General Aviation Joint Safety Committee. 
(f) CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to require an amendment to the charter of the 
General Aviation Joint Safety Committee. 
SEC. 812. AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION VALIDITY DURING RE-
NEWAL. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 44103 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(e) VALIDITY OF AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION DURING 
RENEWAL.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—An aircraft may be operated 
on or after the expiration date found on the certificate 
of registration issued for such aircraft under this sec-
tion as if it were not expired if the operator of such 
aircraft has aboard the aircraft— 
‘‘(A) documentation validating that— 
‘‘(i) an aircraft registration renewal 
application form (AC Form 8050–1B, or a
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succeeding form) has been submitted to the 
Administrator for such aircraft but not yet 
approved or denied; and 
‘‘(ii) such aircraft is compliant with 
maintenance, inspections, and any other re-
quirements for the aircraft’s airworthiness 
certificate issued under section 44704(d); 
and 
‘‘(B) the most recent aircraft registration. 
‘‘(2) PROOF
OF
PENDING
RENEWAL
APPLICA-
TION.—The Administrator shall provide an applicant 
for renewal of registration under this section with 
documentation described in paragraph (1)(A). Such 
documentation shall— 
‘‘(A) be made electronically available to the 
applicant immediately upon submitting an air-
craft registration renewal application to the 
Civil Aviation Registry for an aircraft; 
‘‘(B) notify the applicant of the operational 
allowance described in paragraph (1); 
‘‘(C) deem an aircraft’s airworthiness cer-
tificate issued under section 44704(d) as valid 
provided that the applicant confirms acknowl-
edgment of the requirements of paragraph 
(1)(A)(ii);
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‘‘(D) confirm the applicant acknowledged 
the limitations described in paragraph (3)(A) 
and (3)(B); and 
‘‘(E) include identifying information per-
taining to such aircraft and to the registered 
owner. 
‘‘(3) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this 
subsection shall be construed to permit any person to 
operate an aircraft— 
‘‘(A) with an expired registration, except as 
specifically provided for under this subsection; or 
‘‘(B) if the Administrator has denied an ap-
plication to renew the registration of such air-
craft.’’. 
(b) RULEMAKING; GUIDANCE.—Not later than 36 
months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Adminis-
trator shall issue a final rule, if necessary, and update all 
applicable guidance and policies to reflect the amendment 
made by this section. 
SEC. 813. TEMPORARY AIRMAN CERTIFICATES. 
Section 44703 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(l) TEMPORARY AIRMAN CERTIFICATE.—An indi-
vidual may obtain a temporary airman certificate from the 
Administrator after requesting a permanent replacement
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airman certificate issued under this section. A temporary 
airman certificate shall be— 
‘‘(1) made available— 
‘‘(A) electronically to the individual imme-
diately upon submitting an online application 
for a replacement certificate to the Adminis-
trator; or 
‘‘(B) physically to the individual at a flight 
standards district office— 
‘‘(i) if the individual submits an on-
line application for a replacement certifi-
cate; or 
‘‘(ii) if the individual applies for a 
permanent replacement certificate other 
than by online application and such appli-
cation has been received by the Federal 
Aviation Administration; and 
‘‘(2) destroyed upon receipt of the permanent re-
placement airman certificate from the Adminis-
trator.’’. 
SEC. 814. LETTER OF DEVIATION AUTHORITY. 
(a) IN
GENERAL.—A flight instructor, registered 
owner, lessor, or lessee of a covered aircraft shall not be re-
quired to obtain a letter of deviation authority from the
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Administrator to allow, conduct, or receive flight training, 
checking, and testing in such aircraft if— 
(1) the flight instructor is not providing both the 
training and the aircraft; 
(2) no person advertises or broadly offers the air-
craft as available for flight training, checking, or test-
ing; and 
(3) no person receives compensation for use of 
the aircraft for a specific flight during which flight 
training, checking, or testing was received, other than 
expenses for owning, operating, and maintaining the 
aircraft. 
(b) COVERED AIRCRAFT DEFINED.—In this section, 
the term ‘‘covered aircraft’’ means— 
(1) an experimental category aircraft; 
(2) a limited category aircraft; and 
(3) a primary category aircraft. 
SEC. 815. BASICMED FOR EXAMINERS ADMINISTERING 
TESTS OR PROFICIENCY CHECKS. 
(a) EQUIVALENT PILOT-IN-COMMAND MEDICAL RE-
QUIREMENTS.—Notwithstanding section 61.23(a)(3)(iv) of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, an examiner may ad-
minister a practical test or proficiency check if such exam-
iner meets the medical qualification requirements under 
part 68 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, if the oper-
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ation being conducted is in a covered aircraft, as such term 
is defined in section 2307(j) of the FAA Extension, Safety, 
and Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44703 note). 
(b) RULEMAKING.—Not later than 3 years after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue 
a final rule to update part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, to implement the requirements under sub-
section (a), in addition to any related requirements the Ad-
ministrator finds are in the interest of aviation safety. 
SEC. 816. DESIGNEE LOCATOR TOOL IMPROVEMENTS. 
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall ensure that the designee 
locator search function of the public website of the Designee 
Management System of the Administration has the 
functionality to— 
(1) filter a search for an Aviation Medical Ex-
aminer (as described in section 183.21 of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations) by sex, if such informa-
tion is available; 
(2) display credentials and aircraft qualifica-
tions of a designated pilot examiner (as described in 
section 183.23 of such title); and 
(3) display the scheduling availability of a des-
ignated pilot examiner (as described in section 183.23
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of such title) to administer a test or proficiency check 
to an airman. 
SEC. 817. DEADLINE TO ELIMINATE AIRCRAFT REGISTRA-
TION BACKLOG. 
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall take such actions as 
may be necessary to reduce and maintain the aircraft reg-
istration and recordation backlog at the Civil Aviation Reg-
istry so that, on average, applications are processed not 
later than 10 business days after receipt. 
SEC. 818. PART 135 AIR CARRIER CERTIFICATE BACKLOG. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall take such 
actions as may be necessary to achieve the goal of reducing 
the backlog of air carrier certificate applications under part 
135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to— 
(1) not later than 1 year after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, maintain an average application 
acceptance or rejection time of less than 60 days; and 
(2) not later than 2 years after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, maintain an average application 
acceptance or rejection time of less than 30 days. 
(b) MEASURES.—In meeting the goal under subsection 
(a), the Administrator may—
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(1) assign, as appropriate, additional personnel 
or support staff, including on a temporary basis, to 
review, adjudicate, and approve applications; 
(2) improve and expand promotion of existing 
applicant resources which could improve the quality 
of applications submitted to decrease the need for Ad-
ministration applicant coordination and communica-
tions; and 
(3) take into consideration any third-party enti-
ty that assisted in the preparation of an application 
for an air carrier certificate under part 135 of title 
14, Code of Federal Regulations. 
(c) CONGRESSIONAL BRIEFING.—Beginning 6 months 
after the date of enactment of this Act, and not less than 
every 6 months thereafter until the Administrator complies 
with the requirements under subsection (a)(2), the Adminis-
trator shall provide a briefing to appropriate committees 
of Congress on the status of the backlog of air carrier certifi-
cate applications under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, any measures the Administrator has put in 
place under subsection (b). 
SEC. 819. ENHANCING PROCESSES FOR AUTHORIZING AIR-
CRAFT FOR SERVICE IN COMMUTER AND ON- 
DEMAND OPERATIONS. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF WORKING GROUP.—
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(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
shall establish a part 135 aircraft conformity working 
group (in this section referred to as the ‘‘Working 
Group’’). 
(2) REQUIREMENTS.—The Working Group shall 
study methods and make recommendations to clarify 
requirements and standardize the process for con-
ducting and completing aircraft conformity processes 
in a timely manner for existing operators and air 
carriers operating aircraft under part 135 and enter-
ing such aircraft into service. 
(b) MEMBERSHIP.—The Working Group shall be com-
prised of representatives of the FAA, existing operators and 
air carriers operating aircraft under part 135, associations 
or trade groups representing such operators or air carriers, 
and, as appropriate, labor groups representing employees 
of air carriers operating under part 135. 
(c) DUTIES.—The Working Group shall consider all 
aspects of the FAA processes as of the date of enactment 
of this Act for ensuring aircraft conformity and make rec-
ommendations to enhance such processes, including with re-
spect to—
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(1) methodologies for air carriers and operators 
to document and attest to aircraft conformity in ac-
cordance with the requirements of part 135; 
(2) streamlined protocols for operators and air 
carriers operating aircraft under part 135 to add an 
aircraft that was listed on another part 135 certifi-
cate immediately prior to moving to a new air car-
rier or operator; and 
(3) changes to FAA policy and documentation 
necessary to implement the recommendations of the 
Working Group. 
(d) CONGRESSIONAL BRIEFING.—Not later than 1 year 
after the date on which the Administrator establishes the 
Working Group, the Administrator shall brief the appro-
priate committees of Congress on the progress made by the 
Working Group in carrying out the duties specified in sub-
section (c), recommendations of the Working Group, and 
the efforts of the Administrator to implement such rec-
ommendations. 
(e) DEFINITION OF PART 135.—In this section, the 
term ‘‘part 135’’ means part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations. 
SEC. 820. FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATES. 
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a final rule for
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the rulemaking activity titled ‘‘Removal of the Expiration 
Date on a Flight Instructor Certificate’’, published in Fall 
2022 in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and De-
regulatory Actions (RIN 2120–AL25) to, at a minimum, 
update part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to— 
(1) remove the expiration date on a flight in-
structor certificate; and 
(2) replace the requirement that a flight instruc-
tor renews their flight instructor certificate with ap-
propriate recent experience requirements for the hold-
er of a flight instructor certificate to exercise the 
privileges of such certificate. 
SEC. 821. CONSISTENCY OF POLICY APPLICATION IN 
FLIGHT STANDARDS AND AIRCRAFT CERTIFI-
CATION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The inspector general of the De-
partment of Transportation shall initiate audits, as de-
scribed in subsection (d), of the Flight Standards and Air-
craft Certification Services of the FAA, and the personnel 
of such offices, on the consistency of— 
(1) the interpretation of policies, orders, guid-
ance, and regulations; and 
(2) the application of policies, orders, guidance, 
and regulations.
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(b) COMPONENTS.—In completing the audits required 
under this section, the inspector general shall interview 
stakeholders, including at a minimum, individuals or enti-
ties that— 
(1) hold a certificate or authorization related to 
the issue being audited under subsection (d); 
(2) are from different regions of the country with 
matters before different flight standards district offices 
or before different FAA Flight Standards Service and 
Aircraft Certification Service offices; 
(3) work with multiple flight standards district 
offices or aircraft certification offices of the Adminis-
tration; or 
(4) hold a single or multiple relevant certificates 
or authorizations. 
(c) REPORTS.—The inspector general of the Depart-
ment of Transportation shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress, the Secretary, and the Adminis-
trator a report for each audit required in this section, con-
taining the results of the audit, including findings and nec-
essary recommendations to the Administrator to improve 
the consistency of decision-making by Flight Standards and 
Aircraft Certification Services offices of the Administration.
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(d) AUDITS.—The inspector general shall complete an 
audit and issue the associated report required under sub-
section (c) not later than— 
(1) 18 months after the date of enactment of this 
Act, with regard to supplemental type certificates; 
(2) 34 months after the date of enactment of this 
Act, with regard to repair stations certificated under 
part 145 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and 
(3) 50 months after the date of enactment of this 
Act, with regard to technical standards orders. 
(e) 
IMPLEMENTATION.—In 
addressing 
any 
rec-
ommendations from the inspector general contained in the 
reports required under subsection (c), the Administrator 
may— 
(1) maintain an implementation plan; and 
(2) broadly adopt any best practices to improve 
the consistency of interpretation and application of 
policies, orders, guidance, and regulations by other of-
fices of the Administration and with regard to other 
activities of the Administration. 
(f) BRIEFING.—Not later than 6 months after receiving 
a report required under subsection (c), the Administrator 
shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the 
implementation plan required under subsection (d), the sta-
tus of any recommendation received pursuant to this sec-
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tion, and any best practices that are being implemented 
more broadly. 
SEC. 822. APPLICATION OF POLICIES, ORDERS, AND GUID-
ANCE. 
Section 44701 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(h) POLICIES, ORDERS, AND GUIDANCE.— 
‘‘(1) CONSISTENCY
OF
APPLICATION.—The Ad-
ministrator shall ensure consistency in the applica-
tion of policies, orders, and guidance of the Adminis-
tration by— 
‘‘(A) audits of the application and interpre-
tation of such material by Administration per-
sonnel from person to person and office to office; 
‘‘(B) updating policies, orders, and guid-
ance to resolve inconsistencies and clarify dem-
onstrated ambiguities, such as through repeated 
inconsistent interpretation; and 
‘‘(C) ensuring officials are properly docu-
menting findings and decisions throughout a 
project to decrease the occurrence of duplicative 
work and inconsistent findings by subsequent of-
ficials assigned to the same project. 
‘‘(2) ALTERATIONS.—The Administrator shall 
consult as appropriate with regulated entities who
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will be impacted by proposed changes to the content 
or application of policies, orders, and guidance before 
making such changes. 
‘‘(3) AUTHORITIES AND REGULATIONS.—The Ad-
ministrator shall issue policies, orders, and guidance 
documents that are related to a law or regulation or 
clarify the intent of or compliance with specific laws 
and regulations.’’. 
SEC. 823. EXPANSION OF THE REGULATORY CONSISTENCY 
COMMUNICATIONS BOARD. 
Section 224 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
(49 U.S.C. 44701 note) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (c)— 
(A) in paragraph (2) by striking ‘‘; and’’ 
and inserting a semicolon; 
(B) in paragraph (3) by striking the period 
and inserting a semicolon; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(4) the Office of Airports; 
‘‘(5) the Office of Security and Hazardous Mate-
rials Safety; 
‘‘(6) the Office of Rulemaking and Regulatory 
Improvement; and 
‘‘(7) such other offices as the Administrator de-
termines appropriate.’’; and
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(2) in subsection (d)(1)— 
(A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ‘‘anon-
ymous regulatory interpretation questions’’ and 
inserting ‘‘regulatory interpretation questions, 
including anonymously,’’; 
(B) in subparagraph (C) by striking ‘‘anon-
ymous regulatory interpretation questions’’ and 
inserting ‘‘regulatory interpretation questions, 
including anonymously’’; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(6) Submit recommendations, as needed, to the 
Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regu-
latory Improvement for consideration.’’. 
SEC. 824. MODERNIZATION OF SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS 
CERTIFICATION RULEMAKING DEADLINE. 
Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a final rule for 
the rulemaking activity titled ‘‘Modernization of Special 
Airworthiness Certification’’, published in Fall 2022 in the 
long-term actions of the Unified Agenda of Federal Regu-
latory and Deregulatory Actions (RIN 2120–AL50). 
SEC. 825. EXCLUSION OF GYROPLANES FROM FUEL SYSTEM 
REQUIREMENTS. 
Section 44737 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended—
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(1) by striking ‘‘rotorcraft’’ and inserting ‘‘heli-
copter’’ each place it appears; 
(2) in the heading for paragraph (2) of sub-
section (a) by striking ‘‘ROTORCRAFT’’ and inserting 
‘‘HELICOPTER’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(d) EXCEPTION.—A helicopter issued an experi-
mental certificate under section 21.191 of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations), or oper-
ating under a Special Flight Permit issued under section 
21.197 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any suc-
cessor regulations), is excepted from the requirements of this 
section.’’. 
SEC. 826. PUBLIC AIRCRAFT FLIGHT TIME LOGGING ELIGI-
BILITY. 
(a) FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION FLIGHT TIME 
LOGGING.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, aircraft under the direct operational 
control of forestry and fire protection agencies are eli-
gible to log pilot flight times, if the flight time was 
acquired by the pilot while engaged on an official for-
estry or fire protection flight, in the same manner as 
aircraft under the direct operational control of a Fed-
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eral, State, county, or municipal law enforcement 
agency. 
(2) RETROACTIVE APPLICATION.—Paragraph (1) 
shall be applied as if enacted on October 5, 2018. 
(b) REGULATIONS.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall make 
such regulatory changes as are necessary to conform to the 
requirements of this section. 
SEC. 827. EAGLE INITIATIVE. 
(a) EAGLE INITIATIVE.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall con-
tinue to partner with industry and other Federal 
Government stakeholders in carrying out the Elimi-
nate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions Initiative (in 
this section referred to as the ‘‘EAGLE Initiative’’) 
through the end of 2030. 
(2) FAA RESPONSIBILITIES.—In collaborating 
with industry and other Government stakeholders to 
carry out the EAGLE Initiative, the Administrator 
shall take such actions as may be necessary under the 
authority of the Administrator to facilitate— 
(A) the safe elimination of the use of leaded 
aviation gasoline by piston-engine aircraft by 
the end of 2030 without adversely affecting the
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safe and efficient operation of the piston-engine 
aircraft fleet; 
(B) the approval of the use of unleaded al-
ternatives to leaded aviation gasoline for use in 
all piston-engine aircraft types and piston-en-
gine models; 
(C) the implementation of the requirements 
of section 47107(a)(22) of title 49, United States 
Code, as added by this Act, as such requirements 
relate to the continued availability of aviation 
gasoline; 
(D) efforts to make unleaded aviation gaso-
line that is approved for use in piston-engine 
aircraft and engines widely available for pur-
chase and use at airports in the National Plan 
of Integrated Airport Systems; and 
(E) the development of a transition plan to 
safely enable the transition of the piston-engine 
general aviation aircraft fleet to unleaded avia-
tion gasoline by 2030, to the extent practicable. 
(3) ACTIVITIES.—In carrying out the respon-
sibilities of the Administrator pursuant to paragraph 
(2), the Administrator shall, at a minimum— 
(A) maintain a fleet authorization process 
for the efficient approval or authorization of eli-
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gible piston-engine aircraft and engine models to 
operate safely using qualified unleaded aviation 
gasolines; 
(B) review, update, and prioritize, as soon 
as 
practicable, 
certification 
processes 
and 
projects, as necessary, for aircraft engines and 
modifications to such engines to operate with un-
leaded aviation gasoline; 
(C) seek to facilitate programs that accel-
erate the creation, evaluation, qualification, de-
ployment, and use of unleaded aviation gaso-
lines; 
(D) carry out, in partnership with the gen-
eral aviation community, an ongoing campaign 
for training and educating aircraft owners and 
operators on how to safely transition to unleaded 
aviation gasoline; 
(E) evaluate aircraft and aircraft engines to 
ensure that such aircraft and aircraft engines 
can safely operate with unleaded aviation gaso-
line candidates during cold weather conditions; 
and 
(F) facilitate the development of agency 
policies and processes, as appropriate, to support 
the deployment of necessary infrastructure at
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airports to enable the distribution and storage of 
unleaded aviation gasolines. 
(4) CONSULTATION AND COLLABORATION WITH 
RELEVANT
STAKEHOLDERS.—In carrying out the 
EAGLE Initiative, the Administrator shall continue 
to consult and collaborate, as appropriate, with rel-
evant stakeholders, including— 
(A) general aviation aircraft engine, air-
craft propulsion, and aircraft airframe manufac-
turers; 
(B) general aviation aircraft users, aircraft 
owners, aircraft pilots, and aircraft operators; 
(C) airports and fixed-base operators; 
(D) State, local, and Tribal aviation offi-
cials; 
(E) representatives of the petroleum indus-
try, including developers, refiners, producers, 
and distributors of unleaded aviation gasolines; 
and 
(F) air carriers and commercial operators 
operating under part 135 of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations. 
(5) REPORT TO CONGRESS.— 
(A) INITIAL
REPORT.—Not later than 1 
year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
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Administrator shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report that— 
(i) contains an updated strategic plan 
for maintaining a fleet authorization proc-
ess for the efficient approval and authoriza-
tion of eligible piston-engine aircraft and 
engine models to operate using unleaded 
aviation gasolines in a manner that ensures 
safety; 
(ii) describes the structure and involve-
ment of all FAA offices that have respon-
sibilities described in paragraph (2); and 
(iii) identifies policy initiatives, regu-
latory initiatives, or legislative initiatives 
needed to improve and enhance the timely 
and safe transition to unleaded aviation 
gasoline for the piston-engine aircraft fleet. 
(B) ANNUAL BRIEFING.—Not later than 1 
year after the date on which the Administrator 
submits the initial report under subparagraph 
(A), and annually thereafter through 2030, the 
Administrator shall brief the appropriate com-
mittees of Congress on activities and progress of 
the EAGLE Initiative.
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(C) 
SUNSET.—Subparagraph 
(B) 
shall 
cease to be effective after December 31, 2030. 
(b) TRANSITION PLAN TO UNLEADED AVIATION GASO-
LINE.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In developing the transition 
plan under subsection (a)(2)(E), the Administrator 
may, at a minimum, assess the following: 
(A) Efforts undertaken by the EAGLE Ini-
tiative, including progress towards— 
(i) safely eliminating the use of leaded 
aviation gasoline by piston-engine aircraft 
by the end of 2030 without adversely affect-
ing the safe and efficient operation of the 
piston-engine aircraft fleet; 
(ii) approving the use of unleaded al-
ternatives to leaded aviation gasoline for 
use in all piston-engine aircraft types and 
piston-engine models; and 
(iii) facilitating efforts to make ap-
proved unleaded aviation gasoline that is 
approved for use in piston-engine aircraft 
and engines widely available at airports for 
purchase and use in the National Plan of 
Integrated Airport Systems.
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(B) The evaluation and development of nec-
essary airport infrastructure, including fuel stor-
age and dispensing facilities, to support the dis-
tribution and storage of unleaded aviation gaso-
line. 
(C) The establishment of best practices for 
piston-engine aircraft owners and operators, air-
port operators and personnel, aircraft mainte-
nance technicians, and other appropriate per-
sonnel for protecting against exposure to lead 
containment when— 
(i) conducting fueling operations; 
(ii) disposing of inspected gasoline 
samples; 
(iii) performing aircraft maintenance; 
and 
(iv) conducting engine run-ups. 
(D) Efforts to address supply chain and 
other logistical barriers inhibiting the timely dis-
tribution of unleaded aviation gasoline to air-
ports. 
(E) Outreach efforts to educate and update 
piston-engine aircraft owners and operators, air-
port operators, and other members of the general 
aviation community on the potential benefits,
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availability, and safety of unleaded aviation gas-
oline. 
(2) PUBLICATION; GUIDANCE.—Upon completion 
of developing such transition plan, the Administrator 
shall— 
(A) make the plan available to the public on 
an appropriate website of the FAA; and 
(B) provide guidance supporting the imple-
mentation of the transition plan. 
(3) COLLABORATION WITH EAGLE INITIATIVE.— 
In supporting the development of such transition plan 
and issuing associated guidance pertaining to the im-
plementation of such transition plan, the Adminis-
trator shall consult and collaborate with individuals 
carrying out the EAGLE Initiative. 
(4) UNLEADED AVIATION GASOLINE COMMUNICA-
TION MATERIALS.—The Administrator may collabo-
rate with individuals carrying out the EAGLE Ini-
tiative to jointly develop and continuously update 
websites, brochures, and other communication mate-
rials associated with such transition plan to clearly 
convey the availability of unleaded aviation gasoline 
at airports. 
(5) BRIEFING TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 60 
days after the publication of such transition plan, the
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Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees 
of Congress on such transition plan and any agency 
efforts or actions pertaining to the implementation of 
such transition plan. 
(6) SAVINGS CLAUSE.—Nothing in this section 
shall be construed to delay or alter the ongoing work 
of the EAGLE Initiative established by the Adminis-
trator in 2022. 
SEC. 828. EXPANSION OF BASICMED. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 2307 of the FAA Extension, 
Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44703 note) 
is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting 
the following: 
‘‘(2) the individual holds a medical certificate 
issued by the Federal Aviation Administration or has 
held such a certificate at any time after July 14, 
2006;’’; 
(B) in paragraph (7) by inserting ‘‘cal-
endar’’ before ‘‘months’’; and 
(C) in paragraph (8)(A) by striking ‘‘5’’ 
and inserting ‘‘6’’; 
(2) in subsection (b)(2)(A)(i) by inserting ‘‘(or 
any successor form)’’ after ‘‘(3–99)’’;
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(3) by striking subsection (h) and inserting the 
following: 
‘‘(h) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 4 years after 
the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
2024, the Administrator, in coordination with the National 
Transportation Safety Board, shall submit to the Com-
mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that de-
scribes the effect of the regulations issued or revised under 
subsection (a) and includes statistics with respect to 
changes in small aircraft activity and safety incidents.’’; 
and 
(4) by striking subsection (j) and inserting the 
following: 
‘‘(j) COVERED AIRCRAFT DEFINED.—In this section, 
the term ‘covered aircraft’ means an aircraft that— 
‘‘(1) is authorized under Federal law to carry 
not more than 7 occupants; 
‘‘(2) has a maximum certificated takeoff weight 
of not more than 12,500 pounds; and 
‘‘(3) is not a transport category rotorcraft cer-
tified to airworthiness standards under part 29 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.’’.
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(b) RULEMAKING.—The Administrator shall update 
regulations in parts 61 and 68 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, as necessary, to implement the amendments 
made by this section. 
(c) APPLICABILITY.—Beginning on the date that is 180 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Adminis-
trator shall apply parts 61 and 68, Code of Federal Regula-
tions, in a manner reflecting the amendments made by this 
section. 
SEC. 829. PROHIBITION ON USING ADS–B OUT DATA TO INI-
TIATE AN INVESTIGATION. 
Section 46101 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(c) PROHIBITION ON USING ADS–B OUT DATA TO 
INITIATE AN INVESTIGATION.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other 
provision of this section, the Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration may not initiate an 
investigation (excluding a criminal investigation) of 
a person based exclusively on automatic dependent 
surveillance–broadcast data. 
‘‘(2) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this 
subsection shall prohibit the use of automatic depend-
ent surveillance–broadcast data in an investigation 
that was initiated for any reason other than the re-
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view of automatic dependent surveillance–broadcast 
data, including if such investigation was initiated as 
a result of a report or complaint submitted to the Ad-
ministrator.’’. 
SEC. 830. CHARITABLE FLIGHT FUEL REIMBURSEMENT EX-
EMPTIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.— 
(1) VALIDITY OF EXEMPTION.—Except as other-
wise provided in this subsection, an exemption from 
section 61.113(c) of title 14, Code of Federal Regula-
tions, that is granted by the Administrator for the 
purpose of allowing a volunteer pilot to accept reim-
bursement from a volunteer pilot organization for the 
fuel costs and airport fees attributed to a flight oper-
ation to provide charitable transportation pursuant 
to section 821 of the FAA Modernization and Reform 
Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) shall be valid for 
5 years. 
(2) FAILING TO ADHERE.—If the Administrator 
finds an exemption holder under paragraph (1) or a 
volunteer pilot fails to adhere to the conditions and 
limitations of the exemption described under such 
paragraph, the Administrator may rescind or sus-
pend the exemption.
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(3) NO LONGER QUALIFYING.—If the Adminis-
trator finds that such exemption holder no longer 
qualifies as a volunteer pilot organization, the Ad-
ministrator shall rescind such exemption. 
(4) FORGOING EXEMPTION.—If such exemption 
holder informs the Administrator that such holder no 
longer plans to exercise the authority granted by such 
exemption, the Administrator may rescind such ex-
emption. 
(b) ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—A volunteer pilot organization 
may impose additional safety requirements on a vol-
unteer pilot without— 
(A) being considered— 
(i) an air carrier (as such term is de-
fined in section 40102 of title 49, United 
States Code); or 
(ii) a commercial operator (as such 
term is defined in section 1.1 of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations); or 
(B) constituting common carriage. 
(2) SAVINGS
CLAUSE.—Nothing in this sub-
section may be construed to limit or otherwise affect 
the authority of the Administrator to regulate, as ap-
propriate, a flight operation associated with a volun-
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teer pilot organization that constitutes a commercial 
operation or common carriage. 
(c) REISSUANCE OF EXISTING EXEMPTIONS.—In re-
issuing an expiring exemption described in subsection (a) 
that was originally issued prior to the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall ensure that the reissued 
exemption— 
(1) accounts for the provisions of this section and 
section 821 of the FAA Modernization and Reform 
Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note); and 
(2) is otherwise substantially similar to the pre-
viously issued exemption. 
(d) STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this sec-
tion shall be construed to— 
(1) affect the authority of the Administrator to 
exempt a pilot (exercising the private pilot privileges) 
from any restriction on receiving reimbursement for 
the fuel costs and airport fees attributed to a flight 
operation to provide charitable transportation; or 
(2) impose or authorize the imposition of any 
additional requirements by the Administrator on a 
flight that is arranged by a volunteer pilot organiza-
tion in which the volunteer pilot—
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SEC. 831. GAO REPORT ON CHARITABLE FLIGHTS. 
(a) REPORT.—Not later than 4 years after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall ini-
tiate a review of the following: 
(1) Applicable laws, regulations, policies, legal 
opinions, and guidance pertaining to charitable 
flights and the operations of such flights, including 
reimbursement of fuel costs. 
(2) Petitions for exemption from the require-
ments of section 61.113(c) of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, for the purpose of allowing a pilot to ac-
cept reimbursement for the fuel costs associated with 
a flight operation to provide charitable transportation 
pursuant to section 821 of the FAA Modernization 
and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note), in-
cluding assessment of— 
(A) the conditions and limitations a peti-
tioner shall comply with if the exemption is 
granted and whether such conditions and limita-
tions are— 
(i) applied to petitioners in a con-
sistent manner; and 
(ii) commensurate with the types of 
flight operations exemption holders propose 
to conduct under any such exemptions;
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(B) denied petitions for such an exemption 
and the reasons for the denial of such petitions; 
and 
(C) the processing time of a petition for 
such an exemption. 
(3) Charitable flights conducted without an ex-
emption from section 61.113(c) of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations, including an analysis of the cer-
tificates, qualifications, and aeronautical experience 
of the operators of such flights. 
(b) CONSULTATION.—In carrying out the review initi-
ated under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall 
consult with charitable organizations, including volunteer 
pilot organizations, aircraft owners, and pilots who volun-
teer to provide transportation for or on behalf of a chari-
table organization, flight safety experts, and employees of 
the FAA. 
(c) RECOMMENDATIONS.—As part of the review initi-
ated under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall 
make recommendations, as determined appropriate, to the 
Administrator to improve the rules, policies, and guidance 
pertaining to charitable flight operations. 
(d) REPORT.—Upon completion of the review initiated 
under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit 
to the appropriate committees of Congress a report describ-
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ing the findings of such review and recommendations devel-
oped under subsection (c). 
SEC. 832. FLIGHT INSTRUCTION OR TESTING. 
(a) AUTHORIZED ADDITIONAL PILOTS.—An indi-
vidual acting as an authorized additional pilot during 
Phase I flight testing of aircraft holding an experimental 
airworthiness certificate, in accordance with section 21.191 
of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and meeting the 
requirements set forth in FAA regulations and policy in 
effect as of the date of enactment of this Act, shall not be 
deemed to be operating an aircraft carrying persons or 
property for compensation or hire. 
(b) USE
OF AIRCRAFT.—An individual who uses, 
causes to use, or authorizes to use aircraft for flights con-
ducted under subsection (a) shall not be deemed to be oper-
ating an aircraft carrying persons or property for com-
pensation or hire. 
(c) REVISION OF RULES.—The Administrator shall, as 
necessary, issue, revise, or repeal the rules, regulations, 
guidance, or procedures of the FAA to conform to the re-
quirements of this section. 
SEC. 833. NATIONAL COORDINATION AND OVERSIGHT OF 
DESIGNATED PILOT EXAMINERS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall establish 
an office to provide oversight and facilitate national coordi-
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nation of designated pilot examiners appointed under sec-
tion 183.23 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. 
(b) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The office described in sub-
section (a) shall be responsible for the following: 
(1) Oversight of designated pilot examiners ap-
pointed under section 183.23 of title 14, Code of Fed-
eral Regulations. 
(2) Coordinating with other offices, as appro-
priate, to support the standardization of policy, guid-
ance, and regulations across the FAA pertaining to 
the selection, training, duties, and deployment of des-
ignated pilot examiners appointed under section 
183.23 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, in-
cluding evaluating the consistency by which such ex-
aminers apply Administration policies, orders, and 
guidance. 
(3) Evaluating the consistency by which such ex-
aminers apply FAA policies, orders, and guidance. 
(4) Coordinating placement and deployment of 
such examiners across regions based on demand for 
examinations from the pilot community. 
(5) Developing a code of conduct for such exam-
iners. 
(6) Deploying a survey system to track the per-
formance and merit of such examiners.
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(7) Facilitating an industry partnership to cre-
ate a formal mentorship program for such examiners. 
(c) COORDINATION.—In carrying out the responsibil-
ities listed in subsection (b), the Administrator shall ensure 
the office— 
(1) coordinates on an ongoing basis with flight 
standards district offices, designated pilot examiner 
managing specialists, and aviation industry stake-
holders, including representatives of the general avia-
tion community; and 
(2) considers whether to implement the final rec-
ommendations report issued by the Designated Pilot 
Examiner Reforms Working Group and accepted by 
the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee on 
June 17, 2021. 
(d) REPORT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, and biennially 
thereafter through fiscal year 2028, the Administrator 
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Con-
gress a report that evaluates the use of designated 
pilot examiners appointed under section 183.23 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any suc-
cessor regulation), for testing, including both written 
and practical tests.
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(2) CONTENTS.—The report under paragraph (1) 
shall include an analysis of— 
(A) the methodology and rationale by which 
designated pilot examiners are deployed; 
(B) with respect to the previous fiscal year, 
the average time an individual in each region 
must wait to schedule an appointment with a 
designated pilot examiner; 
(C) with respect to the previous fiscal year, 
the estimated total time individuals in each re-
gion were forced to wait to schedule an appoint-
ment with a designated pilot examiner; 
(D) the primary reasons and best ways to 
reduce wait times described in subparagraph 
(C); 
(E) the number of tests conducted by des-
ignated pilot examiners; 
(F) the number and percentage of available 
designated pilot examiners that perform such 
tests; and 
(G) the average rate of retests, including of 
both written and practical tests.
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SEC. 834. PART 135 PILOT SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN RE-
QUIREMENT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a 
notice of proposed rulemaking concerning whether to revise 
the requirements under paragraphs (3) and (4) of section 
135.89(b) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to apply 
only to aircraft operating at altitudes above flight level 410. 
(b) CONSIDERATIONS.—In issuing the notice of pro-
posed rulemaking, the Administrator shall consider appli-
cable safety data and risks, including in relation to appli-
cable incidents and accidents, as well as the investigations 
and recommendations of the National Transportation Safe-
ty Board. 
TITLE IX—NEW ENTRANTS AND 
AEROSPACE INNOVATION 
Subtitle A—Unmanned Aircraft 
Systems 
SEC. 901. DEFINITIONS. 
Except as otherwise provided, the definitions contained 
in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code, apply to 
this subtitle. 
SEC. 902. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT IN THE ARCTIC. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 44804 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended—
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(1) in the section heading by striking ‘‘SMALL 
UNMANNED’’ and inserting ‘‘UNMANNED’’; and 
(2) by striking ‘‘small’’ each place it appears. 
(b) CONFORMING
AMENDMENT.—The analysis for 
chapter 448 of such title is amended by striking the item 
relating to section 44804 and inserting the following: 
‘‘44804. Unmanned aircraft in the Arctic.’’. 
SEC. 903. SMALL UAS SAFETY STANDARDS TECHNICAL COR-
RECTIONS. 
Section 44805 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in the section heading by striking ‘‘SMALL 
UNMANNED’’ and inserting ‘‘SMALL UNMANNED’’; 
(2) in subsection (a)(2) by striking ‘‘operation of 
small’’ and inserting ‘‘operation of a small’’; 
(3) in subsection (f) by striking ‘‘subsection (h)’’ 
and inserting ‘‘subsection (f)’’; 
(4) in subsection (g)(3) by striking ‘‘subsection 
(h)’’ and inserting ‘‘subsection (f)’’; 
(5) in subsection (i)(1) by striking ‘‘subsection 
(h)’’ and inserting ‘‘subsection (f)’’; and 
(6) by redesignating subsection (e) through (j) as 
subsections (c) through (h), respectively.
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SEC. 904. AIRPORT SAFETY AND AIRSPACE HAZARD MITIGA-
TION AND ENFORCEMENT. 
Section 44810 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in subsection (c) by inserting ‘‘, and any 
other location the Administrator determines appro-
priate’’ after ‘‘Data’’; and 
(2) in subsection (h) by striking ‘‘May 10, 2024’’ 
and inserting ‘‘September 30, 2028’’. 
SEC. 905. RADAR DATA PILOT PROGRAM. 
(a) SENSITIVE RADAR DATA FEED PILOT PRO-
GRAM.—Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with the Sec-
retary of Defense, and other heads of relevant Federal agen-
cies, shall establish a pilot program to make airspace data 
feeds containing controlled unclassified information avail-
able to qualified users (as determined by the Adminis-
trator), consistent with subsection (b). 
(b) AUTHORIZATION.—In carrying out subsection (a), 
the Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of 
Defense and other heads of relevant Federal agencies, shall 
establish a process to authorize qualified users to receive 
airspace data feeds containing controlled unclassified infor-
mation related to air traffic within the national airspace 
system and use such information in an agreed upon man-
ner to—
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(1) provide and enable— 
(A) air traffic management services; and 
(B) unmanned aircraft system traffic man-
agement services; or 
(2) to test technologies that may enable or en-
hance the provision of the services described in para-
graph (1). 
(c) CONSULTATION.—In establishing the process de-
scribed in subsection (b), the Administrator shall consult 
with representatives of the unmanned aircraft systems in-
dustry and related technical groups to identify an efficient, 
secure, and effective format and method for providing data 
described in this section. 
(d) BRIEFING.—Not later than 90 days after estab-
lishing the pilot program under subsection (a), and annu-
ally thereafter through 2028, the Administrator shall brief 
the appropriate committees of Congress on the findings of 
the pilot program established under this section. 
(e) SUNSET.—This section shall cease to be effective on 
October 1, 2028. 
SEC. 906. ELECTRONIC CONSPICUITY STUDY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Comptroller General shall con-
duct a study of technologies and methods that may be used 
by operators of unmanned aircraft systems to detect and
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avoid manned aircraft that may lawfully operate below 500 
feet above ground level and that are— 
(1) not equipped with a transponder or auto-
matic dependent surveillance-broadcast out equip-
ment; or 
(2) otherwise not electronically conspicuous. 
(b) CONSULTATION.—In conducting the study required 
under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall consult 
with— 
(1) representatives of— 
(A) unmanned aircraft systems manufac-
turers and operators; 
(B) general aviation operators; 
(C) agricultural aircraft operators; 
(D) helicopter operators; and 
(E) State and local governments; and 
(2) any other stakeholder the Comptroller Gen-
eral determines appropriate. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit 
to the appropriate committees of Congress a report describ-
ing the results of such study.
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SEC. 907. REMOTE IDENTIFICATION ALTERNATIVE MEANS 
OF COMPLIANCE. 
(a) EVALUATION.—The Administrator shall review 
and evaluate the final rule of the FAA titled ‘‘Remote Iden-
tification of Unmanned Aircraft’’, issued on January 15, 
2021 (86 Fed. Reg. 4390), to determine whether unmanned 
aircraft manufacturers and operators can meet the intent 
of such final rule through alternative means of compliance, 
including through network–based remote identification. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to 
the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the re-
sults of the evaluation under subsection (a). 
SEC. 908. PART 107 WAIVER IMPROVEMENTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall adopt a 
performance- and risk-based approach in reviewing requests 
for certificates of waiver under section 107.200 of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations. 
(b) STANDARDIZATION OF WAIVER APPLICATION.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—In carrying out subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall improve the process to 
submit requests for certificates of waiver described in 
subsection (a). 
(2) FORMAT.—In carrying out paragraph (1), 
the Administrator may not require the use of open- 
ended descriptive prompts that are required to be
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filled out by an applicant, except to provide appli-
cants the ability to provide the FAA with information 
for an unusual or irregular operation. 
(3) DATA.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out para-
graph (1), the Administrator shall leverage data 
gathered from previous requests for certificates of 
waivers. 
(B) CONSIDERATIONS.—In carrying out 
subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall safely 
use— 
(i) big data analytics; and 
(ii) machine learning. 
(c) CONSIDERATION OF PROPERTY ACCESS.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—In determining whether to 
issue a certificate of waiver under section 107.200 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, the Adminis-
trator shall— 
(A) consider whether the waiver applicant 
has control over access to all real property on the 
ground within the area of operation; and 
(B) recognize and account for the safety en-
hancements of such controlled access. 
(2) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this 
subsection shall be construed to influence the extent to
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which the Administrator considers a lack of control 
over access to all real property on the ground within 
an area of operation as affecting the safety of an op-
eration intended to be conducted under such certifi-
cate of waiver. 
(d) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF WAIVERS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall pub-
lish all certificates of waiver issued under section 
107.200 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, on 
the website of the FAA, including, with respect to each 
issued certificate of waiver— 
(A) the terms, conditions, and limitations; 
and 
(B) the class of airspace and any restric-
tions related to operating near airports or heli-
ports. 
(2) PUBLICATION.—In carrying out paragraph 
(1), the Administrator shall ensure that published in-
formation is made available in a manner that pre-
vents inappropriate disclosure of proprietary infor-
mation. 
(e) PRECEDENTIAL USE OF PREVIOUSLY APPROVED 
WAIVERS.— 
(1) WAIVER APPROVAL PRECEDENT.—If the Ad-
ministrator determines, using criteria for a par-
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ticular waiver, that an application for a certificate of 
waiver issued under section 107.200 of title 14, Code 
of Federal Regulations, is substantially similar (or is 
comprised of elements that are substantially similar) 
to an application for a certificate of waiver that the 
Administrator has previously approved, the Adminis-
trator may streamline, as appropriate, the approval 
of applications for such a particular waiver. 
(2) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in para-
graph (1) shall be construed to preclude an applicant 
for a certificate of waiver from applying to modify a 
condition or remove a limitation of such certificate. 
(f) MODIFICATION OF WAIVERS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall es-
tablish an expedited review process for a request to 
modify or renew certificates of waiver previously 
issued under section 107.200 of title 14, Code of Fed-
eral Regulations, as appropriate. 
(2) USE OF REVIEW PROCESS.—The review proc-
ess established under paragraph (1) shall be used to 
modify or renew certificates of waiver that cover oper-
ations that are substantially similar in all material 
facts to operations covered under a previously issued 
certificate of waiver.
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SEC. 909. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND NOISE CERTIFI-
CATION. 
(a) NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT GUID-
ANCE.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall publish unmanned air-
craft system-specific environmental review guidance and 
implementation procedures and, thereafter, revise such 
guidance and procedures as appropriate to carry out the 
requirements of this section. 
(b) PRIORITIZATION.—The guidance and procedures 
established by the Administrator under subsection (a) shall 
include processes that allow for the prioritization of project 
applications and activities that— 
(1) offset or limit the impacts of non-zero emis-
sion activities; 
(2) offset or limit the release of environmental 
pollutants to soil or water; or 
(3) demonstrate other factors that benefit human 
safety or the environment, as determined by the Ad-
ministrator. 
(c) PROGRAMMATIC LEVEL APPROACH TO NEPA RE-
VIEW.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall examine and integrate 
programmatic-level approaches to the requirements of the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
4321 et seq.) by which the Administrator can—
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(1) leverage an environmental review for un-
manned aircraft operations within a defined geo-
graphic region, including within and over commercial 
sites, industrial sites, or other sites closed or restricted 
to the public; and 
(2) leverage an environmental assessment or en-
vironmental impact statement for nationwide pro-
grammatic approaches for large scale distributed un-
manned aircraft operations. 
(d) DEVELOPING 1 OR MORE CATEGORICAL EXCLU-
SIONS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall en-
gage in periodic consultations with the Council on 
Environmental Quality to identify actions that are 
appropriate for a new categorical exclusion and shall 
incorporate such actions in FAA Order 1050.1F (or 
successor order) as considered appropriate by the Ad-
ministrator to more easily allow for safe commercial 
operations of unmanned aircraft. 
(2) PRIOR
OPERATIONS.—The Administrator 
shall review existing categorical exclusions for appli-
cability to unmanned aircraft operations in accord-
ance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and subchapter A of 
chapter V of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations.
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(e) BRIEFING.—Not later than 90 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the 
appropriate committees of Congress on the plan of the Ad-
ministrator to implement subsection (a). 
(f) NONAPPLICATION OF NOISE CERTIFICATION RE-
QUIREMENTS PENDING STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding the require-
ments of section 44715 of title 49, United States Code, 
the Administrator shall— 
(A) waive the determination of compliance 
with part 36 of title 14, Code of Federal Regula-
tions, for an applicant seeking unmanned air-
craft type and airworthiness certifications; and 
(B) not deny, withhold, or delay such cer-
tifications due to the absence of a noise certifi-
cation basis under such part, if the Adminis-
trator has developed appropriate noise measure-
ment procedures for unmanned aircraft and the 
Administrator has received from the applicant 
the noise measurement results based on such pro-
cedures. 
(2) DURATION.—The nonapplication of the noise 
certification requirements under paragraph (1) shall 
continue until the Administrator finalizes the noise 
certification requirements for unmanned aircraft in
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part 36 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or 
another part of title 14 of such Code, as required 
under paragraph (3). 
(3) ASSOCIATED
UAS
CERTIFICATION
STAND-
ARDS.— 
(A) DEVELOPMENT OF CRITERIA.—Not later 
than 18 months after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall develop and es-
tablish substantive criteria and standard metrics 
to determine whether to approve an unmanned 
aircraft pursuant to part 36 of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations. 
(B) SUBSTANTIVE CRITERIA AND STANDARD 
METRICS.—In establishing the substantive cri-
teria and standard metrics under subparagraph 
(A), the Administrator shall include criteria and 
metrics related to the noise impacts of an un-
manned aircraft. 
(C) 
PUBLICATION.—The 
Administrator 
shall publish in the Federal Register and post on 
the website of the FAA the criteria and metrics 
established under subparagraph (A). 
(g) CONCURRENT REVIEWS.—If the Administrator de-
termines that the design, construction, maintenance and 
operational sustainability, airworthiness approval, or oper-
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ational approval of an unmanned aircraft require environ-
mental assessments, including under the requirements of the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
4321 et seq.), the Administrator shall, to the maximum ex-
tent practicable, conduct such reviews and analyses concur-
rently. 
(h) THIRD-PARTY SUPPORT.—In implementing sub-
section (a), the Administrator shall allow for the engage-
ment of approved specialized third parties, as appropriate, 
to support an applicant’s preparation of, or the Adminis-
tration’s preparation and review of, documentation relating 
to the requirements of the National Environmental Policy 
Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) to ensure streamlined 
timelines for complex reviews. 
(i) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section 
shall be construed as prohibiting, restricting, or otherwise 
limiting the authority of the Administrator from imple-
menting or complying with the requirements of the Na-
tional Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 
et seq.) and any related requirements to ensure the protec-
tion of the environment and aviation safety. 
SEC. 910. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM USE IN WILDFIRE 
RESPONSE. 
(a) UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS IN WILDFIRE RE-
SPONSE.—
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(1) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 18 months 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Adminis-
trator, in coordination with the Chief of the Forest 
Service, the Administrator of the National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration, and any other 
Federal entity (or a contracted unmanned aircraft 
system operator of a Federal entity) the Adminis-
trator considers appropriate, shall develop a plan for 
the use of unmanned aircraft systems by public enti-
ties in wildfire response efforts, including wildfire de-
tection, mitigation, and suppression. 
(2) PLAN CONTENTS.—The plan developed under 
paragraph (1) shall include recommendations to— 
(A) identify and designate areas of public 
land with high potential for wildfires in which 
public entities may conduct unmanned aircraft 
system operations beyond visual line of sight as 
part of wildfire response efforts, including wild-
fire detection, mitigation, and suppression; 
(B) develop a process to facilitate the safe 
and efficient operation of unmanned aircraft 
systems beyond the visual line of sight in wild-
fire response efforts in areas designated under 
subparagraph (A), including a waiver process 
under section 91.113 or section 107.31 of title 14,
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Code of Federal Regulations, for public entities 
that use unmanned aircraft systems for aerial 
wildfire detection, mitigation, and suppression; 
and 
(C) improve coordination between the rel-
evant Federal agencies and public entities on the 
use of unmanned aircraft systems in wildfire re-
sponse efforts. 
(3) PLAN SUBMISSION.—Upon completion of the 
plan under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall 
submit such plan to, and provide a briefing for, the 
appropriate committees of Congress and the Com-
mittee on Science, Space, and Technology of the 
House of Representatives. 
(4) PUBLICATION.—Upon submission of the plan 
under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall publish 
such plan on a publicly available website of the FAA. 
(b) APPLICABILITY.—The plan developed under this 
section shall cover only unmanned aircraft systems that 
are— 
(1) operated by, or on behalf of, a public entity; 
(2) operated in airspace covered by a wildfire-re-
lated temporary flight restriction under section 
91.137 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
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(3) under the operational control of, or otherwise 
are being operationally coordinated by, an authorized 
aviation coordinator responsible for coordinating dis-
aster response aircraft within the airspace covered by 
such temporary flight restriction. 
(c) INTERAGENCY COORDINATION.—Not later than 180 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Adminis-
trator shall seek to enter into the necessary agreements to 
provide a liaison of the Administration to the National 
Interagency Fire Center to facilitate the implementation of 
the plan developed under this section and the use of manned 
and unmanned aircraft in wildfire response efforts, includ-
ing wildfire detection, mitigation, and suppression. 
(d) SAVINGS CLAUSE.—Nothing in this section shall 
be construed to confer upon the Administrator the authori-
ties of the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Manage-
ment Agency under section 611 of the Robert T. Stafford 
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 
5196). 
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) PUBLIC ENTITY.—The term ‘‘public entity’’ 
means— 
(A) a Federal agency; 
(B) a State government; 
(C) a local government;
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(D) a Tribal Government; and 
(E) a territorial government. 
(2) PUBLIC LAND.—The term ‘‘public land’’ has 
the meaning given such term in section 205 of the 
Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. 670k). 
(3) WILDFIRE.—The term ‘‘wildfire’’ has the 
meaning given that term in section 2 of the Emer-
gency Wildfire Suppression Act (42 U.S.C. 1856m). 
SEC. 911. PILOT PROGRAM FOR UAS INSPECTIONS OF FAA 
INFRASTRUCTURE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall initiate 
a pilot program to supplement inspection and oversight ac-
tivities of the Department of Transportation with un-
manned aircraft systems to increase employee safety, en-
hance data collection, increase the accuracy of inspections, 
reduce costs, and for other purposes the Secretary considers 
to be appropriate. 
(b) GROUND-BASED AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE.—In 
participating in the program under subsection (a), the Ad-
ministrator shall evaluate the use of unmanned aircraft sys-
tems to inspect ground-based aviation infrastructure that 
may require visual inspection in hard-to-reach areas, in-
cluding— 
(1) navigational aids;
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(2) air traffic control towers; 
(3) radar facilities; 
(4) communication facilities; and 
(5) other air traffic control facilities. 
(c) COORDINATION.—In carrying out subsection (b), 
the Administrator shall consult with the labor union cer-
tified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code, to 
represent personnel responsible for the inspection of the 
ground-based aviation infrastructure. 
(d) BRIEFING.—Not later than 2 years after the date 
of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until the 
termination of the pilot program under this section, the 
Secretary shall provide to the appropriate committees of 
Congress a briefing on the status and results of the pilot 
program established under subsection (a), including— 
(1) cost savings; 
(2) a description of how unmanned aircraft sys-
tems were used to supplement existing inspection, 
data collection, or oversight activities of Department 
employees, including the number of operations and 
types of activities performed; 
(3) efficiency or safety improvements, if any, as-
sociated with the use of unmanned aircraft systems to 
supplement conventional inspection, data collection, 
or oversight activities;
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(4) the fleet of unmanned aircraft systems main-
tained by the Department for the program, or an 
overview of the services used as part of the pilot pro-
gram; and 
(5) recommendations for improving the use or ef-
ficacy of unmanned aircraft systems to supplement 
the Department’s inspection, data collection, or over-
sight activities. 
(e) SUNSET
AND INCORPORATION INTO STANDARD 
PRACTICE.— 
(1) SUNSET.—The pilot program established 
under subsection (a) and the briefing requirement 
under subsection (d) shall terminate on the date that 
is 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act. 
(2) INCORPORATION
INTO
STANDARD
PRAC-
TICE.—Upon termination of the pilot program under 
this section, the Secretary shall assess the results and 
determine whether to permanently incorporate the use 
of unmanned aircraft systems into the regular inspec-
tion, data collection, and oversight activities of the 
Department. 
(3) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 9 
months after the termination of the pilot program 
under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to 
the appropriate committees of Congress a report on
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the final results of the pilot program and the actions 
taken by the Administrator under paragraph (2). 
SEC. 912. DRONE INFRASTRUCTURE INSPECTION GRANT 
PROGRAM. 
(a) AUTHORITY.—Not later than 270 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish 
an unmanned aircraft system infrastructure inspection 
grant program to provide grants to governmental entities 
to facilitate the use of small unmanned aircraft systems to 
support more efficient inspection, operation, construction, 
maintenance, and repair of an element of critical infra-
structure to improve worker safety related to projects. 
(b) USE OF GRANT AMOUNTS.—A governmental entity 
may use a grant provided under this section to— 
(1) purchase or lease small unmanned aircraft 
systems; 
(2) support the operational capabilities of small 
unmanned aircraft systems used by the governmental 
entity; 
(3) contract for services performed using a small 
unmanned aircraft system in circumstances in which 
the governmental entity does not have the resources or 
expertise to safely carry out or assist in carrying out 
the activities described under subsection (a); and
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(4) support the program management capability 
of the governmental entity to use or contract the use 
of a small unmanned aircraft system, as described in 
paragraph (3). 
(c) APPLICATION.—To be eligible to receive a grant 
under this section, a governmental entity shall submit to 
the Secretary an application at such time, in such form, 
and containing such information as the Secretary may re-
quire, including an assurance that the governmental entity 
or any contractor of the governmental entity, will comply 
with relevant Federal regulations. 
(d) SELECTION OF APPLICANTS.—In selecting an ap-
plication for a grant under this section, the Secretary shall 
prioritize applications that propose to— 
(1) carry out a project in a variety of commu-
nities, including urban, suburban, rural, Tribal, or 
any other type of community; and 
(2) address a safety risk in the inspection, oper-
ation, construction, maintenance, or repair of an ele-
ment of critical infrastructure. 
(e) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section 
shall be construed to interfere with an agreement between 
a governmental entity and a labor union, including the re-
quirements of section 5333(b) of title 49, United States 
Code.
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(f) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 2 years 
after the first grant is provided under this section, the Sec-
retary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Con-
gress a report that evaluates the program carried out under 
this section that includes— 
(1) a description of the number of grants pro-
vided under this section; 
(2) the amount of each grant provided under this 
section; 
(3) the activities carried out with a grant pro-
vided under this section; and 
(4) the effectiveness of such activities in meeting 
the objectives described in subsection (a). 
(g) FUNDING.— 
(1) FEDERAL SHARE.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in 
subparagraph (B), the Federal share of the cost 
of a project carried out using a grant provided 
under this section shall not exceed 50 percent of 
the total project cost. 
(B) WAIVER.—The Secretary may increase 
the Federal share under subparagraph (A) to up 
to 75 percent for a project carried out using a 
grant provided under this section by a govern-
mental entity if such entity—
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† HR 3935 EAS 
(i) submits a written application to 
the Secretary requesting an increase in the 
Federal share; and 
(ii) demonstrates that the additional 
assistance is necessary to facilitate the ac-
ceptance and full use of a grant under this 
section, such as alleviating economic hard-
ship, meeting additional workforce needs, or 
any other uses that the Secretary determines 
to be appropriate. 
(2) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Out 
of amounts authorized to be appropriated under sec-
tion 106(k) of title 49, United States Code, the fol-
lowing amounts are authorized to carry out this sec-
tion: 
(A) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2025. 
(B) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2026. 
(C) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2027. 
(D) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2028. 
(h) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) 
CRITICAL
INFRASTRUCTURE.—The 
term 
‘‘critical infrastructure’’ has the meaning given such 
term in subsection (e) of the Critical Infrastructures 
Protection Act of 2001 (42 U.S.C. 5195c(e)).
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(2) ELEMENT OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE.— 
The term ‘‘element of critical infrastructure’’ means a 
critical infrastructure facility or asset, including pub-
lic bridges, tunnels, roads, highways, dams, electric 
grid, water infrastructure, communication systems, 
pipelines, or other related facilities or assets, as deter-
mined by the Secretary. 
(3) GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY.—The term ‘‘govern-
mental entity’’ means— 
(A) a State, the District of Columbia, the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a territory of the 
United States, or a political subdivision thereof; 
(B) a unit of local government; 
(C) a Tribal government; 
(D) a metropolitan planning organization; 
or 
(E) a consortia of more than 1 of the enti-
ties described in subparagraphs (A) through (D). 
(4) PROJECT.—The term ‘‘project’’ means a 
project for the inspection, operation, construction, 
maintenance, or repair of an element of critical infra-
structure, including mitigating environmental haz-
ards to such infrastructure.
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SEC. 913. DRONE EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE TRAINING 
GRANT PROGRAM. 
(a) AUTHORITY.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transpor-
tation shall establish a drone education and training grant 
program to make grants to educational institutions for 
workforce training for small unmanned aircraft systems. 
(b) USE OF GRANT AMOUNTS.—Amounts from a grant 
under this section shall be used in furtherance of activities 
authorized under section 631 and 632 of the FAA Reauthor-
ization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note). 
(c) ELIGIBILITY.—To be eligible to receive a grant 
under this section, an educational institution shall submit 
an application to the Secretary at such time, in such form, 
and containing such information as the Secretary may re-
quire. 
(d) AUTHORIZATION
OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Out of 
amounts authorized to be appropriated under section 106(k) 
of title 49, United States Code, the Secretary shall make 
available to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2025 through 2028. 
(e) EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION DEFINED.—In this 
section, the term ‘‘educational institution’’ means an insti-
tution of higher education (as such term is defined in sec-
tion 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
1001)) that participates in a program authorized under sec-
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tions 631 and 632 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
(49 U.S.C. 40101 note). 
SEC. 914. DRONE WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAM STUDY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 3 years after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall 
initiate a study of the effectiveness of the Unmanned Air-
craft Systems Collegiate Training Initiative established 
under section 632 of the FAA Reauthorization Act 2018 (49 
U.S.C. 40101 note). 
(b) REPORT.—Upon completion of the study under 
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report describing— 
(1) the findings of such study; and 
(2) any recommendations to improve the Un-
manned Aircraft Systems Collegiate Training Initia-
tive. 
SEC. 915. TERMINATION OF ADVANCED AVIATION ADVI-
SORY COMMITTEE. 
The Secretary may not renew the charter of the Ad-
vanced Aviation Advisory Committee (chartered by the Sec-
retary on June 10, 2022). 
SEC. 916. UNMANNED AND AUTONOMOUS FLIGHT ADVI-
SORY COMMITTEE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the ter-
mination of the Advanced Aviation Advisory Committee
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pursuant to section 915, the Administrator shall establish 
an Unmanned and Autonomous Flight Advisory Committee 
(in this section referred to as the ‘‘Advisory Committee’’). 
(b) DUTIES.—The Advisory Committee shall provide 
the Administrator advice on policy- and technical-level 
issues related to unmanned and autonomous aviation oper-
ations and activities, including, at a minimum, the fol-
lowing: 
(1) The safe integration of unmanned aircraft 
systems and autonomous flight operations into the 
national airspace system, including feedback on— 
(A) the certification and operational stand-
ards of highly automated aircraft, unmanned 
aircraft, and associated elements of such aircraft; 
(B) coordination of procedures for oper-
ations in controlled and uncontrolled airspace; 
and 
(C) communication protocols. 
(2) The use cases of unmanned aircraft systems, 
including evaluating and assessing the potential bene-
fits of using unmanned aircraft systems. 
(3) The development of processes and methodolo-
gies to address safety concerns related to the operation 
of unmanned aircraft systems, including risk assess-
ments and mitigation strategies.
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(4) Unmanned aircraft system training, edu-
cation, and workforce development programs, includ-
ing evaluating aeronautical knowledge gaps in the 
unmanned aircraft system workforce, assessing the 
workforce needs of unmanned aircraft system oper-
ations, and establishing a strong pipeline to ensure a 
robust unmanned aircraft system workforce. 
(5) The analysis of unmanned aircraft system 
data and trends. 
(6) Unmanned aircraft system infrastructure, 
including the use of existing aviation infrastructure 
and the development of necessary infrastructure. 
(c) MEMBERSHIP.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Advisory Committee shall 
be composed of not more than 12 members. 
(2) REPRESENTATIVES.—The Advisory Com-
mittee shall include at least 1 representative of each 
of the following: 
(A) Commercial operators of unmanned air-
craft systems. 
(B) Unmanned aircraft system manufactur-
ers. 
(C) Counter-UAS manufacturers. 
(D) FAA-approved unmanned aircraft sys-
tem service suppliers.
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(E) Unmanned aircraft system test ranges 
under section 44803 of title 49, United States 
Code. 
(F) An unmanned aircraft system physical 
infrastructure network provider. 
(G) Community advocates. 
(H) Certified labor organizations rep-
resenting commercial airline pilots, air traffic 
control specialists employed by the Administra-
tion, certified aircraft maintenance technicians, 
certified aircraft dispatchers, or aviation safety 
inspectors. 
(I) Academia or a relevant research organi-
zation. 
(3) OBSERVERS.—The Administrator may invite 
appropriate representatives of other Federal agencies 
to observe or provide input on the work of the Advi-
sory Committee, but shall not allow such representa-
tives to participate in any decision-making of the Ad-
visory Committee. 
(d) REPORTING.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Advisory Committee shall 
submit to the Administrator an annual report of the 
activities, findings, and recommendations of the Com-
mittee.
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† HR 3935 EAS 
(2) CONGRESSIONAL REPORTING.—The Adminis-
trator shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
Congress the reports required under paragraph (1). 
(e) PROHIBITION.—The Administrator may not task 
the Advisory Committee established under this section with 
a review or the development of recommendations relating 
to operations conducted under part 121 of title 14, Code 
of Federal Regulations. 
SEC. 917. NEXTGEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP 
EXPANSION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall take such 
actions as may be necessary to expand the membership of 
the NextGen Advisory Committee (chartered by the Sec-
retary on June 15, 2022) to include 1 representative from 
the unmanned aircraft system industry and 1 representa-
tive from the powered-lift industry. 
(b) QUALIFICATIONS.—The representatives required 
under subsection (a) shall have the following qualifications, 
as applicable: 
(1) Demonstrated expertise in the design, manu-
facturing, or operation of unmanned aircraft systems 
and powered-lift aircraft.
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(2) Demonstrated experience in the development 
or implementation of unmanned aircraft system and 
powered-lift aircraft policies and procedures. 
(3) Demonstrated commitment to advancing the 
safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems and 
powered-lift aircraft into the national airspace sys-
tem. 
SEC. 918. INTERAGENCY COORDINATION. 
(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress 
that— 
(1) the purpose of the joint Department of De-
fense-Federal Aviation Administration executive com-
mittee (in this section referred to as the ‘‘Executive 
Committee’’) on conflict and dispute resolution as de-
scribed in section 1036(b) of the Duncan Hunter Na-
tional Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 
(Public Law 110–417) is to resolve disputes on the 
matters of policy and procedures between the Depart-
ment of Defense and the Federal Aviation Adminis-
tration relating to airspace, aircraft certifications, 
aircrew training, and other issues, including the ac-
cess of unmanned aerial systems of the Department of 
Defense to the national airspace system; 
(2) by mutual agreement of Executive Committee 
leadership, operating with the best of intentions, the
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† HR 3935 EAS 
current scope of activities and membership of the Ex-
ecutive Committee has exceeded the original intent of, 
and tasking to, the Executive Committee; and 
(3) the expansion described in paragraph (2) has 
resulted in an imbalance in the oversight of certain 
Federal entities in matters concerning civil aviation 
safety and security. 
(b) CHARTER.— 
(1) CHARTER REVISION.—Not later than 45 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Adminis-
trator shall seek to revise the charter of the Executive 
Committee to reflect the scope, objectives, membership, 
and activities described in section 1036(b) of the Dun-
can Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110–417) in order to 
achieve the increasing, and ultimately routine, access 
of unmanned aircraft systems of the Department of 
Defense into the national airspace system. 
(2) SUNSET.—Not earlier than 2 years after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
seek to sunset the activities of the Executive Com-
mittee by joint agreement of the Administrator and 
the Secretary of Defense.
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SEC. 
919. 
REVIEW 
OF 
REGULATIONS 
TO 
ENABLE 
UNESCORTED UAS OPERATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall, in 
coordination with the Secretary of Defense, conduct a re-
view of the requirements necessary to permit unmanned 
aircraft systems (excluding small unmanned aircraft sys-
tems) operated by a Federal agency or armed forces (as such 
term is defined in section 101 of title 10, United States 
Code) to be operated in the national airspace system, in-
cluding outside of restricted airspace, without being escorted 
by a manned aircraft. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 2 years after the comple-
tion of the review under subsection (a), the Administrator 
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
report on the results of the review, including any rec-
ommended regulatory and statutory changes to enable the 
operations described under subsection (a). 
SEC. 920. EXTENSION OF BEYOND PROGRAM. 
(a) FAA BEYOND PROGRAM EXTENSION.—The Ad-
ministrator shall extend the BEYOND program of the FAA 
as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this 
Act (in this section referred to as the ‘‘Program’’) and the 
existing agreements with State, local, and Tribal govern-
ments entered into under the Program until the date on
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† HR 3935 EAS 
which the Administrator determines the Program is no 
longer necessary or useful. 
(b) FAA BEYOND PROGRAM EXPANSION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall con-
sider expanding the Program to include additional 
State, local, and Tribal governments to test and 
evaluate the use of new and emerging aviation con-
cepts and technologies to evaluate and inform FAA 
policies, rulemaking, and guidance related to the safe 
integration of such concepts and technologies into the 
national airspace system. 
(2) SCOPE.—If the Administrator determines the 
Program should be expanded, the Administrator shall 
address additional factors in the Program, includ-
ing— 
(A) increasing automation in civil aircraft, 
including unmanned aircraft systems and new 
or emerging aviation technologies; 
(B) operations of such systems and tech-
nologies, including beyond visual line of sight; 
and 
(C) the societal and economic impacts of 
such operations. 
(3) ADDITIONAL WAIVER AUTHORITY.—In car-
rying out an expansion of the Program, the Adminis-
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† HR 3935 EAS 
trator may waive the requirements of section 44711 
of title 49, United States Code, including related reg-
ulations, under any BEYOND program agreement to 
the extent consistent with aviation safety. 
SEC. 921. UAS INTEGRATION STRATEGY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall implement 
the recommendations made by— 
(1) the Comptroller General to the Secretary con-
tained in the report of the Government Accountability 
Office titled ‘‘Drones: FAA Should Improve Its Ap-
proach to Integrating Drones into the National Air-
space System’’, issued in January 2023 (GAO–23– 
105189); and 
(2) the inspector general of the Department of 
Transportation to the Administrator contained in the 
audit report of the inspector general titled ‘‘FAA 
Made Progress Through Its UAS Integration Pilot 
Program, but FAA and Industry Challenges Remain 
To Achieve Full UAS Integration’’, issued in April 
2022 (Project ID: AV2022027). 
(b) BRIEFING.—Not later than 12 months after the 
date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter 
through 2028, the Administrator shall provide a briefing 
to the appropriate committees of Congress that— 
(1) provides a status update on the—
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† HR 3935 EAS 
(A) implementation of the recommendations 
described in subsection (a); 
(B) implementation of statutory provisions 
related to unmanned aircraft system integration 
under subtitle B of title III of division B of the 
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 
115–254); and 
(C) actions taken by the Administrator to 
implement recommendations related to safe inte-
gration of unmanned aircraft systems into the 
national airspace system included in aviation 
rulemaking committee reports published after the 
date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization 
Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–254); 
(2) provides a description of steps taken to 
achieve the safe integration of such systems into the 
national airspace system, including milestones and 
performance metrics to track results; 
(3) provides the costs of executing the integration 
described in paragraph (2), including any estimates 
of future Federal resources or investments required to 
complete such integration; and 
(4) identifies any regulatory or policy changes 
required to execute the integration described in para-
graph (2).
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SEC. 922. EXTENSION OF KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY CAM-
PAIGN. 
Section 356 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
(Public Law 115–254) is amended by striking ‘‘2019 
through 2023’’ and inserting ‘‘2024 through 2028’’. 
SEC. 923. PUBLIC AIRCRAFT DEFINITION. 
Section 40125(a)(2) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘research, or’’ and inserting ‘‘re-
search,’’; and 
(2) by inserting ‘‘(including data collection on 
civil aviation systems undergoing research, develop-
ment, test, or evaluation at a test range (as such term 
is defined in section 44801)), infrastructure inspec-
tions, or any other activity undertaken by a govern-
mental entity that the Administrator determines is 
inherently governmental’’ after ‘‘biological or geologi-
cal resource management’’. 
SEC. 924. FAA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ON UAS AUTOMA-
TION. 
(a) COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.—The Administrator shall 
establish a comprehensive plan for the integration of auton-
omous unmanned aircraft systems into the national air-
space system.
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(b) COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CONTENTS.—In estab-
lishing the comprehensive plan under subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall— 
(1) identify FAA processes and regulations that 
need to change to accommodate the increasingly auto-
mated role of a remote operator of an unmanned air-
craft system; and 
(2) identify how the Administrator intends to 
authorize operations ranging from low risk automated 
operations to increasingly complex automated oper-
ations of such systems. 
(c) COORDINATION.—In establishing the comprehensive 
plan under subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult 
with— 
(1) the National Aeronautics and Space Admin-
istration; 
(2) the Department of Defense; 
(3) manufacturers of autonomous unmanned air-
craft systems; 
(4) operators of autonomous unmanned aircraft 
systems; and 
(5) other stakeholders with knowledge of automa-
tion in aviation, the human-computer interface, and 
aviation safety, as determined appropriate by the Ad-
ministrator.
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(d) SUBMISSION.—Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit 
to the appropriate committees of Congress, the subcommittee 
on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and 
Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the 
Senate and the subcommittee on Transportation, Housing 
and Urban Development, and Related Agencies of the Com-
mittee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives 
the plan established under subsection (a). 
SEC. 925. UAS TEST RANGES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 448 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by striking section 44803 and in-
serting the following: 
‘‘§ 44803. Unmanned aircraft system test ranges 
‘‘(a) TEST RANGES.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration shall carry out and 
update, as appropriate, a program for the use of un-
manned aircraft system (in this section referred to as 
UAS) test ranges to— 
‘‘(A) enable a broad variety of development, 
testing, and evaluation activities related to UAS 
and associated technologies; and 
‘‘(B) the extent consistent with aviation 
safety and efficiency, support the safe integration
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of unmanned aircraft systems into the national 
airspace system. 
‘‘(2) DESIGNATIONS.— 
‘‘(A) EXISTING TEST RANGES.—Test ranges 
designated under this section shall include the 7 
test ranges established under the following: 
‘‘(i) Section 332(c) of the FAA Mod-
ernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 
U.S.C. 40101 note), as in effect on the day 
before the date of enactment of the FAA Re-
authorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 
115–254). 
‘‘(ii) Any other test ranges designated 
pursuant to the amendment made by section 
2201(b) of the FAA Extension, Safety, and 
Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 40101 
note) after the date of enactment of such 
Act. 
‘‘(B) NEW TEST RANGES.—If the Adminis-
trator finds that it is in the best interest of ena-
bling safe UAS integration into the national air-
space system, the Administrator may select and 
designate as a test range under this section up 
to 2 additional test ranges in accordance with
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the requirements of this section through a com-
petitive selection process. 
‘‘(C) LIMITATION.—Not more than 9 test 
ranges designated under this section shall be part 
of the program established under this section at 
any given time. 
‘‘(3) ELIGIBILITY.—Test ranges selected by the 
Administrator pursuant to (2)(B) shall— 
‘‘(A) be an instrumentality of a State, local, 
Tribal, or territorial government or other public 
entity; 
‘‘(B) be approved by the chief executive offi-
cer of the State, local, territorial, or Tribal gov-
ernment for the principal place of business of the 
applicant, prior to seeking designation by the 
Administrator; 
‘‘(C) undertake and ensure testing and eval-
uation of innovative concepts, technologies, and 
operations that will offer new safety benefits, in-
cluding developing and retaining an advanced 
aviation industrial base within the United 
States; and 
‘‘(D) meet any other requirements estab-
lished by the Administrator. 
‘‘(b) AIRSPACE REQUIREMENTS.—
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‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out the program 
under subsection (a), the Administrator may estab-
lish, upon the request of a test range sponsor des-
ignated by the Administrator under subsection (a), a 
restricted area, special use airspace, or other similar 
type of airspace pursuant to part 73 of title 14, Code 
of Federal Regulations, for purposes of— 
‘‘(A) accommodating hazardous develop-
ment, testing, and evaluation activities to inform 
the safe integration of unmanned aircraft sys-
tems into the national airspace system; or 
‘‘(B) other activities authorized by the Ad-
ministrator pursuant to subsection (f). 
‘‘(2) NEPA REVIEW.—The Administrator may 
require that each test range sponsor designated by the 
Administrator under subsection (a) provide a draft 
environmental review consistent with the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
seq.), subject to the supervision of and adoption by the 
Administrator, with respect to any request for the es-
tablishment of a restricted area, special use airspace, 
or other similar type of airspace under this sub-
section. 
‘‘(3) INACTIVE RESTRICTED AREA OR SPECIAL 
USE AIRSPACE.—
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‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—In the event a re-
stricted area, special use airspace, or other simi-
lar type of airspace established under paragraph 
(1) is not needed to meet the needs of the using 
agency (as described in subparagraph (B)), any 
related airspace restrictions, limitations, or des-
ignations shall be inactive. 
‘‘(B) USING AGENCY.—For purposes of this 
subsection, a test range sponsor designated by the 
Administrator under subsection (a) shall be con-
sidered the using agency with respect to a re-
stricted area established by the Administrator 
under this subsection. 
‘‘(4) APPROVAL AUTHORITY.—The Administrator 
shall have the authority to approve access by a par-
ticipating or nonparticipating operator to a test 
range or restricted area, special use airspace, or other 
similar type of airspace established by the Adminis-
trator under this subsection. 
‘‘(c) PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.—In carrying out the 
program under subsection (a), the Administrator— 
‘‘(1) may develop operational standards and air 
traffic requirements for flight operations at test 
ranges;
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‘‘(2) shall coordinate with, and leverage the re-
sources of, the Administrator of the National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration and other relevant 
Federal agencies, as determined appropriate by the 
Administrator; 
‘‘(3) shall address both civil and public aircraft 
operations; 
‘‘(4) shall provide for verification of the safety of 
flight systems and related navigation procedures as 
such systems and procedures relate to the continued 
development of regulations and standards for integra-
tion of unmanned aircraft systems into the national 
airspace system; 
‘‘(5) shall engage test range sponsors, as nec-
essary and with available resources, in projects for de-
velopment, testing, and evaluation of flight systems, 
including activities conducted pursuant to section 
1042 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, to fa-
cilitate the development of regulations and the valida-
tion of standards by the Administrator for the safe 
integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the na-
tional airspace system, which may include activities 
related to— 
‘‘(A) developing and enforcing geographic 
and altitude limitations;
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‘‘(B) providing for alerts regarding any 
hazards or limitations on flight, including prohi-
bition on flight, as necessary; 
‘‘(C) developing or validating sense and 
avoid capabilities; 
‘‘(D) developing or validating technology to 
support communications, navigation, and sur-
veillance; 
‘‘(E) testing or validating operational con-
cepts and technologies related to beyond visual 
line of sight operations, autonomous operations, 
nighttime operations, operations over people, op-
erations involving multiple unmanned aircraft 
systems by a single pilot or operator, and un-
manned aircraft systems traffic management ca-
pabilities or services; 
‘‘(F) improving privacy protections through 
the use of advances in unmanned aircraft sys-
tems; 
‘‘(G) conducting counter-UAS testing capa-
bilities, with the approval of the Administrator; 
and 
‘‘(H) other relevant topics for which devel-
opment, testing or evaluation are needed;
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‘‘(6) shall develop data sharing and collection re-
quirements for test ranges to support the unmanned 
aircraft systems integration efforts of the Administra-
tion and coordinate periodically with all test range 
sponsors to ensure the test range sponsors know— 
‘‘(A) what data should be collected; 
‘‘(B) how data can be de-identified to flow 
more readily to the Administration; 
‘‘(C) what procedures should be followed; 
and 
‘‘(D) what development, testing, and evalua-
tion would advance efforts to safely integrate un-
manned aircraft systems into the national air-
space system; 
‘‘(7) shall allow test range sponsors to receive 
Federal funding, including in-kind contributions, 
other than from the Federal Aviation Administration, 
in furtherance of research, development, testing, and 
evaluation objectives; and 
‘‘(8) shall use modeling and simulation tools to 
assist in the testing, evaluation, verification, and val-
idation of unmanned aircraft systems. 
‘‘(d) EXEMPTION.—Except as provided in subsection 
(f), the requirements of section 44711, including any related 
implementing regulations, shall not apply to persons ap-
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proved by the test range sponsor for operation at a test 
range designated by the Administrator under this section. 
‘‘(e) RESPONSIBILITIES OF TEST RANGE SPONSORS.— 
The sponsor of each test range designated by the Adminis-
trator under subsection (a) shall— 
‘‘(1) provide access to all interested private and 
public entities seeking to carry out research, develop-
ment, testing and evaluation activities at the test 
range designated pursuant to this section, to the 
greatest extent practicable, consistent with safety and 
any operating procedures established by the test range 
sponsor, including access by small business concerns 
(as such term is defined in section 3 of the Small 
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)); 
‘‘(2) ensure all activities remain within the geo-
graphical boundaries and altitude limitations estab-
lished for any restricted area, special use airspace, or 
other similar type of airspace covering the test range; 
‘‘(3) ensure no activity is conducted at the des-
ignated test range in a careless or reckless manner; 
‘‘(4) establish safe operating procedures for all 
operators approved for activities at the test range, in-
cluding provisions for maintaining operational con-
trol and ensuring protection of persons and property
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on the ground, subject to approval by the Adminis-
trator; 
‘‘(5) exercise direct oversight of all operations 
conducted at the test range; 
‘‘(6) consult with the Administrator on the na-
ture of planned activities at the test range and wheth-
er temporary segregation of the airspace is required 
to contain such activities consistent with aviation 
safety; 
‘‘(7) protect proprietary technology, sensitive 
data, or sensitive research of any civil or private enti-
ty when using the test range; 
‘‘(8) maintain detailed records of all ongoing 
and completed activities conducted at the test range 
and all operators conducting such activities, for in-
spection by, and reporting to, the Administrator, as 
required by agreement between the Administrator and 
the test range sponsor; 
‘‘(9) make all original records available for in-
spection upon request by the Administrator; and 
‘‘(10) provide recommendations, on a quarterly 
basis until the program terminates, to the Adminis-
trator to further enable public and private develop-
ment, testing, and evaluation activities at the test 
ranges to contribute to the safe integration of un-
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manned aircraft systems into the national airspace 
system. 
‘‘(f) TESTING.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator may au-
thorize a sponsor of a test range designated under 
subsection (a) to host research, development, testing, 
and evaluation activities, including activities con-
ducted pursuant to section 1042 of the FAA Reau-
thorization Act of 2024, as appropriate, other than 
activities directly related to the integration of un-
manned aircraft systems into the national airspace 
system, so long as the activity is necessary to inform 
the development of regulations, standards, or policy 
for integrating new types of flight systems into the 
national airspace system. 
‘‘(2) WAIVER.— In carrying out this section, the 
Administrator may waive the requirements of section 
44711 (including any related implementing regula-
tions) to the extent the Administrator determines such 
waiver is consistent with aviation safety. 
‘‘(g) COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
AGREEMENTS.—The Administrator may use the trans-
action authority under section 106(l)(6), including in co-
ordination with the Center of Excellence for Unmanned 
Aircraft Systems, to enter into collaborative research and
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development agreements or to direct research, development, 
testing, and evaluation related to unmanned aircraft sys-
tems, including activities conducted pursuant to section 
1042 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, as appro-
priate, at any test range designated under subsection (a). 
‘‘(h) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— 
‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—Out of amounts author-
ized to be appropriated under section 106(k), 
$6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028, 
shall be available to the Administrator for the pur-
poses of— 
‘‘(A) providing matching funds to commer-
cial entities that contract with a UAS test range 
to demonstrate or validate technologies that the 
FAA considers essential to the safe integration of 
UAS into the national airspace system; and 
‘‘(B) supporting or performing such dem-
onstration and validation activities described in 
subparagraph (A) at a test range designated 
under the section. 
‘‘(2) DISBURSEMENT.—Funding provided under 
this subsection shall be divided evenly among all UAS 
test ranges designated under this section, for the pur-
pose of providing matching funds to commercial enti-
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ties described in paragraph (1) and available until 
expended. 
‘‘(i) TERMINATION.—The program under this section 
shall terminate on September 30, 2028.’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) 
CONFORMING
AMENDMENT.—Section 
44801(10) of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
by striking ‘‘any of the 6 test ranges established by 
the Administrator under section 332(c) of the FAA 
Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 
40101 note), as in effect on the day before the date 
of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, 
and any public entity authorized by the Federal 
Aviation Administration as an unmanned aircraft 
system flight test center before January 1, 2009’’ and 
inserting ‘‘the test ranges designated by the Adminis-
trator under section 44803’’. 
(2) CLERICAL
AMENDMENT.—The analysis for 
chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code, is amend-
ed by striking the item relating to section 44803 and 
inserting the following: 
‘‘44803. Unmanned aircraft system test ranges.’’. 
(c) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress 
that the test ranges designated under section 44803 of title 
49, United States Code, shall—
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(1) provide fair and accessible services to a 
broad variety of unmanned aircraft technology devel-
opers, to the extent practicable; 
(2) operate in the best interest of domestic tech-
nology developers in terms of intellectual property 
and proprietary data protections; and 
(3) comply with data sharing and collection re-
quirements prescribed by the FAA. 
SEC. 926. PUBLIC SAFETY USE OF TETHERED UAS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 44806 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended— 
(1) in the section heading by inserting ‘‘AND 
PUBLIC SAFETY USE OF TETHERED UNMANNED 
AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS’’ after ‘‘SYSTEMS’’; 
(2) in subsection (c)— 
(A) in the subsection heading by inserting 
‘‘SAFETY USE OF’’ after ‘‘PUBLIC’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (1)— 
(i) in the matter preceding subpara-
graph (A)— 
(I) by striking ‘‘Not later than 
180 days after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the’’ and inserting ‘‘The’’; 
(II) by striking ‘‘permit the use 
of’’ and inserting ‘‘permit’’;
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(III) by striking ‘‘public’’; and 
(IV) by inserting ‘‘by a public 
safety organization for such systems’’ 
after ‘‘systems’’; 
(ii) by striking subparagraph (A) and 
inserting the following: 
‘‘(A) operated— 
‘‘(i) at or below an altitude of 150 feet 
above ground level within class B, C, D, E, 
or G airspace, but not at a greater altitude 
than the ceiling depicted on the UAS Facil-
ity Maps published by the Federal Aviation 
Administration, where applicable; 
‘‘(ii) within zero-grid airspaces as de-
picted on such UAS Facility Maps, only if 
operated in life-saving or emergency situa-
tions and with prior notification to the Ad-
ministration in a manner determined by 
the Administrator; or 
‘‘(iii) above 150 feet above ground level 
within class B, C, D, E, or G airspace only 
with prior authorization from the Adminis-
trator;’’; 
(iii) by striking subparagraph (B); 
and
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(iv) by redesignating subparagraphs 
(C), (D), and (E) as subparagraphs (B), 
(C), and (D), respectively; and 
(C) in paragraph (3) by striking ‘‘Public 
actively’’ and inserting ‘‘Actively’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(e) DEFINITION.—In this section, the term ‘public 
safety organization’ means an entity that primarily en-
gages in activities related to the safety and well-being of 
the general public, including law enforcement, fire depart-
ments, emergency medical services, and other organizations 
that protect and serve the public in matters of safety and 
security.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chapter 
448 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking 
the item relating to section 44806 and inserting the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘44806. Public unmanned aircraft systems and public safety use of tethered un-
manned aircraft systems.’’. 
(c) DEFINITION.—Section 44801(1) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended— 
(1) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting: 
‘‘(A) weighs 55 pounds or less, including 
payload but not including the tether;’’; 
(2) in subparagraph (B) by striking ‘‘and’’ at 
the end;
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(3) in subparagraph (C) by striking the period 
at the end and inserting a semicolon; and 
(4) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(D) is able to maintain safe flight control 
in the event of a power or flight control failure 
during flight; and 
‘‘(E) is programmed to initiate a controlled 
landing in the event of a tether separation.’’. 
SEC. 927. EXTENDING SPECIAL AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN 
UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS. 
(a) EXTENSION.—Section 44807(d) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘May 10, 2024’’ and 
inserting ‘‘September 30, 2033’’. 
(b) CLARIFICATION.—Section 44807 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) by inserting ‘‘or chapter 447’’ after 
‘‘Notwithstanding any other requirement of this 
chapter’’; 
(B) by striking ‘‘the Secretary of Transpor-
tation’’ and inserting ‘‘the Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration’’; and 
(C) by striking ‘‘if certain’’ and inserting 
‘‘how’’; 
(2) in subsection (b)—
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(A) by striking ‘‘Secretary’’ and inserting 
‘‘Administrator’’; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘which types of’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘how such’’. 
(3) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the 
following: 
‘‘(c) REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFE OPERATION.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out this section, 
the Administrator shall establish requirements, or a 
process to accept proposed requirements, for the safe 
and efficient operation of unmanned aircraft systems 
in the national airspace system, including operations 
related to testing and evaluation of proprietary sys-
tems. 
‘‘(2) EXPEDITED
EXEMPTIONS
AND
APPROV-
ALS.—The Administrator shall, taking into account 
the statutory mandate to ensure safe and efficient use 
of the national airspace system, issue approvals— 
‘‘(A) to enable low-risk beyond visual line of 
sight operations, including, at a minimum, 
package delivery operations, extended visual line 
of sight operations, or shielded operations within 
100 feet of the ground or a structure; or 
‘‘(B) that are aligned with Administration 
exemptions or approvals that enable beyond vis-
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ual line of sight operations with the use of acous-
tics, ground based radar, automatic dependent 
surveillance–broadcast, and other technological 
solutions. 
‘‘(3) TREATMENT OF MITIGATION MEASURES.— 
To the extent that an operation under this section 
will be conducted exclusively within the airspace of a 
Mode C Veil, such operation shall be treated as satis-
fying the requirements of section 91.113(b) of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations, if the operation em-
ploys— 
‘‘(A) automatic dependent surveillance– 
broadcast in-based detect and avoid capabilities; 
‘‘(B) air traffic control communication and 
coordination; 
‘‘(C) aeronautical information management 
systems acceptable to the Administrator, such as 
notices to air missions, to notify other airspace 
users of such operations; or 
‘‘(D) any other risk mitigations as set by 
the Administrator. 
‘‘(4) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this 
subsection shall be construed to—
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‘‘(A) provide an unmanned aircraft oper-
ating pursuant to this section the right of way 
over a manned aircraft; or 
‘‘(B) limit the authority of the Adminis-
trator to impose requirements, conditions, or 
limitations on operations conducted under this 
section in order to address safety concerns.’’; and 
(4) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(e) AUTHORITY.—The Administrator may exercise 
the authorities described in this section, including waiving 
applicable parts of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
without initiating a rulemaking or imposing the require-
ments of part 11 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
to the extent consistent with aviation safety.’’. 
(c) CLARIFICATION
OF
STATUS
OF
PREVIOUSLY 
ISSUED RULEMAKINGS AND EXEMPTIONS.— 
(1) RULEMAKINGS.—Any rule issued pursuant to 
section 44807 of title 49, United States Code, shall 
continue to be in effect following the expiration of 
such authority. 
(2) 
EXEMPTIONS.—Any 
exemption 
granted 
under the authority described in section 44807 of title 
49, United States Code, and in effect as of the expira-
tion of such authority, shall continue to be in effect 
until the date that is 3 years after the date of termi-
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nation described in such exemption, provided the Ad-
ministrator does not determine there is a safety risk. 
(3) RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this 
section shall be construed to interfere with the Admin-
istrator’s— 
(A) authority to rescind or amend an ex-
emption for reasons such as unsafe conditions or 
operator oversight; or 
(B) ability to grant an exemption based on 
a determination made pursuant to section 44807 
of title 49, United States Code, prior to the date 
described in subsection (d) of such section. 
SEC. 928. RECREATIONAL OPERATIONS OF DRONE SYS-
TEMS. 
(a) SPECIFIED
EXCEPTION
FOR
LIMITED
REC-
REATIONAL OPERATIONS OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT.—Sec-
tion 44809 of title 49, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a) by striking paragraph (6) 
and inserting the following: 
‘‘(6) Except for circumstances when the Admin-
istrator establishes alternative altitude ceilings or as 
otherwise authorized in section (c), in Class G air-
space, the aircraft is flown from the surface to not 
more than 400 feet above ground level and complies 
with all airspace and flight restrictions and prohibi-
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tions established under this subtitle, such as special 
use airspace designations and temporary flight re-
strictions.’’; 
(2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the 
following: 
‘‘(c) OPERATIONS AT FIXED SITES.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall es-
tablish a process to approve, and publicly disseminate 
the location of, fixed sites at which a person may 
carry out recreational unmanned aircraft system op-
erations. 
‘‘(2) OPERATING PROCEDURES.— 
‘‘(A) CONTROLLED AIRSPACE.—Persons op-
erating unmanned aircraft under paragraph (1) 
from a fixed site within Class B, Class C, or 
Class D airspace or within the lateral bound-
aries of the surface area of Class E airspace des-
ignated for an airport, or a community-based or-
ganization sponsoring operations within such 
airspace, shall make the location of the fixed site 
known to the Administrator and shall establish 
a mutually agreed upon operating procedure 
with the air traffic control facility. 
‘‘(B) ALTITUDE.—The Administrator, in co-
ordination with community-based organizations
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sponsoring operations at fixed sites, shall develop 
a process to approve requests for recreational un-
manned aircraft systems operations at fixed sites 
that exceed the maximum altitude contained in 
a UAS Facility Map published by the Federal 
Aviation Administration. 
‘‘(C) UNCONTROLLED
AIRSPACE.—Subject 
to compliance with all airspace and flight re-
strictions and prohibitions established under this 
subtitle, including special use airspace designa-
tions and temporary flight restrictions, persons 
operating unmanned aircraft systems from a 
fixed site designated under the process described 
in paragraph (1) may operate within Class G 
airspace— 
‘‘(i) up to 400 feet above ground level, 
without prior authorization from the Ad-
ministrator; and 
‘‘(ii) above 400 feet above ground level, 
with prior authorization from the Adminis-
trator. 
‘‘(3) UNMANNED AIRCRAFT WEIGHING 55 POUNDS 
OR GREATER.—A person may operate an unmanned 
aircraft weighing 55 pounds or greater, including the
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weight of anything attached to or carried by the air-
craft, 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). 
‘‘(4) 
FAA-RECOGNIZED
IDENTIFICATION 
AREAS.—In implementing subpart C of part 89 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, the Adminis-
trator shall prioritize the review and adjudication of 
requests to establish FAA Recognized Identification 
Areas at fixed sites established under this section.’’; 
(3) in subsection (d)— 
(A) in paragraph (3) by striking ‘‘sub-
section (a) of’’; and 
(B) by striking the subsection designation 
and heading and all that follows through ‘‘(3) 
SAVINGS CLAUSE.—’’ and inserting ‘‘(d) SAV-
INGS CLAUSE.—’’; 
(4) in subsection (f)(1) by striking ‘‘updates to’’; 
(5) by striking subsection (g)(1) and inserting 
the following:
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‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator, in con-
sultation with manufacturers of unmanned aircraft 
systems, community-based organizations, and other 
industry stakeholders, shall develop, maintain, and 
update, as necessary, an aeronautical knowledge and 
safety test. Such test shall be administered electroni-
cally by the Administrator or a person designated by 
the Administrator.’’; and 
(6) in subsection (h)— 
(A) 
by 
redesignating 
paragraphs 
(1) 
through (6) as paragraphs (2) through (7), re-
spectively; and 
(B) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so 
redesignated) the following: 
‘‘(1) is recognized by the Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration;’’. 
(b) USE OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS FOR EDU-
CATIONAL PURPOSES.—Section 350 of the FAA Reauthor-
ization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44809 note) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and 
(3) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and 
(B) by inserting before paragraph (3) (as so 
redesignated) the following:
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‘‘(2) operated by an elementary school, a sec-
ondary school, or an institution of higher education 
for educational or research purposes;’’; and 
(2) in subsection (d)— 
(A) in paragraph (2) by inserting ‘‘an ele-
mentary school, or a secondary school’’ after 
‘‘with respect to the operation of an unmanned 
aircraft system by an institution of higher edu-
cation,’’; and 
(B) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(3) ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.—The term ‘elemen-
tary school’ has the meaning given to that term by 
section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Edu-
cation Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801(19)). 
‘‘(4) SECONDARY SCHOOL.—The term ‘secondary 
school’ has the meaning given to that term by section 
8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education 
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801(45)).’’. 
SEC. 929. APPLICATIONS FOR DESIGNATION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 2209 of the FAA Extension, 
Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44802 note) 
is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a) by inserting ‘‘, including 
temporarily,’’ after ‘‘restrict’’;
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(2) in subsection (b)(1)(C)(iv) by striking ‘‘Other 
locations that warrant such restrictions’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘State prisons’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(f) DEADLINES.— 
‘‘(1) Not later than 90 days after the date of en-
actment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the 
Administrator shall publish a notice of proposed rule-
making to carry out the requirements of this section. 
‘‘(2) Not later than 16 months after publishing 
the notice of proposed rulemaking under paragraph 
(1), the Administrator shall issue a final rule based 
on the notice of proposed rulemaking published under 
paragraph (1). 
‘‘(g) DEFINITION OF STATE PRISON.—In this section, 
the term ‘State prison’ means an institution under State 
jurisdiction, including a State Department of Corrections, 
the primary use of which is for the confinement of individ-
uals convicted of a felony.’’. 
SEC. 930. BEYOND VISUAL LINE OF SIGHT OPERATIONS FOR 
UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 448 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
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‘‘§ 44811. Beyond visual line of sight operations for 
unmanned aircraft systems 
‘‘(a) PROPOSED RULE.—Not later than 4 months after 
the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
2024, the Administrator shall issue a notice of proposed 
rulemaking establishing a performance-based regulatory 
pathway for unmanned aircraft systems (in this section re-
ferred to as ‘UAS’) to operate beyond visual line of sight 
(in this section referred to as ‘BVLOS’). 
‘‘(b) REQUIREMENTS.—The proposed rule required 
under subsection (a) shall, at a minimum, establish the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(1) Acceptable levels of risk for BVLOS UAS 
operations, including the levels developed pursuant to 
section 931 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. 
‘‘(2) Standards for remote pilots or UAS opera-
tors for BVLOS operations, taking into account vary-
ing levels of automated control and management of 
UAS flights. 
‘‘(3) An approval or acceptance process for UAS 
and associated elements (as defined by the Adminis-
trator), which may leverage the creation of a special 
airworthiness certificate or a manufacturer’s declara-
tion of compliance to a Federal Aviation Administra-
tion accepted means of compliance. Such process—
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‘‘(A) shall not require, but may allow for, 
the use of type or production certification; 
‘‘(B) shall consider the airworthiness of any 
UAS that— 
‘‘(i) is within a maximum gross weight 
or kinetic energy, as determined by the Ad-
ministrator; and 
‘‘(ii) operates within a maximum 
speed limit as determined by the Adminis-
trator; 
‘‘(C) may require such systems to operate in 
the national airspace system at altitude limits 
determined by the Administrator; and 
‘‘(D) may require such systems to operate at 
standoff distances from the radius of a structure 
or the structure’s immediate uppermost limit, as 
determined by the Administrator. 
‘‘(4) Operating rules for UAS that have been ap-
proved or accepted as described in paragraph (3). 
‘‘(5) Protocols, if appropriate, for networked in-
formation exchange, such as network-based remote 
identification, in support of BVLOS operations. 
‘‘(6) The safety of manned aircraft operating in 
the national airspace system and consider the maneu-
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verability and technology limitations of certain air-
craft, including hot air balloons. 
‘‘(c) FINAL RULE.—Not later than 16 months after 
publishing the proposed rule under subsection (a), the Ad-
ministrator shall issue a final rule based on such proposed 
rule. 
‘‘(d) SAVINGS CLAUSE.—Nothing in this section shall 
be construed to require the agency to rescope any rule-
making efforts related to UAS BVLOS operations that are 
ongoing as of the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthoriza-
tion Act of 2024.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chapter 
448 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following: 
‘‘44811. Beyond visual line of sight operations for unmanned aircraft systems.’’. 
SEC. 931. ACCEPTABLE LEVELS OF RISK AND RISK ASSESS-
MENT METHODOLOGY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall de-
velop a risk assessment methodology that allows for the de-
termination of acceptable levels of risk for unmanned air-
craft system operations, including operations beyond visual 
line of sight, conducted— 
(1) under waivers issued to part 107 of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations;
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(2) pursuant to section 44807 of title 49, United 
States Code; or 
(3) pursuant to other applicable regulations, as 
appropriate. 
(b) RISK ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY CONSIDER-
ATIONS.—In establishing the risk assessment methodology 
under this section, the Administrator shall ensure align-
ment with the considerations included in the order issued 
by the FAA titled ‘‘UAS Safety Risk Management Policy’’ 
(FAA Order 8040.6A), and any subsequent amendments to 
such order, as the Administrator considers appropriate. 
(c) PUBLICATION.—The Administrator shall make the 
risk assessment methodology established under this section 
available to the public on an appropriate website of the Ad-
ministration and update such methodology as necessary. 
SEC. 932. THIRD-PARTY SERVICE APPROVALS. 
(a) APPROVAL PROCESS.—Not later than 1 year after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
establish procedures, which may include a rulemaking, to 
approve third-party service suppliers, including third- 
party service suppliers of unmanned aircraft system traffic 
management, to support the safe integration and commer-
cial operation of unmanned aircraft systems. 
(b) ACCEPTANCE OF STANDARDS.—In establishing the 
approval process required under subsection (a), the Admin-
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istrator shall ensure that, to the maximum extent prac-
ticable, industry consensus standards, such as ASTM Inter-
national Standard F3548–21, titled ‘‘UAS Traffic Manage-
ment (UTM) UAS Service Supplier (USS) Interoper-
ability’’, are included as an acceptable means of compliance 
for third-party services. 
(c) APPROVALS.—In establishing the approval process 
required under subsection (a), the Administrator shall— 
(1) define and implement criteria and conditions 
for the approval and oversight of third-party service 
suppliers that— 
(A) could have a direct or indirect impact 
on air traffic services in the national airspace 
system; and 
(B) require FAA oversight; and 
(2) establish procedures by which unmanned air-
craft systems can use the capabilities and services of 
third-party service suppliers to support operations. 
(d) HARMONIZATION.—In carrying out this section, 
the Administrator shall seek to harmonize, to the extent 
practicable and advisable, any requirements and guidance 
for the development, use, and operation of third-party capa-
bilities and services, including UTM, with similar require-
ments and guidance of other civil aviation authorities.
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(e) COORDINATION.—In carrying out this section, the 
Administrator shall consider any relevant information pro-
vided by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and 
Space Administration regarding research and development 
efforts the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
may have conducted related to the use of UTM providers. 
(f) THIRD-PARTY SERVICE SUPPLIER DEFINED.—In 
this section, the term ‘‘third-party service supplier’’ means 
an entity other than the FAA that provides a distributed 
service that affects the safety or efficiency of the national 
airspace system, including UAS service suppliers, supple-
mental data service providers, and infrastructure providers, 
such as providers of ground-based surveillance, command- 
and-control, and information exchange to another party. 
(g) RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.— 
(1) BEYOND
VISUAL
LINE
OF
SIGHT
OPER-
ATIONS.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to 
prevent or prohibit beyond visual line of sight oper-
ations of unmanned aircraft systems, or other types 
of operations, through the use of technologies other 
than third-party capabilities and services. 
(2) AIRSPACE.—Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to alter the authorities provided under sec-
tion 40103 of title 49, United States Code.
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SEC. 933. SPECIAL AUTHORITY FOR TRANSPORT OF HAZ-
ARDOUS MATERIALS BY COMMERCIAL PACK-
AGE DELIVERY UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYS-
TEMS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other Federal 
requirement or restriction related to the transportation of 
hazardous materials on aircraft, the Secretary shall, begin-
ning not later than 180 days after enactment of this section, 
use a risk-based approach to establish the operational re-
quirements, standards, or special permits necessary to ap-
prove or authorize an air carrier to transport hazardous 
materials by unmanned aircraft systems providing common 
carriage under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regula-
tions, or under successor authorities, as applicable, based 
on the weight, amount, and type of hazardous material 
being transported and the characteristics of the operations 
subject to such requirements, standards, or special purposes. 
(b) REQUIREMENTS.—In carrying out subsection (a), 
the Secretary shall consider, at a minimum— 
(1) the safety of the public and users of the na-
tional airspace system; 
(2) efficiencies of allowing the safe transpor-
tation of hazardous materials by unmanned aircraft 
systems and whether such transportation complies 
with the hazardous materials regulations under sub-
chapter C of chapter I of title 49, Code of Federal
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Regulations, including any changes to such regula-
tions issued pursuant to this section; 
(3) the risk profile of the transportation of haz-
ardous materials by unmanned aircraft systems, tak-
ing into consideration the risk associated with dif-
fering weights, quantities, and packing group classi-
fications of hazardous materials; 
(4) mitigations to the risk of the hazardous ma-
terials being transported, based on the weight, 
amount, and type of materials being transported and 
the characteristics of the operation, including oper-
ational and aircraft-based mitigations; and 
(5) the altitude at which unmanned aircraft op-
erations are conducted. 
(c) SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENTS.—The Secretary may 
require unmanned aircraft systems operators to submit a 
safety risk assessment acceptable to the Administrator, as 
part of the operator certification process, in order for such 
operators to perform the carriage of hazardous materials 
as authorized under this section. 
(d) CONFORMITY OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS REGU-
LATIONS.—The Secretary shall make such changes as are 
necessary to conform the hazardous materials regulations 
under parts 173 and 175 of title 49, Code of Federal Regu-
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lations, to this section. Such changes shall be made concur-
rently with the activities described in subsection (a). 
(e) STAKEHOLDER INPUT ON CHANGES TO THE HAZ-
ARDOUS MATERIALS REGULATIONS.— 
(1) IMPLEMENTATION.—Not later than 180 days 
of the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
shall hold a public meeting to obtain input on 
changes necessary to implement this section. 
(2) PERIODIC UPDATES.—The Secretary shall— 
(A) 
periodically 
review, 
as 
necessary, 
amounts of hazardous materials allowed to be 
carried by unmanned aircraft systems pursuant 
to this section; and 
(B) determine whether such amounts should 
be revised, based on operational and safety data, 
without negatively impacting overall aviation 
safety. 
(f) SAVINGS CLAUSE.—Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to— 
(1) limit the authority of the Secretary, the Ad-
ministrator, or the Administrator of the Pipeline and 
Hazardous Materials Safety Administration from im-
plementing requirements to ensure the safe carriage of 
hazardous materials by aircraft; and
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(2) confer upon the Administrator the authorities 
of the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous 
Materials Safety Administration under part 175 of 
title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, and chapter 51 
of title 49, United States Code. 
(g) DEFINITION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.—In this 
section, the term ‘‘hazardous materials’’ has the meaning 
given such term in section 5102 of title 49, United States 
Code. 
SEC. 934. OPERATIONS OVER HIGH SEAS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—To the extent permitted by treaty 
obligations of the United States, including the Convention 
on International Civil Aviation (in this section referred to 
as ‘‘ICAO’’), the Administrator shall work with other civil 
aviation authorities to establish and implement operational 
approval processes to permit unmanned aircraft systems to 
operate over the high seas within flight information regions 
for which the United States is responsible for operational 
control. 
(b) CONSULTATION.—In establishing and imple-
menting the operational approval process under subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall consult with appropriate stake-
holders, including industry stakeholders. 
(c) ICAO ACTIVITIES.—Not later than 6 months after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall
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engage ICAO through the submission of a working paper, 
panel proposal, or other appropriate mechanism to clarify 
the permissibility of unmanned aircraft systems to operate 
over the high seas. 
(d) REVIEW.—Not later than 6 months after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall review 
whether, and to what extent, ICAO member states are ap-
proving the operation of unmanned aircraft systems over 
the high seas and brief the appropriate committees of Con-
gress regarding the findings of such review. 
SEC. 935. PROTECTION OF PUBLIC GATHERINGS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 448 of title 49, United 
States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the 
following: 
‘‘§ 44812. Temporary flight restrictions for unmanned 
aircraft 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.— 
‘‘(1) TEMPORARY
FLIGHT
RESTRICTIONS.—The 
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administra-
tion shall, upon the request by an eligible entity, tem-
porarily restrict unmanned aircraft operations over 
eligible large public gatherings. 
‘‘(2) DENIAL.—Notwithstanding paragraph (1), 
the Administrator may deny a request for a tem-
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porary flight restriction sought under paragraph (1) 
if— 
‘‘(A) the temporary flight restriction would 
be inconsistent with aviation safety or security, 
would create a hazard to people or property on 
the ground, or would unnecessarily interfere with 
the efficient use of the airspace; 
‘‘(B) the entity seeking the temporary flight 
restriction does not comply with the require-
ments in subsection (b); 
‘‘(C) the eligibility requirements in sub-
sections (c) and (d) have not been met; 
‘‘(D) a flight restriction exists to the air-
space overlying the same location as the tem-
porary flight restriction sought under this sec-
tion; or 
‘‘(E) the Administrator determines appro-
priate for any other reason. 
‘‘(b) REQUIREMENTS.— 
‘‘(1) ADVANCE
NOTICE.—Eligible entities may 
only request a temporary flight restriction under sub-
section (a) not less than 30 calendar days prior to the 
eligible large public gathering. 
‘‘(2) REQUIRED INFORMATION.—Eligible entities 
seeking a temporary flight restriction under this sec-
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tion shall provide the Administrator with all relevant 
information, including the following: 
‘‘(A) Geographic boundaries of the stadium 
or other venue hosting the eligible large public 
gathering, as applicable. 
‘‘(B) The dates and anticipated starting 
and ending times for the large public gathering. 
‘‘(C) Points of contact for the requesting eli-
gible entity and the on-scene incident command 
responsible for securing the large public gath-
ering. 
‘‘(D) Any other information the Adminis-
trator considers necessary to establish the restric-
tion. 
‘‘(c) ELIGIBLE LARGE PUBLIC GATHERINGS.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—To be eligible for a tem-
porary flight restriction under this section, large pub-
lic gatherings hosted in a stadium or other venue 
shall— 
‘‘(A) be hosted in a stadium or other venue 
that— 
‘‘(i) has previously hosted events quali-
fying for the application of special security 
instructions in accordance with section 521 
of the Transportation, Treasury, and Inde-
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pendent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004 
(Public Law 108–199); and 
‘‘(ii) is not enclosed; 
‘‘(B) have an estimated attendance of at 
least 30,000 people; and 
‘‘(C) be advertised in the public domain. 
‘‘(2) ADDITIONAL GATHERINGS.—To be eligible 
for a temporary flight restriction under this section, 
large public gatherings hosted in a venue other than 
a stadium or other venue described in paragraph 
(1)(A) shall— 
‘‘(A) have an estimated attendance of at 
least 100,000 people; 
‘‘(B) be primarily outdoors; 
‘‘(C) have a defined and static geographical 
boundary; and 
‘‘(D) be advertised in the public domain. 
‘‘(d) ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.—An entity eligible to re-
quest a temporary flight restriction under subsection (a) 
shall be a credentialed law enforcement organization of the 
Federal Government or a State, local, Tribal, or territorial 
government. 
‘‘(e) TIMELINESS.—The Administrator shall make 
every practicable effort to assess eligibility and establish
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temporary flight restrictions under subsection (a) in a time-
ly fashion. 
‘‘(f) PUBLIC INFORMATION.—Any temporary flight re-
striction designated under this section shall be published by 
the Administrator in a publicly accessible manner at least 
2 days prior to the start of the eligible large public gath-
ering. 
‘‘(g) PROHIBITION ON OPERATIONS.—No person may 
operate an unmanned aircraft within a temporary flight 
restriction established under this section unless— 
‘‘(1) the Administrator authorizes the operation 
for operational or safety purposes; 
‘‘(2) the operation is being conducted for safety, 
security, or compliance oversight purposes and is au-
thorized by the Administrator; or 
‘‘(3) the aircraft operation is conducted with the 
approval of the eligible entity. 
‘‘(h) SAVINGS CLAUSE.—Nothing in this section may 
be construed as prohibiting the Administrator from author-
izing the operation of an aircraft, including an unmanned 
aircraft system, over, under, or within a specified distance 
from an eligible large public gathering for which a tem-
porary flight restriction has been established under this sec-
tion or cancelling a temporary flight restriction established 
under this section.
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‘‘(i) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this sec-
tion shall be construed to prevent the Administrator from 
using existing processes or procedures to meet the intent of 
this section.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chapter 
448 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended by 
adding at the end the following: 
‘‘44812. Temporary flight restrictions for unmanned aircraft.’’. 
SEC. 936. COVERED DRONE PROHIBITION. 
(a) PROHIBITIONS.—The Secretary is prohibited 
from— 
(1) entering into, extending, or renewing a con-
tract or awarding a grant— 
(A) for the operation, procurement, or con-
tracting action with respect to a covered un-
manned aircraft system; or 
(B) to an entity that operates (as deter-
mined by the Administrator) a covered un-
manned aircraft system in the performance of 
such contract; 
(2) issuing a grant to a covered foreign entity 
for any project related to covered unmanned aircraft 
systems; and 
(3) operating a covered unmanned aircraft sys-
tem.
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(b) EXEMPTIONS.—The Secretary is exempt from any 
prohibitions under subsection (a) if the grant, operation, 
procurement, or contracting action is for the purposes of 
testing, researching, evaluating, analyzing, or training re-
lated to— 
(1) unmanned aircraft detection systems and 
counter-UAS 
systems, 
including 
activities 
con-
ducted— 
(A) under the Alliance for System Safety of 
UAS through Research Excellence Center of Ex-
cellence of the FAA; or 
(B) by the unmanned aircraft system test 
ranges designated under section 44803 of title 
49, United States Code; 
(2) the safe, secure, or efficient operation of the 
national airspace system or maintenance of public 
safety; 
(3) the safe integration of advanced aviation 
technologies into the national airspace system, includ-
ing activities carried out under the Alliance for Sys-
tem Safety of UAS through Research Excellence Cen-
ter of Excellence of the FAA; 
(4) in coordination with other relevant Federal 
agencies, determining security threats of covered un-
manned aircraft systems; and
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(5) intelligence, electronic warfare, and informa-
tion warfare operations. 
(c) WAIVERS.—The Secretary may waive any restric-
tions under subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis by noti-
fying the appropriate committees of Congress in writing, 
not later than 15 days after waiving such restrictions, that 
the procurement or other activity is in the public interest. 
(d) REPLACEMENT OF CERTAIN UNMANNED AIRCRAFT 
SYSTEMS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall take such 
actions as are necessary to replace any covered un-
manned aircraft system that is owned or operated by 
the Department of Transportation as of the date of 
enactment of this Act with an unmanned aircraft sys-
tem manufactured in the United States or an allied 
country (as such term is defined in section 
2350f(d)(1) of title 10, United States Code) if the ca-
pabilities of such covered unmanned aircraft system 
are consequential to the work of the Department or 
the mission of the Department. 
(2) FUNDING.—There is authorized to be appro-
priated to the Secretary $5,000,000 to carry out this 
subsection. 
(e) EFFECTIVE DATES.—
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(1) OPERATIONS.—The prohibitions under para-
graphs (1) and (3) of subsection (a) shall be in effect 
on the date of enactment of this Act. 
(2) GRANTS.—The prohibitions under para-
graphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) shall— 
(A) not apply to grants awarded before the 
date of enactment of this Act; and 
(B) apply to grants awarded after the date 
of enactment of this Act. 
(f) APPLICATION OF PROHIBITIONS.—The prohibitions 
under subsection (a) are applicable to all offices and pro-
grams of the Department of Transportation, including— 
(1) aviation research grant programs; 
(2) aviation workforce development programs es-
tablished under section 625 of the FAA Reauthoriza-
tion Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note); 
(3) FAA Air Transportation Centers of Excel-
lence; 
(4) programs established under sections 631 and 
632 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 
U.S.C. 40101 note); and 
(5) the airport improvement program under sub-
chapter I of chapter 471 of title 49, United States 
Code.
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(g) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section 
shall prevent a State, local, Tribal, or territorial govern-
mental agency from procuring or operating a covered un-
manned aircraft system purchased with non-Federal fund-
ing. 
(h) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) COVERED
FOREIGN
COUNTRY.—The term 
‘‘covered foreign country’’ means any of the following: 
(A) The People’s Republic of China. 
(B) The Russian Federation. 
(C) The Islamic Republic of Iran. 
(D) The Democratic People’s Republic of 
Korea. 
(E) The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. 
(F) The Republic of Cuba. 
(G) Any other country the Secretary deter-
mines necessary. 
(2) COVERED FOREIGN ENTITY.—The term ‘‘cov-
ered foreign entity’’ means— 
(A) an entity included on the list developed 
and maintained by the Federal Acquisition Se-
curity Council and published in the System for 
Award Management;