[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3935 Engrossed Amendment Senate (EAS)]
<DOC>
In the Senate of the United States,
May 9, 2024.
Resolved, That the bill from the House of Representatives (H.R.
3935) entitled ``An Act to amend title 49, United States Code, to
reauthorize and improve the Federal Aviation Administration and other
civil aviation programs, and for other purposes.'', do pass with the
following
AMENDMENT:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2024''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS
Sec. 101. Airport planning and development and noise compatibility
planning and programs.
Sec. 102. Facilities and equipment.
Sec. 103. Operations.
Sec. 104. Extension of miscellaneous expiring authorities.
TITLE II--FAA OVERSIGHT AND ORGANIZATIONAL REFORM
Sec. 201. FAA leadership.
Sec. 202. Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory
Improvement.
Sec. 203. Prohibition on conflicting pecuniary interests.
Sec. 204. Authority of Secretary and Administrator.
Sec. 205. Regulatory materials improvement.
Sec. 206. Future of NextGen.
Sec. 207. Airspace Modernization Office.
Sec. 208. Application dashboard and feedback portal.
Sec. 209. Sense of Congress on FAA engagement during rulemaking
activities.
Sec. 210. Civil Aeromedical Institute.
Sec. 211. Management Advisory Council.
Sec. 212. Chief Operating Officer.
Sec. 213. Report on unfunded capital investment needs of air traffic
control system.
Sec. 214. Chief Technology Officer.
Sec. 215. Definition of air traffic control system.
Sec. 216. Peer review of Office of Whistleblower Protection and
Aviation Safety Investigations.
Sec. 217. Cybersecurity lead.
Sec. 218. Eliminating FAA reporting and unnecessary requirements.
Sec. 219. Authority to use electronic service.
Sec. 220. Safety and efficiency through digitization of FAA systems.
Sec. 221. FAA telework.
Sec. 222. Review of office space.
Sec. 223. Restoration of authority.
Sec. 224. FAA participation in industry standards organizations.
Sec. 225. Sense of Congress on use of voluntary consensus standards.
Sec. 226. Required designation.
Sec. 227. Administrative Services Franchise Fund.
Sec. 228. Commercial preference.
Sec. 229. Advanced Aviation Technology and Innovation Steering
Committee.
Sec. 230. Review and updates of categorical exclusions.
Sec. 231. Implementation of anti-terrorist and narcotic air events
programs.
TITLE III--AVIATION SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
Subtitle A--General Provisions
Sec. 301. Helicopter air ambulance operations.
Sec. 302. Global aircraft maintenance safety improvements.
Sec. 303. ODA best practice sharing.
Sec. 304. Training of organization delegation authorization unit
members.
Sec. 305. Clarification on safety management system information
disclosure.
Sec. 306. Reauthorization of certain provisions of the Aircraft
Certification, Safety, and Accountability
Act.
Sec. 307. Continued oversight of FAA compliance program.
Sec. 308. Scalability of safety management systems.
Sec. 309. Review of safety management system rulemaking.
Sec. 310. Independent study on future state of type certification
processes.
Sec. 311. Use of advanced tools and high-risk flight testing in
certifying aerospace products.
Sec. 312. Transport airplane and propulsion certification
modernization.
Sec. 313. Fire protection standards.
Sec. 314. Risk model for production facility inspections.
Sec. 315. Review of FAA use of aviation safety data.
Sec. 316. Weather reporting systems study.
Sec. 317. GAO study on expansion of the FAA weather camera program.
Sec. 318. Audit on aviation safety in era of wireless connectivity.
Sec. 319. Safety data analysis for aircraft without transponders.
Sec. 320. Crash-resistant fuel systems in rotorcraft.
Sec. 321. Reducing turbulence-related injuries on part 121 aircraft
operations.
Sec. 322. Study on radiation exposure.
Sec. 323. Study on impacts of temperature in aircraft cabins.
Sec. 324. Lithium-ion powered wheelchairs.
Sec. 325. National simulator program policies and guidance.
Sec. 326. Briefing on agricultural application approval timing.
Sec. 327. Sense of Congress regarding safety and security of aviation
infrastructure.
Sec. 328. Restricted category aircraft maintenance and operations.
Sec. 329. Aircraft interchange agreement limitations.
Sec. 330. Task Force on human factors in aviation safety.
Sec. 331. Update of FAA standards to allow distribution and use of
certain restricted routes and terminal
procedures.
Sec. 332. ASOS/AWOS service report dashboard.
Sec. 333. Helicopter safety.
Sec. 334. Review and incorporation of human readiness levels into
agency guidance material.
Sec. 335. Service difficulty reports.
Sec. 336. Consistent and timely pilot checks for air carriers.
Sec. 337. Flight service stations.
Sec. 338. Tarmac operations monitoring study.
Sec. 339. Improved safety in rural areas.
Sec. 340. Study on FAA use of mandatory Equal Access to Justice Act
waivers.
Sec. 341. Airport air safety.
Sec. 342. Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative.
Sec. 343. Accountability and compliance.
Sec. 344. Changed product rule reform.
Sec. 345. Administrative authority for civil penalties.
Sec. 346. Study on airworthiness standards compliance.
Sec. 347. Zero tolerance for near misses, runway incursions, and
surface safety risks.
Sec. 348. Improvements to Aviation Safety Information Analysis and
Sharing Program.
Sec. 349. Instructions for continued airworthiness aviation rulemaking
committee.
Sec. 350. Secondary cockpit barriers.
Sec. 351. Part 135 duty and rest.
Sec. 352. Flight data recovery from overwater operations.
Sec. 353. Ramp worker safety call to action.
Sec. 354. Voluntary reporting protections.
Sec. 355. Tower marking notice of proposed rulemaking.
Sec. 356. Promotion of civil aeronautics and safety of air commerce.
Sec. 357. Educational and professional development.
Sec. 358. Global aviation safety.
Sec. 359. Availability of personnel for inspections, site visits, and
training.
Sec. 360. Wildfire suppression.
Sec. 361. Continuous aircraft tracking and transmission for high
altitude balloons.
Sec. 362. Cabin air safety.
Sec. 363. Commercial air tour and sport parachuting safety.
Sec. 364. Hawaii air noise and safety task force.
Sec. 365. Modernization and improvements to aircraft evacuation.
Sec. 366. 25-hour cockpit voice recorder.
Sec. 367. Sense of Congress regarding mandated contents of onboard
emergency medical kits.
Sec. 368. Passenger aircraft first aid and emergency medical kit
equipment and training.
Sec. 369. International aviation safety assessment program.
Sec. 370. Whistleblower protection enforcement.
Sec. 371. Civil penalties for whistleblower protection program
violations.
Sec. 372. Enhanced qualification program for restricted airline
transport pilot certificate.
Subtitle B--Aviation Cybersecurity
Sec. 391. Findings.
Sec. 392. Aerospace product safety.
Sec. 393. Federal Aviation Administration regulations, policy, and
guidance.
Sec. 394. Securing aircraft avionics systems.
Sec. 395. Civil aviation cybersecurity rulemaking committee.
Sec. 396. GAO report on cybersecurity of commercial aviation avionics.
TITLE IV--AEROSPACE WORKFORCE
Sec. 401. Repeal of duplicative or obsolete workforce programs.
Sec. 402. Civil airmen statistics.
Sec. 403. Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee.
Sec. 404. FAA engagement and collaboration with HBCUs and MSIs.
Sec. 405. Airman knowledge testing working group.
Sec. 406. Airman Certification Standards.
Sec. 407. Airman's Medical Bill of Rights.
Sec. 408. Improved designee misconduct reporting process.
Sec. 409. Report on safe uniform options for certain aviation
employees.
Sec. 410. Human factors professionals.
Sec. 411. Aeromedical innovation and modernization working group.
Sec. 412. Frontline manager workload study.
Sec. 413. Medical Portal Modernization Task Group.
Sec. 414. Study of high school aviation maintenance training programs.
Sec. 415. Improved access to air traffic control simulation training.
Sec. 416. Air traffic controller instructor recruitment, hiring, and
retention.
Sec. 417. Ensuring hiring of air traffic control specialists is based
on assessment of job-relevant aptitudes.
Sec. 418. Pilot program to provide veterans with pilot training
services.
Sec. 419. Providing non-Federal weather observer training to airport
personnel.
Sec. 420. Prohibition of remote dispatching.
Sec. 421. Crewmember pumping guidance.
Sec. 422. GAO study and report on extent and effects of commercial
aviation pilot shortage on regional/
commuter carriers.
Sec. 423. Report on implementation of recommendations of Federal
Aviation Administration Youth Access to
American Jobs in Aviation Task Force.
Sec. 424. Sense of Congress on improving unmanned aircraft system
staffing at FAA.
Sec. 425. Joint aviation employment training working group.
Sec. 426. Military aviation maintenance technicians rule.
Sec. 427. Crewmember self-defense training.
Sec. 428. Direct-hire authority utilization.
Sec. 429. FAA Workforce review audit.
Sec. 430. Staffing model for aviation safety inspectors.
Sec. 431. Safety-critical staffing.
Sec. 432. Deterring crewmember interference.
Sec. 433. Use of biographical assessments.
Sec. 434. Employee assault prevention and response plan standards and
best practices.
Sec. 435. Formal policy on sexual assault and harassment on air
carriers.
Sec. 436. Interference with security screening personnel.
Sec. 437. Air traffic control workforce staffing.
Sec. 438. Airport service workforce analysis.
Sec. 439. Federal Aviation Administration Academy and facility
expansion plan.
Sec. 440. Improving Federal aviation workforce development programs.
Sec. 441. National strategic plan for aviation workforce development.
TITLE V--PASSENGER EXPERIENCE IMPROVEMENTS
Subtitle A--Consumer Enhancements
Sec. 501. Establishment of Office of Aviation Consumer Protection.
Sec. 502. Additional within and beyond perimeter slot exemptions at
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Sec. 503. Refunds.
Sec. 504. Know Your Rights posters.
Sec. 505. Access to customer service assistance for all travelers.
Sec. 506. Airline customer service dashboards.
Sec. 507. Increase in civil penalties.
Sec. 508. Advisory committee for aviation consumer protection.
Sec. 509. Extension of aviation consumer advocate reporting
requirement.
Sec. 510. Codification of consumer protection provisions.
Sec. 511. Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Sec. 512. Reimbursement for incurred costs.
Sec. 513. Streamlining of offline ticket disclosures.
Sec. 514. GAO study on competition and consolidation in the air carrier
industry.
Sec. 515. GAO study and report on the operational preparedness of air
carriers for certain events.
Sec. 516. Family seating.
Sec. 517. Passenger experience advisory committee.
Sec. 518. Updating passenger information requirement regulations.
Sec. 519. Seat dimensions.
Sec. 520. Modernization of consumer complaint submissions.
Subtitle B--Accessibility
Sec. 541. Air Carrier Access Act advisory committee.
Sec. 542. Improved training standards for assisting passengers who use
wheelchairs.
Sec. 543. Training standards for stowage of wheelchairs and scooters.
Sec. 544. Mobility aids on board improve lives and empower all.
Sec. 545. Prioritizing accountability and accessibility for aviation
consumers.
Sec. 546. Accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Sec. 547. Equal accessibility to passenger portals.
Sec. 548. Aircraft access standards.
Sec. 549. Investigation of complaints.
Sec. 550. Removal of outdated references to passengers with
disabilities.
Sec. 551. On-board wheelchairs in aircraft cabin.
Sec. 552. Aircraft accessibility.
Subtitle C--Air Service Development
Sec. 561. Essential air service reforms.
Sec. 562. Small community air service development grants.
Sec. 563. GAO study and report on the alternate essential air service
pilot program.
Sec. 564. Essential air service in parts of Alaska.
Sec. 565. Essential air service community petition for review.
Sec. 566. Essential air service authorization.
Sec. 567. GAO study on costs of essential air service.
Sec. 568. Response time for applications to provide essential air
service.
Sec. 569. GAO study on certain airport delays.
Sec. 570. Report on restoration of small community air service.
TITLE VI--MODERNIZING THE NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM
Sec. 601. Instrument landing system installation.
Sec. 602. Navigation aids study.
Sec. 603. NextGen accountability review.
Sec. 604. Airspace access.
Sec. 605. FAA contract tower workforce audit.
Sec. 606. Air traffic control tower safety.
Sec. 607. Air traffic services data reports.
Sec. 608. Consideration of small hub control towers.
Sec. 609. Flight profile optimization.
Sec. 610. Extension of enhanced air traffic services pilot program.
Sec. 611. Federal contact tower wage determinations and positions.
Sec. 612. Briefing on radio communications coverage around mountainous
terrain.
Sec. 613. Aeronautical mobile communications services.
Sec. 614. Delivery of clearance to pilots via internet protocol.
Sec. 615. Study on congested airspace.
Sec. 616. Briefing on LIT VORTAC project.
Sec. 617. Surface surveillance.
Sec. 618. Consideration of third-party services.
Sec. 619. NextGen programs.
Sec. 620. Contract Tower Program.
Sec. 621. Remote towers.
Sec. 622. Audit of legacy systems.
Sec. 623. Air Traffic Control Facility Realignment study.
Sec. 624. Air traffic control tower replacement process report.
Sec. 625. Contract tower program safety enhancements.
Sec. 626. Sense of Congress on use of advanced surveillance in oceanic
airspace.
Sec. 627. Low-altitude routes for vertical flight.
Sec. 628. Required consultation with National Parks Overflights
Advisory Group.
Sec. 629. Upgrading and replacing aging air traffic systems.
Sec. 630. Airspace integration for space launch and reentry.
Sec. 631. Update to FAA order on airway planning standard.
TITLE VII--MODERNIZING AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
Subtitle A--Airport Improvement Program Modifications
Sec. 701. Development of airport plans.
Sec. 702. AIP definitions.
Sec. 703. Revenue diversion penalty enhancement.
Sec. 704. Extension of competitive access report requirement.
Sec. 705. Renewal of certain leases.
Sec. 706. Community use of airport land.
Sec. 707. Price adjustment provisions.
Sec. 708. Updating United States Government's share of project costs.
Sec. 709. Allowable project costs and letters of intent.
Sec. 710. Small airport letters of intent.
Sec. 711. Prohibition on provision of airport improvement grant funds
to certain entities that have violated
intellectual property rights of United
States entities.
Sec. 712. Apportionments.
Sec. 713. PFC turnback reduction.
Sec. 714. Airport safety and resilient infrastructure discretionary
program.
Sec. 715. Special carryover assumption rule.
Sec. 716. Small airport fund.
Sec. 717. Revision of discretionary categories.
Sec. 718. Discretionary fund for terminal development costs.
Sec. 719. Protecting general aviation airports from closure.
Sec. 720. State block grant program.
Sec. 721. Innovative financing techniques.
Sec. 722. Long-term management plans.
Sec. 723. Alternative project delivery.
Sec. 724. Nonmovement area surveillance surface display systems pilot
program.
Sec. 725. Airport accessibility.
Sec. 726. General aviation airport runway extension pilot program.
Sec. 727. Repeal of obsolete criminal provisions.
Sec. 728. Transfers of air traffic systems acquired with AIP funding.
Sec. 729. National priority system formulas.
Sec. 730. Minority and disadvantaged business participation.
Sec. 731. Extension of provision relating to airport access roads in
remote locations.
Sec. 732. Populous counties without airports.
Sec. 733. AIP handbook update.
Sec. 734. GAO audit of airport financial reporting program.
Sec. 735. GAO study of onsite airport generation.
Sec. 736. Transportation demand management at airports.
Sec. 737. Coastal airports assessment.
Sec. 738. Airport investment partnership program.
Sec. 739. Special rule for reclassification of certain unclassified
airports.
Sec. 740. Permanent solar powered taxiway edge lighting systems.
Sec. 741. Secondary runways.
Sec. 742. Increasing energy efficiency of airports and meeting current
and future energy power demands.
Sec. 743. Review of airport layout plans.
Sec. 744. Protection of safe and efficient use of airspace at airports.
Sec. 745. Electric aircraft infrastructure pilot program.
Sec. 746. Curb management practices.
Sec. 747. Notice of funding opportunity.
Sec. 748. Runway safety projects.
Sec. 749. Airport diagram terminology.
Sec. 750. GAO study on fee transparency by fixed based operators.
Sec. 751. Minority and disadvantaged business participation.
Sec. 752. Prohibition on certain runway length requirements.
Sec. 753. Report on Indo-Pacific airports.
Sec. 754. GAO study on implementation of grants at certain airports.
Sec. 755. GAO study on transit access.
Sec. 756. Banning municipal airport.
Sec. 757. Disputed changes of sponsorship at federally obligated,
publicly owned airport.
Sec. 758. Procurement regulations applicable to FAA multimodal
projects.
Sec. 759. Buckeye 940 release of deed restrictions.
Sec. 760. Washington, DC Metropolitan Area Special Flight Rules Area.
Sec. 761. Study on air cargo operations in Puerto Rico.
Sec. 762. Progress reports on the national transition plan related to a
fluorine-free firefighting foam.
Sec. 763. Report on airport notifications.
Sec. 764. Study on competition and airport access.
Sec. 765. Regional airport capacity study.
Sec. 766. Study on autonomous and electric-powered track systems.
Sec. 767. PFAS-related resources for airports.
Sec. 768. Limitation on certain rolling stock procurements.
Sec. 769. Maintaining safe fire and rescue staffing levels.
Sec. 770. Grant assurances.
Sec. 771. Aviation fuel in Alaska.
Sec. 772. Application of amendments.
Sec. 773. Prohibition on use of amounts to process or administer any
application for the joint use of Homestead
Air Reserve Base with civil aviation.
Sec. 774. Universal changing station.
Sec. 774A. Airport human trafficking prevention grants.
Sec. 774B. Study on improvements for certain nonhub airports.
Subtitle B--Passenger Facility Charges
Sec. 775. Additional permitted uses of passenger facility charge
revenue.
Sec. 776. Passenger facility charge streamlining.
Subtitle C--Noise And Environmental Programs And Streamlining
Sec. 781. Streamlining consultation process.
Sec. 782. Repeal of burdensome emissions credit requirements.
Sec. 783. Expedited environmental review and one Federal decision.
Sec. 784. Subchapter III definitions.
Sec. 785. Pilot program extension.
Sec. 786. Part 150 noise standards update.
Sec. 787. Reducing community aircraft noise exposure.
Sec. 788. Categorical exclusions.
Sec. 789. Updating presumed to conform limits.
Sec. 790. Recommendations on reducing rotorcraft noise in District of
Columbia.
Sec. 791. UFP study.
Sec. 792. Aircraft Noise Advisory Committee.
Sec. 793. Community collaboration program.
Sec. 794. Information sharing requirement.
Sec. 795. Mechanisms to reduce helicopter noise.
TITLE VIII--GENERAL AVIATION
Sec. 801. Reexamination of pilots or certificate holders.
Sec. 802. GAO review of Pilot's Bill of Rights.
Sec. 803. Data privacy.
Sec. 804. Accountability for aircraft registration numbers.
Sec. 805. Timely resolution of investigations.
Sec. 806. All makes and models authorization.
Sec. 807. Response to letter of investigation.
Sec. 808. ADS-B out equipage study; Vehicle-to-Vehicle link program.
Sec. 809. Ensuring safe landings during off-airport operations.
Sec. 810. Development of low-cost voluntary ADS-B.
Sec. 811. Airshow safety team.
Sec. 812. Aircraft registration validity during renewal.
Sec. 813. Temporary airman certificates.
Sec. 814. Letter of deviation authority.
Sec. 815. BasicMed for examiners administering tests or proficiency
checks.
Sec. 816. Designee locator tool improvements.
Sec. 817. Deadline to eliminate aircraft registration backlog.
Sec. 818. Part 135 air carrier certificate backlog.
Sec. 819. Enhancing processes for authorizing aircraft for service in
commuter and on-demand operations.
Sec. 820. Flight instructor certificates.
Sec. 821. Consistency of policy application in flight standards and
aircraft certification.
Sec. 822. Application of policies, orders, and guidance.
Sec. 823. Expansion of the regulatory consistency communications board.
Sec. 824. Modernization of special airworthiness certification
rulemaking deadline.
Sec. 825. Exclusion of gyroplanes from fuel system requirements.
Sec. 826. Public aircraft flight time logging eligibility.
Sec. 827. EAGLE initiative.
Sec. 828. Expansion of BasicMed.
Sec. 829. Prohibition on using ADS-B out data to initiate an
investigation.
Sec. 830. Charitable flight fuel reimbursement exemptions.
Sec. 831. GAO report on charitable flights.
Sec. 832. Flight instruction or testing.
Sec. 833. National coordination and oversight of designated pilot
examiners.
Sec. 834. Part 135 pilot supplemental oxygen requirement.
TITLE IX--NEW ENTRANTS AND AEROSPACE INNOVATION
Subtitle A--Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Sec. 901. Definitions.
Sec. 902. Unmanned aircraft in the Arctic.
Sec. 903. Small UAS safety standards technical corrections.
Sec. 904. Airport safety and airspace hazard mitigation and
enforcement.
Sec. 905. Radar data pilot program.
Sec. 906. Electronic conspicuity study.
Sec. 907. Remote identification alternative means of compliance.
Sec. 908. Part 107 waiver improvements.
Sec. 909. Environmental review and noise certification.
Sec. 910. Unmanned aircraft system use in wildfire response.
Sec. 911. Pilot program for UAS inspections of FAA infrastructure.
Sec. 912. Drone infrastructure inspection grant program.
Sec. 913. Drone education and workforce training grant program.
Sec. 914. Drone workforce training program study.
Sec. 915. Termination of Advanced Aviation Advisory Committee.
Sec. 916. Unmanned and Autonomous Flight Advisory Committee.
Sec. 917. NextGen Advisory Committee membership expansion.
Sec. 918. Interagency coordination.
Sec. 919. Review of regulations to enable unescorted UAS operations.
Sec. 920. Extension of BEYOND program.
Sec. 921. UAS integration strategy.
Sec. 922. Extension of Know Before You Fly campaign.
Sec. 923. Public aircraft definition.
Sec. 924. FAA comprehensive plan on UAS automation.
Sec. 925. UAS test ranges.
Sec. 926. Public safety use of tethered UAS.
Sec. 927. Extending special authority for certain unmanned aircraft
systems.
Sec. 928. Recreational operations of drone systems.
Sec. 929. Applications for designation.
Sec. 930. Beyond visual line of sight operations for unmanned aircraft
systems.
Sec. 931. Acceptable levels of risk and risk assessment methodology.
Sec. 932. Third-party service approvals.
Sec. 933. Special authority for transport of hazardous materials by
commercial package delivery unmanned
aircraft systems.
Sec. 934. Operations over high seas.
Sec. 935. Protection of public gatherings.
Sec. 936. Covered drone prohibition.
Sec. 937. Expanding use of innovative technologies in the Gulf of
Mexico.
Subtitle B--Advanced Air Mobility
Sec. 951. Definitions.
Sec. 952. Sense of Congress on FAA leadership in advanced air mobility.
Sec. 953. Application of National Environmental Policy Act categorical
exclusions for vertiport projects.
Sec. 954. Advanced Air Mobility Working Group amendments.
Sec. 955. Rules for operation of powered-lift aircraft.
Sec. 956. Advanced propulsion systems regulations.
Sec. 957. Powered-lift aircraft entry into service.
Sec. 958. Infrastructure supporting vertical flight.
Sec. 959. Charting of aviation infrastructure.
Sec. 960. Advanced air mobility infrastructure pilot program extension.
Sec. 961. Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies.
TITLE X--RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Subtitle A--General Provisions
Sec. 1001. Definitions.
Sec. 1002. Research, engineering, and development authorization of
appropriations.
Sec. 1003. Report on implementation; funding for safety research and
development.
Sec. 1004. National aviation research plan modification.
Sec. 1005. Advanced Materials Center of Excellence enhancements.
Sec. 1006. Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
Sec. 1007. ASSUREd Safe credentialing authority.
Sec. 1008. CLEEN engine and airframe technology partnership.
Sec. 1009. High-speed flight testing.
Sec. 1010. High-speed aircraft pathway to integration study.
Sec. 1011. Operating high-speed flights in high altitude Class E
airspace.
Sec. 1012. Electric propulsion aircraft operations study.
Sec. 1013. Contract weather observers program.
Sec. 1014. Airfield pavement technology program.
Sec. 1015. Review of FAA management of research and development.
Sec. 1016. Research and development of FAA's aeronautical information
systems modernization activities.
Sec. 1017. Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and
Environment.
Sec. 1018. Next generation radio altimeters.
Sec. 1019. Hydrogen aviation strategy.
Sec. 1020. Aviation fuel systems.
Sec. 1021. Air traffic surveillance over United States controlled
oceanic airspace and other remote
locations.
Sec. 1022. Aviation weather technology review.
Sec. 1023. Air traffic surface operations safety.
Sec. 1024. Technology review of artificial intelligence and machine
learning technologies.
Sec. 1025. Research plan for commercial supersonic research.
Sec. 1026. Electromagnetic spectrum research and development.
Sec. 1027. Research plan on the remote tower program.
Sec. 1028. Air traffic control training.
Sec. 1029. Report on aviation cybersecurity directives.
Sec. 1030. Turbulence research and development.
Sec. 1031. Rule of construction regarding collaborations.
Sec. 1032. Limitation.
Subtitle B--Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Advanced Air Mobility
Sec. 1041. Definitions.
Sec. 1042. Interagency working group.
Sec. 1043. Strategic research plan.
Sec. 1044. Federal Aviation Administration unmanned aircraft system and
advanced air mobility research and
development.
Sec. 1045. Partnerships for research, development, demonstration, and
testing.
TITLE XI--MISCELLANEOUS
Sec. 1101. Technical corrections.
Sec. 1102. Transportation of organs.
Sec. 1103. Acceptance of digital driver's license and identification
cards.
Sec. 1104. Quasquicentennial of aviation.
Sec. 1105. Limitations for certain cargo aircraft.
Sec. 1106. Prohibition on mandates.
Sec. 1107. COVID-19 vaccination status.
Sec. 1108. Rulemaking related to operating high-speed flights in high
altitude Class E airspace.
Sec. 1109. FAA leadership in hydrogen aviation.
Sec. 1110. Advancing global leadership on civil supersonic aircraft.
Sec. 1111. Learning period.
Sec. 1112. Counter-UAS authorities.
Sec. 1113. Study on air cargo operations.
Sec. 1114. Wing-in-ground-effect craft.
Sec. 1115. Certificates of authorization or waiver.
Sec. 1116. Designation of additional port of entry for the importation
and exportation of wildlife and wildlife
products by the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service.
TITLE XII--NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD
Sec. 1201. Short title.
Sec. 1202. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 1203. Clarification of treatment of territories.
Sec. 1204. Additional workforce training.
Sec. 1205. Overtime annual report termination.
Sec. 1206. Strategic workforce plan.
Sec. 1207. Travel budgets.
Sec. 1208. Notification requirement.
Sec. 1209. Board justification of closed unacceptable recommendations.
Sec. 1210. Miscellaneous investigative authorities.
Sec. 1211. Public availability of accident reports.
Sec. 1212. Ensuring accountability for timeliness of reports.
Sec. 1213. Ensuring access to data.
Sec. 1214. Public availability of safety recommendations.
Sec. 1215. Improving delivery of family assistance.
Sec. 1216. Updating civil penalty authority.
Sec. 1217. Electronic availability of public docket records.
Sec. 1218. Drug-free workplace.
Sec. 1219. Accessibility in workplace.
Sec. 1220. Most Wanted List.
Sec. 1221. Technical corrections.
Sec. 1222. Air safety investigators.
Sec. 1223. Review of National Transportation Safety Board procurements.
TITLE XIII--REVENUE PROVISIONS
Sec. 1301. Expenditure authority from airport and airway trust fund.
Sec. 1302. Extension of taxes funding airport and airway trust fund.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Administrator.--Unless otherwise specified, the term
``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the Federal
Aviation Administration.
(2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
``appropriate committees of Congress'' means the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives.
(3) Comptroller general.--The term ``Comptroller General''
means the Comptroller General of the United States.
(4) FAA.--The term ``FAA'' means the Federal Aviation
Administration.
(5) Nextgen.--The term ``NextGen'' means the Next
Generation Air Transportation System.
(6) Secretary.--Unless otherwise specified, the term
``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Transportation.
TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS
SEC. 101. AIRPORT PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT AND NOISE COMPATIBILITY
PLANNING AND PROGRAMS.
(a) Authorization.--Section 48103(a) of title 49, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (6) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the following:
``(7) $3,350,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
``(8) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
``(9) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
``(10) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
``(11) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.
(b) Obligation Authority.--Section 47104(c) of title 49, United
States Code, is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by
striking ``May 10, 2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
SEC. 102. FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT.
Section 48101(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
striking paragraphs (1) through (7) and inserting the following:
``(1) $3,191,250,000 for fiscal year 2024.
``(2) $3,575,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.
``(3) $3,625,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
``(4) $3,675,000,000 for fiscal year 2027.
``(5) $3,725,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.
SEC. 103. OPERATIONS.
(a) In General.--Section 106(k)(1) of title 49, United States Code,
is amended by striking subparagraphs (A) through (G) and inserting the
following:
``(A) $12,729,627,000 for fiscal year 2024;
``(B) $13,055,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
``(C) $13,354,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
``(D) $13,650,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
``(E) $13,954,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.
(b) Authorized Expenditures.--Section 106(k)(2)(D) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking clauses (i) through (v);
(2) by redesignating clause (vi) as clause (i); and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(ii) $42,018,000 for fiscal year 2024.
``(iii) $52,985,000 for fiscal year 2025.
``(iv) $59,044,000 for fiscal year 2026.
``(v) $65,225,000 for fiscal year 2027.
``(vi) $71,529,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.
(c) Authority to Transfer Funds.--Section 106(k)(3) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``Notwithstanding'' and inserting the
following:
``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding'';
(2) by striking ``in each of fiscal years 2018 through 2023
and for the period beginning on October 1, 2023, and ending on
May 10, 2024'' and inserting ``in each of fiscal years 2024
through 2028''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Prioritization.--In reducing non-safety-
related activities of the Administration under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall prioritize such
reductions from amounts other than amounts authorized
under this subsection, section 48101, or section 48103.
``(C) Sunset.--This paragraph shall cease to be
effective on October 1, 2028.''.
SEC. 104. EXTENSION OF MISCELLANEOUS EXPIRING AUTHORITIES.
(a) Authority to Provide Insurance.--Section 44310(b) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and
inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
(b) Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau.--Section 47115(i) of
title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``fiscal years
2018 through 2023, and for the period beginning on October 1, 2023, and
ending on May 10, 2024,'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2024 through
2028,''.
(c) Weather Reporting Programs.--Section 48105 of title 49, United
States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (5) and adding at the end
the following:
``(5) $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through
2028.''.
(d) Midway Island Airport.--Section 186(d) of the Vision 100--
Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (Public Law 108-176) is amended
by striking ``fiscal years 2018 through 2023 and for the period
beginning on October 1, 2023, and ending on May 10, 2024,'' and
inserting ``for fiscal years 2024 through 2028,''.
(e) Extension of the Safety Oversight and Certification Advisory
Committee.--Section 202(h) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018
(Public Law 115-254) is amended by striking ``shall terminate'' and all
that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``shall
terminate on October 1, 2028.''.
TITLE II--FAA OVERSIGHT AND ORGANIZATIONAL REFORM
SEC. 201. FAA LEADERSHIP.
Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by striking ``The Federal'' and
inserting ``In General.--The Federal''; and
(2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Administration Leadership.--
``(1) Administrator.--
``(A) In general.--The head of the Administration
is the Administrator, who shall be appointed by the
President, by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate.
``(B) Qualifications.--The Administrator shall--
``(i) be a citizen of the United States;
``(ii) not be an active duty member of the
Armed Forces;
``(iii) not have retired from the Armed
Forces within the 7 years preceding nomination;
and
``(iv) have experience in organizational
management and a field directly related to
aviation.
``(C) Fitness.--In appointing an individual as
Administrator, the President shall consider the fitness
of such individual to carry out efficiently the duties
and powers of the office.
``(D) Term of office.--The term of office for any
individual appointed as Administrator shall be 5 years.
``(E) Reporting chain.--Except as provided in
subsection (f) or in other provisions of law, the
Administrator reports directly to the Secretary of
Transportation.
``(2) Deputy administrator.--
``(A) In general.--The Administrator has a Deputy
Administrator, who shall be appointed by the President.
``(B) Qualifications.--The Deputy Administrator
shall--
``(i) be a citizen of the United States;
and
``(ii) have experience in organizational
management and a field directly related to
aviation.
``(C) Fitness.--In appointing an individual as
Deputy Administrator, the President shall consider the
fitness of the individual to carry out efficiently the
duties and powers of the office, including the duty to
act for the Administrator when the Administrator is
absent or unable to serve, or when the office of
Administrator is vacant.
``(D) Reporting chain.--The Deputy Administrator
reports directly to the Administrator.
``(E) Duties.--The Deputy Administrator shall carry
out duties and powers prescribed by the Administrator.
``(F) Compensation.--
``(i) Annual rate of basic pay.--The annual
rate of basic pay of the Deputy Administrator
shall be set by the Secretary but shall not
exceed the annual rate of basic pay payable to
the Administrator.
``(ii) Exception.--A retired regular
officer of the Armed Forces serving as the
Deputy Administrator is entitled to hold a rank
and grade not lower than that held when
appointed as the Deputy Administrator and may
elect to receive--
``(I) the pay provided for the
Deputy Administrator under clause (i);
or
``(II) the pay and allowances or
the retired pay of the military grade
held.
``(iii) Reimbursement of expenses.--If the
Deputy Administrator elects to receive
compensation described in clause (ii)(II), the
Administration shall reimburse the appropriate
military department from funds available for
the expenses of the Administration.
``(3) Leadership of the administration defined.--In this
section, the term `leadership of the Administration' means--
``(A) the Administrator under paragraph (1); and
``(B) the Deputy Administrator under paragraph
(2).''.
SEC. 202. ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR FOR RULEMAKING AND REGULATORY
IMPROVEMENT.
(a) Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory
Improvement.--Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is further
amended by striking subsections (c) and (d) and inserting the
following:
``(c) Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory
Improvement.--There is an Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and
Regulatory Improvement who shall be appointed by the Administrator and
shall--
``(1) be responsible for developing and managing the
execution of a regulatory agenda for the Administration that
meets statutory and Administration deadlines, including by--
``(A) prioritizing rulemaking projects that are
necessary to improve safety;
``(B) establishing the regulatory agenda of the
Administration; and
``(C) coordinating with offices of the
Administration, the Department, and other Federal
entities as appropriate to improve timely feedback
generation and approvals when required by law;
``(2) not delegate overall responsibility for meeting
internal timelines and final completion of the regulatory
activities of the Administration outside the Office of the
Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory
Improvement;
``(3) on an ongoing basis, review the regulations of the
Administration in effect to--
``(A) improve safety;
``(B) reduce undue regulatory burden;
``(C) replace prescriptive regulations with
performance-based regulations, as appropriate;
``(D) prevent duplicative regulations; and
``(E) increase regulatory clarity and transparency
whenever possible;
``(4) make recommendations for the review of the
Administrator under subsection (f)(3)(C)(ii);
``(5) receive, coordinate, and respond to petitions for
rulemaking and for exemption as provided for in subpart A of
part 11 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and provide
an initial response to a petitioner not later than 30 days
after the receipt of such a petition--
``(A) acknowledging receipt of such petition;
``(B) confirming completeness of such petition;
``(C) providing an initial indication of the
complexity of the request and how such complexity may
impact the timeline for adjudication; and
``(D) requesting any additional information, as
appropriate, that would assist in the consideration of
the petition;
``(6) track the issuance of exemptions and waivers by the
Administration to sections of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations, and establish a methodology by which to determine
if it would be more efficient and in the interest of the public
to amend a rule to reduce the future need of waivers and
exemptions; and
``(7) promulgate regulatory updates as determined more
efficient or in the best interest of the public under paragraph
(6).
``(d) [Reserved].''.
(b) Systemically Addressing Need for Exemptions and Waivers.--Not
later than 30 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement of
the FAA shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress and the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives on the methodology developed pursuant to section
106(c)(6) of title 49, United States Code (as added by this section).
SEC. 203. PROHIBITION ON CONFLICTING PECUNIARY INTERESTS.
Section 106(e) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read
as follows:
``(e) Prohibition on Conflicting Pecuniary Interests.--
``(1) In general.--The leadership of the Administration may
not have a pecuniary interest in, or hold a financial interest
in, an aeronautical enterprise or engage in another business,
vocation, or employment.
``(2) Teaching.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Deputy
Administrator may not receive compensation for teaching without
prior approval of the Administrator.
``(3) Financial interest defined.--In this subsection, the
term `financial interest'--
``(A) means--
``(i) any current or contingent ownership,
equity, or security interest;
``(ii) any indebtedness or compensated
employment relationship; or
``(iii) any right to purchase or acquire
any such ownership, equity, or security
interest, including a stock option; and
``(B) does not include securities held in an index
fund.''.
SEC. 204. AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY AND ADMINISTRATOR.
(a) In General.--Section 106(f) of title 49, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``paragraph (2)'' and inserting
``paragraphs (2) and (3)'';
(B) by striking ``Neither'' and inserting ``In
exercising duties, powers, and authorities that are
assigned to the Secretary or the Administrator under
this title, neither''; and
(C) by striking ``a committee, board, or
organization established by executive order.'' and
inserting the following: ``a committee, board, council,
or organization that is--
``(A) established by executive order; or
``(B) not explicitly directed by legislation to
review the exercise of such duties, powers, and
authorities by the Secretary or the Administrator.'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(ii) by striking ``the
acquisition'' and all that follows through the
semicolon and inserting ``the acquisition,
establishment, improvement, operation, maintenance,
security (including cybersecurity), and disposal of
property, facilities, services, and equipment of the
Administration, including all elements of the air
traffic control system owned by the Administration;'';
(B) in subparagraph (A)(iii) by striking
``paragraph (3)'' and inserting ``paragraph (4)''; and
(C) in subparagraph (B) by inserting ``civil
aviation, any matter for which the Administrator is the
final authority under subparagraph (A), any duty
carried out by the Administrator pursuant to paragraph
(3), or the provisions of this title, or'' after ``with
respect to'';
(3) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``In the performance'' and
inserting the following:
``(i) Issuance of regulations.--In the
performance'';
(ii) by striking ``The Administrator shall
act'' and inserting the following:
``(ii) Petitions for rulemaking.--The
Administrator shall act'';
(iii) by striking ``The Administrator shall
issue'' and inserting the following:
``(iii) Rulemaking timeline.--The
Administrator shall issue''; and
(iv) by striking ``On February 1'' and
inserting the following:
``(iv) Reporting requirement.--On February
1''; and
(B) by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C) and
inserting the following:
``(B) Approval of secretary of transportation.--
``(i) In general.--The Administrator may
not issue, unless the Secretary of
Transportation approves the issuance of the
regulation in advance, a proposed regulation or
final regulation that--
``(I) is likely to result in the
expenditure by State, local, and Tribal
governments in the aggregate, or by the
private sector, of $250,000,000 or more
(adjusted annually for inflation
beginning with the year following the
date of enactment of the FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2024) in any
year; or
``(II) is significant.
``(ii) Significant regulations.--For
purposes of this paragraph, a regulation is
significant if the Administrator, in
consultation with the Secretary (as
appropriate), determines that the regulation--
``(I) will have an annual effect on
the economy of $250,000,000 or more
(adjusted annually for inflation
beginning with the year following the
date of enactment of the FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2024);
``(II) raises novel or serious
legal or policy issues that will
substantially and materially affect
other transportation modes; or
``(III) adversely affects, in a
substantial and material way, the
economy, a sector of the economy,
productivity, competition, jobs, the
environment, public health or safety,
or a State, local, or Tribal government
or community.
``(iii) Emergency regulation.--
``(I) In general.--In an emergency
as determined by the Administrator, the
Administrator may issue a final
regulation described in clause (i)
without prior approval of the
Secretary.
``(II) Objection.--If the Secretary
objects to a regulation issued under
subclause (II) in writing not later
than 5 days (excluding Saturday,
Sundays, and legal public holidays)
after the issuance, the Administrator
shall immediately rescind such
regulation.
``(iv) Other regulations.--The Secretary
may not require that the Administrator submit a
proposed or final regulation to the Secretary
for approval, nor may the Administrator submit
a proposed or final regulation to the Secretary
for approval, if the regulation--
``(I) does not require the approval
of the Secretary under clause (i)
(excluding a regulation issued under
clause (iii)); or
``(II) is a routine or frequent
action or a procedural action.
``(v) Timeline.--The Administrator shall
submit a copy of any proposed or final
regulation requiring approval by the Secretary
under clause (i) to the Secretary, who shall
either approve the regulation or return the
regulation to the Administrator with comments
not later than 30 days after receiving the
regulation. If the Secretary fails to approve
or return the regulation with comments to the
Administrator not later than 30 days after
receiving such regulation, the regulation shall
be deemed to have been approved by the
Secretary.
``(C) Periodic review.--
``(i) In general.--For any significant
regulation issued after the date of enactment
of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, in
addition to the review requirements established
under section 5.13(d) of title 49, Code of
Federal Regulations, the Administrator shall
review any significant regulation 3 years after
the effective date of such regulation.
``(ii) Discretionary review.--The
Administrator may review any regulation that
has been in effect for more than 3 years.
``(iii) Substance of review.--In performing
a review under clause (i) or (ii), the
Administrator shall determine if--
``(I) the cost assumptions
supporting the regulation were
accurate;
``(II) the intended benefit of the
regulation is being realized;
``(III) the need remains to
continue such regulation as in effect;
and
``(IV) the Administrator recommends
updates to such regulation based on the
review criteria specified in section
5.13(d) of title 49, Code of Federal
Regulations.
``(iv) Review management.--Any periodic
review of a regulation under this subparagraph
shall be managed by the Assistant Administrator
for Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement, who
may task an advisory committee or the
Management Advisory Council established under
subsection (p) to assist in performing the
review.'';
(4) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs
(4) and (5), respectively; and
(5) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) Duties and powers of the administrator.--
``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall carry
out--
``(i) the duties and powers of the
Secretary under this subsection related to
aviation safety (except duties and powers
related to transportation, packaging, marking,
or description of hazardous material) and
stated in--
``(I) subsections (c) and (d) of
section 1132;
``(II) sections 40101(c), 40103(b),
40106(a), 40108, 40109(b), 40113(a),
40113(c), 40113(d), 40113(e), 40114(a),
and 40117;
``(III) chapter 443;
``(IV) chapter 445, except sections
44502(a)(3), 44503, and 44509;
``(V) chapter 447, except sections
44721(b) and 44723;
``(VI) chapter 448;
``(VII) chapter 451;
``(VIII) chapter 453;
``(IX) section 46104;
``(X) subsections (d) and (h)(2) of
section 46301, section 46303(c),
sections 46304 through 46308, section
46310, section 46311, and sections
46313 through 46320;
``(XI) chapter 465;
``(XII) chapter 471;
``(XIII) chapter 475; and
``(XIV) chapter 509 of title 51;
and
``(ii) such additional duties and powers as
may be prescribed by the Secretary.
``(B) Applicability.--Section 40101(d) applies to
the duties and powers specified in subparagraph (A).
``(C) Transfer.--Any of the duties and powers
specified in subparagraph (A) may only be transferred
to another part of the Department if specifically
provided by law or in a reorganization plan submitted
under chapter 9 of title 5.
``(D) Administrative finality.--A decision of the
Administrator in carrying out the duties or powers
specified in subparagraph (A) is administratively
final.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 106 of title 49, United States
Code, is amended by striking subsection (g) and inserting the
following:
``(g) [reserved].''.
(c) Preservation of Existing Authority.--Nothing in this section or
the amendments made by this section shall be construed to restrict any
authority vested in the Administrator by statute or by delegation that
was in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 205. REGULATORY MATERIALS IMPROVEMENT.
(a) Internal Regulatory Process Review.--
(1) In general.--
(A) Review team.--The Administrator shall establish
a regulatory process review team (in this section
referred to as the ``review team'') comprising of FAA
employees and individuals described in paragraph (2) to
develop recommendations to improve the timeliness,
performance, and accountability of the development and
promulgation of regulatory materials.
(B) Report.--The review team shall submit to the
Administrator a report with recommendations in
accordance with the deadlines specified in paragraph
(5).
(2) Other members; consultation.--
(A) In general.--The review team shall include at
least 3 outside experts and or academics with relevant
experience or expertise in aviation safety and at least
1 outside expert with relevant experience or expertise
in improving the performance, accountability, and
transparency of the Federal regulatory process,
particularly as such process relates to aviation
safety.
(B) Consultation.--The review team may, as
appropriate, consult with industry stakeholders.
(3) Contents of review.--In conducting the review required
under paragraph (1), the review team shall do the following:
(A) Develop a proposal for rationalizing processes
and eliminating redundant administrative review of
regulatory materials within the FAA, particularly when
FAA-sponsored rulemaking committees and stakeholders
have collaborated on the proposed regulations.
(B) With respect to each office within the FAA that
reviews regulatory materials, assess--
(i) the timeline assigned to each such
office to complete the review of regulatory
materials;
(ii) the actual time spent for such review;
(iii) opportunities to reduce the actual
time for such review; and
(iv) whether clear roles, responsibilities,
requirements, and expectations are clearly
defined for each office required to review the
regulatory materials.
(C) Define and document the roles and
responsibilities of each office within the FAA that
develops, drafts, or reviews each kind of regulatory
material in order to ensure that hiring reflects who,
where, and how the employees of each such office
function in the rulemaking framework.
(D) Describe any organizational changes or the need
to hire additional FAA employees, if necessary, and
take into consideration whether current positions are
staffed, to reduce delays in publication of regulatory
materials.
(E) In order to provide the public with detailed
information on the progress of the development of
regulatory materials, identify reporting mechanisms and
develop a template and appropriate system metrics for
making publicly available on a website a progress
tracker that updates to show the major stages (as
determined by the Administrator) of the development of
regulatory materials as such materials are initiated,
in progress, and completed.
(F) Consider changes to the best practices of the
FAA under rules governing ex parte communications,
including communications with international validating
authorities, and with consideration of the public
interest in transparency, to provide flexibility for
FAA employees to discuss regulatory materials,
particularly for such regulatory materials related to
enhancing aviation safety and the aviation
international leadership of the United States.
(G) Recommend methods by which the FAA can
incorporate research funded by the Department of
Transportation, in addition to consensus standards and
conformance assessment processes developed by
recognized industry standards organizations into
regulatory materials, to keep pace with rapid changes
in aviation technologies and processes.
(H) Recommend mechanisms to optimize the roles of
the Office of the Secretary of Transportation and the
Office of Management and Budget, with the objective of
improving the efficiency of regulatory activity.
(4) Action plan.--The Administrator shall develop and
transmit to the appropriate committees of Congress an action
plan to implement, as appropriate, the recommendations
developed by the review team.
(5) Deadlines.--The requirements of this section shall be
subject to the following deadlines:
(A) Not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this section, the review team shall
complete the evaluation required under paragraph (1)
and submit to the Administrator the report of the
review team on such evaluation.
(B) Not later than 30 days after the date on which
the review team submits the report under subparagraph
(A), the Administrator shall develop and publish the
action plan under paragraph (4).
(6) Sunset.--The review team shall terminate upon
completion of the requirements under paragraph (5).
(7) Administrative procedure requirements inapplicable.--
The provisions of subchapter II of chapter 5, and chapter 7, of
title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the
``Administrative Procedure Act'') shall not apply to any
activities of the review team in carrying out the requirements
of this section.
(8) Regulatory materials defined.--In this subsection, the
term ``regulatory materials'' means rules, advisory circulars,
statements of policy, and other materials related to aviation
safety regulations, as well as other materials pertaining to
training and operation of aeronautical products.
(b) Review of Non-regulatory Materials.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the Department
of Transportation shall review the coordination and approval
processes of non-regulatory materials produced by the FAA to
improve the timeliness, transparency, development, and issuance
of such materials.
(2) Contents of review.--In conducting the review under
paragraph (1), the inspector general shall--
(A) provide recommendations for improving processes
and eliminating non-value-added reviews of non-
regulatory materials within the FAA and Department of
Transportation, in consideration of the authority of
the Administrator under section 106 of title 49, United
States Code, and other applicable laws;
(B) consider, with respect to each office within
the FAA and the Department of Transportation that
reviews non-regulatory materials--
(i) the timeline assigned to each such
office to complete the review of such
materials;
(ii) the actual time spent for such review;
and
(iii) opportunities to reduce the actual
time spent for such review;
(C) describe any organizational changes and
additional resources that the Administrator needs, if
necessary, to reduce delays in the development and
publication of proposed non-regulatory materials;
(D) consider to what extent reporting mechanisms
and templates could be used to provide the public with
more consistent information on the development status
of non-regulatory materials;
(E) consider changes to the application of rules
governing ex parte communications by the Administrator
to provide flexibility for employees of the FAA to
discuss non-regulatory materials with aviation
stakeholders and foreign aviation authorities to
promote United States aviation leadership;
(F) recommend methods by which the Administrator
can incorporate standards set by recognized industry
standards organizations, as such term is defined in
section 224(c), into non-regulatory materials to keep
pace with rapid changes in aerospace technology and
processes; and
(G) evaluate the processes and best practices other
civil aviation authorities and other Federal
departments and agencies use to produce non-regulatory
materials, particularly the processes of entities that
produce such materials in an expedited fashion to
respond to safety risks, incidents, or new technology
adoption.
(3) Consultation.--In conducting the review under paragraph
(1), the inspector general may, as appropriate, consult with
industry stakeholders, academia, and other individuals with
relevant background or expertise in improving the efficiency of
Federal non-regulatory material production.
(4) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the inspector
general initiates the review under paragraph (1), the inspector
general shall submit to the Administrator a report on such
review.
(5) Action plan.--
(A) In general.--The Administrator shall develop an
action plan to implement, as appropriate, the
recommendations contained in the report submitted under
paragraph (4).
(B) Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after
receiving the report under paragraph (4), the
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of
Congress on such plan.
(6) Non-regulatory materials defined.--In this subsection,
the term ``non-regulatory materials'' means orders, statements
of policy, guidance, technical standards, and other materials
related to aviation safety, training, and operation of
aeronautical products.
SEC. 206. FUTURE OF NEXTGEN.
(a) Key Programs.--Not later than December 31, 2025, the
Administrator shall operationalize all of the key programs under the
NextGen program as described in the deployment plan of the FAA.
(b) Office Termination.--The NextGen Office of the FAA shall
terminate on December 31, 2025.
(c) Transfer of Residual NextGen Implementation Functions.--If the
Administrator does not complete the air traffic modernization project
known as the NextGen program by the deadline specified in subsection
(a), the Administrator shall transfer the residual functions for
completing the NextGen program to the Airspace Modernization Office of
the FAA established under section 207.
(d) Transfer of NextGen Advisory Committee.--Not later than
December 31, 2025, management of the NextGen Advisory Committee shall
transfer to the Chief Operating Officer of the air traffic control
system.
(e) Transfer of Advanced Air Mobility Functions.--Not later than 90
days after the date of enactment of this Act, any advanced air mobility
relevant functions, duties, and responsibilities of the NAS Systems
Engineering and Integration Office or other offices within the Office
of NextGen of the FAA shall be incorporated into the Office of Aviation
Safety of the FAA.
(f) Remaining Activities.--In carrying out subsection (a), and
after implementing subsections (c) through (e), the Administrator shall
transfer any remaining duties, authorities, activities, personnel, and
assets managed by the Office of NextGen of the FAA to other offices of
the FAA, as appropriate.
(g) Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace.--Section 106 of title
49, United States Code, is further amended by striking subsection (h)
and inserting the following:
``(h) Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace.--
``(1) In general.--There is established within the
Administration a technology center to support the advancement
of aerospace safety and innovation which shall be known as the
`William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace' (in
this subsection referred to as the `Technical Center') that
shall be used by the Administrator and, as permitted by the
Administrator, other governmental entities, academia, and the
aerospace industry.
``(2) Management.--The activities of the Technical Center
shall be managed by a Director.
``(3) Activities.--The activities of the Technical Center
shall include--
``(A) developing and stimulating technology
partnerships with and between industry, academia, and
other government agencies and supporting such
partnerships by--
``(i) liaising between external persons and
offices of the Administration interested in
such work;
``(ii) providing technical expertise and
input, as appropriate; and
``(iii) providing access to the properties,
facilities, and systems of the Technical Center
through appropriate agreements;
``(B) managing technology demonstration grants
awarded by the Administrator;
``(C) identifying software, systems, services, and
technologies that could improve aviation safety and the
operations and management of the air traffic control
system and working with relevant offices of the
Administration to consider the use and integration of
such software, systems, services, and technologies, as
appropriate;
``(D) supporting the work of any collocated
facilities and tenants of such facilities, and to the
extent feasible, enter into agreements as necessary to
utilize the facilities, systems, and technologies of
such collocated facilities and tenants;
``(E) managing the facilities of the Technical
Center; and
``(F) carrying out any other duties as determined
appropriate by the Administrator.''.
(h) Conforming Amendment.--Section 44507 of title 49, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``(a) Civil Aeromedical Institute'' and all
that follows through ``The Civil Aeromedical Institute
established'' and inserting ``The Civil Aeromedical Institute
established''; and
(2) by striking subsection (b).
SEC. 207. AIRSPACE MODERNIZATION OFFICE.
(a) Establishment.--
(1) In general.--On January 1, 2026, the Administrator
shall establish within the FAA an Airspace Modernization Office
(in this section referred to as the ``Office'').
(2) Placement.--The Administrator may task an existing
office of the FAA with the functions of the Office.
(3) Duties.--The Office shall be responsible for--
(A) the research and development, systems
engineering, enterprise architecture, and portfolio
management for the continuous modernization of the
national airspace system;
(B) the development of an information-centric
national airspace system, including digitization of the
processes and technology that supports such system;
(C) improving the interoperability of FAA systems
and third-party systems that support safe operations in
the national airspace system; and
(D) developing and periodically updating an
integrated plan for the future state of the national
airspace system in coordination with other offices of
the FAA.
(b) Integrated Plan Requirements.--The integrated plan developed by
the Office shall be designed to ensure that the national airspace
system meets future safety, security, mobility, efficiency, and
capacity needs of a diverse and growing set of airspace users. The
integrated plan shall include the following:
(1) A description of the demand for services that will be
required of the future air transportation system, and an
explanation of how the demand projections were derived,
including--
(A) the most likely range of average annual
resources required over the duration of the plan to
cost effectively maintain the safety, sustainability,
and other characteristics of national airspace
operation and the mission of the FAA; and
(B) an estimate of FAA resource requirements by
user group, including expectations concerning the
growth of new entrants and potential new users.
(2) A roadmap for creating and implementing the integrated
plan, including--
(A) the most significant technical, operational,
and personnel obstacles and the activities necessary to
overcome such obstacles, including the role of other
Federal agencies, corporations, institutions of higher
learning, and nonprofit organizations in carrying out
such activities;
(B) the annual anticipated cost of carrying out
such activities;
(C) the technical milestones that will be used to
evaluate the activities; and
(D) identifying technology gaps that the
Administrator or industry may need to address to fully
implement the integrated plan.
(3) A description of the operational concepts to meet the
system performance requirements for all system users and a
timeline and anticipated expenditures needed to develop and
deploy the system.
(4) A description of the management of the enterprise
architecture framework for the introduction of any operational
improvements and to inform FAA financial decision-making.
(5) A justification for the operational improvements that
the Office determines will need to be developed and deployed by
2040 to meet the needs of national airspace users, including
the benefits, costs, and risks of the preferred and alternative
options.
(c) Considerations.--In developing an initial integrated plan
required under subsection (b) and carrying out such plan, the Office
shall consider--
(1) the results and recommendations of the independent
report on implementation of the NextGen program under section
603;
(2) the status of the transition to, and deployment of,
trajectory-based operations within the national airspace
system; and
(3) the findings of the audit required by section 622, and
the resulting plan to replace or enhance the identified legacy
systems within a reasonable timeframe.
(d) Consultation.--In developing and carrying out the integrated
plan, the Office shall consult with the NextGen Advisory Committee of
the FAA.
(e) Plan Deadline; Briefings.--
(1) Plan deadline.--Not later than 3 years after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives, the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives, and the Committee
on Appropriations of the House of Representatives an initial
integrated plan required under subsection (a)(3)(D).
(2) Annual briefings.--The Administrator shall provide the
committees of Congress specified in paragraph (1) with an
annual briefing describing the progress in carrying out the
integrated plan required under subsection (a)(3)(D), including
any changes to the plan, through 2028.
(f) DOT Inspector General Review.--Not later than 180 days after
submission of the initial integrated plan under subsection (e)(1), the
inspector general of the Department of Transportation shall begin a
review of the integrated plan and submit to the committees of Congress
specified in subsection (e)(1) a report that--
(1) assesses the justification for the integrated plan;
(2) provides any recommendations for improving the
integrated plan; and
(3) includes any other information that the inspector
general determines appropriate.
SEC. 208. APPLICATION DASHBOARD AND FEEDBACK PORTAL.
(a) In General.--The Deputy Administrator of the FAA shall
determine whether a publicly facing dashboard that provides applicants
with the status of an application before the FAA would be--
(1) beneficial to applicants;
(2) an efficient use of resources to build, maintain, and
update; or
(3) duplicative with other efforts of the FAA to streamline
and digitize paperwork and certification processes to provide
an applicant with a greater awareness of the status of an
application before the FAA.
(b) Recommendation.--Not later than 30 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Deputy Administrator shall provide to the
Administrator a recommendation regarding the need for or benefits of a
dashboard or other means by which to track an application status.
(c) Briefing.--Not later than 45 days after receiving
recommendations under subsection (b), the Administrator shall brief the
appropriate Committees of Congress on--
(1) any recommendation received under subsection (b); and
(2) any activities the Administrator is taking in response
to such recommendation.
(d) FAA Feedback Portal.--
(1) In general.--The Deputy Administrator shall determine
whether a publicly facing portal on the website of the FAA
through which the public may provide feedback to the
Administrator about experiences individuals have working with
personnel of the FAA would be beneficial.
(2) Requirements.--The Deputy Administrator shall ensure
any portal established under this subsection asks questions
that seek to gauge any shortcomings the FAA has in fulfilling
the mission of the FAA or areas where the FAA is succeeding in
meeting the mission of the FAA.
(e) Application.--This section shall apply to applications relating
to--
(1) an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance
certification;
(2) an airman or pilot certificate;
(3) a medical certificate;
(4) an operator certificate;
(5) when authority under chapter 509 of title 51, United
States Code, is explicitly delegated by the Secretary to the
Administrator, a license or permit issued under such chapter;
(6) an aircraft registration;
(7) an operational approval, waiver, or exemption;
(8) a legal interpretation;
(9) an outstanding agency determination; and
(10) any certificate not otherwise described in this
subparagraph that is issued pursuant to chapter 447 of title
49, United States Code.
SEC. 209. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON FAA ENGAGEMENT DURING RULEMAKING
ACTIVITIES.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Administrator should--
(A) engage with aviation stakeholder groups and the
public during pre-drafting stages of rulemaking
activities and use, to the greatest extent practicable,
properly docketed ex parte discussions during
rulemaking activities in order to--
(i) inform the work of the Administrator;
(ii) assist the Administrator in developing
the scope of a rule; and
(iii) reduce the timeline for issuance of
proposed and final rules;
(B) rely on documented data and safety trends when
determining whether or not to proceed with a rulemaking
activity; and
(C) not consider a rulemaking activity required in
statute, for the purposes of ex parte communications,
as having been established on the date of enactment of
the related public law, but rather upon obtainment of a
regulation identifier number; and
(2) when it would reduce the time required for the
Administrator to adjudicate public comments, the Administrator
should publicly provide information describing the rationale
behind a regulatory decision included in proposed regulations
in order to better allow for the public to provide clear and
informed comments on such regulations.
SEC. 210. CIVIL AEROMEDICAL INSTITUTE.
Section 106(j) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``There is'' and inserting ``Civil Aeromedical Institute.--
There is''.
SEC. 211. MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL.
Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended--
(1) by transferring paragraph (8) of subsection (p) to
subsection (r) and redesignating such paragraph as paragraph
(7); and
(2) by striking subsection (p) and inserting the following:
``(p) Management Advisory Council.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Administrator shall establish an
advisory council which shall be known as the Federal Aerospace
Management Advisory Council (in this subsection referred to as
the `Council').
``(2) Membership.--The Council shall consist of 13 members,
who shall consist of--
``(A) a designee of the Secretary of
Transportation;
``(B) a designee of the Secretary of Defense;
``(C) 5 members representing aerospace and
technology interests, appointed by the Administrator;
``(D) 5 members representing aerospace and
technology interests, appointed by the Secretary of
Transportation; and
``(E) 1 member, appointed by the Secretary of
Transportation, who is the head of a union representing
air traffic control system employees.
``(3) Qualifications.--No officer or employee of the
Federal Government may be appointed to the Council under
subparagraph (C) or (D) of paragraph (2).
``(4) Functions.--
``(A) In general.--
``(i) Advise; counsel.--The Council shall
provide advice and counsel to the Administrator
on issues which affect or are affected by the
activities of the Administrator.
``(ii) Resource.--The Council shall
function as an oversight resource for
management, policy, spending, and regulatory
matters under the jurisdiction of the
Administrator.
``(iii) Submissions to administration.--
With respect to Administration management,
policy, spending, funding, data management and
analysis, safety initiatives, international
agreements, activities of the International
Civil Aviation Organization, and regulatory
matters affecting the aerospace industry and
the national airspace system, the Council may--
``(I) regardless of whether
solicited by the Administrator, submit
comments, recommended modifications,
proposals, and supporting or dissenting
views to the Administrator; and
``(II) request the Administrator
include in any submission to Congress,
the Secretary, or the general public,
and in any submission for publication
in the Federal Register, a description
of the comments, recommended
modifications, and dissenting or
supporting views received from the
Council under subclause (I).
``(iv) Reasoning.--Together with a Council
submission that is published or described under
clause (iii)(II), the Administrator may provide
the reasons for any differences between the
views of the Council and the views or actions
of the Administrator.
``(v) Cost-benefit analysis.--The Council
shall review the rulemaking cost-benefit
analysis process and develop recommendations to
improve the analysis and ensure that the public
interest is fully protected.
``(vi) Process review.--The Council shall
review the process through which the
Administration determines to use advisory
circulars, service bulletins, and other
externally facing guidance and regulatory
material.
``(B) Meetings.--The Council shall meet not less
than 3 times annually or at the call of the chair or
the Administrator.
``(C) Access to documents and staff.--The
Administrator may give the Council appropriate access
to relevant documents and personnel of the
Administration, and the Administrator shall make
available, consistent with the authority to withhold
commercial and other proprietary information under
section 552 of title 5 (commonly known as the `Freedom
of Information Act'), cost data associated with the
acquisition and operation of air traffic service
systems.
``(D) Disclosure of commercial or proprietary
data.--Any member of the Council who receives
commercial or other proprietary data as provided for in
this paragraph from the Administrator shall be subject
to the provisions of section 1905 of title 18,
pertaining to unauthorized disclosure of such
information.
``(5) Application of chapter 10 of title 5.--Chapter 10 of
title 5 does not apply to--
``(A) the Council;
``(B) such aviation rulemaking committees as the
Administrator shall designate; or
``(C) such aerospace rulemaking committees as the
Secretary shall designate.
``(6) Administrative matters.--
``(A) Terms.--Members of the Council appointed
under paragraph (2)(C) shall be appointed for a term of
3 years.
``(B) Term for air traffic control
representative.--The member appointed under paragraph
(2)(E) shall be appointed for a term of 3 years, except
that the term of such individual shall end whenever the
individual no longer meets the requirements of
paragraph (2)(E).
``(C) Vacancy.--Any vacancy on the Council shall be
filled in the same manner as the original appointment,
except that any member appointed to fill a vacancy
occurring before the expiration of the term for which
the predecessor of the member was appointed shall be
appointed for the remainder of that term.
``(D) Continuation in office.--A member of the
Council whose term expires shall continue to serve
until the date on which the successor of the member
takes office.
``(E) Removal.--Any member of the Council appointed
under paragraph (2) may be removed for cause by
whomever makes the appointment.
``(F) Chair; vice chair.--The Council shall elect a
chair and a vice chair from among the members appointed
under subparagraphs (C) and (D) of paragraph (2), each
of whom shall serve for a term of 1 year. The vice
chair shall perform the duties of the chair in the
absence of the chair.
``(G) Travel and per diem.--Each member of the
Council shall be paid actual travel expenses, and per
diem in lieu of subsistence expenses when away from the
usual place of residence of the member, in accordance
with section 5703 of title 5.
``(H) Detail of personnel from the
administration.--The Administrator shall make available
to the Council such staff, information, and
administrative services and assistance as may
reasonably be required to enable the Council to carry
out the responsibilities of the Council under this
subsection.''.
SEC. 212. CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER.
Section 106(r) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the
following:
``(A) Appointment.--There shall be a Chief
Operating Officer for the air traffic control system
who is appointed by the Administrator and subject to
the authority of the Administrator.''; and
(B) in subparagraph (E) by striking ``shall be
appointed for the remainder of that term'' and
inserting ``may be appointed for either the remainder
of the term or for a full term'';
(2) in paragraph (2) by striking ``, with the approval of
the Air Traffic Services Committee'';
(3) in paragraph (3)--
(A) by striking ``, in consultation with the Air
Traffic Services Committee,''; and
(B) by striking ``annual basis.'' and inserting--
``annual basis and shall include responsibility for--
``(A) the state of good repair of the air traffic
control system;
``(B) the continuous improvement of the safety and
efficiency of the air traffic control system; and
``(C) identifying services and solutions to
increase the safety and efficiency of airspace use and
to support the safe integration of all airspace
users.'';
(4) in paragraph (4) by striking ``such information as may
be prescribed by the Secretary'' and inserting ``the annual
performance agreement required under paragraph (3), an
assessment of the performance of the Chief Operating Officer in
relation to the performance goals in the performance agreement
for the previous year, and such other information as may be
prescribed by the Administrator''; and
(5) in paragraph (5)--
(A) by striking ``Chief Operating Officer, or any
other authority within the Administration
responsibilities, including'' and inserting ``Chief
Operating Officer any authority of the Administrator
and shall delegate, at a minimum'';
(B) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in clause (iii) by striking ``and'' at
the end;
(ii) in clause (iv) by striking the period
at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(v) plans to integrate new entrant
operations into the national airspace system
and associated action items.''; and
(C) in subparagraph (C)(ii) by striking ``and the
Committee''.
SEC. 213. REPORT ON UNFUNDED CAPITAL INVESTMENT NEEDS OF AIR TRAFFIC
CONTROL SYSTEM.
Section 106(r) of title 49, United States Code, is further amended
by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Unfunded capital investment needs report.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 10 days after the
date on which the budget of the President for a fiscal
year is submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1150
of title 31, the Administrator shall submit to the
Secretary, the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of
the Senate a report on any unfunded capital investment
needs of the air traffic control system.
``(B) Contents of briefing.--In providing the
report under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall
include, for each unfunded capital investment need, the
following:
``(i) A summary description of such
unfunded capital investment need.
``(ii) The objective to be achieved if such
unfunded capital investment need is funded in
whole or in part.
``(iii) The additional amount of funds
recommended in connection with such objective.
``(iv) The Budget Line Item Program and
Budget Line Item number associated with such
unfunded capital investment need, as
applicable.
``(v) Any statutory requirement associated
with such unfunded capital investment need, as
applicable.
``(C) Prioritization of requirements.--The briefing
required under subparagraph (A) shall present unfunded
capital investment needs in overall urgency of
priority.
``(D) Unfunded capital investment need defined.--In
this paragraph, the term `unfunded capital investment
need' means a program that--
``(i) is not funded in the budget of the
President for the fiscal year as submitted to
Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31;
``(ii) is for infrastructure or a system
related to necessary modernization or
sustainment of the air traffic control system;
``(iii) is listed for any year in the most
recent National Airspace System Capital
Investment Plan of the Administration; and
``(iv) would have been recommended for
funding through the budget referred to in
subparagraph (A) by the Administrator if--
``(I) additional resources had been
available for the budget to fund the
program, activity, or mission
requirement; or
``(II) the program, activity, or
mission requirement has emerged since
the budget was formulated.''.
SEC. 214. CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER.
Section 106(s) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``There shall
be'' and all that follows through the period at the end
and inserting ``The Chief Technology Officer shall be
appointed by the Administrator.'';
(B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``management''
and inserting ``management, systems management,'';
(C) by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D);
(D) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as
subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively; and
(E) by inserting before subparagraph (B), as so
redesignated, the following:
``(A) Establishment.--There shall be a Chief
Technology Officer for the air traffic control system
that shall report directly to the Chief Operating
Officer of the air traffic control system.'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``program'';
and
(B) in subparagraph (F) by striking ``aircraft
operators'' and inserting ``the Administration,
aircraft operators, or other private providers of
information and services related to air traffic
management''; and
(3) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``The Chief
Technology Officer shall be subject to the
postemployment provisions of section 207 of title 18 as
if the position of Chief Technology Officer were
described in section 207(c)(2)(A)(i) of that title.'';
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as
subparagraph (C); and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the
following:
``(B) Post-employment.--The Chief Technology
Officer shall be subject to the postemployment
provisions of section 207 of title 18 as if the
position of Chief Technology Officer were described in
section 207(c)(2)(A)(i) of such title.''.
SEC. 215. DEFINITION OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM.
Section 40102(a)(47) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (D) by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) systems, software, and hardware operated,
owned, and maintained by third parties that support or
directly provide air navigation information and air
traffic management services with Administration
approval.''.
SEC. 216. PEER REVIEW OF OFFICE OF WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION AND
AVIATION SAFETY INVESTIGATIONS.
Section 106(t) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (7);
(2) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following:
``(7) Department of transportation office of the inspector
general peer review.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of
2024, and every 5 years thereafter, the inspector
general of the Department of Transportation shall
perform a peer review of the Office of Whistleblower
Protection and Aviation Safety Investigations.
``(B) Peer review scope.--In completing the peer
reviews required under this paragraph, the inspector
general shall, to the extent appropriate, use the most
recent peer review guides published by the Council of
the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency
Audit Committee and Investigations Committee.
``(C) Reports to congress.--Not later than 90 days
after the completion of a peer review required under
this paragraph, the inspector general shall submit to
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a
description of any actions taken or to be taken to
address the results of the peer review.''; and
(3) in paragraph (8)(B) by striking the comma.
SEC. 217. CYBERSECURITY LEAD.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall designate an executive of
the FAA to serve as the lead for the cybersecurity of FAA systems and
hardware (in this section referred to as the ``Cybersecurity Lead'').
(b) Duties.--The Cybersecurity Lead shall carry out duties and
powers prescribed by the Administrator, including the management of
activities required under subtitle B of title III.
(c) Briefing.--Not later than 1 and 3 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Cybersecurity Lead shall brief the
appropriate committees of Congress on the implementation of subtitle B
of title III.
SEC. 218. ELIMINATING FAA REPORTING AND UNNECESSARY REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Annual Report on Aviation Activities.--Section 308 of title 49,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (b);
(2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b); and
(3) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (c).
(b) Annual Report on the Purchase of Foreign Manufactured
Articles.--Section 40110(d) of title 49, United States Code, is amended
by striking paragraph (5).
(c) Annual Report on Assistance to Foreign Aviation Authorities.--
Section 40113(e) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (4); and
(2) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (4).
(d) AIP Annual Report.--Section 47131 of title 49, United States
Code, and the item relating to such section in the analysis for chapter
471 of such title, are repealed.
(e) Transfer of Airport Land Use Compliance Report to NPIAS.--
Section 47103 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
``(d) Non-compliant Airports.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall include in the plan
a detailed statement listing airports the Secretary has reason
to believe are not in compliance with grant assurances or other
requirements with respect to airport lands and shall include--
``(A) the circumstances of noncompliance;
``(B) the timeline for corrective action with
respect to such noncompliance; and
``(C) any corrective action the Secretary intends
to require to bring the airport sponsor into
compliance.
``(2) Listing.--The Secretary is not required to conduct an
audit or make a final determination before including an airport
on the list referred to in paragraph (1).''.
(f) Notice to Airport Sponsors Regarding Purchase of American Made
Equipment and Products.--Section 306 of the Federal Aviation
Administration Authorization Act of 1994 (49 U.S.C. 50101 note) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by striking ``(a)'' and all that
follows through ``It is the sense'' and inserting ``It is the
sense''; and
(2) by striking subsection (b).
(g) Obsolete Aviation Security Requirements.--Sections 302, 307,
309, and 310 of the Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 1996
(Public Law 104-264), and the items relating to such sections in the
table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
(h) Regulation of Alaska Guide Pilots.--Section 732 of the Wendell
H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (49
U.S.C. 44701 note) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (b);
(2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b); and
(3) in subsection (b), as so redesignated--
(A) in the subsection heading by striking
``Definitions'' and inserting ``Definition of Alaska
Guide Pilot'';
(B) by striking ``, the following definitions
apply'' and all that follows through ``The term `Alaska
guide pilot''' and inserting ``the term `Alaska guide
pilot'''; and
(C) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C)
as paragraphs (1) through (3) (and adjusting the
margins accordingly).
(i) Next Generation Air Transportation Senior Policy Committee.--
Section 710 of the Vision 100-Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act
(49 U.S.C. 40101 note), and the item relating to such section in the
table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
(j) Improved Pilot Licenses and Pilot License Rulemaking.--
(1) Intelligence reform and terrorism prevention act.--
Section 4022 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism
Prevention Act of 2004 (49 U.S.C. 44703 note), and the item
relating to such section in the table of contents in section
1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
(2) FAA modernization and reform act of 2012.--Section 321
of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C.
44703 note), and the item relating to such section in the table
of contents in section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
(k) Technical Training and Staffing Study.--Section 605 of the FAA
Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-95) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (a);
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``(b) Workload of Systems
Specialists.--''; and
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as
subsections (a) through (c) (and adjust the margins and
header casing appropriately); and
(3) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated) by striking
``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``subsection (a)''.
(l) Ferry Flight Duty Period and Flight Time Rulemakings.--Section
345 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 44701
note), and the item relating to such section in the table of contents
in section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
(m) Laser Pointer Incident Reports.--Section 2104 of FAA Extension,
Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 46301 note) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by striking ``quarterly updates'' and
inserting ``annually an annual briefing''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Report Sunset.--Subsection (a) shall cease to be effective
after September 30, 2028.''.
(n) Cold Weather Projects Briefing.--Section 156 of the FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47112 note) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (b); and
(2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).
(o) Biannual GAO Audit.--Any provision of the FAA Modernization and
Reform Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-95), including any amendment made by
such Act, that requires the Comptroller General to conduct an audit
(including a recurring audit) shall have no force or effect.
SEC. 219. AUTHORITY TO USE ELECTRONIC SERVICE.
Section 46103 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``or''
after the semicolon;
(ii) in subparagraph (C) by striking the
period at the end and inserting a semicolon;
and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) by electronic or facsimile transmission to the person
to be served or the designated agent of the person; or
``(E) as designated by regulation or guidance published in
the Federal Register.''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) The date of service made by an electronic or
facsimile method is--
``(A) the date an electronic or facsimile
transmission is sent; or
``(B) the date a notification is sent by an
electronic or facsimile method that a notice, process,
or action is immediately available and accessible in an
electronic database.''; and
(2) in subsection (c) by striking the first sentence and
inserting ``Service on an agent designated under this section
shall be made at the office or usual place of residence of the
agent or at the electronic or facsimile address designated by
the agent.''.
SEC. 220. SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY THROUGH DIGITIZATION OF FAA SYSTEMS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall--
(1) identify, at the discretion of the Administrator, not
less than 3 processes of the FAA that result in a certification
and require paper-based information exchange between external
entities and the FAA or offices within the FAA (such as an
aircraft certification, aircraft registration, or airmen
certification) or authorization, an exemption, or a letter of
authorization; and
(2) initiate the digitization of such processes.
(b) Requirements.--In carrying out the digitization required under
subsection (a), the Administrator shall ensure that the digitization of
any process allows for--
(1) an applicant to track the application of such applicant
throughout the period of submission and review of such
application; and
(2) the status of the application to be available upon
demand to the applicant, as well as FAA employees responsible
for reviewing and making a decision on the application.
(c) Briefing to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the date on
which the Administrator initiates the digitization under subsection
(a)(2), the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of
Congress on the progress of such digitization.
(d) Definition of Digitization.--In this section, the term
``digitization'' means the transition from a predominantly paper-based
system to a system centered on the use of a data management system and
the internet.
SEC. 221. FAA TELEWORK.
(a) In General.--The Administrator--
(1) may establish telework policies for employees of the
FAA that allow for the Administrator to reduce the office
footprint and associated expenses of the FAA, if appropriate,
increase workforce retention, and provide flexibilities that
the Administrator demonstrates increases efficiency and
effectiveness of the Administration, while requiring that any
such policy--
(A) does not adversely impact the mission of the
FAA;
(B) does not reduce the safety or efficiency of the
national airspace system;
(C) for any employee that is designated as an
officer or executive in the FAA Executive System or a
political appointee (as such term is defined in section
106 of title 49, United States Code)--
(i) maximizes time at a duty station for
such employee, excluding official travel; and
(ii) may include telework provisions as
determined appropriate by the Administrator,
commensurate with official duties for such
employee;
(D) provides for on-the-job training opportunities
for FAA personnel that are not less than such
opportunities available in 2019;
(E) reflects the appropriate work status of
employees based on the job functions of such employee;
(F) optimizes the work status of inspectors,
investigators, and other personnel performing safety-
related functions to ensure timely completion of safety
oversight activities;
(G) provides for personnel, including such
personnel performing work related to aircraft
certification and flight standards, who are responsible
for actively working with regulated entities, external
stakeholders, or other members of the public to be--
(i) routinely available on a predictable
basis for in-person and virtual communications
with external persons; and
(ii) not hindered from meeting with,
visiting, auditing, or inspecting facilities or
projects of regulated persons due to any
telework policy; and
(H) provides opportunities for in-person dialogue,
collaboration, and ideation for all employees;
(2) ensures that locality pay for an employee of the FAA
accurately reflects the telework status and duty station of
such employee;
(3) may not establish a telework policy for an employee of
the FAA unless such employee will be provided with secure
network capacity, communications tools, necessary and secure
access to appropriate agency data assets and Federal records,
and equipment sufficient to enable such employee to be fully
productive; and
(4) not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of
this Act, shall evaluate and address any telework policies in
effect on the day before such date of enactment to ensure that
such policies meet the requirements of paragraph (1).
(b) Congressional Update.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, and 1 year thereafter, the Administrator shall
brief the appropriate committees of Congress on any telework policies
currently in place, the implementation of such policies, and the
benefits of such policies.
(c) Consultation.--If the Administrator determines that telework
agreements need to be updated to implement the requirements of
subsection (a), the Administrator shall, prior to updating such
agreements, consult with--
(1) exclusive bargaining representatives of air traffic
controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United
States Code; and
(2) labor organizations certified under such section as the
exclusive bargaining representative of airway transportation
systems specialists and aviation safety inspectors and
engineers of the FAA.
SEC. 222. REVIEW OF OFFICE SPACE.
(a) FAA Review.--
(1) Initiation of review.--Not later than 12 months after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall initiate
an inventory review of the domestic office footprint of the
Department of Transportation.
(2) Completion of review.--Not later than 30 months after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall complete
the inventory review required under paragraph (1).
(b) Contents of Review.--In completing the review under subsection
(a), the Secretary shall--
(1) delineate the domestic office footprint, as determined
appropriate by the Secretary;
(2) determine space adequacy related to--
(A) the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42
U.S.C. 4151 et seq.) and the corresponding
accessibility guidelines established under part 1191 of
title 36, Code of Federal Regulations; and
(B) the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42
U.S.C. 12101 et seq.);
(3) determine the feasible occupancy of such space, and
provide the methodology used to make the determination;
(4) determine the number of individuals who are full-time
equivalent employees, other support personnel, or contractors
that have each such unit as a duty station and determine how
telework policies will impact the usage of such space;
(5) calculate the amount of available, unused, or
underutilized space in each such space;
(6) consider any lease terms for leased space contained in
the domestic office footprint, including cost and effective
dates for each such lease; and
(7) based on the findings in paragraphs (2) through (6),
and any other metrics the Secretary determines relevant,
provide recommendations for optimizing the use of office space
across the Department in consultation with appropriate employee
labor representatives.
(c) Report.--Not later than 4 months after completing the review
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a final report that proposes opportunities to
optimize the domestic office footprint of the FAA (and associated
costs). In compiling such final report, the Secretary shall describe
opportunities for--
(1) consolidation of offices within a reasonable distance,
as determined by the Senior Real Property Officer of the
Department of Transportation, from one another;
(2) the collocation of regional or satellite offices of
separate modes of the Department, including the costs and
benefits of shared amenities; and
(3) the use of coworking spaces instead of permanent
offices.
(d) Domestic Office Footprint Defined.--In this section, the term
``domestic office footprint'' means buildings, offices, facilities, and
other real property rented, owned, or occupied by the FAA or
Department--
(1) in which employees report for permanent or temporary
duty that are not FAA Airport Traffic Control Towers, Terminal
Radar Approach Control Facilities, Air Route Traffic Control
Centers, and Combined Control Facilities; and
(2) which are located within the United States.
SEC. 223. RESTORATION OF AUTHORITY.
(a) In General.--Chapter 401 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after section 40118 the following:
``Sec. 40119. Sensitive security information
``(a) Disclosure.--
``(1) Regulations prohibiting disclosure.--Notwithstanding
the establishment of a Department of Homeland Security, the
Secretary of Transportation, in accordance with section
552(b)(3)(B) of title 5, shall prescribe regulations
prohibiting disclosure of information obtained or developed in
ensuring security under this title if the Secretary of
Transportation decides disclosing the information would--
``(A) be an unwarranted invasion of personal
privacy;
``(B) reveal a trade secret or privileged or
confidential commercial or financial information; or
``(C) be detrimental to transportation safety.
``(2) Disclosure to congress.--Paragraph (1) shall not be
construed to authorize information to be withheld from a
committee of Congress authorized to have such information.
``(3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in paragraph (1) shall
be construed to authorize the designation of information as
sensitive security information (as such term is defined in
section 15.5 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations) to--
``(A) conceal a violation of law, inefficiency, or
administrative error;
``(B) prevent embarrassment to a person,
organization, or agency;
``(C) restrain competition; or
``(D) prevent or delay the release of information
that does not require protection in the interest of
transportation security, including basic scientific
research information not clearly related to
transportation security.
``(4) Law enforcement disclosure.--Section 552a of title 5
shall not apply to disclosures that the Administrator may make
from the systems of records of the Federal Aviation
Administration to any Federal law enforcement, intelligence,
protective service, immigration, or national security official
in order to assist the official receiving the information in
the performance of official duties.
``(b) Transfers of Duties and Powers Prohibited.--Except as
otherwise provided by law, a duty or power under this section may not
be transferred to another department, agency, or instrumentality of the
Federal Government.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall be
effective as of October 5, 2018, and all authority restored to the
Secretary and the FAA under this section shall be treated as if such
authority had never been repealed by the FAA Reauthorization Act of
2018 (Public Law 115-254).
(c) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 401 of title
49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating
to section 40118 the following:
``40119. Sensitive security information.''.
SEC. 224. FAA PARTICIPATION IN INDUSTRY STANDARDS ORGANIZATIONS.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall encourage the
participation of employees of the FAA, as appropriate, in the
activities of recognized industry standards organizations to advance
the adoption, reference, and acceptance rate of standards and means of
compliance developed by such organizations by the Administrator.
(b) Participation.--An employee of the FAA directed by the
Administrator to participate in a working group, task group, committee,
or similar body of a recognized industry standards organization shall--
(1) actively participate in the discussions and work of
such organization;
(2) accurately represent the position of the Administrator
on the subject matter of such discussions and work;
(3) contribute to the development of work products of such
organization, unless determined to be inappropriate by such
organization;
(4) make reasonable efforts to identify and make any
concerns of the Administrator relating to such work products
known to such organization, including through providing formal
comments, as may be allowed for under the procedures of such
organization;
(5) provide regular updates to other FAA employees and
management on the progress of such work products; and
(6) seek advice and input from other FAA employees and
management, as needed.
(c) Recognized Industry Standards Organization Defined.--In this
section, the term ``recognized industry standards organization'' means
a domestic or international organization that--
(1) uses agreed upon procedures to develop aviation-related
industry standards or means of compliance, including standards
or means of compliance that satisfy FAA requirements or
guidance;
(2) is comprised of members of the public, including
subject matter experts, industry representatives, academics and
researchers, and government employees; and
(3) has had at least 1 standard or means of compliance
accepted by the Administrator or referenced in guidance
material or a regulation issued by the FAA after the date of
enactment of the Vision 100--Century of Aviation
Reauthorization Act (Public Law 108-176).
SEC. 225. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON USE OF VOLUNTARY CONSENSUS STANDARDS.
It is the sense of Congress that the Administrator should make
every effort to abide by the policies set forth in the circular of the
Office of Management and Budget, titled ``Federal Participation in the
Development and Use of Voluntary Consensus Standards and Conformity
Assessment Activities'' (A-119).
SEC. 226. REQUIRED DESIGNATION.
The Administrator shall designate any aviation rulemaking committee
convened under this Act pursuant to section 106(p)(5) of title 49,
United States Code.
SEC. 227. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES FRANCHISE FUND.
Title I of the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 1997 (49 U.S.C. 40113 note) is amended under the
heading ``Administrative Services Franchise Fund'' by striking ``shall
be paid in advance'' and inserting ``may be reimbursed after
performance or paid in advance''.
SEC. 228. COMMERCIAL PREFERENCE.
Section 40110(d) of title 49, United States Code, is further
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and implement'' and
inserting ``, implement, and periodically update'';
(2) in paragraph (2) by striking ``the new acquisition
management system developed and implemented'' and inserting
``the acquisition management system developed, implemented, and
periodically updated'' each place it appears;
(3) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``new''; and
(ii) by striking ``and implemented'' and
inserting ``, implemented, and periodically
updated''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``Within'' and
all that follows through ``the Administrator'' and
inserting ``The Administrator'';
(4) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
(5) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) Commercial products and services.--In implementing
and updating the acquisition management system pursuant to
paragraph (1), the Administrator shall, whenever possible--
``(A) describe the requirements with respect to a
solicitation for the procurement of supplies or
services in terms of--
``(i) functions to be performed;
``(ii) performance required; or
``(iii) essential physical and system
characteristics;
``(B) ensure that commercial services or commercial
products may be procured to fulfill such solicitation,
or to the extent that commercial products suitable to
meet the needs of the Administration are not available,
ensure that nondevelopmental items other than
commercial products may be procured to fulfill such
solicitation;
``(C) provide offerors of commercial services,
commercial products, and nondevelopmental items other
than commercial products an opportunity to compete in
any solicitation for the procurement of supplies or
services;
``(D) revise the procurement policies, practices,
and procedures of the Administration to reduce any
impediments to the acquisition of commercial products
and commercial services;
``(E) ensure that any procurement of new equipment
takes into account the life cycle, reliability,
performance, service support, and costs to guarantee
the acquisition of equipment that is of high quality
and reliability resulting in greater performance and
cost-related benefits; and
``(F) ensure that procurement officials--
``(i) acquire commercial services,
commercial products, or nondevelopmental items
other than commercial products to meet the
needs of the Administration;
``(ii) in a solicitation for the
procurement of supplies or services, state the
specifications for such supplies or services in
terms that enable and encourage bidders and
offerors to supply commercial services or
commercial products, or to the extent that
commercial products suitable to meet the needs
of the Administration are not available, to
supply nondevelopmental items other than
commercial products;
``(iii) require that prime contractors and
subcontractors at all levels under contracts
with the Administration incorporate commercial
services, commercial products, or
nondevelopmental items other than commercial
products as components of items supplied to the
Administration;
``(iv) modify procurement requirements in
appropriate circumstances to ensure that such
requirements can be met by commercial services
or commercial products, or to the extent that
commercial products suitable to meet the needs
of the Administration are not available,
nondevelopmental items other than commercial
products; and
``(v) require training of appropriate
personnel in the acquisition of commercial
products and commercial services.''.
SEC. 229. ADVANCED AVIATION TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION STEERING
COMMITTEE.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish an Advanced
Aviation Technology and Innovation Steering Committee (in this section
referred to as the ``Steering Committee'') to assist the FAA in
planning for and integrating advanced aviation technologies.
(b) Purpose.--The Steering Committee shall--
(1) create and regularly update a comprehensive strategy
and action plan for integrating advanced aviation technologies
into the national airspace system and aviation ecosystem; and
(2) provide direction and resolution for complex issues
related to advanced aviation technologies that span multiple
offices or lines of business of the FAA, as needed.
(c) Chair.--The Deputy Administrator of the FAA shall serve as the
Chair of the Steering Committee.
(d) Composition.--In addition to the Chair, the Steering Committee
shall consist of the Assistant or Associate Administrator, or the
designee of such Administrator, of each of the following FAA offices:
(1) Office of Aviation Safety.
(2) Air Traffic Organization.
(3) Office of Airports.
(4) Office of Commercial Space Transportation.
(5) Office of Finance and Management.
(6) Office of the Chief Counsel.
(7) Office of Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement.
(8) Office of Policy, International Affairs, and
Environment.
(9) Office of Security and Hazardous Materials Safety.
(10) Any other Office the Administrator determines
necessary.
SEC. 230. REVIEW AND UPDATES OF CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS.
(a) Review.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall identify each categorical exclusion under
the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation, including any
operating administration within the Department.
(b) New Categorical Exclusions for Airport Projects.--Not later
than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator
shall--
(1) review the categorical exclusions applied by other
operating administrations identified in subsection (a); and
(2) take such action as may be necessary to adopt, as
relevant and appropriate, new categorical exclusions that meet
the requirements of section 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal
Regulations, from among categorical exclusions reviewed by the
Secretary in paragraph (1) for use by the FAA.
SEC. 231. IMPLEMENTATION OF ANTI-TERRORIST AND NARCOTIC AIR EVENTS
PROGRAMS.
(a) Implementation.--
(1) Priority recommendations.--Not later than 180 days
after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator
shall--
(A) implement recommendations 6, 13, 14, and 15 as
set forth in the Government Accountability Office
report entitled ``Aviation: FAA Needs to Better
Prevent, Detect, and Respond to Fraud and Abuse Risks
in Aircraft Registration,'' (dated March 25, 2020); and
(B) to the extent that rulemaking is necessary to
implement such recommendations, issue a notice of
proposed rulemaking pursuant to the rulemaking
authority of the FAA.
(2) Remaining recommendations.--The Administrator shall
implement recommendations 1 through 5 and 8 through 12 as set
forth in the Government Accountability Office report described
in paragraph (1) and, to the extent that rulemaking is
necessary to implement such recommendations, issue a notice of
proposed rulemaking pursuant to the rulemaking authority of the
FAA, on the earlier of--
(A) the date that is 90 days after the date on
which the FAA implements the Civil Aviation Registry
Electronic Services system; or
(B) January 1, 2026.
(b) Reports.--
(1) Priority recommendations.--Not later than 60 days after
the date on which the Administrator implements the
recommendations under subsection (a)(1), the Administrator
shall submit to the Committees on the Judiciary and Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the Committees on
the Judiciary and Energy and Commerce of the House of
Representatives, and the Caucus on International Narcotics
Control of the Senate a report on such implementation,
including a description of any steps taken by the Administrator
to complete such implementation.
(2) Remaining recommendations.--Not later than 60 days
after the date on which the Administrator implements the
recommendations under subsection (a)(2), the Administrator
shall submit to the Committees on the Judiciary and Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the Committees on
the Judiciary and Energy and Commerce of the House of
Representatives, and the Caucus on International Narcotics
Control of the Senate a report on such implementation,
including a description of any steps taken by the Administrator
to complete such implementation.
TITLE III--AVIATION SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
Subtitle A--General Provisions
SEC. 301. HELICOPTER AIR AMBULANCE OPERATIONS.
(a) Outdated Air Ambulance Rulemaking Requirement.--Section 44730
of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1) by striking ``not later than 180
days after the date of enactment of this section,'';
(2) in subsection (c) by striking ``address the following''
and inserting ``consider, or address through other means, the
following'';
(3) in subsection (d) by striking ``provide for the
following'' and inserting ``consider, or address through other
means, the following''; and
(4) in subsection (e)--
(A) in the heading by striking ``Subsequent
Rulemaking'' and inserting ``Subsequent Actions'';
(B) in paragraph (1) by striking ``shall conduct a
follow-on rulemaking to address the following:'' and
inserting ``shall address through a follow-on
rulemaking, or through such other means that the
Administrator considers appropriate, the following:'';
(C) by striking paragraph (2); and
(D) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph
(2).
(b) Safety Management Systems Briefing.--Not later than 180 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief
the appropriate committees of Congress on how the final rule titled
``Safety Management System'', published on April 26, 2024, (89 Fed.
Reg. 33068), will--
(1) improve helicopter air ambulance operations and
piloting; and
(2) consider the use of safety equipment by flight crew and
medical personnel on a helicopter conducting an air ambulance
operation.
(c) Improvement of Publication of Helicopter Air Ambulance
Operations Data.--Section 44731 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) by striking subsection (d);
(2) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and'' at the
end; and
(B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
following:
``(2) make publicly available, in part or in whole, on a
website of the Federal Aviation Administration, the database
developed pursuant to subsection (c); and
``(3) analyze the data submitted under subsection (a)
periodically and use such data to inform efforts to improve the
safety of helicopter air ambulance operations.''; and
(3) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections
(d) and (e), respectively.
SEC. 302. GLOBAL AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS.
(a) FAA Oversight of Repair Stations Located Outside the United
States.--
(1) In general.--Section 44733 of title 49, United States
Code, is amended--
(A) in the heading by striking ``Inspection'' and
inserting ``Oversight'';
(B) in subsection (a) by striking ``Not later than
1 year after the date of enactment of this section,
the'' and inserting ``The'';
(C) in subsection (e)--
(i) by inserting ``, without prior notice
to such repair stations,'' after ``annually'';
(ii) by inserting ``and the applicable laws
of the country in which the repair station is
located'' after ``international agreements'';
and
(iii) by striking the last sentence and
inserting ``The Administrator may carry out
announced or unannounced inspections in
addition to the annual unannounced inspection
required under this subsection based on
identified risks and in a manner consistent
with United States obligations under
international agreements and the applicable
laws of the country in which the part 145
repair station is located.'';
(D) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection
(j); and
(E) by inserting after subsection (f) the
following:
``(g) Data Analysis.--
``(1) In general.--Each fiscal year in which a part 121 air
carrier has had heavy maintenance work performed on an aircraft
owned or operated by such carrier, such carrier shall provide
to the Administrator, not later than the end of the following
fiscal year, a report containing the information described in
paragraph (2).
``(2) Information required.--A report under paragraph (1)
shall contain the following:
``(A) The location where any heavy maintenance work
on aircraft was performed outside the United States.
``(B) A description of the work performed at each
such location.
``(C) The date of completion of the work performed
at each such location.
``(D) A list of all failures, malfunctions, or
defects affecting the safe operation of such aircraft
identified by the air carrier not later than 30 days
after the date on which an aircraft is returned to
service, organized by reference to aircraft
registration number, that--
``(i) requires corrective action after the
aircraft is approved for return to service; and
``(ii) results from such work performed on
such aircraft.
``(E) The certificate number of the person
approving such aircraft or on-wing aircraft engine for
return to service following completion of the work
performed at each such location.
``(3) Analysis.--The Administrator shall--
``(A) analyze information provided under this
subsection and sections 121.703, 121.705, 121.707, and
145.221 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or
any successor provisions of such title, to detect
safety issues associated with heavy maintenance work on
aircraft performed outside the United States; and
``(B) require appropriate actions by an air carrier
or repair station in response to any safety issue
identified by the analysis conducted under subparagraph
(A).
``(4) Confidentiality.--Information provided under this
subsection shall be subject to the same protections given to
voluntarily provided safety or security related information
under section 40123.
``(h) Applications and Prohibition.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator may not approve any
new application under part 145 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations, from a person located or headquartered in a
country that the Administration, through the International
Aviation Safety Assessment program, has classified as Category
2.
``(2) Exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to an
application for the renewal of a certificate issued under part
145 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
``(3) Maintenance implementation procedures agreement.--The
Administrator may elect not to enter into a new maintenance
implementation procedures agreement with a country classified
as Category 2, for as long as the country remains classified as
Category 2.
``(4) Prohibition on continued heavy maintenance work.--No
part 121 air carrier may enter into a new contract for heavy
maintenance work with a person located or headquartered in a
country that the Administrator, through the International
Aviation Safety Assessment program, has classified as Category
2, for as long as such country remains classified as Category
2.
``(i) Minimum Qualifications for Mechanics and Others Working on
U.S. Registered Aircraft.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date
of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator shall
require that, at each covered repair station--
``(A) all supervisory personnel of such station are
appropriately certificated as a mechanic or repairman
under part 65 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations,
or under an equivalent certification or licensing
regime, as determined by the Administrator; and
``(B) all personnel of such station authorized to
approve an article for return to service are
appropriately certificated as a mechanic or repairman
under part 65 of such title, or under an equivalent
certification or licensing regime, as determined by the
Administrator.
``(2) Available for consultation.--Not later than 18 months
after the date of enactment of this subsection, the
Administrator shall require any individual who is responsible
for approving an article for return to service or who is
directly in charge of heavy maintenance work performed on
aircraft operated by a part 121 air carrier be available for
consultation while work is being performed at a covered repair
station.''.
(2) Definitions.--
(A) In general.--Section 44733(j) of title 49,
United States Code (as redesignated by this section),
is amended--
(i) in paragraph (1) by striking
``aircraft'' and inserting ``aircraft
(including on-wing aircraft engines)'';
(ii) by redesignating paragraphs (1)
through (3) as paragraphs (2) through (4),
respectively; and
(iii) by inserting before paragraph (2), as
so redesignated, the following:
``(1) Covered repair station.--The term `covered repair
station' means a facility that--
``(A) is located outside the United States;
``(B) is a part 145 repair station; and
``(C) performs heavy maintenance work on aircraft
operated by a part 121 air carrier.''.
(B) Technical amendment.--Section 44733(a)(3) of
title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking
``covered part 145 repair stations'' and inserting
``part 145 repair stations''.
(3) Conforming amendments.--The analysis for chapter 447 of
title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item
relating to section 44733 and inserting the following:
``44733. Oversight of repair stations located outside the United
States.''.
(b) Alcohol and Drug Testing and Background Checks.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a final
rule carrying out the requirements of section 2112(b) of the
FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C.
44733 note).
(2) Rulemaking on assessment requirement.--With respect to
any employee not covered under the requirements of section
1554.101 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, the
Administrator shall initiate a rulemaking (or request that the
head of another Federal agency initiate a rulemaking) that
requires a covered repair station to confirm that any such
employee has successfully completed an assessment commensurate
with a security threat assessment described in subpart C of
part 1540 of such title.
(3) Definition of covered repair station.--For purposes of
this subsection, the term ``covered repair station'' means a
facility that--
(A) is located outside the United States;
(B) is certificated under part 145 of title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations; and
(C) performs heavy maintenance work on aircraft
(including on-wing aircraft engines), operated under
part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
SEC. 303. ODA BEST PRACTICE SHARING.
Section 44736(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``Not later than 120 days
after the date of enactment of this section, the'' and insert
``The''; and
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (E) by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (F) by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) convene a forum not less than every 2 years
between ODA holders, unit members, and other
organizational representatives and relevant experts, in
order to--
``(i) share best practices;
``(ii) instill professionalism, ethics, and
personal responsibilities in unit members; and
``(iii) foster open and transparent
communication between Administration safety
specialists, ODA holders, and unit members.''.
SEC. 304. TRAINING OF ORGANIZATION DELEGATION AUTHORIZATION UNIT
MEMBERS.
(a) Unit Member Annual Ethics Training.--Section 44736 of title 49,
United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(g) Ethics Training Requirement for ODA Holders.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this subsection, the Administrator of the Federal
Aviation Administration shall review and ensure each ODA holder
authorized by the Administrator under section 44702(d) has in
effect a recurrent training program for all ODA unit members
that covers--
``(A) unit member professional obligations and
responsibilities;
``(B) the ODA holder's code of ethics as required
to be established under section 102(f) of the Aircraft
Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (49
U.S.C. 44701 note);
``(C) procedures for reporting safety concerns, as
described in the respective approved procedures manual
for the delegation;
``(D) the prohibition against and reporting
procedures for interference from a supervisor or other
ODA member described in section 44742; and
``(E) any additional information the Administrator
considers relevant to maintaining ethical and
professional standards across all ODA holders and unit
members.
``(2) FAA review.--
``(A) Review of training program.--The Organization
Designation Authorization Office of the Administration
established under subsection (b) shall review each ODA
holders' recurrent training program to ensure such
program includes--
``(i) all elements described in paragraph
(1); and
``(ii) training to instill professionalism
and clear understanding among ODA unit members
about the purpose of and procedures associated
with safety management systems, including the
provisions of the third edition of the Safety
Management Manual issued by the International
Civil Aviation Organization (Doc 9859) (or any
successor edition).
``(B) Changes to program.--Such Office may require
changes to the training program considered necessary to
maintain ethical and professional standards across all
ODA holders and unit members.
``(3) Training.--As part of the recurrent training program
required under paragraph (1), not later than 60 business days
after being designated as an ODA unit member, and annually
thereafter, each ODA unit member shall complete the ethics
training required by the ODA holder of the respective ODA unit
member in order to exercise the functions delegated under the
ODA.
``(4) Accountability.--The Administrator shall establish
such processes or requirements as are necessary to ensure
compliance with paragraph (3).''.
(b) Deadline.--An ODA unit member authorized to perform delegated
functions under an ODA prior to the date of completion of an ethics
training required under section 44736(g) of title 49, United States
Code, shall complete such training not later than 60 days after the
training program is approved by the Administrator pursuant to such
section.
SEC. 305. CLARIFICATION ON SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM INFORMATION
DISCLOSURE.
Section 44735 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``; or'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(B) in paragraph (2) by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; or''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) if the report, data, or other information is
submitted for any purpose relating to the development and
implementation of a safety management system, including a
system required by regulation.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Other Agencies.--
``(1) In general.--The limitation established under
subsection (a) shall apply to the head of any other Federal
agency who receives reports, data, or other information
described in such subsection from the Administrator.
``(2) Rule of construction.--This section shall not be
construed to limit the accident or incident investigation
authority of the National Transportation Safety Board under
chapter 11, including the requirement to not disclose
voluntarily provided safety-related information under section
1114.''.
SEC. 306. REAUTHORIZATION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE AIRCRAFT
CERTIFICATION, SAFETY, AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT.
(a) Oversight of Organization Designation Authorization Unit
Members.--Section 44741 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (f)(2)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by
striking ``Not later than 90 days'' and all that
follows through ``the Administrator shall provide a
briefing'' and inserting ``The Administrator shall
provide biannual briefings each fiscal year through
September 30, 2028''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``90-day
period'' and inserting ``6-month period''; and
(2) in subsection (j) by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2028''.
(b) Integrated Project Teams.--Section 108(f) of division V of the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (49 U.S.C. 44704 note) is amended
by striking ``fiscal year 2023'' and inserting ``fiscal year 2028''.
(c) Appeals of Certification Decisions.--Section 44704(g)(1)(C)(ii)
of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``calendar year
2025'' and inserting ``calendar year 2028''.
(d) Professional Development, Skills Enhancement, Continuing
Education and Training.--Section 44519(c) of title 49, United States
Code, is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2028''.
(e) Voluntary Safety Reporting Program.--Section 113(f) of division
V of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note)
is amended by striking ``fiscal year 2023'' and inserting ``fiscal year
2028''.
(f) Changed Product Rule.--Section 117(b)(1) of division V of the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (49 U.S.C. 44704 note) is amended
by striking ``fiscal year 2023'' and inserting ``fiscal year 2028''.
(g) Domestic and International Pilot Training.--Section 119(f)(3)
of division V of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 is amended
by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2028''.
(h) Samya Rose Stumo National Air Grant Fellowship Program.--
Section 131(d) of division V of the Consolidated Appropriations Act,
2021 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended by striking ``2025'' and
inserting ``2028''.
SEC. 307. CONTINUED OVERSIGHT OF FAA COMPLIANCE PROGRAM.
Section 122 of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and
Accountability Act (Public Law 116-260) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b) by striking paragraph (2) and
inserting the following:
``(2) conduct an annual agency-wide evaluation of the
Compliance Program through fiscal year 2028 to assess the
functioning and effectiveness of such program and to assess--
``(A) the need for long-term metrics that, to the
maximum extent practicable, apply to all program
offices, and use such metrics to assess the
effectiveness of the program;
``(B) if the program ensures the highest level of
compliance with safety standards;
``(C) if the program has met its stated safety
goals and purpose; and
``(D) FAA employee confidence in the program.'';
(2) in subsection (c)(4) by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2028''; and
(3) in subsection (d) by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2028''.
SEC. 308. SCALABILITY OF SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.
In conducting any rulemaking to require, or implementing a
regulation requiring, a safety management system, the Administrator
shall consider the scalability of such safety management system
requirements, to the full range of entities in terms of size or
complexity that may be affected by such rulemaking or regulation,
including--
(1) how an entity can demonstrate compliance using various
documentation, tools, and methods, including, as appropriate,
systems with multiple small operators collectively monitoring
for and addressing risks;
(2) a review of traditional safety management techniques
and the suitability of such techniques for small entities;
(3) the applicability of existing safety management system
programs implemented by an entity;
(4) the suitability of existing requirements under part 5
of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, for small entities;
and
(5) other unique challenges relating to small entities the
Administrator determines appropriate to consider.
SEC. 309. REVIEW OF SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM RULEMAKING.
(a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall review the final rule of the FAA
titled ``Safety Management Systems'' and issued on April 26, 2024 (89
Fed. Reg. 33068).
(b) Applicability.--In reviewing the final rule under subsection
(a), the Administrator shall ensure that the safety management system
requirement under such final rule described in subsection (a) is
applied to all certificate holders operating under the rules for
commuter and on-demand operations under part 135 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations, commercial air tour operators operating under
section 91.147 of such title, production certificate holders that are
holders or licensees of a type certificate for the same product, and
holders of a type certificate who license out such certificate for
production under part 21 of such title.
(c) Determination.--If the Administrator determines the final rule
does not apply the safety management system requirement in the manner
described in subsection (b), the Administrator shall issue such
regulation, guidance, or policy as may be necessary to ensure such
safety management system requirement is applied in such manner.
SEC. 310. INDEPENDENT STUDY ON FUTURE STATE OF TYPE CERTIFICATION
PROCESSES.
(a) Review and Study.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter into an
agreement with an appropriate federally funded research and development
center, or other independent nonprofit organization that recommends
solutions to aviation policy challenges through objective analysis, to
conduct a review and study in accordance with the requirements and
elements in this section.
(b) Elements.--The entity carrying out the review and study
pursuant to subsection (a) shall provide analyses, assessments, and
recommendations that address the following elements:
(1) A vision for a future state of type certification that
reflects the highly complex, highly integrated nature of modern
aircraft and improvements in aviation safety.
(2) An assessment of digital tools, techniques, and
software systems that allow for efficient and virtual
evaluation of an applicant design, associated documentation,
and software or systems engineering products, including in
digital 3-dimensional formats or using model-based systems
engineering design techniques.
(3) How the FAA could develop a risk-based model for type
certification that improves the safety of aircraft.
(4) What changes are needed to ensure that corrective
actions for continued operational safety issues, including
software modifications, can be approved and implemented in a
timely manner while maintaining the integrity of the type
certification process.
(5) What efficiencies and safety process improvements are
needed in the type certification processes of the FAA to
facilitate the assessment and integration of innovative
technologies and advance aviation safety, such as conducting
product familiarization, developing certification requirements,
and demonstrating flight test safety readiness.
(6) Best practices and tools used by other certification
authorities outside of the United States that could be adopted
by the FAA, as well as the best practices and tools used by the
FAA which can be shared with certification authorities outside
of the United States.
(c) Parties to Review.--In conducting the review and study pursuant
to subsection (a), the Administrator shall ensure that the entity
entering into an agreement under this section shall, throughout the
review and study, consult with--
(1) the aircraft certification and flight standards offices
or services of the Administration; and
(2) at least 3 industry members representing aircraft and
aircraft part manufacturing interests.
(d) Considerations.--In conducting the review and study pursuant to
subsection (a), the Administrator shall ensure the entity considers the
availability, cost, interoperability, scalability, adaptability,
cybersecurity, ease of adoption, and potential safety benefits of the
elements described in subsection (b), including any digital tools,
techniques, and software systems recommended to address such elements.
(e) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the entity conducting the review and study pursuant to
subsection (a) shall submit to the Administrator and the appropriate
committees of Congress a report on the results of the review and study
that includes--
(1) the findings and recommendations of the entity; and
(2) an assessment of whether digital tools, techniques, and
software systems could improve the coordination, oversight, or
safety of the certification and validation activities of the
FAA.
(f) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 270 days after the
report required under subsection (e) is received by the Administrator,
the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress
on--
(1) any actions the FAA proposes to take as a result of
such findings and recommendations; and
(2) the rationale of the FAA for not taking action on any
specific recommendation, as applicable.
SEC. 311. USE OF ADVANCED TOOLS AND HIGH-RISK FLIGHT TESTING IN
CERTIFYING AEROSPACE PRODUCTS.
(a) Assessment.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall complete an assessment
of the use of advanced tools during the testing, analysis, and
verification stages of aerospace certification projects to reduce the
risks associated with high-risk flight profiles and performing limit
testing.
(b) Considerations.--In carrying out the assessment under
subsection (a), the Administrator shall consider--
(1) instances in which high-risk flight profiles and limit
testing have occurred in the certification process and the
applicability of the data produced by such testing for use in
other aspects of flight testing;
(2) the safety of pilots during such testing;
(3) the value and accuracy of data collected using the
advanced tools described in subsection (a);
(4) the ability to produce more extensive data sets using
such advanced tools;
(5) any aspects of such testing for which the use of such
advanced tools would not be valuable or applicable;
(6) the cost of using such advanced tools; and
(7) the best practices of other international civil
aviation authorities that permit the use of advanced tools
during aerospace certification projects.
(c) Consultation.--In carrying out the assessment under subsection
(a), the Administrator shall consult with--
(1) aircraft manufacturers, including manufacturers that
have designed and certified aircraft under--
(A) part 23 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations;
(B) part 25 of such title; or
(C) part 27 of such title;
(2) aircraft manufacturers that have designed and
certified, or are in the process of certifying, aircraft with a
novel design under part 21.17(b) of such title;
(3) associations representing aircraft manufacturers;
(4) researchers and academics in related fields; and
(5) pilots who are experts in flight testing.
(d) Congressional Report.--Not later than 60 days after the
completion of the assessment under subsection (a), the Administrator
shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the results of
the assessment conducted under subsection (a).
(e) Required Updates.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall take necessary
actions based on the results of the assessment under subsection
(a), including, as appropriate--
(A) amending part 21 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations; and
(B) modifying any associated advisory circulars,
guidance, or policy of the FAA.
(2) Requirements.--In taking actions under paragraph (1),
the Administrator shall consider--
(A) developing validation criteria and procedures
whereby data produced in high-fidelity engineering
laboratories and facilities may be allowed (in
conjunction with, or in lieu of) data produced on a
flying test article to support an applicant's showing
of compliance required under section 21.35(a)(1) of
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
(B) developing criteria and procedures whereby an
Organization Designation Authorization (as defined in
section 44736(c)(5) of title 49, United States Code)
may recommend that certain data produced during an
applicant's flight test program may be accepted by the
FAA as final compliance data in accordance with section
21.35(b) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, at
the sole discretion of the FAA; and
(C) working with other international civil aviation
authorities representing States of Design to--
(i) identify their best practices relative
to high risk-flight testing; and
(ii) adopt such practices into the flight-
testing requirements of the FAA to the maximum
extent practicable.
SEC. 312. TRANSPORT AIRPLANE AND PROPULSION CERTIFICATION
MODERNIZATION.
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator shall publish a notice of proposed rulemaking for the
item titled ``Transport Airplane and Propulsion Certification
Modernization'', published in Fall 2022 in the Unified Agenda of
Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions (RIN 2120-AL42).
SEC. 313. FIRE PROTECTION STANDARDS.
(a) Internal Regulatory Review Team.--
(1) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish an
internal regulatory review team (in this section referred to as
the ``Team'').
(2) Review.--
(A) In general.--The Team shall conduct a review
comparing foreign and domestic airworthiness standards
and guidance for aircraft engine firewalls.
(B) Requirements.--In conducting the review, the
Team shall--
(i) identify any significant differences in
standards or guidance with respect to test
article selection and fire test boundaries and
evaluation criteria for burn tests, including
the use of certification by analysis for cases
in which substantially similar designs have
passed burn tests;
(ii) assess the safety implications for any
products imported into the United States that
do not comply with the firewall requirements of
the FAA; and
(iii) consult with industry stakeholders to
the maximum extent practicable.
(b) Duties of the Administrator.--The Administrator shall--
(1) not later than 60 days after the date on which the Team
reports the findings of the review to the Administrator, update
the Significant Standards List of the FAA based on such
findings, as appropriate; and
(2) not later than 90 days after such date, submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report on such findings
and any recommendations for such legislative or administrative
action as the Administrator determines appropriate.
SEC. 314. RISK MODEL FOR PRODUCTION FACILITY INSPECTIONS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 12 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, and periodically thereafter, the Administrator
shall--
(1) conduct a review of the risk-based model used by
certification management offices of the FAA to inform the
frequency of aircraft manufacturing or production facility
inspections; and
(2) update the model to ensure such model adequately
accounts for risk at facilities during periods of increased
production.
(b) Briefings.--Not later than 60 days after the date on which the
review is completed under subsection (a), the Administrator shall brief
the appropriate committees of Congress on--
(1) the results of the review;
(2) any changes made to the risk-based model described in
subsection (a); and
(3) how such changes would help improve the in-plant
inspection process.
SEC. 315. REVIEW OF FAA USE OF AVIATION SAFETY DATA.
(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter into an appropriate
arrangement with a qualified third-party organization or consortium to
evaluate the collection, collation, analysis, and use of aviation data
across the FAA.
(b) Consultation.--In completing the evaluation under subsection
(a), the qualified third-party organization or consortium shall--
(1) seek the input of experts in data analytics, including
at least 1 expert in the commercial data services or analytics
solutions sector;
(2) consult with the National Transportation Safety Board
and the Transportation Research Board; and
(3) consult with appropriate federally funded research and
development centers, to the extent that such centers are not
already involved in the evaluation.
(c) Substance of Evaluation.--In completing the evaluation under
subsection (a), the qualified third-party organization or consortium
shall--
(1) compile a list of internal and external sources,
databases, and streams of information the FAA receives or has
access to that provide the FAA with operational or safety
information and data about the national airspace system, its
users, and other regulated entities of the FAA;
(2) review data sets to determine completeness and accuracy
of relevant information;
(3) identify gaps in information that the FAA could fill
through sharing agreements, partnerships, or other means that
would add value during safety trend analysis;
(4) assess the capabilities of the FAA, including analysis
systems and workforce skillsets, to analyze relevant data and
information to make informed decisions;
(5) review data and information for proper storage,
identification controls, and data privacy--
(A) as required by law; and
(B) consistent with best practices for data
collection, storage, and use;
(6) review the format of such data and identify methods to
improve the usefulness of such data;
(7) assess internal and external access to data for--
(A) appropriateness based on data type and level of
detail;
(B) proper data access protocols and precautions;
and
(C) maximizing availability of safety-related data
that could support the improvement of safety management
systems of and trend identification by regulated
entities and the FAA;
(8) examine the collation and dissemination of data within
offices and between offices of the FAA;
(9) review and recommend improvements to the data analysis
techniques of the FAA; and
(10) recommend investments the Administrator should
consider to better collect, manage, and analyze data sets,
including within and between offices of the FAA.
(d) Access to Information.--The Administrator shall provide the
qualified third-party organization or consortium and the experts
described in subsection (b) with adequate access to safety and
operational data collected by and held by the agency across all offices
of the FAA, except if specific access is otherwise prohibited by law.
(e) Nondisclosure.--Prior to participating in the review, the
Administrator shall ensure that each person participating in the
evaluation under this section enters into an agreement with the
Administrator in which the person shall be prohibited from disclosing
at any time, except as required by law, to any person, foreign or
domestic, any non-public information made accessible to the federally
funded research and development center under this section.
(f) Report.--The qualified third-party organization or consortium
carrying out the evaluation under this section shall provide a report
of the findings of the center to the Administrator and include
recommendations to improve the FAA's collection, collation, analysis,
and use of aviation data, including recommendations to--
(1) improve data access across offices within the FAA, as
necessary, to support efficient execution of safety analysis
and programs across such offices;
(2) improve data storage best practices;
(3) develop or refine methods for collating data from
multiple FAA and industry sources; and
(4) procure or use available analytics tools to draw
conclusions and identify previously unrecognized trends or
miscategorized risks in the aviation system, particularly when
identification of such information requires the analysis of
multiple sets of data from multiple sources.
(g) Implementation of Recommendations.--Not later than 6 months
after the receipt of the report under subsection (f), the Administrator
shall review, develop an implementation plan, and, if appropriate,
begin the implementation of the recommendations received in such
report.
(h) Review of Implementation.--The qualified third-party
organization or consortium that conducted the initial evaluation, and
any experts who contributed to such evaluation pursuant to subsection
(b)(1), shall provide regular feedback and advice to the Administrator
on the implementation plan developed under subsection (g) and any
implementation activities for at least 2 years beginning on the date of
the receipt of the report under subsection (f).
(i) Report to Congress.--The Administrator shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress the report described in subsection
(f) and the implementation plan described in subsection (g).
(j) Existing Reporting Systems.--Consistent with section 132 of the
Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (Public Law 116-
260), the Executive Director of the Transportation Research Board, in
consultation with the Secretary and the Administrator, may further
harmonize data and sources following the implementation of
recommendations under subsection (g).
(k) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to permit the public disclosure of information submitted
under a voluntary safety reporting program or that is otherwise
protected under section 44735 of title 49, United States Code.
SEC. 316. WEATHER REPORTING SYSTEMS STUDY.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study to examine
how to improve the procurement, functionality, and sustainability of
weather reporting systems, including--
(1) automated weather observing systems;
(2) automated surface observing systems;
(3) visual weather observing systems; and
(4) non-Federal weather reporting systems.
(b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under section (a),
the Comptroller General shall address--
(1) the current state of the supply chain related to
weather reporting systems and the components of such systems;
(2) the average age of weather reporting systems
infrastructure installed in the national airspace system;
(3) challenges to maintaining and replacing weather
reporting systems, including--
(A) root causes of weather reporting system
outages, including failures of such systems, and
supporting systems such as telecommunications
infrastructure; and
(B) the degree to which such outages affect weather
reporting in the national airspace system;
(4) mitigation measures to maintain aviation safety during
such an outage; and
(5) alternative means of obtaining weather elements at
airports, including wind direction, wind speed, barometric
pressure setting, and cloud coverage, including visibility.
(c) Consultation.--In conducting the study required under
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall consult with the
appropriate stakeholders and Federal agencies involved in installing,
managing, and supporting weather reporting systems in the national
airspace system.
(d) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to
the appropriate committees of Congress and the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives
a report describing the results of the study conducted under
subsection (a).
(2) Recommendations.--The Comptroller General shall include
in the report submitted under paragraph (1) recommendations
for--
(A) ways to improve the resiliency and redundancy
of weather reporting systems;
(B) alternative means of compliance for obtaining
weather elements at airports; and
(C) if necessary, changes to Orders of the
Administration, including the following:
(i) Surface Weather Observing, Joint Order
7900.5.
(ii) Notices to Air Missions, Joint Order
7930.2.
SEC. 317. GAO STUDY ON EXPANSION OF THE FAA WEATHER CAMERA PROGRAM.
(a) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study on the
feasibility and benefits and costs of expanding the Weather Camera
Program of the FAA to locations in the United States that lack weather
camera services.
(b) Considerations.--In conducting the study required under
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall review--
(1) the potential effects of the existing Weather Camera
Program on weather-related aviation accidents and flight
interruptions;
(2) the potential benefits and costs associated with
expanding the Weather Camera Program;
(3) limitations on the real-time access of weather camera
information by pilots and aircraft operators;
(4) non-safety related regulatory structures or barriers to
the allowable use of weather camera information for the
purposes of aircraft operations;
(5) limitations of existing weather camera systems at the
time of the study;
(6) alternative sources of viable weather data;
(7) funding mechanisms for weather camera installation and
operations; and
(8) other considerations the Comptroller General determines
appropriate.
(c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 28 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of the study
required under subsection (a).
SEC. 318. AUDIT ON AVIATION SAFETY IN ERA OF WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the Department of
Transportation shall initiate an audit of the FAA's internal processes
and procedures to communicate the position of civil aviation operators
and the safety of the national airspace system to the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration regarding proposed
spectrum reallocations or auction decisions.
(b) Assessment.--In conducting the audit described in subsection
(a), the inspector general shall assess best practices and policy
recommendations for the FAA to--
(1) improve internal processes by which proposed spectrum
reallocations or auctions are thoroughly reviewed in advance to
ensure that any comments or technical concerns regarding
aviation safety from civil aviation stakeholders are
communicated to the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration that are to be submitted to the Federal
Communications Commission;
(2) develop internal processes and procedures to assess the
effects a proposed spectrum reallocation or auction may have on
the national airspace system in a timely manner to ensure
safety of the national airspace system;
(3) improve external communication processes to better
inform civil aviation stakeholders, including owners and
operators of civil aircraft, on any comments or technical
concerns of the FAA relating to a proposed spectrum
reallocation or auction that may impact the national airspace
system; and
(4) better communicate to the National Telecommunications
and Information Administration when a proposed spectrum
reallocation or auction may pose a potential risk to aviation
safety.
(c) Stakeholder Views.--In conducting the audit pursuant to
subsection (a), the inspector general shall consult with relevant
stakeholders, including--
(1) air carriers operating under part 121 of title 14, Code
of Federal Regulations;
(2) manufacturers of aircraft and aircraft components;
(3) wireless communication carriers;
(4) labor unions representing pilots;
(5) air traffic system safety specialists;
(6) other representatives of the communications industry;
(7) aviation safety experts;
(8) the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration; and
(9) the Federal Communications Commission.
(d) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date on which the
audit is conducted pursuant to subsection (a), the inspector general
shall complete and submit a report on findings and recommendations to--
(1) the Administrator;
(2) the appropriate committees of Congress; and
(3) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of
Representatives.
SEC. 319. SAFETY DATA ANALYSIS FOR AIRCRAFT WITHOUT TRANSPONDERS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with the
Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, shall collect and
analyze data relating to accidents and incidents involving covered
exempt aircraft that occurred within 30 nautical miles of an airport.
(b) Requirements.--The analysis required under subsection (a) shall
include, with respect to covered exempt aircraft, a review of--
(1) incident and accident data since 2006 involving--
(A) midair events, including collisions;
(B) ground proximity warning system alerts;
(C) traffic collision avoidance system alerts; or
(D) a loss of separation or near miss; and
(2) the causes of the incidents and accidents described in
paragraphs (1).
(c) Briefing to Congress.--Not later than 30 months after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate
committees of Congress on the results of the analysis required under
subsection (a) and, if applicable, recommendations on how to reduce the
number of incidents and accidents associated with such covered exempt
aircraft.
(d) Covered Exempt Aircraft Defined.--In this section, the term
``covered exempt aircraft'' means aircraft, balloons, and gliders
exempt from air traffic control transponder and altitude reporting
equipment and use requirements under part 91.215(b)(3) of title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations.
SEC. 320. CRASH-RESISTANT FUEL SYSTEMS IN ROTORCRAFT.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall task the Aviation
Rulemaking Advisory Committee to--
(1) review the data analysis conducted and the
recommendations developed by the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory
Committee Rotorcraft Occupant Protection Working Group of the
Administration;
(2) update the 2018 report of such working group on
rotorcraft occupant protection by--
(A) reviewing National Transportation Safety Board
data from 2016 through 2023 on post-crash fires in
helicopter accidents; and
(B) determining whether and to what extent crash-
resistant fuel systems could have prevented fatalities
in the accidents covered by the data reviewed under
subparagraph (A); and
(3) develop recommendations for either the Administrator or
the helicopter industry to encourage helicopter owners and
operators to expedite the installation of crash-resistant fuel
systems in the aircraft of such owners and operators regardless
of original certification and manufacture date.
(b) Schedule.--
(1) Deadline.--Not later than 18 months after the
Administrator tasks the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee
under subsection (a), the Committee shall submit the
recommendations developed under subsection (a)(2) to the
Administrator.
(2) Implementation.--If applicable, and not later than 180
days after receiving the recommendations under paragraph (1),
the Administrator shall--
(A) begin implementing, as appropriate, any safety
recommendations the Administrator receives from the
Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee, and brief the
appropriate committees of Congress on any
recommendations the Administrator does not implement;
and
(B) partner with the United States Helicopter
Safety Team, as appropriate, to facilitate
implementation of any recommendations for the
helicopter industry pursuant to subsection (a)(2).
SEC. 321. REDUCING TURBULENCE-RELATED INJURIES ON PART 121 AIRCRAFT
OPERATIONS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall review the recommendations made by
the Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board to the
Administrator contained in the safety research report titled
``Preventing Turbulence-Related Injuries in Air Carrier Operations
Conducted Under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121'', issued
on August 10, 2021 (NTSB/SS-21/01) and provide a briefing to the
appropriate committees of Congress with any planned actions in response
to the recommendations of the report.
(b) Implementation.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall implement, as
appropriate, the recommendations in the safety research report
described in subsection (a).
(c) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after completing
the review under subsection (a), and every 2 years thereafter,
the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of
Congress a report on the implementation status of the
recommendations in the safety research report described in
subsection (a) until the earlier of--
(A) the date on which such recommendations have
been adopted or adjudicated as described in paragraph
(2); or
(B) the date that is 10 years after the date of
enactment of this Act.
(2) Contents.--If the Administrator decides not to
implement a recommendation in the safety research report
described in subsection (a), the Administrator shall provide,
as a part of the report required under paragraph (1), a
description of why the Administrator did not implement such
recommendation.
SEC. 322. STUDY ON RADIATION EXPOSURE.
(a) Study.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall seek to enter into appropriate
arrangements with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and
Medicine under which the National Research Council of the National
Academies shall conduct a study on radiation exposure to crewmembers
onboard various aircraft types operated under part 121 of title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations.
(b) Scope of Study.--In conducting the study under subsection (a),
the National Research Council shall assess--
(1) radiation concentrations in such aircraft at takeoff,
in-flight at high altitudes, and upon landing;
(2) the health risks and impact of radiation exposure to
crewmembers onboard aircraft operating at high altitudes; and
(3) mitigation measures to prevent and reduce the health
and safety impacts of radiation exposure to crewmembers.
(c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 16 months after the
initiation of the study required under subsection (a), the Secretary
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress the study
conducted by the National Research Council pursuant to this section.
SEC. 323. STUDY ON IMPACTS OF TEMPERATURE IN AIRCRAFT CABINS.
(a) Study.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall seek to enter into
appropriate arrangements with the National Academies of
Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine under which the National
Academies shall conduct a 1-year study on the health and safety
impacts of unsafe cabin temperature with respect to passengers
and crewmembers during each season in which the study is
conducted.
(2) Considerations.--In conducting the study required under
paragraph (1), the National Academies shall review existing
standards produced by recognized industry organizations on safe
air temperatures and humidity levels in enclosed environments,
including onboard aircraft, and evaluate the validity of such
standards as it relates to aircraft cabin temperatures.
(3) Consultation.--In conducting the study required under
paragraph (1), the National Academies shall consult with the
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute of the FAA, air carriers
operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations, relevant Federal agencies, and any applicable
aviation labor organizations.
(b) Reports.--
(1) Report to secretary.--Not later than 180 days after the
date on which the study under subsection (a) is completed, the
National Academies shall submit to the Secretary a report on
the results of such study, including any recommendations
determined appropriate by the National Academies.
(2) Report to congress.--Not later than 60 days after the
date on which the National Academies submits the report under
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report describing the results of the
study required under subsection (a), including any
recommendations for further action determined appropriate by
the Secretary.
(c) Covered Aircraft Defined.--In this section, the term ``covered
aircraft'' means an aircraft operated under part 121 of title 14, Code
of Federal Regulations.
SEC. 324. LITHIUM-ION POWERED WHEELCHAIRS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall task the Air Carrier Access Act
Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the ``Committee'')
to conduct a review of regulations related to lithium-ion battery
powered wheelchairs and mobility aids on commercial aircraft and
provide recommendations to the Secretary to ensure safe transport of
such wheelchairs and mobility aids in air transportation.
(b) Considerations.--In conducting the review required under
subsection (a), the Committee shall consider the following:
(1) Any existing or necessary standards for lithium-ion
batteries, including casings or other similar components, in
such wheelchairs and mobility aids.
(2) The availability of necessary containment or storage
devices, including fire containment covers or fire-resistant
storage containers, for such wheelchairs and mobility aids.
(3) The policies of each air carrier (as such term is
defined in part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations)
pertaining to lithium-ion battery powered wheelchairs and
mobility aids (as in effect on the date of enactment of this
Act).
(4) Any other considerations the Secretary determines
appropriate.
(c) Consultation Requirement.--In conducting the review required
under subsection (a), the Committee shall consult with the
Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration.
(d) Notification.--
(1) In general.--Upon completion of the review conducted
under subsection (a), the Committee shall notify the Secretary
if an air carrier does not have a policy pertaining to lithium-
ion battery powered wheelchairs and mobility aids in effect.
(2) Notification.--The Secretary shall notify an air
carrier described in paragraph (1) of the status of such air
carrier.
(e) Report to Congress.--Not later than 90 days after submission of
the recommendations to the Secretary, the Secretary shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress any recommendations under subsection
(a), in the form of a report.
(f) Publication.--The Secretary shall publish the report required
under subsection (e) on the public website of the Department of
Transportation.
SEC. 325. NATIONAL SIMULATOR PROGRAM POLICIES AND GUIDANCE.
(a) Review.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall review relevant policies and
guidance, including all advisory circulars, information bulletins, and
directives, pertaining to part 60 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations.
(b) Updates.--Upon completion of the review required under
subsection (a), the Administrator shall, at a minimum, update relevant
policies and guidance, including all advisory circulars, information
bulletins, and directives, pertaining to part 60 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations.
(c) Consultation.--In carrying out the review required under
subsection (a), the Administrator shall convene and consult with
entities required to comply with part 60 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations, including representatives of--
(1) air carriers;
(2) flight schools certificated under part 141 of title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations;
(3) training centers certificated under part 142 of title
14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
(4) manufacturers and suppliers of flight simulation
training devices (as defined in part 1 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations, and Appendix F to part 60 of such title).
(d) GAO Study on FAA National Simulator Program.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall conduct a
study on the National Simulator Program of the FAA that is part
of the Training and Simulation Group of the Air Transportation
Division.
(2) Considerations.--In conducting the study required under
paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall, at a minimum,
assess--
(A) how the program described in paragraph (1) is
maintained to reflect and account for advancement in
technologies pertaining to flight simulation training
devices (as defined in part 1 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations, and appendix F to part 60 of such
title);
(B) the staffing levels, critical competencies, and
skills gaps of FAA personnel responsible for carrying
out and supporting the program described in paragraph
(1); and
(C) how the program described in paragraph (1)
engages air carriers and relevant industry
stakeholders, including flight schools, to ensure
efficient compliance with part 60 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations.
(3) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to
the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the findings
of the study conducted under paragraph (1).
SEC. 326. BRIEFING ON AGRICULTURAL APPLICATION APPROVAL TIMING.
Not later than 240 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on
the amount of time the application approval process takes for
agricultural aircraft operations under part 137 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations.
SEC. 327. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING SAFETY AND SECURITY OF AVIATION
INFRASTRUCTURE.
It is the sense of Congress that aviation provides essential
services critical to the United States economy and that it is important
to ensure the safety and security of aviation infrastructure and
protect such infrastructure from unlawful breaches with appropriate
legal safeguards.
SEC. 328. RESTRICTED CATEGORY AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator shall
have sole regulatory and oversight jurisdiction over the maintenance
and operations of aircraft owned by civilian operators and type-
certificated in the restricted category under section 21.25 of title
14, Code of Federal Regulations.
SEC. 329. AIRCRAFT INTERCHANGE AGREEMENT LIMITATIONS.
(a) Study.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall conduct a study of foreign
interchange agreements.
(b) Contents.--In carrying out the study required under subsection
(a), the Administrator shall address the following:
(1) Methods for updating regulations under part 121.569 of
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, for foreign interchange
agreements.
(2) Time limits for foreign aircraft interchange
agreements.
(3) Minimum breaks between foreign aircraft interchange
agreements.
(4) Limits for no more than 1 foreign aircraft interchange
agreement between 2 airlines.
(5) Limits for no more than 2 foreign aircraft on the
interchange agreement.
(c) Briefing.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees
of Congress on the results of the study required under subsection (a).
(d) Rulemaking.--Based on the results of the study required under
subsection (a), the Administrator may, if appropriate, update the
relevant sections of part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
SEC. 330. TASK FORCE ON HUMAN FACTORS IN AVIATION SAFETY.
(a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, and notwithstanding section 127 of the Aircraft
Certification Safety and Accountability Act (49 U.S.C. 44513 note), the
Administrator shall convene a task force on human factors in aviation
safety (in this section referred to as the ``Task Force'').
(b) Composition.--
(1) Members.--The Administrator shall appoint members of
the Task Force--
(A) that have expertise in an operational or
academic discipline that is relevant to the analysis of
human errors in aviation, which may include air carrier
operations, line pilot expertise, air traffic control,
technical operations, aeronautical information,
aircraft maintenance and mechanics psychology,
linguistics, human-machine integration, general
aviation operations, and organizational behavior and
culture;
(B) that sufficiently represent all relevant
operational or academic disciplines described in
subparagraph (A);
(C) with expertise on human factors but whose
experience and training are not in aviation and who
have not previously been engaged in work related to the
FAA or the aviation industry;
(D) that are representatives of pilot labor
organizations and certificated mechanic labor
organizations;
(E) that are employees of the FAA that have
expertise in safety; and
(F) that are employees of other Federal agencies
with expertise on human factors.
(2) Number of members.--In appointing members under
paragraph (1), the Administrator shall ensure that--
(A) at least half of the members appointed have
expertise in aviation;
(B) at least one member appointed represents an
exclusive bargaining representative of air traffic
controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5,
United States Code; and
(C) 3 members are employees of the FAA and 1 member
is an employee of the National Transportation Safety
Board.
(3) Voting.--The members described in paragraph (2)(C)
shall be non-voting members of the Task Force.
(c) Duration.--
(1) In general.--Members of the Task Force shall be
appointed for the duration of the Task Force.
(2) Length of existence.--
(A) In general.--The Task Force shall have an
initial duration of 2 years.
(B) Option.--The Administrator may extend the
duration of the Task Force for an additional period of
up to 2 years.
(d) Duties.--In coordination with the Research, Engineering, and
Development Advisory Committee, the Task Force shall--
(1) not later than the date on which the duration of the
Task Force expires under subsection (c), produce a written
report in which the Task Force--
(A) to the greatest extent possible, identifies the
most significant human factors and the relative
contribution of such factors to aviation safety risk;
(B) identifies new research priorities for research
in human factors in aviation safety;
(C) reviews existing products by other working
groups related to human factors in aviation safety
including the work of the Commercial Aviation Safety
Team pertaining to flight crew responses to abnormal
events;
(D) provides recommendations on potential revisions
to any FAA regulations and guidance pertaining to the
certification of aircraft under part 25 of title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations, including sections related
to presumed pilot response times and assumptions about
the reliability of pilot performance during unexpected,
stressful events;
(E) reviews rules, regulations, or standards
regarding flight crew and maintenance personnel rest
and fatigue that are used by a sample of international
air carriers, including rules, regulations, or
standards determined to be more stringent and less
stringent than the current standards pertaining to air
carriers (as such term is defined in section 40102 of
title 49, United States Code), and identifies risks to
the national airspace system from any variation in such
rules, regulations, or standards across countries;
(F) reviews pilot training requirements and
recommends any revisions necessary to ensure adequate
understanding of automated systems on aircraft;
(G) reviews approach and landing misalignment and
makes any recommendations for reducing misalignment
events;
(H) identifies ways to enhance instrument landing
system maintenance schedules;
(I) determines how a real-time smart system should
be developed to inform the air traffic control system,
air carriers, and airports about any changes in the
state of runway and taxiway lights and identifies how
such real-time smart system could be connected to the
maintenance system of the FAA;
(J) analyzes, with respect to human errors related
to aviation safety of air carriers operating under part
121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations--
(i) fatigue and distraction during critical
phases of work among pilots or other aviation
personnel;
(ii) tasks and workload;
(iii) organizational culture;
(iv) communication among personnel;
(v) adherence to safety procedures;
(vi) mental state of personnel; and
(vii) any other relevant factors that are
the cause or potential cause of human error
related to aviation safety;
(K) includes a tabulation of the number of
accidents, incidents, or aviation safety database
entries received in which an item identified under
subparagraph (J) was a cause or potential cause of
human error related to aviation safety; and
(L) includes a list of causes or potential causes
of human error related to aviation safety about which
the Administrator believes additional information is
needed; and
(2) if the Administrator extends the duration of the Task
Force pursuant to subsection (c)(2)(B), not later than the date
that is 2 years after the date on which the Task Force is
established, produce an interim report containing the
information described in paragraph (1).
(e) Methodology.--In carrying out the duties under subparagraphs
(J) through (L) of subsection (d)(1), the Task Force shall consult with
the National Transportation Safety Board and use all available data
compiled and analysis conducted on safety incidents and irregularities
collected during the relevant fiscal year from the following:
(1) Flight Operations Quality Assurance.
(2) Aviation Safety Action Program.
(3) Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing.
(4) The Aviation Safety Reporting System.
(5) Aviation safety recommendations and investigation
findings of the National Transportation Safety Board.
(6) Other relevant programs or sources.
(f) Consistency.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to
require changes to, or duplication of, work as required by section 127
of the Aircraft Certification Safety and Accountability Act (49 U.S.C.
44513 note).
SEC. 331. UPDATE OF FAA STANDARDS TO ALLOW DISTRIBUTION AND USE OF
CERTAIN RESTRICTED ROUTES AND TERMINAL PROCEDURES.
(a) In General.--Not later than 9 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall update FAA standards to
allow for the distribution and use of the Capstone Restricted Routes
and Terminal Procedures by Wide Area Augmentation System-capable
navigation equipment.
(b) Contents.--In updating standards under subsection (a), the
Administrator shall ensure that such standards provide a means for
allowing modifications and continued development of new routes and
procedures proposed by air carriers operating such routes.
SEC. 332. ASOS/AWOS SERVICE REPORT DASHBOARD.
(a) In General.--The applicable Administrators shall work in
collaboration to collect the real-time service status of all automated
surface observation systems/automated weather observing systems (in
this section referred to as ``ASOS/AWOS'').
(b) Availability of Results.--
(1) In general.--In carrying out this section, the
applicable Administrators shall make available on a publicly
available website the following:
(A) The service status of all ASOS/AWOS.
(B) Information on any actions to repair or replace
ASOS/AWOS that are out of service due to technical or
weather-related events, including an estimated timeline
to return the systems to service.
(C) A portal on such publicly available website for
the public to report ASOS/AWOS outages.
(2) Data files.--The applicable Administrators shall make
available the underlying data required under paragraph (1) for
each ASOS/AWOS in a machine-readable format.
(c) Applicable Administrators.--In this section, the term
``applicable Administrators'' means--
(1) the Administrator of the FAA; and
(2) the Administrator of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
SEC. 333. HELICOPTER SAFETY.
(a) In General.--Not later than 270 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall task the Investigative
Technologies Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (in this section
referred to as the ``Committee'') with reviewing and assessing the need
for changes to the safety requirements related to flight data
recorders, flight data monitoring, and terrain awareness and warning
systems for turbine-powered rotorcraft certificated for 6 or more
passenger seats.
(b) Considerations.--In reviewing and assessing the safety
requirements under subsection (a), the Committee shall consider--
(1) any applicable safety recommendations of the National
Transportation Safety Board; and
(2) the operational requirements and safety considerations
for operations under parts 121 and 135 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations.
(c) Report and Recommendations.--Not later than 1 year after
initiating the review and assessment under this section, the Committee
shall submit to the Administrator--
(1) a report on the findings of the review and assessment
under subsection (a); and
(2) any recommendations for legislative or regulatory
action to improve safety that the Committee determines
appropriate.
(d) Briefing.--Not later than 30 days after the date on which the
Committee submits the report under subsection (c), the Administrator
shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on--
(1) the findings and recommendations included in such
report; and
(2) any plan to implement such recommendations.
SEC. 334. REVIEW AND INCORPORATION OF HUMAN READINESS LEVELS INTO
AGENCY GUIDANCE MATERIAL.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) proper attention to human factors during the
development of technological systems is a significant factor in
minimizing or preventing human error;
(2) the evaluation of a new aviation technology or system
with respect to human use throughout its design and development
may reduce human error when such technologies and systems are
used in operational conditions; and
(3) the technical standard of the Human Factors and
Ergonomics Society titled ``Human Readiness Level Scale in the
System Development Process'' (ANSI/HFES 400-2021) defines the 9
levels of a Human Readiness Level scale and their application
in systems engineering and human systems integration processes.
(b) Review.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall initiate a process to review the
technical standard described in subsection (a)(3) and determine whether
any materials from such standard should be incorporated or referenced
in agency procedures and guidance material in order to enhance safety
in relation to human factors.
(c) Consultation.--In carrying out subsection (b), the
Administrator may consult with subject matter experts from the Human
Factors and Ergonomics Society affiliated with such technical standard
or other relevant stakeholders.
(d) Briefing.--Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees
of Congress on the progress of the review required under subsection
(b).
SEC. 335. SERVICE DIFFICULTY REPORTS.
(a) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 18 months after the
date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through 2027,
the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on
compliance with requirements relating to service difficulty reports
during the preceding year.
(b) Scope.--The Administrator shall include in the briefing
required under subsection (a) information relating to--
(1) operators required to comply with section 121.703 of
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
(2) approval or certificate holders required to comply with
section 183.63 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
(3) FAA offices that investigate service difficulty
reports, as documented in the following FAA Orders (and any
subsequent revisions of such orders):
(A) FAA Order 8900.1A, titled ``Flight Standards
Information Management System'' and issued on October
27, 2022.
(B) FAA Order 8120.23A, titled ``Certificate
Management of Production Approval Holders'' and issued
on March 6, 2017.
(C) FAA Order 8110.107B, titled ``Monitor Safety/
Analyze Data'' and issued on October 13, 2023.
(c) Requirements.--The Administrator shall include in the briefing
required under subsection (a) the following information with respect to
the year preceding the year in which the briefing is provided:
(1) An identification of categories of service difficulties
reported.
(2) An identification of service difficulties for which
repeated reports are made.
(3) A general description of the causes of all service
difficulty reports, as determined by the Administrator.
(4) A description of actions taken by, or required by, the
Administrator to address identified causes of service
difficulties.
(5) A description of violations of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations, related to service difficulty reports and
any actions taken by the Administrator in response to such
violations.
SEC. 336. CONSISTENT AND TIMELY PILOT CHECKS FOR AIR CARRIERS.
(a) Establishment of Working Group.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, unless the requirements of this
section are assigned to working groups under subsection (b)(2), the
Administrator shall establish a working group for purposes of reviewing
and evaluating all regulations and policies related to check airmen and
authorized check airmen for air carrier operations conducted under part
135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(b) Membership.--
(1) In general.--The working group established under this
section shall include, at a minimum--
(A) employees of the FAA who serve as check airmen;
(B) representatives of air carriers operating under
part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
(C) industry associations representing such air
carriers.
(2) Existing working group.--The Administrator may assign
the duties described in subsection (c) to an existing FAA
working group if--
(A) such working group includes representatives
from the list of required members under paragraph (1);
or
(B) the membership of such existing working group
can be modified to include representatives from the
list of required members under paragraph (1).
(c) Duties.--A working group shall review, evaluate, and make
recommendations on the following:
(1) Methods by which authorized check airmen for air
carriers operating under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations, are selected, trained, and approved by the
Administrator.
(2) Staffing and utilization rates of authorized check
airmen by such air carriers.
(3) Differences in qualification standards applied to--
(A) employees of the FAA who serve as check airmen;
and
(B) authorized check airmen of such air carriers.
(4) Methods to harmonize the qualification standards
between authorized check airmen and employees of the FAA who
serve as check airmen.
(5) Methods to improve the training and qualification of
authorized check airmen.
(6) Prior recommendations made by FAA advisory committees
or working groups regarding check airmen functions.
(7) Petitions for rulemaking submitted to the FAA regarding
check airmen functions.
(d) Briefing to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date on
which the Administrator tasks a working group with the duties described
in subsection (c), the Administrator shall brief the appropriate
committees of Congress on the progress and recommendations of the
working group and the efforts of the Administrator to implement such
recommendations.
(e) Authorized Check Airman Defined.--In this section, the term
``authorized check airman'' means an individual employed by an air
carrier that meets the qualifications and training requirements of
sections 135.337 and 135.339 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations,
and is approved to evaluate and certify the knowledge and skills of
pilots employed by such air carrier.
SEC. 337. FLIGHT SERVICE STATIONS.
Section 44514 of title 49, United States Code, and the item
relating to such section in the analysis for chapter 445 of such title
are repealed.
SEC. 338. TARMAC OPERATIONS MONITORING STUDY.
(a) In General.--The Director of the Bureau of Transportation
Statistics, in consultation with relevant offices within the Office of
the Secretary and the FAA (as determined by the Secretary), shall
conduct a study to explore the capture, storage, analysis, and
feasibility of monitoring ground source data at airports.
(b) Objectives.--The objectives of the study conducted under
subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1) Determining the current state of ground source data
coverage at airports.
(2) Understanding the technology requirements for
monitoring ground movements at airports through sensors,
receivers, or other technologies.
(3) Conducting data collection through a pilot program
established under subsection (c) and collecting ground-based
tarmac delay statistics.
(4) Performing an evaluation and feasibility analysis of
potential system-level tarmac operations monitoring solutions.
(c) Pilot Program.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director shall establish a pilot
program to collect data and develop ground-based tarmac delay
statistics or other relevant statistics with respect to
airports.
(2) Requirements.--The pilot program established under
paragraph (1) shall--
(A) include up to 6 airports that the Director
determines reflect a diversity of factors, including
geography, size, and air traffic;
(B) terminate not more than 3 years after the date
of enactment of this Act; and
(C) be subject to any guidelines issued by the
Director.
(d) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Director shall publish the results of the study conducted
under subsection (a) and the pilot program established under subsection
(c) on a publicly available website.
SEC. 339. IMPROVED SAFETY IN RURAL AREAS.
(a) In General.--Section 322 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018
(49 U.S.C. 44701 note) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 322. IMPROVED SAFETY IN RURAL AREAS.
``(a) In General.--The Administrator shall permit an air carrier
operating pursuant to part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations--
``(1) to operate under instrument flight rules (in this
section referred to as `IFR') to a destination in a
noncontiguous State that has a published instrument approach
but does not have a Meteorological Aerodrome Report (in this
section referred to as `METAR'); and
``(2) to conduct an instrument approach at such destination
if--
``(A) a current Area Forecast, supplemented by
noncertified destination weather observations (such as
weather cameras and other noncertified observations),
is available, and, at the time of departure, the
combination of the Area Forecast and noncertified
observation indicates that weather is expected to be at
or above approach minimums upon arrival;
``(B) prior to commencing an approach, the air
carrier has a means to communicate to the pilot of the
aircraft whether the destination weather observation is
either at or above minimums for the approach to be
flown; and
``(C) in the event the destination weather
observation is below such minimums, a suitable
alternate airport that has a METAR is specified in the
IFR flight plan.
``(b) Application Template.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall develop an
application template with standardized, specific approval
criteria to enable FAA inspectors to objectively evaluate the
application of an air carrier to operate in the manner
described in subsection (a).
``(2) Requirements.--The template required under paragraph
(1) shall include a place in such template for an air carrier
to describe--
``(A) how any non-certified human observations will
be conducted; and
``(B) how such observations will be communicated--
``(i) to air carriers prior to dispatch;
and
``(ii) to pilots prior to approach.
``(3) Response to application.--
``(A) Timeline.--The Administrator shall ensure--
``(i) that the Administrator has the
ability to respond to an application of an air
carrier not later than 30 days after receipt of
such application; and
``(ii) in the event the Administrator
cannot respond within 30 days, that the
Administrator informs the air carrier of the
expected response time with respect to the
application of the air carrier.
``(B) Rejection.--In the event that the
Administrator rejects an application of an air carrier,
the Administrator shall inform the air carrier of the
specific criteria that were the cause for rejection.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on the date that is 12 months after the date of enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 340. STUDY ON FAA USE OF MANDATORY EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE ACT
WAIVERS.
(a) In General.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study on
the use of waivers of rights by the Administrator that may arise under
section 504 of title 5, United States Code, or section 2412 of title
28, United States Code, as a condition for the settlement of any
proceedings to amend, modify, suspend, or revoke an airman certificate
or to impose a civil penalty on a flight engineer, mechanic, pilot, or
repairman (or an individual acting in the capacity of such engineer,
mechanic, pilot, or repairman).
(b) Considerations.--In conducting the study under subsection (a),
the Comptroller General shall consider--
(1) the frequency of the use of waivers by the
Administrator described in this section;
(2) the benefits and consequences of the use of such
waivers to both the Administrator and the certificate holder;
and
(3) the effects of a prohibition on using such waivers.
(c) Cooperation With Study.--The Administrator shall cooperate with
any requests for information by Comptroller General to complete the
study required under subsection (a).
(d) 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 containing the results of the study
conducted under subsection (a), including recommendations for any
legislation and administrative action as the Comptroller General
determines appropriate.
SEC. 341. AIRPORT AIR SAFETY.
The Administrator shall seek to enter into appropriate arrangements
with a qualified third-party entity to evaluate whether poor air
quality inside the Washington Dulles International Airport passenger
terminal negatively affects passengers.
SEC. 342. DON YOUNG ALASKA AVIATION SAFETY INITIATIVE.
(a) In General.--Chapter 447 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44745. Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative
``(a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation
Administration shall redesignate the FAA Alaska Aviation Safety
Initiative of the Administration as the Don Young Alaska Aviation
Safety Initiative (in this section referred to as the `Initiative'),
under which the Administrator shall carry out the provisions of this
section and take such other actions as the Administrator determines
appropriate to improve aviation safety in Alaska and covered locations.
``(b) Objective.--The objective of the Initiative shall be to work
cooperatively with aviation stakeholders and other stakeholders towards
the goal of--
``(1) reducing the rate of fatal aircraft accidents in
Alaska and covered locations by 90 percent from 2019 to 2033;
and
``(2) by January 1, 2033, eliminating fatal accidents of
aircraft operated by an air carrier that operates under part
135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
``(c) Leadership.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall designate the
Regional Administrator for the Alaskan Region of the
Administration to serve as the Director of the Initiative.
``(2) Covered locations.--The Administrator shall select a
designee within the Aviation Safety Organization to implement
relevant requirements of this section in covered locations.
``(3) Reporting chain.--In all matters relating to the
Initiative, the Director of the Initiative shall report
directly to the Administrator.
``(4) Coordination.--The Director of the Initiative shall
coordinate with the heads of other offices and lines of
business of the Administration, including the other regional
administrators, to carry out the Initiative.
``(d) Automated Weather Systems.--
``(1) Requirement.--The Administrator shall ensure, to the
greatest extent practicable, that a covered automated weather
system is installed and operated at each covered airport not
later than December 31, 2030.
``(2) Waiver.--In complying with the requirement under
paragraph (1), the Administrator may waive any positive
benefit-cost ratio requirement for the installation and
operation of a covered automated weather system.
``(3) Prioritization.--In developing the installation
timeline of a covered automated weather system at a covered
airport pursuant to this subsection, the Administrator shall--
``(A) coordinate and consult with the governments
with jurisdiction over Alaska and covered locations,
covered airports, air carriers operating in Alaska or
covered locations, private pilots based in Alaska or a
covered location, and such other members of the
aviation community in Alaska or covered locations; and
``(B) prioritize early installation at covered
airports that would enable the greatest number of
instrument flight rule operations by air carriers
operating under part 121 or 135 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations.
``(4) Reliability.--
``(A) In general.--Pertaining to both Federal and
non-Federal systems in Alaska, the Administrator shall
be responsible for ensuring--
``(i) the reliability of covered automated
weather systems; and
``(ii) the availability of weather
information from such systems.
``(B) Specifications.--The Administrator shall
establish data availability and equipment reliability
specifications for covered automated weather systems.
``(C) System reliability and restoration plan.--Not
later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this
section, the Administrator shall establish an automated
weather system reliability and restoration plan for
Alaska. Such plan shall document the Administrator's
strategy for ensuring covered automated weather system
reliability, including the availability of weather
information from such system, and for restoring service
in as little time as possible.
``(D) Telecommunications or other failures.--If a
covered automated weather system in Alaska is unable to
broadly disseminate weather information due to a
telecommunications failure or a failure other than an
equipment failure, the Administrator shall take such
actions as may be necessary to restore the full
functionality and connectivity of the covered automated
weather system. The Administrator shall take actions
under this subparagraph with the same urgency as the
Administrator would take an action to repair a covered
automated weather system equipment failure or data
fidelity issue.
``(E) Reliability data.--In tabulating data
relating to the operational status of covered automated
weather systems (including individually or
collectively), the Administrator may not consider a
covered automated weather system that is functioning
nominally but is unable to broadly disseminate weather
information telecommunications failure or a failure
other than an equipment failure as functioning
reliably.
``(5) Inventory.--
``(A) Maintenance improvements.--
``(i) In general.--Not later than 18 months
after the date of enactment of the FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2024, the Administrator
shall identify and implement reasonable
alternative actions to improve maintenance of
FAA-owned weather observing systems that
experience frequent service outages, including
associated surface communication outages, at
covered airports.
``(ii) Spare parts availability.--The
actions identified by the Administrator in
clause (i) shall improve spare parts
availability, including consideration of
storage of more spare parts in the region in
which the systems are located.
``(B) Notice of outages.--Not later than 18 months
after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization
Act of 2024, the Administrator shall update FAA Order
7930.2 Notices to Air Missions, or any successive
order, to incorporate weather system outages for
automated weather observing systems and automated
surface observing systems associated with Service A
Outages at covered airports.
``(6) Visual weather observation system.--
``(A) Deployment.--Not later than 3 years after the
date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of
2024, the Administrator shall take such actions as may
be necessary to--
``(i) deploy visual weather observation
systems;
``(ii) ensure that such systems are capable
of meeting the definition of a covered
automated weather system in Alaska; and
``(iii) develop standard operation
specifications for visual weather operation
systems.
``(B) Modification of specifications.--Upon the
request of an aircraft operator, the Administrator
shall issue or modify the standard operation
specifications for visual weather observation systems
developed under subparagraph (A) to allow such systems
to be used to satisfy the requirements for supplemental
noncertified local weather observations under section
322 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law
115-254).
``(e) Weather Cameras.--
``(1) In general.--The Director shall continuously assess
the state of the weather camera systems in Alaska and covered
locations to ensure the operational sufficiency and reliability
of such systems.
``(2) Applications.--The Director shall--
``(A) accept applications from persons to install
weather cameras; and
``(B) consult with the governments with
jurisdiction over Alaska and covered locations, covered
airports, air carriers operating in Alaska or covered
locations, private pilots based in Alaska or covered
locations, and such other members of the aviation
community in Alaska and covered locations as the
Administrator determines appropriate to solicit
additional locations at which to install and operate
weather cameras.
``(3) Presumption.--Unless the Director has clear and
compelling evidence to the contrary, the Director shall presume
that the installation of a weather camera at a covered airport
in Alaska, or that is recommended by a government with
jurisdiction over a covered location, is cost beneficial and
will improve aviation safety.
``(f) Cooperation With Other Agencies.--In carrying out this
section, the Administrator shall cooperate with the heads of other
Federal or State agencies with responsibilities affecting aviation
safety in Alaska and covered locations, including the collection and
dissemination of weather data.
``(g) Surveillance and Communication.--
``(1) In general.--The Director shall take such actions as
may be necessary to--
``(A) encourage and incentivize the equipage of
aircraft that operate under part 135 of title 14, Code
of Federal Regulations, with automatic dependent
surveillance and broadcast out equipment; and
``(B) improve aviation surveillance and
communications in Alaska and covered locations.
``(2) Requirement.--Not later than December 31, 2030, the
Administrator shall ensure that automatic dependent
surveillance and broadcast coverage is available at 5,000 feet
above ground level throughout each covered location and Alaska.
``(3) Waiver.--The Administrator shall waive any positive
benefit-cost ratio requirement for--
``(A) the installation and operation of equipment
and facilities necessary to implement the requirement
under paragraph (2); and
``(B) the provision of additional ground-based
transmitters for automatic dependent surveillance-
broadcasts to provide a minimum operational network in
Alaska along major flight routes.
``(4) Service areas.--The Director shall continuously
identify additional automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast
service areas in which the deployment of automatic dependent
surveillance-broadcast receivers and equipment would improve
aviation safety.
``(h) Other Projects.--The Director shall continue to build upon
other initiatives recommended in the reports of the FAA Alaska Aviation
Safety Initiative of the Administration published before the date of
enactment of this section.
``(i) Annual Report.--
``(1) In general.--Beginning on the date that is 1 year
after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of
2024, and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit
to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the
Initiative, including an itemized description of how the
Administration budget meets the goals of the Initiative.
``(2) Stakeholder comments.--The Director shall append
stakeholder comments, organized by topic, to each report
submitted under paragraph (1) in the same manner as appendix 3
of the report titled `FAA Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative
FY21 Final Report', dated September 30, 2021.
``(j) Funding.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028--
``(A) the Administrator may, upon application from
the government with jurisdiction over a covered airport
and in coordination with the State or territory in
which a covered airport is located, use amounts
apportioned under subsection (d)(2)(B) or subsection
(e) of section 47114 to carry out the Initiative; or
``(B) the sponsor of a covered airport that
receives an apportionment under subsection (d)(2)(A) or
subsection (e) of section 47114 may use such
apportionment for any purpose contained in this
section.
``(2) Supplemental funding.--Out of amounts made available
under section 106(k) and section 48101, not more than a total
of $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028 is
authorized to be expended to carry out the Initiative.
``(k) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Covered airport.--The term `covered airport' means an
airport in Alaska or a covered location that is included in the
national plan of integrated airport systems required under
section 47103 and that has a status other than unclassified in
such plan.
``(2) Covered automated weather system.--The term `covered
automated weather system' means an automated or visual weather
reporting facility that enables a pilot to begin an instrument
procedure approach to an airport under section 91.1039 or
135.225 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
``(3) Covered location.--The term `covered location' means
Hawaii, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana
Islands, and the Virgin Islands.
``(l) Conformity.--The Administrator shall conduct all activities
required under this section in conformity with section 44720.''.
(b) Remote Positions.--Section 40122(g) of title 49, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(7) Remote positions.--
``(A) In general.--If the Administrator determines
that a covered position has not been filled after
multiple vacancy announcements and that there are
unique circumstances affecting the ability of the
Administrator to fill such position, the Administrator
may consider, in consultation with the appropriate
labor union, applicants for the covered position who
apply under a vacancy announcement recruiting from the
State or territory in which the position is based.
``(B) Covered position defined.--In this paragraph,
the term `covered position' means a safety-critical
position, to include personnel located at contract
towers, based in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, American
Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the
Virgin Islands.''.
(c) GAO Study on Alaska Aviation Safety.--
(1) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study
to--
(A) examine the effectiveness of the Don Young
Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative to improve aviation
safety, service, and infrastructure; and
(B) identify challenges within the FAA to
accomplishing safety improvements carried out under
such Initiative.
(2) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to
the appropriate committees of Congress a report containing--
(A) the findings of the study under paragraph (1);
and
(B) recommendations for such legislative or
administrative action as the Comptroller General
determines appropriate.
(d) Runway Length.--The Administrator--
(1) may not restrict funding made available under chapter
471 of title 49, United States Code, from being used at an
airport in Alaska to rehabilitate, resurface, or reconstruct
the full length and width of an existing runway within Alaska
based solely on reduced current or forecasted aeronautical
activity levels or critical design type standards;
(2) may not reject requests for runway projects at airports
in Alaska if such projects address critical community needs,
including projects--
(A) that support economic development by expanding
a runway to meet new demands; or
(B) that preserve the length of runways used by
aircraft to deliver necessary cargo, including heating
fuel and gasoline, for the community served by the
airport; and
(3) shall, not later than 60 days after receiving a request
for a runway rehabilitation or reconstruction project at an
airport in Alaska, review each such request on a case-by-case
basis.
(e) Implementation of NTSB Recommendations.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall take such
actions as may be necessary to implement National
Transportation Safety Board recommendations A-22-25 and A-22-26
(as contained in Aviation Investigation Report AIR-22-09,
adopted November 16, 2022).
(2) Coordination.--In taking actions under paragraph (1),
the Administrator shall coordinate with the State of Alaska,
airports in Alaska, air carriers operating in Alaska, private
pilots (including tour operators) based in Alaska, and such
other members of the Alaska aviation community or other
stakeholders as the Administrator determines appropriate.
(f) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 447 of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``44745. Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative.''.
SEC. 343. ACCOUNTABILITY AND COMPLIANCE.
(a) In General.--Section 44704(a) of title 49, United States Code,
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Submission of data.--When an applicant submits design
data to the Administrator for a finding of compliance as part
of an application for a type certificate, the applicant shall
certify to the Administrator that--
``(A) the submitted design data demonstrates
compliance with the applicable airworthiness standards;
and
``(B) any airworthiness standards not complied with
are compensated for by factors that provide an
equivalent level of safety, as agreed upon by the
Administrator.''.
(b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide to the
appropriate committees of Congress a briefing on the implementation of
the certification requirement added by the amendment made by subsection
(a).
SEC. 344. CHANGED PRODUCT RULE REFORM.
(a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a notice of
proposed rulemaking to revise section 21.101 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations, to achieve the following objectives:
(1) For any significant design change, as determined by the
Administrator, to require that the exception related to
impracticality under subsection (b)(3) of such section from the
requirement to comply with the latest amendments of the
applicable airworthiness standards in effect on the date of
application for the change be approved only after providing
public notice and opportunity to comment on such exception.
(2) To ensure appropriate documentation of any exception or
exemption from airworthiness requirements in title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of application
for the change.
(b) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide to the
appropriate committees of Congress a briefing on the implementation by
the FAA of the recommendations of the Changed Product Rule
International Authorities Working Group, established for purposes of
carrying out the requirements of section 117 of the Aircraft
Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (49 U.S.C. 44704 note),
including recommendations on harmonized changes and reforms regarding
the impractical exception.
(c) Final Rule.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a final rule based on the
notice of proposed rulemaking issued under subsection (a).
(d) Annual Report.--Beginning in 2025 and annually thereafter
through 2028, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress an annual report detailing the number of all
significant design change exceptions approved and denied under
paragraphs (1) through (3) of section 21.101(b) of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations.
SEC. 345. ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL PENALTIES.
Section 46301(d) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (4) by striking subparagraph (A) and
inserting the following:
``(A) the amount in controversy is more than--
``(i) $400,000 if the violation was committed by
any person other than an individual or small business
concern before the date of enactment of the FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2024;
``(ii) $50,000 if the violation was committed by an
individual or small business concern before the date of
enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024;
``(iii) $1,200,000 if the violation was committed
by a person other than an individual or small business
concern on or after the date of enactment of the FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2024; or
``(iv) $100,000 if the violation was committed by
an individual on or after the date of enactment of the
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024;''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (8) and inserting the following:
``(8) The maximum civil penalty the Administrator of the
Transportation Security Administration, Administrator of the
Federal Aviation Administration, or Board may impose under this
subsection is--
``(A) $400,000 if the violation was committed by a
person other than an individual or small business
concern before the date of enactment of the FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2024;
``(B) $50,000 if the violation was committed by an
individual or small business concern before the date of
enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024;
``(C) $1,200,000 if the violation was committed by
a person other than an individual or small business
concern on or after the date of enactment of the FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2024; or
``(D) $100,000 if the violation was committed by an
individual on or after the date of enactment of the FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2024.''.
SEC. 346. STUDY ON AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS COMPLIANCE.
(a) Study.--The Administrator shall seek to enter into an agreement
with a federally funded research and development center to conduct a
study, in consultation with appropriate aviation safety engineers of
the FAA, on the occurrences and potential consequences of a transport
airplane design found to not comply with applicable airworthiness
standards.
(b) Scope.--In conducting the study pursuant to subsection (a), the
federally funded research and development center shall identify each
final airworthiness directive issued by the FAA or another civil
aviation authority--
(1) applicable to transport airplanes during the 10-year
period prior to the date of enactment of this Act; and
(2) to address an unsafe condition resulting from an
approved design that was noncompliant with an applicable
airworthiness standard.
(c) Requirements.--For each such airworthiness directive identified
under subsection (b), the federally funded research and development
center shall examine--
(1) the airworthiness standard with which the transport
airplane failed to comply;
(2) the resulting unsafe condition and whether such
condition resulted in an accident;
(3) the methods by which the noncompliance was discovered
and brought to the attention of the FAA or another civil
aviation authority, to the extent such methods can be
identified;
(4) an analysis of the method used by the applicant to show
compliance during the certification process and whether other
compliance methods may have reasonably identified the
noncompliance during the certification process;
(5) the date of approval of the relevant type design and
the date of issuance of the airworthiness directive;
(6) any corrective action mandated to address the
identified unsafe condition;
(7) the period of time specified for the incorporation of
the corrective action, during which the affected transport
airplanes were allowed to operate before the unsafe condition
was corrected; and
(8) the total cost of compliance estimated in the final
rule adopting the airworthiness directive.
(d) Coordination.--In conducting the study under subsection (a),
the federally funded research and development center shall coordinate
with, and solicit comments from--
(1) transport category aircraft manufacturers; and
(2) employees of the Administration, including the official
bargaining representative of aircraft certification services
engineers and of aviation safety engineers under section 7111
of title 5, United States Code, involved in developing
airworthiness directives, as necessary.
(e) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report that includes--
(1) the results of the study conducted under subsection
(a);
(2) actions the Administrator determines necessary to
improve safety as a result of the findings under subsection (a)
and any root causes of an unsafe condition that were
identified;
(3) the comments solicited under subsection (d); and
(4) any other recommendations for legislative or
administrative action determined appropriate by the
Administrator.
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Air carrier; foreign air carrier.--The terms ``air
carrier'' and ``foreign air carrier'' have the meanings given
such terms in section 40102 of title 49, United States Code.
(2) Transport airplane.--The term ``transport airplane''
means a transport category airplane designed for operation by
an air carrier or foreign air carrier type-certificated with a
passenger seating capacity of 30 or more or an all-cargo or
combi derivative.
SEC. 347. ZERO TOLERANCE FOR NEAR MISSES, RUNWAY INCURSIONS, AND
SURFACE SAFETY RISKS.
(a) Policy.--
(1) In general.--Section 47101(a) of title 49, United
States Code, is amended--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (13) as
paragraphs (3) through (14), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) that projects, activities, and actions that prevent
runway incursions serve to--
``(A) improve airport surface surveillance; and
``(B) mitigate surface safety risks that are
essential to ensuring the safe operation of the airport
and airway system;''.
(2) Conforming amendments.--Section 47101 of title 49,
United States Code, is amended--
(A) in subsection (g) by striking ``subsection
(a)(5)'' and inserting ``subsection (a)(6)''; and
(B) in subsection (h) by striking ``subsection
(a)(6)'' and inserting ``subsection (a)(7)''.
(3) Continuous evaluation.--In carrying out section
47101(a) of title 49, United States Code, as amended by this
subsection, the Administrator shall establish a process to
continuously track and evaluate ground traffic and air traffic
activity and related incidents at airports.
(b) Runway Safety Council.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a
council, to be known as the ``Runway Safety Council'' (in this
section referred to as the ``Council''), to develop a
systematic management strategy to address airport surface
safety risks.
(2) Duties.--The duties of the Council shall include, at a
minimum, advancing the development of risk-based, data driven,
integrated systems solutions and strategies to enhance airport
surface safety risk mitigation.
(3) Membership.--
(A) In general.--In establishing the Council, the
Administrator shall appoint at least 1 member from each
of the following:
(i) Airport operators.
(ii) Air carriers.
(iii) Aircraft operators.
(iv) Avionics manufacturers.
(v) Flight schools.
(vi) The exclusive collective bargaining
representative of aviation safety professionals
for the FAA certified under section 7111 of
title 5, United States Code.
(vii) The exclusive bargaining
representative of the air traffic controllers
certified under section 7111 of title 5, United
States Code.
(viii) Other safety experts the
Administrator determines appropriate.
(B) Additional members.--The Administrator may
appoint members representing any other stakeholder
organization that the Administrator determines
appropriate to the Runway Safety Council.
(c) Airport Surface Safety Technologies.--
(1) Identification.--Not later than 6 months after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall, in
coordination with the Council, consult with relevant
stakeholders to identify technologies, equipment, systems, and
process changes, that--
(A) may provide airport surface surveillance
capabilities at airports lacking such capabilities;
(B) may augment existing airport surface detection
and surveillance system; or
(C) may improve onboard situational awareness for
flight crewmembers, including technologies for use in
an aircraft that--
(i) reduce the risk of collision on the
runway with other aircraft or vehicles;
(ii) calculate safe landing distances; and
(iii) prompt actions to bring the aircraft
to a safe stop.
(2) Criteria.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall--
(A) based on the information obtained pursuant to
paragraph (1)(A) and (1)(B), identify airport surface
detection and surveillance systems that meet the
standards of the FAA and may be able to--
(i) provide airport surface surveillance
capabilities at airports lacking such
capabilities; or
(ii) augment existing airport surface
detection and surveillance systems, such as
Airport Surface Detection System--Model X or
the Airport Surface Surveillance Capability;
(B) establish a timeline and action plan for
replacing, maintaining, or enhancing the operational
capability provided by existing airport surface
detection and surveillance systems, and implementing
runway safety technologies at airports without airport
surface detection and surveillance systems, as needed,
to improve runway safety;
(C) based on the information obtained pursuant to
paragraph (1)(C), identify safety technologies and
systems in transport airplanes that meet the standards
of the FAA that will--
(i) enhance runway safety for transport
airplanes that lack the capabilities of such
technologies and systems, as appropriate; or
(ii) augment existing onboard situational
awareness runway traffic alerting and runway
landing safety technologies installed on
transport airplanes; and
(D) establish clear and quantifiable criteria
relating to operational factors, including ground
traffic and air traffic activity and the rate of runway
and terminal airspace safety events (including runway
incursions), that determine when the installation and
deployment of an airport surface detection or
surveillance system, or other runway safety system
(including runway status lights), at an airport is
required.
(3) Deployment.--Not later than 5 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall ensure that
airport surface detection and surveillance systems are deployed
and operational at--
(A) all airports described in paragraph (2)(A); and
(B) all medium and large hub airports.
(4) Briefing.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the
appropriate committees of Congress on the progress of the
deployment described in paragraph (3).
(d) Foreign Object Debris Detection.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall assess, in
coordination with the Council, automated foreign object debris
monitoring and detection systems at not less than 3 airports
that are using such systems.
(2) Considerations.--In conducting the assessment under
paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consider the following:
(A) The categorization of an airport.
(B) The potential frequency of foreign object
debris incidents on airport runways or adjacent ramp
areas.
(C) The availability of funding for the
installation and maintenance of foreign object debris
monitoring and detection systems.
(D) The impact of such systems on the airfield
operations of an airport.
(E) The effectiveness of available foreign object
debris monitoring and detection systems.
(F) Any other factors relevant to assessing the
return on investment of foreign object debris
monitoring and detection systems.
(3) Consultation.--In carrying out this subsection, the
Administrator and the Council shall consult with manufacturers
and suppliers of foreign object debris detection technology and
any other relevant stakeholders.
(e) Runway Safety Study.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter
into appropriate arrangements with a federally funded research
and development center to conduct a study of runway incursions,
airport surface incidents, operational errors, or losses of
standard separation of aircraft in the approach or departure
phase of flight to determine how advanced technologies and
future airport development projects may be able to reduce the
frequency of such events and enhance aviation safety.
(2) Considerations.--In conducting the study under
paragraph (1), the federally funded research and development
center shall--
(A) examine data relating to recurring runway
incursions, surface incidents, operational errors, or
losses of standard separation of aircraft in the
approach or departure phase of flight at airports to
identify the underlying factors that caused such
events;
(B) assess metrics used to identify when such
events are increasing at an airport;
(C) assess available and developmental
technologies, including and beyond such technologies
considered in subsection (c), that may augment existing
air traffic management capabilities of surface
surveillance and terminal airspace equipment;
(D) consider growth trends in airport size,
staffing and communication complexities to identify--
(i) future gaps in information exchange
between aerospace stakeholders; and
(ii) methods for meeting future near real-
time information sharing needs; and
(E) examine airfield safety training programs used
by airport tenants and other stakeholders operating on
airfields of airports, including airfield
familiarization training programs for employees, to
assess scalability to handle future growth in airfield
capacity and traffic.
(3) Recommendations.--In conducting the study required by
paragraph (1), the federally funded research and development
center shall develop recommendations for the strategic planning
efforts of the Administration to appropriately maintain surface
safety considering future increases in air traffic and based on
the considerations described in paragraph (2).
(4) Report to congress.--Not later than 90 days after the
completion of the study required by paragraph (1), the
Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of
Congress a report on the findings of such study and any
recommendations developed under paragraph (3).
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Air carrier; foreign air carrier.--The terms ``air
carrier'' and ``foreign air carrier'' have the meanings given
such terms in section 40102 of title 49, United States Code.
(2) Airport surface detection and surveillance system.--The
term ``airport surface detection and surveillance system''
means an airport surveillance system that is--
(A) designed to track surface movement of aircraft
and vehicles; or
(B) capable of alerting air traffic controllers or
flight crewmembers of a possible runway incursion,
misaligned approach, or other safety event.
(3) Transport airplane.--The term ``transport airplane''
means a transport category airplane designed for operation by
an air carrier or foreign air carrier jet type-certificated
with a passenger seating capacity of at least 10 seats or a
maximum takeoff weight above 12,500 pounds or an all-cargo or
combi derivative of such an airplane.
SEC. 348. IMPROVEMENTS TO AVIATION SAFETY INFORMATION ANALYSIS AND
SHARING PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall implement improvements to the
Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing Program with respect
to safety data sharing and risk mitigation.
(b) Requirements.--In carrying out subsection (a), the
Administrator shall--
(1) identify methods to increase the rate at which data is
collected, processed, and analyzed to expeditiously share
safety intelligence;
(2) develop predictive capabilities to anticipate emerging
safety risks;
(3) identify methods to improve shared data environments
with external stakeholders;
(4) establish a robust process for prioritizing requests
for safety information;
(5) establish guidance to encourage regular safety
inspector review of non-confidential aviation safety and
performance data;
(6) identify industry segments not yet included and conduct
outreach to such industry segments to increase the rate of
participation, including--
(A) general aviation;
(B) air transportation and commercial aviation;
(C) rotorcraft operations;
(D) air ambulance operations; and
(E) aviation maintenance;
(7) establish processes for obtaining and analyzing
comprehensive and aggregate data for new and future industry
segments; and
(8) integrate safety data from unmanned aircraft system
operators, as appropriate.
(c) Implementation.--In carrying out subsection (a), the
Administrator shall--
(1) prioritize production-ready configurable solutions over
custom development, as appropriate, to support FAA critical
aviation safety programs; and
(2) ensure that adequate market research is completed in
accordance with FAA acquisition management system requirements,
including appropriate demonstrations of proposed solutions, as
part of the evaluation criteria.
(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed--
(1) to require the Administrator to share confidential or
proprietary information and data to safety inspectors for
purposes of enforcement; or
(2) to limit the applicability of section 44735 of title
49, United States Code, to the Aviation Safety Information
Analysis and Sharing Program.
(e) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, and every 6 months thereafter until the improvements under
subsection (a) are made, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate
committees of Congress on the progress of implementation of the
Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing Program, including--
(1) an assessment of the progress of the FAA toward
achieving milestones for such program identified by the
inspector general of the Department of Transportation and the
Special Committee to Review FAA Aircraft Certification Reports;
(2) a description of the plan to use appropriate deployable
commercial solutions to assist the FAA in meeting such
milestones;
(3) steps taken to make improvements under subsection (b);
and
(4) a summary of the efforts of the FAA to address gaps in
safety data provided from any of the industry segments
described in subsection (b)(6).
SEC. 349. INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONTINUED AIRWORTHINESS AVIATION RULEMAKING
COMMITTEE.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall convene an aviation
rulemaking committee to review, and develop findings and
recommendations regarding, instructions for continued airworthiness (as
described in section 21.50 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations),
and provide to the Administrator a report on such findings and
recommendations and for other related purposes as determined by the
Administrator.
(b) Composition.--The aviation rulemaking committee established
pursuant to subsection (a) shall consist of members appointed by the
Administrator, including representatives of--
(1) holders of type certificates (as described in subpart B
of part 21, title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);
(2) holders of production certificates (as described in
subpart G of part 21, title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);
(3) holders of parts manufacturer approvals (as described
in subpart K of part 21, title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations);
(4) holders of technical standard order authorizations (as
described in subpart O of part 21, title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations);
(5) operators under parts 121, 125, or 135 of title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations;
(6) holders of repair station certificates (as described in
section 145 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) that are
not also type certificate holders as included under paragraph
(1), production certificate holders as included under paragraph
(2), or aircraft operators as included under paragraph (5) (or
associated with any such entities);
(7) the certified bargaining representative of aviation
safety inspectors and engineers for the Administration;
(8) general aviation operators;
(9) mechanics certificated under part 65 of title 14, Code
of Federal Regulations;
(10) holders of supplemental type certificates (as
described in subpart E of part 21 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations);
(11) designated engineering representatives employed by
repair stations described in paragraph (6); and
(12) aviation safety experts with specific knowledge of
instructions for continued airworthiness policies and
regulations.
(c) Considerations.--The aviation rulemaking committee established
pursuant to subsection (a) shall consider--
(1) existing standards, regulations, certifications,
assessments, and guidance related to instructions for continued
airworthiness and the clarity of such standards, regulations,
certifications, assessments, and guidance to all parties;
(2) the sufficiency of safety data used in preparing
instructions for continued airworthiness;
(3) the sufficiency of maintenance data used in preparing
instructions for continued airworthiness;
(4) the protection of proprietary information and
intellectual property in instructions for continued
airworthiness;
(5) the availability of instructions for continued
airworthiness, as needed, for maintenance activities;
(6) the need to harmonize or deconflict proposed and
existing regulations with other Federal regulations, guidance,
and policies;
(7) international collaboration, where appropriate and
consistent with the interests of safety in air commerce and
national security, with other civil aviation authorities,
international aviation and standards organizations, and any
other appropriate entities; and
(8) any other matter the Administrator determines
appropriate.
(d) Duties.--The Administrator shall--
(1) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a
copy of the aviation rulemaking committee report under
subsection (a); and
(2) not later than 180 days after the date of submission of
the report under paragraph (1), initiate a rulemaking activity
or make such policy and guidance updates necessary to address
any consensus recommendations reached by the aviation
rulemaking committee established pursuant to subsection (a), as
determined appropriate by the Administrator.
SEC. 350. SECONDARY COCKPIT BARRIERS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall convene an aviation
rulemaking committee to review and develop findings and recommendations
to require installation of a secondary cockpit barrier on commercial
passenger aircraft operated under the provisions of part 121 of title
14, Code of Federal Regulations, that are not captured under another
regulation or proposed regulation.
(b) Membership.--The Administrator shall appoint a chair and
members of the rulemaking committee convened under subsection (a),
which shall be comprised of at least 1 representative from the
constituencies of--
(1) mainline air carriers;
(2) regional air carriers;
(3) aircraft manufacturers;
(4) passenger aircraft pilots represented by a labor group;
(5) flight attendants represented by a labor group;
(6) airline passengers; and
(7) other stakeholders the Administrator determines
appropriate.
(c) Considerations.--The aviation rulemaking committee convened
under subsection (a) shall consider--
(1) minimum dimension requirements for secondary barriers
on all aircraft types operated under part 121 of title 14, Code
of Federal Regulations;
(2) secondary barrier performance standards manufacturers
and air carriers must meet for such aircraft types;
(3) the availability of certified secondary barriers
suitable for use on such aircraft types;
(4) the development, certification, testing, manufacturing,
installation, and training for secondary barriers for such
aircraft types;
(5) flight duration and stage length;
(6) the location of lavatories on such aircraft as related
to operational complexities;
(7) operational complexities;
(8) any risks to safely evacuate passengers of such
aircraft; and
(9) other considerations the Administrator determines
appropriate.
(d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 12 months after the
convening of the aviation rulemaking committee described in subsection
(a), the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of
Congress a report based on the findings and recommendations of the
aviation rulemaking committee convened under subsection (a),
including--
(1) if applicable, any dissenting positions on the findings
and the rationale for each position; and
(2) any disagreements with the recommendations, including
the rationale for each disagreement and the reasons for the
disagreement.
(e) Installation of Secondary Cockpit Barriers of Existing
Aircraft.--Not later than 36 months after the date of the submission of
the report under subsection (d), the Administrator shall, taking into
consideration the final reported findings and recommendations of the
aviation rulemaking committee, issue a final rule requiring
installation of a secondary cockpit barrier on each commercial
passenger aircraft operated under the provisions of part 121 of title
14, Code of Federal Regulations.
SEC. 351. PART 135 DUTY AND REST.
(a) Part 91 Tail-end Ferry Rulemaking.--Not later than 3 years
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall
require that any operation conducted by a flight crewmember during an
assigned duty period under the operational control of an operator
holding a certificate under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations, before, during, or after the duty period (including any
operations under part 91 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations),
without an intervening rest period, shall count towards the flight time
and duty period limitations of such flight crewmember under part 135 of
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(b) Record Keeping.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall update any
Administration policy and guidance regarding complete and accurate
record keeping practices for operators holding a certificate under part
135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, in order to properly
document, at a minimum--
(1) flight crew assignments;
(2) flight crew prospective rest notifications;
(3) compliance with flight and duty times limitations and
post-duty rest requirements; and
(4) duty period start and end times.
(c) Safety Management System Oversight.--The Administrator, in
performing oversight of the safety management system of an operator
holding a certificate under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations, following the implementation of the final rule issued
based on the final rule titled ``Safety Management Systems'', and
published on April 26, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 33068), shall ensure such
operator is evaluating and appropriately mitigating aviation safety
risks, including, at minimum, risks associated with--
(1) inadequate flight crewmember duty and rest periods; and
(2) incomplete records pertaining to flight crew rest,
duty, and flight times.
(d) Organ Transportation Flights.--In updating guidance and policy
pursuant to subsection (b), the Administrator shall consider and allow
for appropriate accommodations, including accommodations related to
subsections (b)(2) and (b)(4) for operators--
(1) performing organ transportation operations; and
(2) who have in place a means by which to identify and
mitigate risks associated with flight crew duty and rest.
SEC. 352. FLIGHT DATA RECOVERY FROM OVERWATER OPERATIONS.
(a) Flight Data Recovery From Overwater Operations.--Chapter 447 of
title 49, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end
the following:
``Sec. 44746. Flight data recovery from overwater operations
``(a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this section, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation
Administration shall complete a rulemaking proceeding to require that,
not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this section, all
applicable aircraft are--
``(1) fitted with a means, in the event of an accident, to
recover mandatory flight data parameters in a manner that does
not require the underwater retrieval of the cockpit voice
recorder or flight data recorder;
``(2) equipped with a tamper-resistant method to broadcast
sufficient information to a ground station to establish the
location where an applicable aircraft terminates flight as the
result of such an event; and
``(3) equipped with an airframe low-frequency underwater
locating device that functions for at least 90 days and that
can be detected by appropriate equipment.
``(b) Applicable Aircraft Defined.--In this section, the term
`applicable aircraft' means an aircraft manufactured on or after
January 1, 2028, that is--
``(1) operated under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations;
``(2) required by regulation to have a cockpit voice
recorder and a flight data recorder; and
``(3) used in extended overwater operations.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 447 of title 49,
United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the
following:
``44746. Flight data recovery from overwater operations.''.
SEC. 353. RAMP WORKER SAFETY CALL TO ACTION.
(a) Call to Action Ramp Worker Safety Review.--Not later than 180
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall
initiate a Call to Action safety review of airport ramp worker safety
and ways to minimize or eliminate ingestion zone and jet blast zone
accidents.
(b) Contents.--The Call to Action safety review required pursuant
to subsection (a) shall include--
(1) a description of Administration regulations, guidance,
and directives related to airport ramp worker safety procedures
and oversight of such processes;
(2) a description of reportable accidents and incidents
involving airport ramp workers in 5-year period preceding the
date of enactment of this Act, including any identified
contributing factors to the reportable accident or incident;
(3) training and related educational materials for airport
ramp workers, including supervisory and contract employees;
(4) any recommended devices and methods for communication
on the airport ramp, including considerations of requirements
for operable radios and headsets;
(5) a review of markings on the airport ramp that define
restriction, staging, safety, or hazard zones, including
markings to clearly define and graphically indicate the engine
ingestion zones and envelope of safety for the variety of
aircraft that may park at the same gate of the airport;
(6) a review of aircraft jet blast and engine intake safety
markings, including incorporation of markings on aircraft to
indicate engine inlet danger zones; and
(7) a process for stakeholders, including airlines,
aircraft manufacturers, airports, labor, and aviation safety
experts, to provide feedback and share best practices.
(c) Report and Actions.--Not later than 180 days after the
conclusion of the Call to Action safety review pursuant to subsection
(a), the Administrator shall--
(1) submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a
report on the results of the review and any recommendations for
actions or best practices to improve airport ramp worker
safety, including the identification of risks and possible ways
to mitigate such risks to be considered in any applicable
safety management system of air carriers and airports; and
(2) initiate such actions as are necessary to act upon the
findings of the review.
(d) Training Materials.--Not later than 6 months after the
completion of the safety review required under subsection (a), the
Administrator shall develop and publish training and related
educational materials about aircraft engine ingestion and jet blast
hazards for ground crews, including supervisory and contract employees,
that includes information on--
(1) the specific dangers and consequences of entering
engine ingestion or jet blast zones;
(2) proper protocols to avoid entering an engine ingestion
or jet blast zone; and
(3) on-the-job, instructor-led training to physically
demonstrate the engine ingestion zone boundaries and jet blast
zones for each kind of aircraft the ground crew may encounter.
(e) Consultation.--In carrying out this section, the Administrator
shall consult with aviation safety experts, air carriers, aircraft
manufacturers, relevant labor organizations, and airport operators.
(f) Training Requirements.--Not later than 6 months after the
publication of the training and related educational materials required
under subsection (d), the Administrator may require any ramp worker, as
appropriate, to receive the relevant engine ingestion and jet blast
zone hazard training before such ramp worker may perform work on any
airport ramp.
SEC. 354. VOLUNTARY REPORTING PROTECTIONS.
(a) In General.--Section 40123(a) of title 49, United States Code,
is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
(1) by inserting ``, including section 552(b)(3)(B) of
title 5'' after ``Notwithstanding any other provision of law'';
and
(2) by inserting ``or third party'' after ``nor any
agency''.
(b) Review of Protection From Disclosure.--Not later than 180 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall review
and update part 193 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and
review section 44735 of title 49, United States Code, to ensure such
laws and regulations designate and protect from disclosure information
or data submitted, collected, or obtained by the Administrator under
voluntary safety programs, including the following:
(1) Aviation Safety Action Program.
(2) Flight Operational Quality Assurance.
(3) Line Operations Safety Assessments.
(4) Air Traffic Safety Action Program.
(5) Technical Operations Safety Action Program.
(6) Such other voluntarily submitted information or
programs as the Administrator determines appropriate.
SEC. 355. TOWER MARKING NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING.
(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 to implement section 2110 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and
Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44718 note).
(b) Report.--If the Administrator fails to issue the notice of
proposed rulemaking pursuant to subsection (a), the Administrator shall
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress an annual report on
the status of such rulemaking, including--
(1) the reasons that the Administrator has failed to issue
the rulemaking; and
(2) a list of fatal aircraft accidents associated with
unmarked towers that have occurred during the 5-year period
preceding the date of submission of the report.
SEC. 356. PROMOTION OF CIVIL AERONAUTICS AND SAFETY OF AIR COMMERCE.
Section 40104 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by striking ``In carrying out'' and
all that follows through ``other interested organizations.'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e);
(3) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (d); and
(4) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b) and
reordering the subsections accordingly.
SEC. 357. EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
(a) In General.--Section 40104 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after subsection (b) (as redesignated by section
356) the following:
``(c) Educational and Professional Development.--
``(1) In general.--In carrying out subsection (a), the
Administrator shall support and undertake efforts to promote
and support the education and professional development of
current and future aerospace professionals.
``(2) Educational materials.--Based on the availability of
resources, the Administrator shall--
``(A) develop and distribute civil aviation
information and educational materials; and
``(B) provide expertise to State and local school
administrators, college and university officials, and
officers of other interested organizations and
entities.
``(3) Content.--In developing the educational materials
under paragraph (2), the Administrator shall ensure such
materials, including presentations, cover topics of broad
relevance, including--
``(A) ethical decision-making and the
responsibilities of aerospace professionals;
``(B) managing a workforce, encouraging proper
reporting of prospective safety issues, and educating
employees on safety management systems; and
``(C) responsibilities as a designee or
representative of the Administrator.''.
(b) Support for Professional Development and Continuing
Education.--The Administrator may take such action as may be necessary
to support or launch initiatives that seek to advance the professional
development and continuing education of aerospace professionals.
SEC. 358. GLOBAL AVIATION SAFETY.
(a) In General.--Section 40104(d) of title 49, United States Code,
(as redesignated by section 356) is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading by inserting ``and
Assistance'' after ``International Role'';
(2) in paragraph (1) by striking ``The Administrator'' and
inserting ``In carrying out subsection (a), the
Administrator'';
(3) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (4); and
(4) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) International presence.--The Administrator shall
maintain an international presence to--
``(A) assist foreign civil aviation authorities
in--
``(i) establishing robust aviation
oversight practices and policies;
``(ii) harmonizing international aviation
standards for air traffic management, operator
certification, aircraft certification,
airports, and certificated or credentialed
individuals;
``(iii) validating and accepting foreign
aircraft design and production approvals;
``(iv) preparing for new aviation
technologies, including powered-lift aircraft,
products, and articles; and
``(v) appropriately adopting continuing
airworthiness information, such as
airworthiness directives;
``(B) encourage the adoption of United States
standards, regulations, and policies;
``(C) establish, maintain, and update bilateral or
multilateral aviation safety agreements and the
aviation safety information contained within such
agreements;
``(D) engage in bilateral and multilateral
discussions as required under paragraph (5) and provide
technical assistance as described in paragraph (6);
``(E) validate foreign aviation products and ensure
reciprocal validation of products for which the United
States is the state of design or production;
``(F) support accident and incident investigations,
particularly such investigations that involve United
States persons and certified products and such
investigations where the National Transportation Safety
Board is supporting an investigation pursuant to annex
13 of the International Civil Aviation Organization;
``(G) support the international safety activities
of the United States aviation sector;
``(H) maintain valuable relationships with entities
with aviation equities, including civil aviation
authorities, other governmental bodies, non-
governmental organizations, and foreign manufacturers;
and
``(I) perform other activities as determined
necessary by the Administrator.''.
(b) Review of International Field Offices.--Section 40104(d) of
title 49, United States Code, (as redesignated by section 356) is
further amended by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) International offices.--In carrying out the
responsibilities described in subsection (a), the
Administrator--
``(A) shall maintain international offices of the
Administration;
``(B) every 5 years, may review existing
international offices to determine--
``(i) the effectiveness of such offices in
fulfilling the mission described in paragraph
(2); and
``(ii) the adequacy of resources and
staffing to achieve the mission described in
paragraph (2); and
``(C) shall establish offices to address gaps
identified by the review under subparagraph (B) and in
furtherance of the mission described in paragraph (2),
putting an emphasis on establishing such offices--
``(i) where international civil aviation
authorities are located;
``(ii) where regional intergovernmental
organizations are located;
``(iii) in countries that have difficulty
maintaining a category 1 classification through
the International Aviation Safety Assessment
program; and
``(iv) in regions that have experienced
substantial growth in aviation operations or
manufacturing.''.
(c) Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreements; Technical Assistance.--
(1) Establishment.--Section 40104(d) of title 49, United
States Code, (as redesignated by section 356) is further
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Bilateral aviation safety agreements.--
``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall
negotiate, enter into, promote, enforce, evaluate the
effectiveness of, and seek to update bilateral or
multilateral aviation safety agreements, and the parts
of such agreements, with international aviation
authorities.
``(B) Purpose.--The Administrator shall seek to
enter into bilateral aviation safety agreements under
this section to, at a minimum--
``(i) improve global aviation safety;
``(ii) increase harmonization of, and
reduce duplicative, requirements, processes,
and approvals to advance the aviation interests
of the United States;
``(iii) ensure access to international
markets for operators, service providers, and
manufacturers from the United States; and
``(iv) put in place procedures for recourse
when a party to such agreements fails to meet
the obligations of such party under such
agreements.
``(C) Scope.--The scope of a bilateral aviation
safety agreement entered into under this section shall,
as appropriate, cover existing aviation users and
concepts and establish a process by which bilateral
aviation safety agreements can be updated to include
new and novel concepts on an ongoing basis.
``(D) Contents.--Bilateral aviation safety
agreements entered into under this section shall, as
appropriate and consistent with United States law and
regulation, include topics such as--
``(i) airworthiness, certification, and
validation;
``(ii) maintenance;
``(iii) operations and pilot training;
``(iv) airspace access, efficiencies, and
navigation services;
``(v) transport category aircraft;
``(vi) fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft,
powered-lift aircraft, products, and articles;
``(vii) aerodrome certification;
``(viii) unmanned aircraft and associated
elements of such aircraft;
``(ix) flight simulation training devices;
``(x) new or emerging technologies and
technology trends; and
``(xi) other topics as determined
appropriate by the Administrator.
``(E) Rule of construction.--Bilateral or
multilateral aviation safety agreements entered into
under this subsection shall not be construed to
diminish or alter any authority of the Administrator
under any other provision of law.''.
(2) Technical assistance updates.--Section 40113(e) of
title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``(6) Technical assistance outside of agreements.--In the
absence of a bilateral or multilateral agreement, the
Administrator may provide technical assistance and training
under this subsection if the Administrator determines that--
``(A) a foreign government would benefit from
technical assistance pursuant to this subsection to
strengthen aviation safety, efficiency, and security;
and
``(B) the engagement is to provide inherently
governmental technical assistance and training.
``(7) Inherently governmental technical assistance and
training defined.--In this subsection, the term `inherently
governmental technical assistance and training' means technical
assistance and training that--
``(A) relies upon or incorporates Federal Aviation
Administration-specific program, system, policy, or
procedural matters;
``(B) must be accomplished using agency expertise
and authority; and
``(C) relates to--
``(i) international aviation safety
assessment technical reviews and technical
assistance;
``(ii) aerodrome safety and certification;
``(iii) aviation system certification
activities based on Federal Aviation
Administration regulations and requirements;
``(iv) cybersecurity efforts to protect
United States aviation ecosystem components and
facilities;
``(v) operation and maintenance of air
navigation system equipment, procedures, and
personnel; or
``(vi) training and exercises in support of
aviation safety, efficiency, and security.''.
(3) Validation of powered-lift aircraft.--In carrying out
section 40104(d) of title 49, United States Code (as amended by
this Act), the Administrator shall ensure coordination with
international civil aviation authorities regarding the
establishment of mutual processes for efficient validation,
acceptance, and working arrangements of certificates and
approvals for powered-lift aircraft, products, and articles.
(4) Report on international validation program
performance.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
initiate a review to evaluate the performance of the
type certificate validation program of the FAA under
bilateral or multilateral aviation safety agreements,
with a focus on agreed to implementation procedures.
(B) Contents.--In conducting the review under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider, at
minimum, the following:
(i) Actions taken for the purposes of
carrying out section 243(a) of the FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44701
note).
(ii) Metrics from validation programs
carried out prior to the initiation of such
review, including the number and types of
projects, timeline milestones, and trends
relating to the repeated use of non-basic
criteria.
(iii) Training on the minimum standards of
established validation work plans, including
any guidance on the level of involvement of the
validating authority, established
justifications for involvement, and procedures
for compliance document requests.
(iv) The perspectives of--
(I) FAA employees responsible for
type validation projects;
(II) bilateral civil aviation
regulatory partners; and
(III) industry applicants seeking
validation.
(v) Adequacy of the funding and staffing
levels of the International Validation Branch
of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division of
the Aircraft Certification Service of the FAA.
(vi) Effectiveness of FAA training for FAA
employees.
(vii) Effectiveness of outreach conducted
to improve and enforce validation processes.
(viii) Efforts undertaken to strengthen
relationships with international certification
authorities.
(ix) Number of approvals issued by other
certifying authorities in compliance with
applicable bilateral agreements and
implementation procedures.
(C) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the
completion of the review initiated under this
subsection, the Administrator shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report regarding
such review.
(D) Definitions.--In this paragraph, the terms
``ODA holder'' and ``ODA unit'' have the meanings given
such terms in section 44736(c) of title 49, United
States Code.
(d) International Engagement Strategy.--Section 40104(d) of title
49, United States Code, (as redesignated by section 356) is further
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(7) Strategic plan.--The Administrator shall maintain a
strategic plan for the international engagement of the
Administration that includes--
``(A) all elements of the report required under
section 243(b) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018
(49 U.S.C. 44701 note);
``(B) measures to fulfill the mission described in
paragraph (2);
``(C) initiatives to attain greater expertise among
employees of the Federal Aviation Administration in
issues related to dispute resolution, intellectual
property, and export control laws;
``(D) policy regarding the future direction and
strategy of the United States engagement with the
International Civil Aviation Organization;
``(E) procedures for acceptance of mandatory
airworthiness information, such as airworthiness
directives, and other safety-related regulatory
documents, including procedures to implement the
requirements of section 44701(e)(5);
``(F) all factors, including funding and
resourcing, necessary for the Administration to
maintain leadership in the global activities related to
aviation safety and air transportation;
``(G) establishment of, and a process to regularly
track and update, metrics to measure the effectiveness
of, and foreign civil aviation authority compliance
with, bilateral aviation safety agreements; and
``(H) a strategic methodology to facilitate the
ability of the United States aerospace industry to
efficiently operate and export new aerospace
technologies, products, and articles in key markets
globally.''.
(e) Powered-lift Aircraft.--In developing the methodology required
under section 40104(d)(7)(H) of title 49, United States Code (as added
by subsection (d)), the Administrator shall--
(1) perform an assessment of existing bilateral aviation
safety agreements, implementation procedures, and other
associated bilateral arrangements to determine how current and
future powered-lift products and articles can utilize the most
appropriate validation mechanisms and procedures;
(2) facilitate global acceptance of the approach of the FAA
to certification of powered-lift aircraft, products, and
articles; and
(3) consider any other information determined appropriated
by the Administrator.
SEC. 359. AVAILABILITY OF PERSONNEL FOR INSPECTIONS, SITE VISITS, AND
TRAINING.
Section 40104 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended
by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Travel.--The Administrator and the Secretary of
Transportation shall, in carrying out the responsibilities described in
subsection (a), delegate to the appropriate supervisors of offices of
the Administration the ability to authorize the domestic and
international travel of relevant personnel who are not in the Federal
Aviation Administration Executive System, without any additional
approvals required, for the purposes of--
``(1) promoting aviation safety, aircraft operations, air
traffic, airport, unmanned aircraft systems, aviation fuels,
and other aviation standards, regulations, and initiatives
adopted by the United States;
``(2) facilitating the adoption of United States approaches
on such aviation standards and recommended practices at the
International Civil Aviation Organization;
``(3) supporting the acceptance of Administration design
and production approvals by other civil aviation authorities;
``(4) training Administration personnel and training
provided to other persons;
``(5) engaging with regulated entities, including
performing site visits;
``(6) activities associated with subsections (c) through
(e); and
``(7) other activities as determined by the
Administrator.''.
SEC. 360. WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION.
(a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, to ensure that sufficient firefighting resources
are available to suppress wildfires and protect public safety and
property, and notwithstanding any other provision of law or agency
regulation, the Administrator shall issue a rule under which--
(1) an operation described in section 21.25(b)(7) of title
14, Code of Federal Regulations, shall allow for the transport
of firefighters to and from the site of a wildfire to perform
ground wildfire suppression and designate the firefighters
conducting such an operation as essential crewmembers on board
a covered aircraft operated on a mission to suppress wildfire;
(2) the aircraft maintenance, inspections, and pilot
training requirements under part 135 of such title 14 may apply
to such an operation, if determined by the Administrator to be
necessary to maintain the safety of firefighters carrying out
wildfire suppression missions; and
(3) the noise standards described in part 36 of such title
14 shall not apply to such an operation.
(b) Surplus Military Aircraft.--In issuing a rule under subsection
(a), the Administrator may not enable any aircraft of a type that has
been--
(1) manufactured in accordance with the requirements of,
and accepted for use by, the armed forces (as defined in
section 101 of title 10, United States Code); and
(2) later modified to be used for wildfire suppression
operations.
(c) Conforming Amendments to FAA Documents.--In issuing a rule
under subsection (a), the Administrator shall revise the order of the
FAA titled ``Restricted Category Type Certification'', issued on
February 27, 2006 (FAA Order 8110.56), as well as any corresponding
policy or guidance material, to reflect the requirements of this
section.
(d) Savings Provision.--Nothing in this section shall be construed
to limit the authority of the Administrator to take action otherwise
authorized by law to protect aviation safety or passenger safety.
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered aircraft.--The term ``covered aircraft'' means
an aircraft type-certificated in the restricted category under
section 21.25 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, used
for transporting firefighters to and from the site of a
wildfire in order to perform ground wildfire suppression for
the purpose of extinguishing a wildfire on behalf of, or
pursuant to a contract with, a Federal, State, or local
government agency.
(2) Firefighters.--The term ``firefighters'' means a
trained fire suppression professional the transport of whom is
necessary to accomplish a wildfire suppression operation.
SEC. 361. CONTINUOUS AIRCRAFT TRACKING AND TRANSMISSION FOR HIGH
ALTITUDE BALLOONS.
(a) Study on Effects of High Altitude Balloons on Aviation
Safety.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with
the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall brief the
appropriate committees of Congress on the effects of high
altitude balloon operations that do not emit electronic or
radio signals for identification purposes and are launched
within the United States and the territories of the United
States on aviation safety.
(2) Considerations.--In carrying out this subsection, the
Administrator shall consider--
(A) current technology available and employed to
track high altitude balloon operations described under
paragraph (1);
(B) how the flights of such operations have
affected, or could affect, aviation safety;
(C) how such operations have contributed, or could
contribute, to misidentified threats to civil or
military aviation operations or infrastructure; and
(D) how such operations have impacted, or could
impact, national security and air traffic control
operations.
(b) High Altitude Balloon Tracking Aviation Rulemaking Committee.--
(1) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish an
Aviation Rulemaking Committee (in this section referred to as
the ``Committee'') to review and develop findings and
recommendations to inform a standard for any high altitude
balloon to be equipped with a system for continuous aircraft
tracking that transmits, at a minimum, the altitude, location,
and identity of the high altitude balloon in a manner that is
accessible to air traffic controllers and ensures the safe
integration of high altitude balloons into the national
airspace system.
(2) Composition.--The Committee shall consist of members
appointed by the Administrator, including the following:
(A) Representatives of industry.
(B) Aviation safety experts, including experts with
specific knowledge--
(i) of high altitude balloon operations; or
(ii) FAA tracking and surveillance systems.
(C) Non-governmental researchers and educators.
(D) Representatives of the Department of Defense.
(E) Representatives of Federal agencies that
conduct high altitude balloon operations.
(3) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Committee shall submit to the
Administrator a report detailing the findings and
recommendations developed under paragraph (1), including
recommendations regarding the following:
(A) How to update sections 91.215, 91.225, and
99.13 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to
require all high altitude balloons to have a continuous
aircraft tracking and transmission system.
(B) Any necessary updates to the requirements for
high altitude balloons under subpart D of part 101 of
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(C) Any necessary updates to other FAA regulations
or requirements deemed appropriate and necessary by the
Administrator to--
(i) ensure any high altitude balloon has a
continuous aircraft tracking and transmission
system;
(ii) ensure all data relating to the
altitude, location, and identity of any high
altitude balloon is made available to air
traffic controllers;
(iii) determine criteria and provide
approval guidance for new equipment that
provides continuous aircraft tracking and
transmission for high altitude balloons and
meets the performance requirements described
under section 91.225 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations, including portable,
battery-powered Automatic Dependent
Surveillance-Broadcast Out equipage; and
(iv) maintain airspace safety.
(4) Use of prior work.--In developing the report under
paragraph (3), the Committee may make full use of any research,
comments, data, findings, or recommendations made by any prior
aviation rulemaking committee.
(5) New technologies and solutions.--Nothing in this
subsection shall require the Committee to develop
recommendations requiring equipage of high altitude balloons
with an Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Out system
or an air traffic control transponder transmission system, or
preclude the Committee from making recommendations for the
adoption of new systems or solutions that may require that a
high altitude balloon be equipped with a system that can
transmit, at a minimum, the altitude, location, and identity of
the high altitude balloon.
(6) Briefing.--Not later than 6 months after receiving the
report required under paragraph (3), the Administrator shall
brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the contents of
such report and the status of any recommendation received
pursuant to such report.
(c) Definitions.--In this section, the term ``high altitude
balloon'' means a manned or unmanned free balloon operating not less
than 18,000 feet above mean sea level.
SEC. 362. CABIN AIR SAFETY.
(a) Deadline for 2018 Study on Bleed Air.--Not later than 6 months
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall
complete the requirements of section 326 of the FAA Reauthorization Act
of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) and submit to the appropriate
Congressional committees the following:
(1) The completed study required under subsection (c) of
such section.
(2) The report on the feasibility, efficacy, and cost-
effectiveness of certification and installation of systems to
evaluate bleed air quality required under subsection (d) of
such section.
(b) Reporting System for Smoke or Fume Events Onboard Commercial
Aircraft.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a
standardized submission system for air carrier employees to
voluntarily report fume or smoke events onboard passenger-
carrying aircraft operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations.
(2) Collected information.--In developing the system under
paragraph (1), the Administrator shall ensure that the system
includes a method for submitting information about a smoke or
fume event that allows for the collection of the following
information, if applicable:
(A) Identification of the flight number, type, and
registration of the aircraft.
(B) The date of the reported fume or smoke event
onboard the aircraft.
(C) Description of fumes or smoke in the aircraft,
including the nature, intensity, and visual consistency
or smell (if any).
(D) The location of the fumes or smoke in the
aircraft.
(E) The source (if discernible) of the fumes or
smoke in the aircraft.
(F) The phase of flight during which fumes or smoke
first became present.
(G) The duration of the fume or smoke event.
(H) Any required onboard medical attention for
passengers or crew members.
(I) Any additional factors as determined
appropriate by the Administrator or crew member
submitting a report.
(3) Guidelines for submission.--The Administrator shall
issue guidelines on how to submit the information described in
paragraph (2).
(4) Confirmation of submission.--Upon submitting the
information described in paragraph (2), the submitting party
shall receive a duplicate record of the submission and
confirmation of receipt.
(5) Use of information.--The Administrator--
(A) may not publicly publish any--
(i) information specific to a fume or smoke
event that is submitted pursuant to this
section; and
(ii) any information that may be used to
identify the party submitting such information;
(B) may only publicly publish information submitted
pursuant to this section that has been aggregated if--
(i) such information has been validated;
and
(ii) the availability of such information
would improve aviation safety;
(C) shall maintain a database of such information;
(D) at the request of an air carrier, shall provide
to such air carrier any information submitted pursuant
to this section that is relevant to such air carrier,
except any information that may be used to identify the
party submitting such information;
(E) may not, without validation, assume that
information submitted pursuant to this section is
accurate for the purposes of initiating rulemaking or
taking an enforcement action;
(F) may use information submitted pursuant to this
section to inform the oversight of the safety
management system of an air carrier; and
(G) may use information submitted pursuant to this
section for the purpose of performing a study or
supporting a study sponsored by the Administrator.
(c) National Academies Study on Overall Cabin Air Quality.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter
into the appropriate arrangements with the National Academies
to conduct a study and issue recommendations to be made
publicly available pertaining to cabin air quality and any risk
of, and potential for, persistent and accidental fume or smoke
events onboard a passenger-carrying aircraft operating under
part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(2) Scope.--In carrying out a study pursuant to paragraph
(1), the National Academies shall examine--
(A) the report issued pursuant to section 326 of
the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101
note) and any identified assumptions or gaps described
in such report;
(B) the information collected through the system
established pursuant to subsection (b);
(C) any health risks or impacts of fume or smoke
events on flight crews, including flight attendants and
pilots, and passengers onboard aircraft operating under
part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
(D) instances of persistent or regularly occurring
(as determined by the National Academies) fume or smoke
events in such aircraft;
(E) instances of accidental, unexpected, or
irregularly occurring (as determined by the National
Academies) fume or smoke events on such aircraft,
including whether such accidental events are more
frequent during various phases of operations, including
ground operations, taxiing, take off, cruise, and
landing;
(F) the air contaminants present during the
instances described in subparagraphs (D) and (E) and
the probable originating materials of such air
contaminants;
(G) the frequencies, durations, and likely causes
of the instances described in subparagraphs (D) and
(E); and
(H) any additional data on fume or smoke events, as
determined appropriate by the National Academies.
(3) Recommendations.--As a part of the study conducted
under paragraph (1), the National Academies shall provide
recommendations--
(A) that, at minimum, address how to--
(i) improve overall cabin air quality of
passenger-carrying aircraft;
(ii) improve the detection, accuracy, and
reporting of fume or smoke events; and
(iii) reduce the frequency and impact of
fume or smoke events; and
(B) to establish or update standards, guidelines,
or regulations that could help achieve the
recommendations described in subparagraph (A).
(4) Report to congress.--Not later than 1 month after the
completion of the study conducted under paragraph (1), the
Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of
Congress a copy of such study and recommendations submitted
with such study.
(d) Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year after the completion of the
study conducted under subsection (c), the Administrator may, as
appropriate to address the safety risks identified as a result of the
actions taken pursuant to this section, issue a notice of proposed
rulemaking to establish requirements for scheduled passenger air
carrier operations under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations that may include the following:
(1) Training for flight attendants, pilots, aircraft
maintenance technicians, airport first responders, and
emergency responders on how to respond to incidents on aircraft
involving fume or smoke events.
(2) Required actions and procedures for air carriers to
take after receiving a report of an incident involving a fume
or smoke event in which at least 1 passenger or crew member
required medical attention as a result of such incident.
(3) Installation onboard aircraft of detectors and other
air quality monitoring equipment.
(e) Fume or Smoke Event Defined.--In this section, the term ``fume
or smoke event'' means an event in which there is an atypical
noticeable or persistent presence of fumes or air contaminants in the
cabin, including, at a minimum, a smoke event.
SEC. 363. COMMERCIAL AIR TOUR AND SPORT PARACHUTING SAFETY.
(a) Safety Requirements for Commercial Air Tour Operators.--
(1) Safety reforms.--
(A) Authority to conduct nonstop commercial air
tours.--
(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii),
beginning on the date that is 2 years after the
date a final rule is published pursuant to
paragraph (3), no person may conduct commercial
air tours unless such person either--
(I) holds a certificate identifying
the person as an air carrier or
commercial operator under part 119 of
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations
and conducts all commercial air tours
under the applicable provisions of part
121 or part 135 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations; or
(II) conducts all commercial air
tours pursuant to the requirements
established by the Administrator under
the final rule published pursuant to
paragraph (3).
(ii) Small business exception.--The
provisions of clause (i) shall not apply to a
person who conducts 100 or fewer commercial air
tours in a calendar year.
(B) Additional safety requirements.--
(i) In general.--Not later than 3 years
after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator shall issue new or revised
regulations to require a commercial air tour
operator seeking to conduct an operation with a
removed or modified door and a person
conducting aerial photography operations
seeking to conduct an operation with a removed
or modified door to receive approval from the
Administrator prior to conducting such
operation.
(ii) Conditions and restrictions.--In
issuing new or revised regulations under clause
(i), the Administrator may impose such
conditions and restrictions as determined
necessary for safety.
(iii) Considerations.--In issuing new or
revised regulations under clause (i), the
Administrator shall require a commercial air
tour operator to demonstrate to any
representative of the FAA, upon request, that a
pilot authorized to operate such an air tour
has received avoidance training for controlled
flight into terrain and in-flight loss of
control. Such training shall address reducing
the risk of accidents involving unintentional
flight into instrument meteorological
conditions to address day, night, and low-
visibility environments with special attention
paid to research available as of the date of
enactment of this Act on human factors issues
involved in such accidents, including, at a
minimum--
(I) specific terrain, weather, and
infrastructure challenges relevant in
the local operating environment that
increase the risk of such accidents;
(II) pilot decision-making relevant
to the avoidance of instrument
meteorological conditions while
operating under visual flight rules;
(III) use of terrain awareness
displays;
(IV) spatial disorientation risk
factors and countermeasures; and
(V) strategies for maintaining
control, including the use of automated
systems.
(2) Aviation rulemaking committee.--
(A) In general.--The Administrator shall convene an
aviation rulemaking committee to review and develop
findings and recommendations to increase the safety of
commercial air tours.
(B) Considerations.--The aviation rulemaking
committee convened under subparagraph (A) shall
consider, at a minimum--
(i) potential changes to operations
regulations or requirements for commercial air
tours, including requiring--
(I) the adoption of pilot training
standards that are comparable, as
applicable, to the standards under
subpart H of part 135 of title 14, Code
of Federal Regulations; and
(II) the adoption of maintenance
standards that are comparable, as
applicable, to the standards under
subpart J of part 135 of title 14, Code
of Federal Regulations;
(ii) establishing a performance-based
standard for flight data monitoring for all
commercial air tour operators that reviews all
available data sources to identify deviations
from established areas of operation and
potential safety issues;
(iii) requiring all commercial air tour
operators to install flight data recording
devices capable of supporting collection and
dissemination of the data incorporated in the
Flight Operational Quality Assurance Program
under section 13.401 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations (or, if an aircraft cannot
be retrofitted with such equipment, requiring
the commercial air tour operator for such
aircraft to collect and maintain flight data
through alternative methods);
(iv) requiring all commercial air tour
operators to implement a flight data monitoring
program, such as a Flight Operational Quality
Assurance Program;
(v) establishing methods to provide
effective terrain awareness and warning; and
(vi) establishing methods to provide
effective traffic avoidance in identified high-
traffic tour areas, such as requiring
commercial air tour operators that operate
within such areas be equipped with an automatic
dependent surveillance-broadcast out- and in-
supported traffic advisory system that--
(I) includes both visual and aural
alerts;
(II) is driven by an algorithm
designed to eliminate nuisance alerts;
and
(III) is operational during all
flight operations.
(vii) codifying and uniformly applying
Living History Flight Experience exemption
conditions and limitations.
(C) Membership.--The aviation rulemaking committee
convened under subparagraph (A) shall consist of
members appointed by the Administrator, including--
(i) representatives of industry, including
manufacturers of aircraft and aircraft
technologies;
(ii) air tour operators or organizations
that represent such operators; and
(iii) aviation safety experts with specific
knowledge of safety management systems and
flight data monitoring programs under part 135
of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(D) Duties.--
(i) In general.--The Administrator shall
direct the aviation rulemaking committee to
make findings and submit recommendations
regarding each of the matters specified in
clauses (i) through (vi) of subparagraph (B).
(ii) Considerations.--In carrying out the
duties of the aviation rulemaking committee
under clause (i), the Administrator shall
direct the aviation rulemaking committee to
consider--
(I) recommendations of the National
Transportation Safety Board;
(II) recommendations of previous
aviation rulemaking committees that
reviewed flight data monitoring program
requirements for commercial operators
under part 135 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations;
(III) recommendations from industry
safety organizations, including the
Vertical Aviation Safety Team, the
General Aviation Joint Safety
Committee, and the United States
Helicopter Safety Team;
(IV) scientific data derived from a
broad range of flight data recording
technologies capable of continuously
transmitting and that support a
measurable and viable means of
assessing data to identify and correct
hazardous trends;
(V) appropriate use of data for
modifying behavior to prevent
accidents;
(VI) the need to accommodate
technological advancements in flight
data recording technology;
(VII) data gathered from aviation
safety reporting programs;
(VIII) appropriate methods to
provide effective terrain awareness and
warning system protections while
mitigating nuisance alerts for
aircraft;
(IX) the need to accommodate the
diversity of airworthiness standards
under part 27 and part 29 of title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations;
(X) the need to accommodate
diversity of operations and mission
sets;
(XI) benefits of third-party data
analysis for large and small
operations;
(XII) accommodations necessary for
small businesses; and
(XIII) other issues, as necessary.
(E) Reports and regulations.--Not later than 20
months after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report based on the findings
of the aviation rulemaking committee.
(3) Rulemaking required.--
(A) Notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than
1 year after the date the Administrator submits a
report under paragraph (2)(E), the Administrator shall
issue a notice of proposed rulemaking establishing
increasing safety regulations for commercial air tour
operators based on the recommendations of the
rulemaking committee established under paragraph (2).
(B) Contents.--The notice of proposed rulemaking
under subparagraph (A) shall require, at a minimum--
(i) the adoption of pilot training
standards that are comparable, as applicable,
to the standards under subpart H of part 135 of
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations for
commercial tour operators;
(ii) the adoption of maintenance standards
that are comparable, as applicable, to the
standards under subpart J of part 135 of title
14, Code of Federal Regulations for commercial
tour operators; and
(iii) that beginning on a date determined
appropriate by the Administrator, a helicopter
operated by a commercial air tour operator be
equipped with an approved flight data
monitoring system capable of recording flight
performance data.
(C) Final rule.--Not later than 2 years after the
issuance of a notice of proposed rulemaking under
subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall finalize the
rule.
(b) Safety Requirements for Sport Parachute Operations.--
(1) Aviation rulemaking committee.--The Administrator shall
convene an aviation rulemaking committee to review and develop
findings and recommendations to increase the safety of sport
parachute operations.
(2) Contents.--This aviation rulemaking committee convened
under paragraph (1) shall consider, at a minimum--
(A) potential regulatory action governing parachute
operations that are conducted in the United States and
are subject to the requirements of part 105 of title
14, Code of Federal Regulations, to address--
(i) whether FAA-approved aircraft
maintenance and inspection programs that
consider, at a minimum, minimum equipment
standards informed by recommended maintenance
instructions of engine manufacturers, such as
service bulletins and service information
letters for time between overhauls and
component life limits, should be implemented;
and
(ii) initial and annual recurrent pilot
training and proficiency checks for pilots
conducting parachute operations that address,
at a minimum, operation- and aircraft-specific
weight and balance calculations, preflight
inspections, emergency and recovery procedures,
and parachutist egress procedures for each type
of aircraft flown; and
(B) the revision of guidance material contained in
the advisory circular of the FAA titled ``Sport
Parachuting'' (AC 105-2E) to include guidance for
parachute operations in implementing the FAA-approved
aircraft maintenance and inspection program and the
pilot training and pilot proficiency checking programs
required under any new or revised regulations; and
(C) the revision of guidance materials issued in
the order of the FAA titled ``Flight Standards
Information Management System'' (FAA Order 8900.1), to
include guidance for FAA inspectors who oversee an
operation conducted under--
(i) part 91 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations; and
(ii) an exception specified in section
119.1(e) of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations.
(3) Membership.--The aviation rulemaking committee under
paragraph (1) shall consist of members appointed by the
Administrator, including--
(A) representatives of industry, including
manufacturers of aircraft and aircraft technologies;
(B) parachute operators, or organizations that
represent such operators; and
(C) aviation safety experts with specific knowledge
of safety management systems and flight data monitoring
programs under part 135 and part 105 of title 14, Code
of Federal Regulations.
(4) Duties.--
(A) In general.--The Administrator shall direct the
aviation rulemaking committee to make findings and
submit recommendations regarding each of the matters
specified in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of paragraph
(2).
(B) Considerations.--In carrying out its duties
under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall direct
the aviation rulemaking committee to consider--
(i) findings and recommendations of the
National Transportation Safety Board, as
relevant, and specifically such findings and
recommendations related to parachute
operations, including the June 21, 2019,
incident in Mokuleia, Hawaii;
(ii) recommendations of previous aviation
rulemaking committees that considered similar
issues;
(iii) recommendations from industry safety
organizations, including, at a minimum, the
United States Parachute Association;
(iv) appropriate use of data for modifying
behavior to prevent accidents;
(v) data gathered from aviation safety
reporting programs;
(vi) the need to accommodate diversity of
operations and mission sets;
(vii) accommodations necessary for small
businesses; and
(viii) other issues as necessary.
(5) Reports and regulations.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 36 months after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a
report based on the findings of the aviation rulemaking
committee.
(B) Contents.--The report under subparagraph (A)
shall include--
(i) any recommendations submitted by the
aviation rulemaking committee; and
(ii) any actions the Administrator intends
to initiate, if necessary, as a result of such
recommendations.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the meaning
given such term in section 40102 of title 49, United States
Code.
(2) Commercial air tour.--The term ``commercial air tour''
has the meaning given such term in section 136.1 of title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations.
(3) Commercial air tour operator.--The term ``commercial
air tour operator'' has the meaning given such term in section
136.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(4) Parachute operation.--The term ``parachute operation''
has the meaning given such term in section 105.3 of title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation).
SEC. 364. HAWAII AIR NOISE AND SAFETY TASK FORCE.
(a) Participation.--To the extent acceptable to the State of
Hawaii, the Administrator shall participate as a technical advisor in
the air noise and safety task force established by State legislation in
the State of Hawaii.
(b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 18 months after the date on which
the task force described in subsection (a) delivers findings and
consensus recommendations to the FAA, the Administrator shall,
consistent with maintaining the safety and efficiency of the national
airspace system--
(1) issue an intent to proceed with a proposed rulemaking;
(2) take other action sufficient to carry out feasible,
consensus recommendations; or
(3) issue a statement determining that no such rule or
other action is warranted, including a detailed explanation of
the rationale for such determination.
(c) Considerations.--In determining whether to proceed with a
proposed rulemaking, guidance, or other action under subsection (b)
and, if applicable, in developing the proposed rule, guidance, or
carrying out the other action, the Administrator shall consider the
findings and consensus recommendations of the task force described in
subsection (a).
(d) Authorities.--In issuing the rule, guidance, or carrying out
the other action described in subsection (b), the Administrator may
take actions in the State of Hawaii to--
(1) provide commercial air tour operators with preferred
routes, times, and minimum altitudes for the purpose of noise
reduction, so long as such recommendations do not negatively
impact safety conditions;
(2) provide commercial air tour operators with information
regarding quiet aircraft technology; and
(3) establish a method for residents of the State of Hawaii
to publicly report noise disruptions due to commercial air
tours and for commercial air tour operators to respond to
complaints.
(e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed as providing the Administrator with authority to ban
commercial air tour flights in the State of Hawaii for the purposes of
noise reduction.
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Commercial air tour.--The term ``commercial air tour''
has the meaning given such term in section 136.1 of title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations.
(2) Commercial air tour operator.--The term ``commercial
air tour operator'' has the meaning given such term in section
136.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
SEC. 365. MODERNIZATION AND IMPROVEMENTS TO AIRCRAFT EVACUATION.
(a) Study.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall conduct a study
on improvements to the safety and efficiency of evacuation
standards for manufacturers and carriers of transport category
airplanes, as described in parts 25 and 121 of title 14, Code
of Federal Regulations.
(2) Contents.--
(A) Requirements.--The study required under
paragraph (1) shall include--
(i) a prospective risk analysis, as well as
an evaluation of relevant past incidents with
respect to evacuation safety and evacuation
standards;
(ii) an assessment of the evacuation
testing procedures described in section 25.803
of such title 14, as well as recommendations
for how to revise such testing procedures to
ensure that the testing procedures assess, in a
safe manner, the ability of passengers with
disabilities, including passengers who use
wheelchairs or other mobility assistive
devices, to safely and efficiently evacuate an
aircraft;
(iii) an assessment of the evacuation
demonstration procedures described in such part
121, as well as recommendations for how to
improve such demonstration procedures to ensure
that the demonstration procedures assess, in a
safe manner, the ability of passengers with
disabilities, including passengers who use
wheelchairs or other mobility assistive
devices, to safely and efficiently evacuate an
aircraft;
(iv) the research proposed in National
Transportation Safety Board Safety
Recommendation A-18-009; and
(v) any other analysis determined
appropriate by the Administrator.
(B) Considerations.--In conducting the study under
paragraph (1), the Administrator shall assess the
following:
(i) The ability of passengers of different
ages (including infants, children, and senior
citizens) to safely and efficiently evacuate a
transport category airplane.
(ii) The ability of passengers of different
heights and weights to safely and efficiently
evacuate a transport category airplane.
(iii) The ability of passengers with
disabilities to safely and efficiently evacuate
a transport category airplane.
(iv) The ability of passengers who cannot
speak, have difficulty speaking, use synthetic
speech, or are non-vocal or non-verbal to
safely and efficiently evacuate a transport
category airplane.
(v) The ability of passengers who do not
speak English to safely and efficiently
evacuate a transport category airplane.
(vi) The impact of the presence of carry-on
luggage and personal items (such as a purse,
briefcase, laptop, or backpack) on the ability
of passengers to safely and efficiently
evacuate a transport category airplane.
(vii) The impact of seat size and passenger
seating space and pitch on the ability of
passengers to safely and efficiently evacuate a
transport category airplane.
(viii) The impact of seats and other
obstacles in the pathway to the exit opening
from the nearest aisle on the ability of
passengers to safely and efficiently evacuate a
transport category airplane.
(ix) With respect to aircraft with parallel
longitudinal aisles, the impact of seat pods or
other seating configurations that block access
between such aisles within a cabin on the
ability of passengers to safely and efficiently
evacuate a transport category airplane.
(x) The impact of passenger load on the
ability of passengers to safely and efficiently
evacuate a transport category airplane.
(xi) The impact of animals approved to
accompany a passenger, including service
animals, on the ability of passengers to safely
and efficiently evacuate a transport category
airplane.
(xii) Whether an applicant for a type
certificate (as defined in section 44704(e)(7)
of title 49, United States Code) should be
required to demonstrate compliance with FAA
emergency evacuation regulations (as described
in section 25.803 and Appendix J of part 25 of
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) through
live testing in any case in which the
Administrator determines that the new aircraft
design is significant.
(xiii) Any other factor determined
appropriate by the Administrator.
(C) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
(i) Passenger load.--The term ``passenger
load'' means the number of passengers relative
to the number of seats onboard the aircraft.
(ii) Passengers with disabilities.--The
term ``passengers with disabilities'' means any
qualified individual with a disability, as
defined in section 382.3 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations.
(b) Aviation Rulemaking Committee for Evacuation Standards.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the
completion of the study conducted under subsection (a), the
Administrator shall establish an aviation rulemaking committee
(in this section referred to as the ``Committee'') to--
(A) review the findings of the study; and
(B) develop and submit to the Administrator
recommendations regarding improvements to the
evacuation standards described in parts 25 and 121 of
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(2) Composition.--The Committee shall consist of members
appointed by the Administrator, including the following:
(A) Representatives of industry.
(B) Representatives of aviation labor
organizations.
(C) Aviation safety experts with specific knowledge
of the evacuation standards and requirements under such
parts 25 and 121.
(D) Representatives of individuals with
disabilities with specific knowledge of accessibility
standards regarding evacuations in emergency
circumstances.
(E) Representatives of the senior citizen
community.
(F) Representatives of pediatricians.
(3) Considerations.--In reviewing the findings of the study
conducted under subsection (a) and developing recommendations
regarding the improvement of the evacuation standards under
subsection (b)(1)(B), the Committee shall consider the
following:
(A) The recommendations made by any prior aviation
rulemaking committee regarding the evacuation standards
described in such parts 25 and 121.
(B) Scientific data derived from the study
conducted under subsection (a).
(C) Any data gathered from aviation safety
reporting programs.
(D) The cost-benefit analysis and risk analysis of
any recommended standards.
(E) Any other item determined appropriate by the
Committee.
(c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after the date on
which the Committee submits to the Administrator the recommendations
under subsection (b)(1)(B), the Administrator shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report on--
(1) the findings of the study conducted under subsection
(a);
(2) the recommendations of the Committee under subsection
(b)(1)(B); and
(3) the Administrator's plan, if any, to implement such
recommendations.
(d) Rulemaking.--Not later than 90 days after submitting to
Congress the report under subsection (c), the Administrator shall issue
a notice of proposed rulemaking to implement the recommendations of the
Committee that the Administrator considers appropriate.
SEC. 366. 25-HOUR COCKPIT VOICE RECORDER.
(a) In General.--
(1) Cockpit voice recorder for newly manufactured
aircraft.--A covered operator may not operate a covered
aircraft manufactured later than the date that is 1 year after
the date of enactment of this Act unless such aircraft has a
cockpit voice recorder installed that retains the last 25 hours
of recorded information using a recorder that meets the
standards of Technical Standard Order TSO-C123c, or any later
revision.
(2) Cockpit voice recorder for covered aircraft.--Not later
than 6 years after the date of enactment of this Act, a covered
operator may not operate a covered aircraft unless such
aircraft has a cockpit voice recorder installed that retains
the last 25 hours of recorded information using a recorder that
meets the standards of Technical Standard Order TSO-C123c, or
any later revision.
(b) Prohibited Use.--The Administrator or any covered operator may
not use a cockpit voice recorder recording for a certificate action,
civil penalty, or disciplinary proceedings against a flight crewmember.
(c) Rulemaking.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall--
(1) issue a final rule to update applicable regulations, as
necessary, to conform to the requirements of subsection (a)(2);
and
(2) issue a rule to update applicable regulations, as
necessary, to ensure, to the greatest extent practicable, that
any data from a cockpit voice recorder--
(A) is protected from unlawful or unauthorized
disclosure to the public;
(B) is used exclusively by a Federal agency or a
foreign accident investigative agency for a criminal
investigation, aircraft accident, or aircraft incident
investigation; and
(C) is not deliberately erased or tampered with
following a National Transportation Safety Board
reportable event under part 830 of title 49, Code of
Federal Regulations, for which civil and criminal
penalties may be assessed in accordance with section
1155 of title 49, United States Code, and section 32 of
title 18, United States Code.
(d) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be construed as
rescoping, constraining, or otherwise mandating delays to FAA actions
in the notice of proposed rulemaking titled ``25-Hour Cockpit Voice
Recorder (CVR) Requirements, New Aircraft Production'', issued on
December 4, 2023 (88 Fed. Reg. 84090).
(e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to affect--
(1) the confidentiality of recording and transcripts under
section 1114(c) of title 49, United States Code;
(2) the ban on recording for civil penalty or certificate
under section 121.359(h) of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations; or
(3) the prohibition against use of data from flight
operational quality assurance programs for enforcement purposes
under section 13.401 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered aircraft.--The term ``covered aircraft''
means--
(A) an aircraft operated by an air carrier under
part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; or
(B) a transport category aircraft designed for
operations by an air carrier or foreign air carrier
type-certificated with a passenger seating capacity of
30 or more or an all-cargo or combi derivative of such
an aircraft.
(2) Covered operator.--The term ``covered operator'' means
the operator of a covered aircraft.
SEC. 367. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING MANDATED CONTENTS OF ONBOARD
EMERGENCY MEDICAL KITS.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) a regularly scheduled panel of experts should reexamine
and provide an updated list of mandated contents of onboard
emergency medical kits that is thorough and practical, keeping
passenger safety and well-being paramount; and
(2) such panel should consider including on the list of
mandated contents of such medical kits, at a minimum, opioid
overdose reversal medication.
SEC. 368. PASSENGER AIRCRAFT FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL KIT
EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING.
(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a notice of proposed
rulemaking regarding first aid and emergency medical kit equipment and
training required for flight crewmembers, as provided in part 121 of
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, applicable to all certificate
holders operating passenger aircraft under such part.
(b) Considerations.--In carrying out subsection (a), the
Administrator shall consider--
(1) the benefits and costs (including the costs of flight
diversions and emergency landings) of requiring any new
medications or equipment necessary to be included in approved
emergency medical kits;
(2) whether the contents of the emergency medical kits
include, at a minimum, appropriate medications and equipment
that can practicably be administered to address--
(A) the emergency medical needs of children and
pregnant women;
(B) opioid overdose reversal;
(C) anaphylaxis; and
(D) cardiac arrest;
(3) what contents of the emergency medical kits should be
readily available, to the extent practicable, for use by flight
crews without prior approval by a medical professional.
(c) Regular Review.--Not later than 5 years after the issuance of
the final rule under subsection (a), and every 5 years thereafter, the
Administrator shall evaluate and revise, if appropriate--
(1) the first aid and emergency medical kit equipment and
training required for flight crewmembers; and
(2) any required training for flight crewmembers regarding
the content, location, and function of such kit.
SEC. 369. INTERNATIONAL AVIATION SAFETY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM.
(a) Aviation Safety Oversight Measures Carried Out by Foreign
Countries.--Chapter 447 of title 49, United States Code, is further
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44747. Aviation safety oversight measures carried out by foreign
countries
``(a) Assessment.--
``(1) In general.--On a regular basis, the Administrator,
in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the
Secretary of State, shall assess aviation safety oversight
measures carried out by any foreign country--
``(A) from which a foreign air carrier is
conducting foreign air transportation to and from the
United States;
``(B) from which a foreign air carrier seeks to
conduct foreign air transportation to and from the
United States;
``(C) whose air carriers carry or seek to carry the
code of a United States air carrier; or
``(D) as determined appropriate by the
Administrator.
``(2) Consultation and criteria.--In conducting an
assessment described in paragraph (1), the Administrator
shall--
``(A) consult with the appropriate authorities of
the government of the foreign country;
``(B) determine the efficacy with which such
foreign country carries out and complies with its
aviation safety oversight responsibilities consistent
with--
``(i) the Convention on International Civil
Aviation (in this section referred to as the
`Chicago Convention');
``(ii) international aviation safety
standards; and
``(iii) recommended practices set forth by
the International Civil Aviation Organization;
``(C) use a standard approach and methodology that
will result in an analysis of the aviation safety
oversight activities of such foreign country that are
carried out to meet the minimum standards contained in
Annexes 1, 6, and 8 to the Chicago Convention in effect
on the date of the assessment, or any such successor
documents; and
``(D) identify instances of noncompliance
pertaining to the aviation safety oversight activities
of such foreign country consistent with the Chicago
Convention, international aviation safety standards,
and recommended practices set forth by the
International Civil Aviation Organization.
``(3) Findings of noncompliance.--In any case in which the
assessment described in subsection (a)(1) finds an instance of
non-compliance, the Administrator shall--
``(A) notify the foreign country that is the
subject of such finding;
``(B) not later than 90 days after transmission of
such notification, request and initiate final
discussions with the foreign country to recommend
actions by which the foreign country can mitigate the
noncompliance; and
``(C) after the discussions described in
subparagraph (B) have concluded, determine whether or
not the noncompliance finding has been corrected;
``(b) Uncorrected Non-compliance.--If the Administrator finds that
such foreign country has not corrected the non-compliance by the close
of such final discussions--
``(1) the Administrator shall notify the Secretary of
Transportation and the Secretary of State that the condition of
noncompliance remains;
``(2) the Administrator, after consulting with informing
the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of State,
shall notify the foreign country of such finding; and
``(3) notwithstanding section 40105(b), the Administrator,
after consulting with the appropriate civil aviation authority
of such foreign country and notifying the Secretary of
Transportation and the Secretary of State, may withhold,
revoke, or prescribe conditions on the operating authority of a
foreign air carrier that--
``(A) provides or seeks to provide foreign air
transportation to and from the United States; or
``(B) carries or seeks to carry the code of an air
carrier.
``(c) Authority.--Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), the
Administrator retains the ability to take immediate safety oversight
actions if the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of
Transportation and the Secretary of State, as needed, determines that a
condition exists that threatens the safety of passengers, aircraft, or
crew traveling to or from such foreign country. In this event that the
Administrator makes a determination under this subsection, the
Administrator shall immediately notify the Secretary of State of such
determination so that the Secretary of State may issue a travel
advisory with respect to such foreign country.
``(d) Public Notification.--
``(1) In general.--In any case in which the Administrator
provides notification to a foreign country under subsection
(b)(2), the Administrator shall--
``(A) recommend the actions necessary to bring such
foreign country into compliance with the international
standards contained in the Chicago Convention;
``(B) publish the identity of such foreign country
on the website of the Federal Aviation Administration,
in the Federal Register, and through other mediums
appropriate to provide notice to the public; and
``(C) brief the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of
the Senate on the identity of such foreign country and
a summary of any critical safety information resulting
from an assessment described in subsection (a)(1).
``(2) Compliance.--If the Administrator finds that a
foreign country subsequently corrects all outstanding
noncompliances, the Administrator, after consulting with the
appropriate civil aviation authority of such foreign country
and notifying the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary
of State, shall take actions as necessary to ensure the updated
compliance status is reflected, including in the mediums
invoked in paragraph (1)(B).
``(e) Accuracy of the IASA List.--A foreign country that does not
have foreign air carrier activity, as described in subsection (a)(1),
for an extended period of time, as determined by the Administrator,
shall be removed for inactivity from the public listings described in
subsection (d)(1)(B), after informing the Secretary of Transportation
and the Secretary of State.
``(f) Consistency.--
``(1) In general.--The Administration shall use data,
tools, and methods that ensure transparency and repeatability
of assessments conducted under this section.
``(2) Training.--The Administrator shall ensure that
Administration personnel are properly and adequately trained to
carry out the assessments set forth in this section, including
with respect to the standards, methodology, and material used
to make determinations under this section.''.
(b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through 2028, the
Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a
report on the assessments conducted under the amendments made by this
section, including the results of any corrective actions taken by
noncompliant foreign countries.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 447 of title 49,
United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the
following:
``44747. Aviation safety oversight measures carried out by foreign
countries.''.
SEC. 370. WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION ENFORCEMENT.
Section 42121(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading by striking ``Department of
labor complaint procedure'' and inserting ``Department of labor
and federal aviation administration complaint procedure''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following:
``(5) Enforcement of order.--Whenever any person has failed
to comply with an order issued under paragraph (3), the
Secretary of Labor and the Administrator of the Federal
Aviation Administration shall consult with each other to
determine the most appropriate action to be taken, in which--
``(A) the Secretary of Labor may file a civil
action in the United States district court for the
district in which the violation was found to occur to
enforce such order, for which, in actions brought under
this paragraph, the district courts shall have
jurisdiction to grant all appropriate relief including,
injunctive relief and compensatory damages; and
``(B) the Administrator of the Federal Aviation
Administration may assess a civil penalty pursuant to
section 46301.''.
SEC. 371. CIVIL PENALTIES FOR WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION PROGRAM
VIOLATIONS.
Section 46301(d)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
inserting ``section 42121,'' before ``chapter 441''.
SEC. 372. ENHANCED QUALIFICATION PROGRAM FOR RESTRICTED AIRLINE
TRANSPORT PILOT CERTIFICATE.
(a) Program.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish the
requirements for a program to be known as the Enhanced
Qualification Program (in this section referred to as the
``Program'') under which--
(A) qualified air carriers are certified by the
Administrator to provide enhanced training for eligible
pilots seeking to obtain restricted airline transport
certificates, either directly by the air carrier or by
a certified training institution under part 141 or part
142 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, that is
under contract with the qualified air carrier; and
(B) qualified instructors and evaluators provide
enhanced training to eligible pilots pursuant to the
curriculum requirements under paragraph (4).
(2) Qualified instructors and evaluators.--Under the
Program--
(A) all testing and training shall be performed by
qualified instructors; and
(B) all evaluations shall be performed by qualified
evaluators.
(3) Pilot assessment.--Under the Program, the Administrator
shall establish guidelines for an assessment that prospective
pilots are required to pass in order to participate in the
training under the Program. Such assessment shall include an
evaluation of the pilot's aptitude, ability, and readiness for
operation of transport category aircraft.
(4) Program curriculum.--Under the Program, the
Administrator shall establish requirements for the curriculum
to be provided under the Program. Such curriculum shall
include--
(A) a nationally standardized, non-air carrier or
aircraft-specific training curriculum which shall--
(i) ensure prospective pilots have
appropriate knowledge at the commercial pilot
certificate, multi-engine rating, and
instrument rating level;
(ii) introduce the pilots to concepts
associated with air carrier operations;
(iii) meet all requirements for an ATP
Certification Training Program under part
61.156 or part 142 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations; and
(iv) include a course of instruction
designed to prepare the prospective pilot to
take the ATP Multiengine Airplane Knowledge
Test;
(B) an aircraft-specific training curriculum,
developed by the air carrier using objectives and
learning standards developed by the Administrator,
which shall--
(i) only be administered to prospective
pilots who have completed the requirements
under subparagraph (A);
(ii) resemble a type rating training
curriculum that includes aircraft ground and
flight training that culminates in--
(I) the completion of a maneuvers
evaluation that incorporates elements
of a type rating practical test; or
(II) at the discretion of the air
carrier, an actual type rating
practical test resulting in the
issuance of a type rating for the
specific aircraft; and
(iii) ensure the prospective pilot has an
adequate understanding and working knowledge of
transport category aircraft automation and
autoflight systems; and
(C) air carrier-specific procedures using
objectives and learning standards developed by the
Administrator to further expand on the concepts
described in subparagraphs (A) and (B), which shall--
(i) only be administered to prospective
pilots who have completed requirements under
subparagraphs (A) and (B) and an ATP
Multiengine Airplane Knowledge Test;
(ii) include instructions on air carrier
checklist usage and standard operating
procedures; and
(iii) integrate aircraft-specific training
in appropriate flight simulation training
devices representing the specific aircraft
type, including complete crew resource
management and scenario-based training.
(5) Application and certification.--Under the Program, the
Administrator shall establish a process for air carriers to
apply for training program certification. Such process shall
include a review to ensure that the training provided by the
air carrier will meet the requirements of this section,
including--
(A) the assessment requirements under paragraph
(3);
(B) the curriculum requirements under paragraph
(4);
(C) the requirements for qualified instructors
under subsection (d)(5); and
(D) the requirements for eligible pilots under
subsection (d)(2).
(6) Data.--Under the Program, the Administrator shall
require that each qualified air carrier participating in the
Program collect and submit to the Administrator such data from
the Program that the Administrator determines is appropriate
for the Administrator to provide for oversight of the Program.
(7) Regular inspection.--Under the Program, the
Administrator shall provide for the regular inspection of
qualified air carriers certified under paragraph (5) to ensure
that the air carrier continues to meet the requirements under
the Program.
(b) Regulations.--The Administrator may issue regulations or
guidance as determined necessary to carry out the Program.
(c) Clarification Regarding Required Flight Hours.--The provisions
of this section shall have no effect on the total flight hours required
under part 61.159 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to receive
an airline transport pilot certificate, or the Administrator's
authority under section 217(d) of the Airline Safety and Federal
Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note)
(as in effect on the date of enactment of this section).
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the meaning
given that term in section 40102 of title 49, United States
Code.
(2) Eligible pilot.--The term ``eligible pilot'' means a
pilot that--
(A) has--
(i) graduated from a United States Armed
Forces undergraduate pilot training school;
(ii) obtained a degree with an aviation
major from an institution of higher education
(as defined in part 61.1 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations) that has been issued a
letter of authorization by the Administrator
under part 61.169 of such title 14; or
(iii) completed flight and ground training
for a commercial pilot certificate in the
airplane category and an airplane instrument
rating at a certified training institution
under part 141 of such title 14;
(B) has a current commercial pilot certificate
under part 61.123 of such title 14, with airplane
category multi-engine and instrument ratings under part
61.129 of such title 14; and
(C) meets the pilot assessment requirements under
subsection (a)(3).
(3) Qualified air carrier.--The term ``qualified air
carrier'' means an air carrier that has been issued a part 119
operating certificate for conducting operations under part 121
of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(4) Qualified evaluator.--The term ``qualified evaluator''
means an individual that meets the requirements for a training
center evaluator under part 142.55 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations, or for check airmen under part 121.411 of such
title.
(5) Qualified instructor.--The term ``qualified
instructor'' means an individual that--
(A) is qualified in accordance with the minimum
training requirements for an ATP Certification Training
Program under paragraphs (1) through (3) of part
121.410(b) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
(B) if the instructor is a flight instructor, is
qualified in accordance with part 121.410(b)(4) of such
title;
(C) if the instructor is administering type rating
practical tests, is qualified as an appropriate
examiner for such rating;
(D) received training in threat and error
management, facilitation, and risk mitigation
determined appropriate by the Administrator; and
(E) meets any other requirement determined
appropriate by the Administrator.
Subtitle B--Aviation Cybersecurity
SEC. 391. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Congress has tasked the FAA with responsibility for
securing the national airspace system, including the air
traffic control system and other air navigation services, civil
aircraft, and aeronautical products and articles through safety
regulation and oversight. These mandates have included
protecting against cyber threats affecting aviation safety or
the Administration's provision of safe, secure, and efficient
air navigation services and airspace management.
(2) In 2016, Congress passed the FAA Extension, Safety, and
Security Act of 2016, pursuant to which the FAA enhanced the
cybersecurity of the national airspace system by--
(A) developing a cybersecurity strategic plan;
(B) coordinating with other Federal agencies to
identify cyber vulnerabilities;
(C) developing a cyber threat model; and
(D) completing a comprehensive, strategic policy
framework to identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks
to the air traffic control system.
(3) In 2018, Congress passed the FAA Reauthorization Act of
2018 which--
(A) authorized funding for the construction of FAA
facilities dedicated to improving the cybersecurity of
the national airspace system;
(B) required the FAA to review and update its
comprehensive, strategic policy framework for
cybersecurity to assess the degree to which the
framework identifies and addresses known cybersecurity
risks associated with the aviation system, and evaluate
existing short- and long-term objectives for addressing
cybersecurity risks to the national airspace system;
(C) created a Chief Technology Officer position
within the FAA to be responsible for, among other
things, coordinating the implementation, operation,
maintenance, and cybersecurity of technology programs
relating to the air traffic control system with the
aviation industry and other Federal agencies; and
(D) directed the National Academy of Sciences to
study the cybersecurity workforce of the FAA in order
to develop recommendations to increase the size,
quality, and diversity of such workforce.
(4) Congress has declared that the FAA is the primary
Federal agency to assess and address the threats posed from
cyber incidents relating to FAA-provided air traffic control
and air navigation services and the threats posed from cyber
incidents relating to civil aircraft, aeronautical products and
articles, aviation networks, aviation systems, services, and
operations, and the aerospace industry affecting aviation
safety or the provision of safe, secure, and efficient air
navigation services and airspace management by the
Administration.
SEC. 392. AEROSPACE PRODUCT SAFETY.
(a) Cybersecurity Standards.--Section 44701(a) of title 49, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``cybersecurity,'' after
``quality of work,''; and
(2) in paragraph (5)--
(A) by inserting ``cybersecurity and'' after
``standards for''; and
(B) by striking ``procedure'' and inserting
``procedures''.
(b) Exclusive Rulemaking Authority.--Section 44701 of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(g) Exclusive Rulemaking Authority.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law and except as provided in section 40131, the
Administrator, in consultation with the heads of such other agencies as
the Administrator determines necessary, shall have exclusive authority
to prescribe regulations for purposes of assuring the cybersecurity of
civil aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, and appliances.''.
SEC. 393. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS, POLICY, AND
GUIDANCE.
(a) In General.--Chapter 401 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 40131. National airspace system cyber threat management process
``(a) Establishment.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation
Administration, in consultation with the heads of other agencies as the
Administrator determines necessary, shall establish a national airspace
system cyber threat management process to protect the national airspace
system cyber environment, including the safety, security, and
efficiency of air navigation services provided by the Administration.
``(b) Issues To Be Addressed.--In establishing the national
airspace system cyber threat management process under subsection (a),
the Administrator shall, at a minimum--
``(1) monitor the national airspace system for significant
cybersecurity incidents;
``(2) in consultation with appropriate Federal agencies,
evaluate the cyber threat landscape for the national airspace
system, including updating such evaluation on both annual and
threat-based timelines;
``(3) conduct national airspace system cyber incident
analyses;
``(4) create a cyber common operating picture for the
national airspace system cyber environment;
``(5) coordinate national airspace system significant cyber
incident responses with other appropriate Federal agencies;
``(6) track significant cyber incident detection, response,
mitigation implementation, recovery, and closure;
``(7) establish a process, or utilize existing processes,
to share relevant significant cyber incident data related to
the national airspace system;
``(8) facilitate significant cybersecurity reporting,
including through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency;
and
``(9) consider any other matter the Administrator
determines appropriate.
``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Cyber common operating picture.--The term `cyber
common operating picture' means the correlation of a detected
cyber incident or cyber threat in the national airspace system
and other operational anomalies to provide a holistic view of
potential cause and impact.
``(2) Cyber environment.--The term `cyber environment'
means the information environment consisting of the
interdependent networks of information technology
infrastructures and resident data, including the internet,
telecommunications networks, computer systems, and embedded
processors and controllers.
``(3) Cyber incident.--The term `cyber incident' means an
action that creates noticeable degradation, disruption, or
destruction to the cyber environment and causes a safety or
other negative impact on operations of--
``(A) the national airspace system;
``(B) civil aircraft; or
``(C) aeronautical products and articles.
``(4) Cyber threat.--The term `cyber threat' means the
threat of an action that, if carried out, would constitute a
cyber incident or an electronic attack.
``(5) Electronic attack.--The term `electronic attack'
means the use of electromagnetic spectrum energy to impede
operations in the cyber environment, including through
techniques such as jamming or spoofing.
``(6) Significant cyber incident.--The term `significant
cyber incident' means a cyber incident, or a group of related
cyber incidents, that the Administrator determines is likely to
result in demonstrable harm to the national airspace system of
the United States.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 401 of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``40131. National airspace system cyber threat management process.''.
SEC. 394. SECURING AIRCRAFT AVIONICS SYSTEMS.
Section 506(a) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C.
44704 note) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking
``consider, where appropriate, revising'' and inserting
``revise, as appropriate, existing'';
(2) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(3) in paragraph (2) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) to establish a process and timeline by which
software-based systems and equipment, including aircraft flight
critical systems of aircraft operated under part 121 of title
14, Code of Federal Regulations, can be regularly screened to
attempt to determine whether the software-based systems and
equipment have been compromised by unauthorized external or
internal access.''.
SEC. 395. CIVIL AVIATION CYBERSECURITY RULEMAKING COMMITTEE.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall convene an aviation rulemaking
committee on civil aircraft cybersecurity to conduct reviews (as
segmented under subsection (c)) and develop findings and
recommendations on cybersecurity standards for civil aircraft, aircraft
ground support information systems, airports, air traffic control
mission systems, and aeronautical products and articles.
(b) Duties.--The Administrator shall--
(1) for each segmented review conducted by the committee
convened under subsection (a), submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report based on the findings of such
review; and
(2) not later than 180 days after the date of submission of
a report under paragraph (1) and, in consultation with other
agencies as the Administrator determines necessary, for
consensus recommendations reached by such aviation rulemaking
committee--
(A) undertake a rulemaking, if appropriate, based
on such recommendations; and
(B) submit to the appropriate committees of
Congress a supplemental report with explanations for
each consensus recommendation not addressed, if
applicable, by a rulemaking under subparagraph (A).
(c) Segmentation.--In tasking the aviation rulemaking committee
with developing findings and recommendations relating to aviation
cybersecurity, the Administrator shall direct such committee to segment
and sequence work by the topic or subject matter of regulation,
including by directing the committee to establish subgroups to consider
different topics and subject matters.
(d) Composition.--The aviation rulemaking committee convened under
subsection (a) shall consist of members appointed by the Administrator,
including representatives of--
(1) aircraft manufacturers, to include at least 1
manufacturer of transport category aircraft;
(2) air carriers;
(3) unmanned aircraft system stakeholders, including
operators, service suppliers, and manufacturers of hardware
components and software applications;
(4) manufacturers of powered-lift aircraft;
(5) airports;
(6) original equipment manufacturers of ground and space-
based aviation infrastructure;
(7) aviation safety experts with specific knowledge of
aircraft cybersecurity; and
(8) a nonprofit which operates 1 or more federally funded
research and development centers with specific knowledge of
aviation and cybersecurity.
(e) Member Eligibility.--Prior to a member's appointment under
subsection (c), the Administrator shall establish appropriate
requirements related to nondisclosure, background investigations,
security clearances, or other screening mechanisms for applicable
members of the aviation rulemaking committee who require access to
sensitive security information or other protected information relevant
to the member's duties on the rulemaking committee. Members shall
protect the sensitive security information in accordance with part 1520
of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
(f) Prohibition on Compensation.--The members of the aviation
rulemaking committee convened under subsection (a) shall not receive
pay, allowances, or benefits from the Government by reason of their
service on such committee.
(g) Considerations.--The Administrator may direct such committee to
consider--
(1) existing aviation cybersecurity standards, regulations,
policies, and guidance, including those from other Federal
agencies, and the need to harmonize or deconflict proposed and
existing standards, regulations, policies, and guidance;
(2) threat- and risk-based security approaches used by the
aviation industry, including the assessment of the potential
costs and benefits of cybersecurity actions;
(3) data gathered from cybersecurity or safety reporting;
(4) the diversity of operations and systems on aircraft and
amongst air carriers;
(5) design approval holder aircraft network security
guidance for operators;
(6) FAA services, aviation industry services, and aircraft
use of positioning, navigation, and timing data in the context
of Executive Order No. 13905, as in effect on the date of
enactment of this Act;
(7) updates needed to airworthiness regulations and systems
safety assessment methods used to show compliance with
airworthiness requirements for design, function, installation,
and certification of civil aircraft, aeronautical products and
articles, and aircraft networks;
(8) updates needed to air carrier operating and maintenance
regulations to ensure continued adherence with processes and
procedures established in airworthiness regulations to provide
cybersecurity protections for aircraft systems, including for
continued airworthiness;
(9) policies and procedures to coordinate with other
Federal agencies, including intelligence agencies, and the
aviation industry in sharing information and analyses related
to cyber threats to civil aircraft information, data, networks,
systems, services, operations, and technology and aeronautical
products and articles;
(10) the response of the Administrator and aviation
industry to, and recovery from, cyber incidents, including by
coordinating with other Federal agencies, including
intelligence agencies;
(11) processes for members of the aviation industry to
voluntarily report to the FAA cyber incidents that may affect
aviation safety in a manner that protects trade secrets and
confidential business information;
(12) appropriate cybersecurity controls for aircraft
networks, aircraft systems, and aeronautical products and
articles to protect aviation safety, including airworthiness;
(13) appropriate cybersecurity controls for airports
relative to the size and nature of airside operations of such
airports to ensure aviation safety;
(14) minimum standards for protecting civil aircraft,
aeronautical products and articles, aviation networks, aviation
systems, services, and operations from cyber threats and cyber
incidents;
(15) international collaboration, where appropriate and
consistent with the interests of aviation safety in air
commerce and national security, with other civil aviation
authorities, international aviation and standards
organizations, and any other appropriate entities to protect
civil aviation from cyber incidents and cyber threats;
(16) activities of the Administrator under section 506 of
the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44704 note) (as
amended by section 394); and
(17) any other matter the Administrator determines
appropriate.
(h) Definitions.--The definitions set forth in section 40131 of
title 49, United States Code (as added by this subtitle), shall apply
to this section.
SEC. 396. GAO REPORT ON CYBERSECURITY OF COMMERCIAL AVIATION AVIONICS.
(a) In General.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a review on
the consideration, identification, and inclusion of aircraft
cybersecurity into the strategic framework of principles and policies
developed pursuant to section 2111 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and
Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44903 note).
(b) Contents.--In carrying out the review under subsection (a), the
Comptroller General shall assess--
(1) how onboard aircraft cybersecurity risks and
vulnerabilities are defined, identified, and accounted for in
the comprehensive and strategic framework described in
subsection (a), including how the implementation of such
framework protects and defends FAA networks and systems to
mitigate risks to FAA missions and service delivery;
(2) how onboard aircraft cybersecurity, particularly of
aircraft avionics, is considered, incorporated, and prioritized
for mitigation in the cybersecurity strategy, including
pursuant to the framework described in paragraph (1);
(3) how the Transportation Security Agency and FAA
differentiate and manage the roles and responsibilities for the
cybersecurity of aircraft and ground systems;
(4) how cybersecurity vulnerabilities of aircraft and
ground systems are considered, incorporated, and prioritized
for mitigation in the cybersecurity strategy; and
(5) the budgets of the parties responsible for implementing
the strategy framework for aviation security, as identified in
subsection (a), to satisfy mitigation requirements necessary to
secure the aviation ecosystem from onboard cybersecurity
vulnerabilities.
(c) Report Required.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit a report
containing the results of the review required by this section to--
(1) the appropriate committees of Congress;
(2) the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of
Representatives; and
(3) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs of the Senate.
TITLE IV--AEROSPACE WORKFORCE
SEC. 401. REPEAL OF DUPLICATIVE OR OBSOLETE WORKFORCE PROGRAMS.
(a) Repeal.--Sections 44510 and 44515 of title 49, United States
Code, are repealed.
(b) Clerical Amendments.--The analysis for chapter 445 of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by striking the items relating to
sections 44510 and 44515.
SEC. 402. CIVIL AIRMEN STATISTICS.
(a) Publication Frequency.--The Administrator shall publish the
study commonly referred to as the ``U.S. Civil Airmen Statistics'' on a
monthly basis.
(b) Presentation of Data.--The Administrator shall make the data
from the study under subsection (a) publicly available on the website
of the Administration in a user-friendly, downloadable format.
(c) Expanded Data Criteria.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall ensure that data sets
and tables published as part of the study described in subsection (a)
display information relating to the sex of certificate holders in more
instances.
(d) Historical Data.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall make all previously
published annual data from the study described in subsection (a)
available on the website of the Administration.
SEC. 403. BESSIE COLEMAN WOMEN IN AVIATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish the Bessie Coleman
Women in Aviation Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as
the ``Committee'').
(b) Purpose.--The Committee shall advise the Secretary and the
Administrator on matters and policies related to promoting the
recruitment, retention, employment, education, training, career
advancement, and well-being of women in the aviation industry and
aviation-focused Federal civil service positions.
(c) Form of Directives.--All activities carried out by the
Committee, including special committees, shall be in response to
written terms of work from the Secretary or taskings approved by a
majority of the voting members of the Committee and may not duplicate
the objectives of the Air Carrier Training Aviation Rulemaking
Committee.
(d) Functions.--In carrying out the directives described in
subsection (c), the functions of the Committee are as follows:
(1) Foster industry collaboration in an open and
transparent manner by engaging, as prescribed by this section,
with representatives of the private sector associated with an
entity described in subsection (e)(1)(B).
(2) Make recommendations for strategic objectives,
priorities, and policies that would improve the recruitment,
retention, training, and career advancement of women in
aviation professions.
(3) Evaluate opportunities for the Administration to
improve the recruitment and retention of women in the
Administration.
(4) Periodically review and update the recommendations
directed to the FAA and non-FAA entities produced by the
Advisory Board created pursuant to section 612 of the FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) to improve
the implementation of such recommendations.
(5) Coordinate with the Office of Civil Rights of the
Department of Transportation and the Federal Women's Program of
the FAA to ensure directives described in subsection (c) do not
duplicate objectives of such office or program.
(e) Membership.--
(1) Voting members.--The Committee shall be composed of the
following members:
(A) The Administrator, or the designee of the
Administrator.
(B) At least 25 individuals, appointed by the
Secretary, representing the following:
(i) Aircraft manufacturers and aerospace
companies.
(ii) Public and private aviation labor
organizations, including collective bargaining
representatives of--
(I) aviation safety inspectors and
safety engineers of the FAA;
(II) air traffic controllers;
(III) certified aircraft
maintenance technicians; and
(IV) commercial airline
crewmembers.
(iii) General aviation operators.
(iv) Air carriers.
(v) Business aviation operators, including
powered-lift operators.
(vi) Unmanned aircraft systems operators.
(vii) Aviation safety management experts.
(viii) Aviation maintenance, repair, and
overhaul entities.
(ix) Airport owners, operators, and
employees.
(x) Institutions of higher education (as
defined in section 101 of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), a postsecondary
vocational institution (as defined in section
102(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1002)), or a high school or secondary
school (as such terms are defined in section
8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)).
(xi) A flight school that provides flight
training, as defined in part 61 of title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations, or that holds a
pilot school certificate under part 141 of
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(xii) Aviation maintenance technician
schools governed under part 147 of title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations.
(xiii) Engineering business associations.
(xiv) Civil Air Patrol.
(xv) Nonprofit organizations within the
aviation industry.
(2) Nonvoting members.--
(A) In general.--In addition to the members
appointed under paragraph (1), the Committee shall be
composed of not more than 5 nonvoting members appointed
by the Secretary from among officers or employees of
the FAA, at least 1 of which shall be an employee of
the Office of Civil Rights of the FAA.
(B) Additional nonvoting members.--The Secretary
may invite representatives from the Department of
Education and Department of Labor to serve as nonvoting
members on the Committee.
(C) Duties.--The nonvoting members may--
(i) take part in deliberations of the
Committee; and
(ii) provide subject matter expertise with
respect to reports and recommendations of the
Committee.
(D) Limitation.--The nonvoting members may not
represent any stakeholder interest other than that of
the respective Federal agency of the member.
(3) Terms.--Each voting member and nonvoting member of the
Committee appointed by the Secretary shall be appointed for a
term that expires not later than the date on which the
authorization of the Committee expires under subsection (k).
(4) Committee characteristics.--The Committee shall have
the following characteristics:
(A) The ability to obtain necessary information
from additional experts in the aviation and aerospace
communities.
(B) A membership that enables the Committee to have
substantive discussions and reach consensus on issues
in a timely manner.
(C) Appropriate expertise, including expertise in
human resources, human capital management, policy,
labor relations, employment training, workforce
development, and youth outreach.
(5) Date.--Not later than 9 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall make the
appointments described in this subsection.
(f) Chairperson.--
(1) In general.--The Committee shall select a chairperson
from among the voting members of the Committee.
(2) Term.--The Chairperson shall serve a 2-year term.
(g) Meetings.--
(1) Frequency.--The Committee shall meet at least twice
each year at the call of the Chairperson or the Secretary.
(2) Public attendance.--The meetings of the Committee shall
be open and accessible to the public.
(3) Administrative support.--The Secretary shall furnish
the Committee with logistical and administrative support to
enable the Committee to perform the duties of the Committee.
(h) Special Committees.--
(1) Establishment.--The Committee may establish special
committees composed of industry representatives, members of the
public, labor representatives, and other relevant parties in
complying with the consultation and participation requirements
under subsection (d).
(2) Applicable law.--Chapter 10 of title 5, United States
Code, shall not apply to a special committee established by the
Committee.
(i) Personnel Matters.--
(1) No compensation of members.--
(A) Non-federal employees.--A member of the
Committee who is not an officer or employee of the
Government shall serve without compensation.
(B) Federal employees.--A member of the Committee
who is an officer or employee of the Federal Government
shall serve without compensation in addition to the
compensation received for the services of the member as
an officer or employee of the Federal Government.
(2) Death or resignation.--If a member of the Committee
dies or resigns during the term of service of such member, the
Secretary shall designate a successor for the unexpired term of
such member.
(j) Reports.--
(1) Task reports.--The Committee shall submit to the
Secretary and the appropriate committees of Congress annual
reports detailing the completion of each directive summarizing
the--
(A) findings and associated recommendations of the
Committee for any legislative and administrative
actions the Committee considers appropriate to improve
the advancement of women in aviation; and
(B) planned activities of the Committee, as
directed by the Secretary or approved by a majority of
voting members of the Committee, and proposed terms of
work to fulfill each activity.
(2) Additional reports.--The Committee may submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress, the Secretary, and the
Administrator additional reports and recommendations related to
education, training, recruitment, retention, and advancement of
women in the aviation industry as the Committee determines
appropriate.
(k) Sunset.--The authorization of the Committee shall expire on
October 1, 2028.
SEC. 404. FAA ENGAGEMENT AND COLLABORATION WITH HBCUS AND MSIS.
(a) In General.--The Administrator--
(1) shall continue--
(A) to partner with and conduct outreach to
Historically Black Colleges and Universities and
minority serving institutions to promote awareness of
educational and career opportunities, including the
Educational Partnership Initiative of the FAA, and
develop curriculum related to aerospace, aviation, and
air traffic control; and
(B) operation of the Minority Serving Institutions
Internship Program; and
(2) may--
(A) make internship placements under the Minority
Serving Institutions Internship Program available
during academic sessions throughout the year; and
(B) extend an internship placement under the
Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program for a
student beyond a single academic session.
(b) Program Data.--In carrying out the Minority Serving
Institutions Internship Program, the Administrator shall track data,
including annual metrics measuring the following with respect to such
Program:
(1) The total number of applicants.
(2) The total number of applicants offered an internship
and the total number of applicants who accept an internship.
(3) The line of business in which each intern is placed.
(4) The conversion rate of interns in the Program who are
hired as full-time FAA employees.
(c) Minority Serving Institution Defined.--In this section, the
term ``minority serving institution'' means an institution described in
paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 371(a) of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)).
SEC. 405. AIRMAN KNOWLEDGE TESTING WORKING GROUP.
(a) Working Group.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall task the Aviation
Rulemaking Advisory Committee to establish a working group to assess
and evaluate the appropriateness of allowing a high school student,
upon successful completion of an aviation maintenance curriculum, to
take the general written knowledge portion of the mechanic exam
described in section 65.75 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, at
an FAA-approved testing center.
(b) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the Aviation Rulemaking
Advisory Committee tasks the working group under subsection (a), the
working group shall submit to the Administrator a final report with
relevant findings and recommendations.
(c) High School Defined.--In this section, the term ``high school''
has the meaning given such term in section 8101 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
SEC. 406. AIRMAN CERTIFICATION STANDARDS.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall use the Aviation
Rulemaking Advisory Committee Airman Certification System Working Group
(in this section referred to as the ``Working Group'') to review airman
certification standards and ensure that airman proficiency and
knowledge correlates and corresponds to regulations, procedures,
equipment, aviation infrastructure, and safety trends at the time of
such review.
(b) Duties.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Working Group
shall--
(1) obtain industry recommendations on maintaining and
updating airman certification standards, including guidance
documents and airman tests;
(2) ensure tasks carried out by the Working Group are
addressed and completed in a timely and efficient manner; and
(3) recommend to the Administrator a means by which the FAA
may communicate to industry the process for establishing,
updating, and maintaining airman certification standards,
including relevant guidance documents, handbooks, and airman
test materials.
SEC. 407. AIRMAN'S MEDICAL BILL OF RIGHTS.
(a) In General.--
(1) Development.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a
document (in this section referred to as the ``Airman's Medical
Bill of Rights'') detailing the rights of an individual before,
during, and after a medical examination conducted by an
Aviation Medical Examiner.
(2) Contents.--The Airman's Medical Bill of Rights required
under paragraph (1) shall, at a minimum, contain information
about the right of an individual to--
(A) bring a trusted companion or request to have a
chaperone present for a medical examination;
(B) terminate an exam in accordance with guidelines
from the Administrator for appropriately terminating
such exam;
(C) receive medical examination with respect and
recognition of the dignity of the individual;
(D) be assured of privacy and confidentiality;
(E) select an Aviation Medical Examiner of the
choice of the individual, as long as the Aviation
Medical Examiner has the required designations;
(F) privacy when changing, undressing, and using
the restroom;
(G) ask questions about FAA medical standards and
the applicability to the current health status of the
individual;
(H) report an incident of misconduct by an Aviation
Medical Examiner to the appropriate authorities,
including to the State licensing board of the Aviation
Medical Examiner or the FAA;
(I) report to the Administrator an allegation
regarding alleged Aviation Medical Examiner misconduct
without fear of retaliation or negative action relating
to an airman certificate of the individual; and
(J) be advised of any known conflicts of interest
an Aviation Medical Examiner may have with respect to
the medical examination of the individual.
(3) Public availability.--The Airman's Medical Bill of
Rights required under paragraph (1) shall be--
(A) made available to, and acknowledged by, an
individual in the MedXpress system (or any successor
system);
(B) made available in a hard-copy format by an
Aviation Medical Examiner at the time of exam upon
request by an individual; and
(C) displayed in a common space in the office of
the Aviation Medical Examiner.
(b) Expectations for Medical Examinations.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a
simplified document explaining the standard procedures
performed during a medical examination conducted by an Aviation
Medical Examiner.
(2) Public availability.--The document required under
paragraph (1) shall be--
(A) made available to, and acknowledged by, an
individual in the MedXpress system (or any successor
system);
(B) made available in a hard-copy format by an
Aviation Medical Examiner at the time of exam upon
request by an individual; and
(C) displayed in a common space in the office of
the Aviation Medical Examiner.
SEC. 408. IMPROVED DESIGNEE MISCONDUCT REPORTING PROCESS.
(a) Improved Designee Misconduct Reporting Process.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a
streamlined process for individuals involved in incidents of
alleged misconduct by a designee to report such incidents in a
manner that protects the privacy and confidentiality of such
individuals.
(2) Public access to reporting process.--The process for
reporting alleged misconduct by a designee shall be made
available to the public on the website of the Administration,
including--
(A) the designee locator search webpage; and
(B) the webpage of the Office of Audit and
Evaluation of the FAA.
(3) Obligation to report criminal charges.--Not later than
90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator shall revise the orders and policies governing
the Designee Management System to clarify that designees are
obligated to report any arrest, indictment, or conviction for
violation of a local, State, or Federal law within a period of
time specified by the Administrator.
(4) Audit of reporting process by inspector general.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the
date on which the Administrator finalizes the update of
the reporting process under paragraph (1), the
inspector general of the Department of Transportation
shall conduct an audit of such reporting process.
(B) Contents.--In conducting the audit of the
reporting process described in subparagraph (A), the
inspector general shall, at a minimum--
(i) review the efforts of the
Administration to improve the reporting process
and solutions developed to respond to and
investigate allegations of misconduct;
(ii) analyze reports of misconduct brought
to the Administrator prior to any changes made
to the reporting process as a result of the
enactment of this Act, including the ultimate
outcomes of those reports and whether any
reports resulted in the Administrator taking
action against the accused designee;
(iii) determine whether the reporting
process results in appropriate action,
including reviewing, investigating, and closing
out reports; and
(iv) if applicable, make recommendations to
improve the reporting process.
(C) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of initiation of the audit described in subparagraph
(A), the inspector general shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the
results of such audit, including findings and
recommendations.
(b) Designee Defined.--In this section, the term ``designee'' means
an individual who has been designated to act as a representative of the
Administrator as--
(1) an Aviation Medical Examiner (as described in section
183.21 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);
(2) a pilot examiner (as described in section 183.23 of
such title); or
(3) a technical personnel examiner (as described in section
183.25 of such title).
SEC. 409. REPORT ON SAFE UNIFORM OPTIONS FOR CERTAIN AVIATION
EMPLOYEES.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall review whether air
carriers operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations, and repair stations certificated under part 145 of such
title have in place uniform policies and uniform offerings that ensure
pregnant employees can perform required duties safely.
(b) Consultation.--In conducting the review required under
subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult with air carriers and
repair stations described in subsection (a) and employees of such air
carriers and such stations who are required to adhere to a uniform
policy.
(c) Briefing.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees
of Congress on the results of the review required under subsection (a).
SEC. 410. HUMAN FACTORS PROFESSIONALS.
The Administrator shall take such actions as may be necessary to
establish a new work code for human factors professionals who--
(1) perform work involving the design and testing of
technologies, processes, and systems which require effective
and safe human performance;
(2) generate and apply theories, principles, practical
concepts, systems, and processes related to the design and
testing of technologies, systems, and training programs to
support and evaluate human performance in work contexts; and
(3) meet education or experience requirements as determined
by the Administrator.
SEC. 411. AEROMEDICAL INNOVATION AND MODERNIZATION WORKING GROUP.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a working
group (in this section referred to as the ``working group'') to review
the medical processes, policies, and procedures of the Administration
and to make recommendations to the Administrator on modernizing such
processes, policies, and procedures to ensure timely and efficient
certification of airmen.
(b) Membership.--
(1) In general.--The working group shall consist of--
(A) 2 co-chairs described in paragraph (2); and
(B) not less than 15 individuals appointed by the
Administrator, each of whom shall have knowledge or a
background in aerospace medicine, psychiatry,
neurology, cardiology, or internal medicine.
(2) Co-chairs.--The working group shall be co-chaired by--
(A) the Federal Air Surgeon of the FAA; and
(B) a member described under paragraph (1)(A) to be
selected by members of the working group.
(3) Preference.--The Administrator, in appointing members
pursuant to paragraph (1)(B), shall give preference to--
(A) Aviation Medical Examiners (as described in
section 183.21 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations);
(B) licensed medical physicians;
(C) practitioners holding a pilot certificate; and
(D) individuals having demonstrated research and
expertise in aeromedical research or sciences.
(c) Activities.--In reviewing the aeromedical decision-making
processes, policies, and procedures of the Administration in accordance
with subsection (a), the working group, at a minimum, shall--
(1) assess the medical conditions an Aviation Medical
Examiner may issue a medical certificate directly to an
individual;
(2) determine the appropriateness of the list of such
medical conditions as of the date of enactment of this Act;
(3) assess the special issuance process;
(4) determine the appropriateness of whether a renewal of a
special issuance can be based on a medical evaluation and
treatment plan by the treating medical specialist of the
individual pursuant to approval from an Aviation Medical
Examiner;
(5) evaluate advancements in technologies to address forms
of red-green color blindness and determine whether such
technologies may be approved for use by airmen;
(6) review policies and guidance relating to Attention-
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder;
(7) evaluate whether medications used to treat such
disorders may be safely prescribed to airmen;
(8) review protocols pertaining to the Human Intervention
Motivation Study of the FAA;
(9) review protocols and policies relating to--
(A) neurological disorders; and
(B) cardiovascular conditions to ensure alignment
with medical best practices, latest research;
(10) review mental health protocols and medications
approved for treating such mental health conditions, including
such actions taken resulting from recommendations by the Mental
Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Rulemaking Committee;
(11) assess processes and protocols pertaining to
recertification of airmen receiving disability insurance post-
recovery from the medical condition, injury, or disability that
precludes airmen from exercising the privileges of an airman
certificate;
(12) assess processes and protocols pertaining to the
certification of veterans reporting a disability rating from
the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
(13) assess and evaluate the user interface and
information-sharing capabilities of any online medical portal
administered by the FAA.
(d) Aviation Workforce Mental Health Task Group.--
(1) Establishment.--Not later than 120 days after the
working group pursuant to subsection (a) is established, the
co-chairs of such working group shall establish an aviation
workforce mental health task group (referred to in this
subsection as the ``task group'') to oversee, monitor, and
evaluate efforts of the Administrator related to supporting the
mental health of the aviation workforce.
(2) Composition.--The co-chairs of such working group shall
appoint--
(A) a Chair of the task group; and
(B) members of the task group from among the
members of the working group appointed by the
Administrator under subsection (b)(1).
(3) Duties.--The duties of the task group shall include--
(A) carrying out the activities described in
subsection (c)(10);
(B) soliciting feedback from aviation industry
professionals or other licensed professionals
representing air carrier operations under part 121 and
part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and
general aviation operations under part 91 of title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations;
(C) reviewing and evaluating guidance issued by the
International Civil Aviation Organization on aviation
workforce mental health;
(D) providing advice, as appropriate, on the
implementation of the final recommendations issued by
the inspector general of the Department of
Transportation in the report titled, ``FAA Conduct
Comprehensive Evaluations of Pilots With Mental Health
Challenges, but Opportunities Exist to Further Mitigate
Safety Risks'', published on July 12, 2023 (AV2023038);
(E) monitoring and evaluating the implementation of
recommendations by the Mental Health and Aviation
Medical Clearances Rulemaking Committee;
(F) expanding and improving mental health outreach,
education, and assistance programs for the aviation
workforce; and
(G) reducing the stigma associated with mental
healthcare in the aviation workforce.
(4) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the
establishment of the task group, the task group shall submit to
the Secretary and the appropriate committees of Congress a
report detailing--
(A) the results of the review under paragraph
(3)(A); and
(B) progress on the implementation of
recommendations pursuant to subparagraphs (D) and (E)
of paragraph (3); and
(C) the activities carried out pursuant to
fulfilling the duties described in subparagraphs (F)
and (G) of paragraph (3).
(e) Support.--The Administrator shall seek to enter into 1 or more
agreements with the National Academies to support the activities of the
working group described in subsection (c).
(f) Findings and Recommendations.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the working
group shall submit to the Administrator and the appropriate committees
of Congress a report on the findings and recommendations resulting from
the activities carried out under subsection (c).
(g) Implementation.--Not later than 1 year after receiving
recommendations outlined in the report under subsection (f), the
Administrator may take such action, as appropriate, to implement such
recommendations.
(h) Sunset.--The working group shall terminate on October 1, 2028.
SEC. 412. FRONTLINE MANAGER WORKLOAD STUDY.
(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall conduct a study on frontline
manager workload challenges in air traffic control facilities.
(b) Considerations.--In conducting the study required under
subsection (a), the Administrator may--
(1) consider--
(A) workload challenges including--
(i) the tasks expected to be performed by
frontline managers, including employee
development, management, and counseling;
(ii) the number of supervisory positions of
operations requiring watch coverage in each air
traffic control facility;
(iii) the complexity of traffic and
managerial responsibilities; and
(iv) proficiency and training requirements;
(B) facility type;
(C) facility staffing levels; and
(D) any other factors as the Administrator
considers appropriate; and
(2) describe recommendations for updates to the Frontline
Manager's Quick Reference Guide that reflect current
operational standards.
(c) Briefing.--Not later than 3 years 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 subsection (a).
SEC. 413. MEDICAL PORTAL MODERNIZATION TASK GROUP.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 120 days after the working group
pursuant to section 411 is established, the co-chairs of such working
group shall establish a medical portal modernization task group (in
this section referred to as the ``task group'') to evaluate the user
interface and information sharing capabilities of an online medical
portal administered by the FAA.
(b) Composition.--The co-chairs of the working group provided for
in section 411 shall appoint--
(1) a Chair of the task group; and
(2) members of the task group from among the members of the
working group appointed by the Administrator under section
411(b).
(c) Assessment; Recommendations.--The task group shall, at a
minimum, assess and evaluate the capabilities of any such medical
portal and provide recommendations to improve the following:
(1) The cybersecurity protections and protocols of any such
medical portal, including the secure exchange of health
information and records between Aviation Medical Examiners and
pilots, or their designee, including the ability for airmen to
submit additional information requested by the Administrator.
(2) The status of an airman's medical application and the
disclosure of how long an airman can expect to wait for a final
determination to be issued by the Administrator.
(3) The disclosure of the name and contact information of
the Administrator's representative managing an airman's case so
that an Aviation Medical Examiner has a point of contact within
the Administration who is familiar with an airman's
application.
(d) Consultation.--In carrying out the duties described in
subsection (c), the task group may consult with cybersecurity experts
and individuals with a knowledge of securing electronic health care
transactions.
(e) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
establishment of the task group, the task group shall submit to the
Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress a report
detailing activities and recommendations of the task group.
(f) Implementation.--Not later than 1 year after receiving the
report described in subsection (e), the Administrator may take such
action as may be necessary to implement recommendations of the task
group to improve any such medical portal.
SEC. 414. STUDY OF HIGH SCHOOL AVIATION MAINTENANCE TRAINING PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study to assess
high school aviation maintenance technician programs and identify any
barriers for graduates of such programs with respect to--
(1) pursuing post-secondary or vocational academic training
at an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school; or
(2) obtaining the training and experience necessary to
become an FAA-certificated mechanic through on-the-job training
or alternative pathways.
(b) Contents.--The study required under subsection (a) shall assess
the following:
(1) The number of high school aviation maintenance programs
in the United States and the typical career outcomes for
graduates of such programs.
(2) The extent to which such programs offer curricula that
align with FAA mechanic Airman Certification Standards.
(3) The number of such programs that partner with FAA-
approved aviation maintenance technician schools (as described
in part 147 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations).
(4) The level of engagement between the FAA and high school
aviation maintenance programs with respect to developing
curricula to build the foundational knowledge and skills
necessary for a student to attain FAA mechanic certification
and associated ratings.
(5) Barriers to accessing the general knowledge test
described in section 65.71(a)(3) of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations.
(6) The applicability of all FAA regulations and policies
in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act
as such regulations and policies apply to student enrollees of
high school aviation maintenance programs and whether such
regulations or policies pose any barriers to students
interested in pursuing a career in the field of aviation
maintenance.
(c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the completion of the
study required under this section, the Comptroller General shall
provide to the Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress
a report on the findings of such study, including recommendations for
any legislative and administrative actions as the Comptroller General
determines appropriate.
SEC. 415. IMPROVED ACCESS TO AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SIMULATION TRAINING.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall continue making tower
simulator systems (in this section referred to as ``TSS'') more
accessible to all air traffic controller specialists assigned to an air
traffic control tower of the FAA (in this section referred to as an
``ATCT''), regardless of facility assignment.
(b) Cloud-based Visual Database and Software System.--Not later
than 30 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator shall develop and implement a cloud-based visual database
and software system that is compatible with existing and future TSS
that, at a minimum, includes--
(1) the unique runway layout, approach paths, and lines of
sight of every ATCT; and
(2) specifications that meet all applicable data security
requirements.
(c) TSS Upgrades.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall upgrade existing,
permanent TSS so that the TSS is, at a minimum, capable of--
(1) securely and quickly downloading data from the cloud-
based visual database and software system described in
subsection (b); and
(2) running scenarios for each ATCT involving differing
levels of air traffic volume and varying complexities,
including, aircraft emergencies, rapidly changing weather,
issuance of safety alerts, special air traffic procedures for
events of national or international significance, and
recovering from unforeseen events or losses of separation.
(d) Mobile TSS.--Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall acquire and implement mobile TSS
at each ATCT that is without an existing, permanent TSS so that the
mobile TSS is capable of, at a minimum, the capabilities described in
paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c).
(e) Collaboration.--In carrying out this section, the Administrator
may collaborate with the exclusive bargaining representative of air
traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United
States Code.
SEC. 416. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER INSTRUCTOR RECRUITMENT, HIRING, AND
RETENTION.
(a) In General.--No later than 270 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate a study examining the
recruitment, hiring, and retention of air traffic controller
instructors and the projected number of instructors needed to maintain
the safety of the national airspace system over a 5-year period
beginning with fiscal year 2025.
(b) Contents.--The Administrator shall include in the study
required under subsection (a) the following:
(1) An examination of projected instructor staffing
targets, including the number of on-the-job instructors needed
for the instruction and training of Certified Professional
Controllers (in this section referred to as ``CPCs'') in
training.
(2) An analysis on whether involving additional retired
CPCs as instructors, including for classroom training, would
produce improvements in air traffic controller instruction and
training.
(3) Recommendations on how and where to utilize retired
CPCs.
(4) The effect on the ability of active CPCs to carry out
on-the-job duties, other than instruction, and any related
efficiencies if additional retired CPCs were involved as
instructors.
(5) The known vulnerabilities, as categorized by FAA Air
Traffic Organization regions, in cases in which the FAA
requires CPCs to provide instruction and training to CPCs in
training is a significant burden on FAA air traffic controller
staffing levels.
(c) Deadline.--Not later than 2 years after the date on which the
Administrator initiates the study required under subsection (a), the
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the
results of the study and any actions that may be taken by the
Administrator based on such results.
SEC. 417. ENSURING HIRING OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALISTS IS BASED
ON ASSESSMENT OF JOB-RELEVANT APTITUDES.
(a) Review of the Air Traffic Skills Assessment.--Not later than
180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator
shall review and revise, if necessary, the Air Traffic Skills
Assessment (in this section referred to as the ``AT-SA'') administered
to air traffic controller applicants described in clauses (ii) and
(iii) of section 44506(f)(1)(B) of title 49, United States Code, in
accordance with the following requirements, the Administrator shall:
(1) Evaluate all questions on the AT-SA and determine
whether a peer-reviewed job analysis that ensures all questions
test job-relevant aptitudes would result in improvements in the
air traffic control specialist workforce training and hiring
process.
(2) Assess the assumptions and methodologies used to
develop the AT-SA, the job-relevant aptitudes measured, and the
scoring process for the assessment.
(3) Assess whether any other revisions to the AT-SA are
necessary to enhance the air traffic control specialist
workforce training and hiring process.
(b) DOT Inspector General Report.--Not later than 180 days after
the completion of the review and any necessary revision of the AT-SA
required under subsection (a), the inspector general of the Department
of Transportation shall submit to the Administrator, the appropriate
committees of Congress, and, upon request, to any member of Congress, a
report that assesses the AT-SA and any applicable revisions, a
description of any associated actions taken by the Administrator, and
any other recommendations to address the results of the report.
SEC. 418. PILOT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE VETERANS WITH PILOT TRAINING
SERVICES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary
of Education and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall establish a
pilot program to provide grants to eligible entities to provide pilot
training activities and related education to support a pathway for
veterans to become commercial aviators.
(b) Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term ``eligible entity''
means a pilot school or provisional pilot school that--
(1) holds an Air Agency Certificate under part 141 of title
14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
(2) has an established employment pathway with at least 1
air carrier operating under part 121 or 135 of title 14, Code
of Federal Regulations.
(c) Priority Application.--In selecting eligible entities under
this section, the Secretary shall prioritize eligible entities that
meet the following criteria:
(1) An eligible entity accredited (as defined in section
61.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) by an
accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary of Education.
(2) An eligible entity that holds a letter of authorization
issued in accordance with section 61.169 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations.
(d) Use of Funds.--Amounts from a grant received by an eligible
entity under the pilot program established under subsection (a) shall
be used for the following:
(1) Administrative costs related to implementation of the
program described in subsection (a) not to exceed 5 percent of
the amount awarded.
(2) To provide guidance and pilot training services,
including tuition and flight training fees for veterans
enrolled with an eligible entity, to support such veterans in
obtaining any of the following pilot certificates and ratings:
(A) Private pilot certificate with airplane single-
engine or multi-engine ratings.
(B) Instrument rating.
(C) Commercial pilot certificate with airplane
single-engine or multi-engine ratings.
(D) Multi-engine rating.
(E) Certificated flight instructor single-engine
certificate, if applicable to the degree sought.
(F) Certificated flight instructor multi-engine
certificate, if applicable to the degree sought.
(G) Certificated flight instructor instrument
certificate, if applicable to the degree sought.
(3) To provide educational materials, training materials,
and equipment to support pilot training activities and related
education for veterans enrolled with the eligible entity.
(4) To provide periodic reports to the Secretary on use of
the grant funds, including documentation of training completion
of the certificates and ratings described in subparagraphs (A)
through (G) of paragraph (2).
(e) Award Amount Limit.--An award granted to an eligible entity
shall not exceed more than $750,000 in any given fiscal year.
(f) Appropriations.--To carry out this section, there is authorized
to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through
2028.
SEC. 419. PROVIDING NON-FEDERAL WEATHER OBSERVER TRAINING TO AIRPORT
PERSONNEL.
The Administrator may take such actions as are necessary to provide
training that is easily accessible and streamlined for airport
personnel to become certified as non-Federal weather observers so that
such personnel can manually provide weather observations in any case in
which automated surface observing systems and automated weather
observing systems experience outages and errors to ensure operational
safety at airports.
SEC. 420. PROHIBITION OF REMOTE DISPATCHING.
(a) Amendments to Prohibition.--
(1) In general.--Section 44711(a) of title 49, United
States Code, is amended--
(A) in paragraph (9) by striking ``or'' after the
semicolon;
(B) by redesignating paragraph (10) as paragraph
(11); and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following:
``(10) work as an aircraft dispatcher outside of a physical
location designated as a dispatching center or flight following
center of an air carrier, except as provided under section
44747; or''.
(2) Regulations.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue
regulations requiring persons to comply with section
44711(a)(10) of title 49, United States Code (as added by
paragraph (1)).
(b) Aircraft Dispatching.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 447 of title 49, United States
Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44748. Aircraft dispatching
``(a) Aircraft Dispatching Certificate.--No person may serve as an
aircraft dispatcher for an air carrier unless such person holds the
appropriate aircraft dispatcher certificate issued by the Administrator
of the Federal Aviation Administration.
``(b) Proof of Certification.--Upon the request of the
Administrator or an authorized representative of the National
Transportation Safety Board, or other appropriate Federal agency, a
person who holds such a certificate, and is performing dispatching,
shall present the certificate for inspection.
``(c) Dispatch Centers and Flight Following Centers.--
``(1) Establishment.--Each air carrier shall establish and
maintain sufficient dispatch centers and flight following
centers necessary to maintain operational control of each
flight of the air carrier at all times.
``(2) Requirements.--An air carrier shall ensure that each
dispatch center and flight following center of the air
carrier--
``(A) has a sufficient number of aircraft
dispatchers on duty at the dispatch center or flight
following center to ensure proper operational control
of each flight of the air carrier at all times;
``(B) has the necessary equipment, in good repair,
to maintain proper operational control of each flight
of the air carrier at all times; and
``(C) includes the presence of physical security
and cybersecurity protections to prevent unauthorized
access to the dispatch center or flight following
center or to the operations of either such center.
``(d) Prohibition.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), an
air carrier may not dispatch aircraft from any location other
than the dispatch center or flight following center of the air
carrier.
``(2) Emergency authority.--In the event of an emergency or
other event that renders a dispatch center or a flight
following center inoperable, an air carrier may dispatch
aircraft from a location other than the dispatch center or
flight following center of the air carrier for a period of time
not to exceed 14 consecutive days per location without approval
of the Administrator.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 447 of
such title is further amended by adding at the end the
following:
``44748. Aircraft dispatching.''.
SEC. 421. CREWMEMBER PUMPING GUIDANCE.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue guidance to part
121 air carriers relating to the expression of milk by crewmembers on
an aircraft during noncritical phases of flight, consistent with the
performance of the crewmember's duties aboard the aircraft. The
guidance shall be equally applicable to any lactating crewmember. In
developing the guidance, the Administrator shall--
(1) consider multiple methods of expressing breast milk
that could be used by crewmembers, including the use of
wearable lactation technology; and
(2) ensure the guidance will not require an air carrier or
foreign air carrier to incur significant expense, such as
through--
(A) the addition of an extra crewmember in response
to providing a break;
(B) removal or retrofitting of seats on the
aircraft; or
(C) modification or retrofitting of an aircraft.
(b) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Crewmember.--The term ``crewmember'' has the meaning
given such term in section 1.1 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations.
(2) Critical phases of flight.--The term ``critical phases
of flight'' has the meaning given such term in section 121.542
of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(3) Part 121.--The term ``part 121'' means part 121 of
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(c) Aviation Safety.--Nothing in this section shall limit the
authority of the Administrator relating to aviation safety under
subtitle VII of title 49, United States Code.
SEC. 422. GAO STUDY AND REPORT ON EXTENT AND EFFECTS OF COMMERCIAL
AVIATION PILOT SHORTAGE ON REGIONAL/COMMUTER CARRIERS.
(a) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study to
identify the extent and effects of the commercial aviation pilot
shortage on regional/commuter carriers (as such term is defined in
section 41719(d) of title 49, United States Code).
(b) Report.--Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report containing the results of the study
conducted under subsection (a), including recommendations for such
legislation and administrative action as the Comptroller General
determines appropriate.
SEC. 423. REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS OF FEDERAL
AVIATION ADMINISTRATION YOUTH ACCESS TO AMERICAN JOBS IN
AVIATION TASK FORCE.
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary, acting through the Administrator, shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the implementation of
the following recommendations of the Youth Access to American Jobs in
Aviation Task Force of the FAA established under section 602 of the FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254):
(1) Improve information access about careers in aviation
and aerospace.
(2) Collaboration across regions of the FAA on outreach and
workforce development programs.
(3) Increase opportunities for mentoring, pre-
apprenticeships, and apprenticeships in aviation.
SEC. 424. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON IMPROVING UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM
STAFFING AT FAA.
It is the sense of Congress that the Administrator should leverage
the Unmanned Aircraft System Collegiate Training Initiative to address
any staffing challenges and skills gaps within the FAA to support
efforts to facilitate the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems
and other new airspace entrants into the national airspace system.
SEC. 425. JOINT AVIATION EMPLOYMENT TRAINING WORKING GROUP.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish an interagency
working group (in this section referred to as the ``working group'') to
advise the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense on matters and
policies related to increasing awareness of the eligibility, training,
and experience requirements needed to become an FAA-certified or a
military-covered aviation professional in order to improve career
transitions between the military and civilian workforces.
(b) Membership.--
(1) In general.--The working group shall consist of--
(A) 2 co-chairs described in paragraph (2);
(B) not less than 6 representatives of the FAA, to
be appointed by the co-chair described in paragraph
(2)(A); and
(C) not less than 1 representative of each
component of the armed forces (as such term is defined
in section 101 of title 10, United States Code), to be
appointed by the co-chair described in paragraph
(2)(B).
(2) Co-chairs.--The working group shall be co-chaired by--
(A) a representative of the Department of
Transportation, to be appointed by the Secretary; and
(B) a representative of the Department of Defense,
to be appointed by the Secretary of Defense.
(c) Activities.--The working group shall--
(1) evaluate and compare all eligibility, training, and
experience requirements for individuals interested in becoming
FAA-certified, or serving in the armed forces, as covered
aviation professionals, including agency policies, guidance,
and orders affecting covered aviation professionals;
(2) identify challenges that inhibit recruitment, training,
and retention within the respective workforces of such
professionals;
(3) assess methods to improve outreach, engagement, and
awareness of eligibility, training, and experience requirements
needed to enter careers of covered aviation professionals;
(4) consult with representatives from nonprofit
organizations supporting veterans and representatives from
aviation industry organizations representing covered aviation
professionals in the development of recommendations required
pursuant to subsection (d)(2)(B); and
(5) identify opportunities for increased interagency
information sharing across workforces on matters related to
certification pathways, including knowledge testing, affecting
covered aviation professionals.
(d) Initial Report to Congress.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date on
which the Secretary establishes the working group, the working
group shall submit to the covered committees of Congress an
initial report on the activities of the working group.
(2) Contents.--The report required under paragraph (1)
shall include--
(A) a detailed description of the findings of the
working group pursuant to the activities required under
subsection (c), including feedback offered by
representatives described in subsection (c)(4); and
(B) recommendations for regulatory, policy, or
legislative action to improve awareness of the
eligibility, training, and experience requirements
needed to become FAA-certified or military-covered
aviation professionals across the civilian and military
workforces.
(e) Annual Reporting.--Not later than 1 year after the date on
which the working group submits the initial report under subsection
(d), and annually thereafter, the working group shall submit to the
covered committees of Congress a report--
(1) describing the continued activities of the working
group;
(2) describing any progress made by the Secretary or
Secretary of Defense in implementing the recommendations
described in subsection (d)(2)(B); and
(3) containing any other recommendations the working group
may have with respect to efforts to improve the employment and
training of covered aviation professionals in the civilian and
military workforces.
(f) Sunset.--The working group shall terminate on the date that is
4 years after the date on which the working group submits the initial
report to Congress pursuant to subsection (d).
(g) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered committees of congress.--The term ``covered
committees of Congress'' means--
(A) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of
Representatives;
(B) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate;
(C) the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and
(D) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate.
(2) Covered aviation professional.--The term ``covered
aviation professional'' means--
(A) an airman;
(B) an aircraft maintenance and repair technician;
(C) an air traffic controller; and
(D) any other aviation-related professional that
has comparable tasks and duties across the civilian and
military workforces, as determined jointly by the co-
chairs of the working group.
SEC. 426. MILITARY AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS RULE.
(a) Streamlined Certification for Eligible Military Maintenance
Technicians.--
(1) Rulemaking.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a notice
of proposed rulemaking to revise part 65 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations, to--
(A) create a military mechanic written competency
test that addresses gaps between military and civilian
experience; and
(B) develop, as necessary, a relevant Airman
Certification Standard to qualify eligible military
maintenance technicians for a civilian mechanic
certificate with airframe or powerplant ratings.
(2) Consideration.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
Administrator shall evaluate and consider--
(A) whether to allow a certificate of eligibility
from the Joint Services Aviation Maintenance Technician
Certification Council (in this section referred to as
the ``JSAMTCC'') evidencing completion of a training
curriculum for any rating sought to serve as a
substitute to fulfill the requirement under such part
65 for oral and practical tests administered by a
designated mechanic examiner for eligible military
maintenance technicians;
(B) aeronautical knowledge subject areas contained
in the Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe, and
Powerplant Airman Certification Standards as described
in section 65.75 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations, as appropriate, to the rating sought; and
(C) any applicable recommendations by the Aviation
Rulemaking Advisory Committee Airman Certification
System Working Group.
(b) Expansion of Testing Locations.--Not later than 1 year after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation
with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security,
shall determine--
(1) whether an expansion of the number of active testing
locations operated within military installation testing centers
would increase access to testing; and
(2) how to implement such expansion, if appropriate.
(c) Outreach and Awareness.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with the
Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the
Secretary of Homeland Security, shall develop a plan to increase
outreach and awareness regarding services made available by the JSAMTCC
and how such services can assist in facilitating the transition between
military and civilian aviation maintenance careers.
(d) Briefings.--
(1) Initial briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the
date on which the Administrator develops the outreach and
awareness plan pursuant to subsection (c), the Administrator
shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the
Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives a briefing on the activities planned to
implement the outreach and awareness plan.
(2) Periodic briefing.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of this Act, and 2 years thereafter, the
Administrator shall provide to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the
House of Representatives a briefing on any rulemaking
activities carried out pursuant to subsection (a), including a
timeline for the issuance of a final rule.
(e) Eligible Military Maintenance Technician Defined.--For purposes
of this section, the term ``eligible military maintenance technician''
means an individual who--
(1) has been a maintenance technician during service in the
armed forces who was honorably discharged or has retired from
the armed forces (as defined in section 101 of title 10, United
States Code);
(2) presents an official record of service in the armed
forces confirming that the individual has been a military
aviation maintenance technician, holding an appropriate
Military Occupational Specialty Code, as determined by the
Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense;
and
(3) presents documentary evidence of experience in
accordance with the requirements under section 65.77 of title
14, Code of Federal Regulations.
SEC. 427. CREWMEMBER SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING.
Section 44918 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by--
(A) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``and unruly
passenger behavior'' before the period at the end;
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking subparagraph (A) and
inserting the following:
``(A) Recognize suspicious behavior and activities
and determine the seriousness of any occurrence of such
behavior and activities.'';
(ii) by striking subparagraph (H) and
inserting the following:
``(H) De-escalation training based on
recommendations issued by the Air Carrier Training
Aviation Rulemaking Committee.'';
(iii) by redesignating subparagraphs (I)
and (J) as subparagraphs (J) and (K),
respectively; and
(iv) by inserting after subparagraph (H)
the following:
``(I) Methods to subdue and restrain an active
attacker.'';
(C) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the
following:
``(4) Minimum standards.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the
Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, in
consultation with the Federal Air Marshal Service and the
Aviation Security Advisory Committee, shall establish minimum
standards for--
``(A) the training provided under this subsection
and any for recurrent training; and
``(B) the individuals or entities providing such
training.''; and
(D) in paragraph (6)--
(i) in the first sentence--
(I) by inserting ``and the Federal
Air Marshal Service'' after
``consultation with the
Administrator'';
(II) by striking ``and periodically
shall'' and inserting ``and shall
periodically''; and
(III) by inserting ``based on
changes in the potential or actual
threat conditions'' before the period
at the end; and
(ii) in the third sentence by inserting ``,
including self-defense training expertise and
experience'' before the period at the end; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (4) by striking ``Neither'' and
inserting ``Except as provided in paragraph (8),
neither''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(8) Air carrier accommodation.--An air carrier with a
crew member participating in the training program under this
subsection shall provide a process through which each such crew
member may obtain reasonable accommodations.''.
SEC. 428. DIRECT-HIRE AUTHORITY UTILIZATION.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall utilize direct hire
authorities (as such authorities existed on the day before the date of
enactment of this Act) to hire individuals on a non-competitive basis
for positions related to aircraft certification and aviation safety. In
utilizing such authorities, the Administrator shall take into
consideration any staffing gaps in the safety workforce of the FAA,
including in positions supporting the safe integration of unmanned
aircraft systems and other new airspace entrants.
(b) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through 2028, the
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on
the--
(1) utilization of the Administrator's direct-hire
authorities described in subsection (a);
(2) utilization of the Administrator's direct-hire
authorities with respect to the Unmanned Aircraft System
Collegiate Training Initiative of the FAA; and
(3) number of employees hired as a result of the
utilization of such authorities by the Administrator, the
relevant lines of business or offices in which such employees
were hired, and the occupational series of the positions
filled.
SEC. 429. FAA WORKFORCE REVIEW AUDIT.
(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the inspector general of the Department of Transportation
shall initiate an audit of any FAA workforce plans completed during the
5 fiscal years preceding the fiscal year in which such audit is
initiated related to occupations the agency relies on to accomplish its
aviation safety mission.
(b) Contents.--In conducting the audit under subsection (a), the
inspector general shall--
(1) identify whether any safety-critical positions have not
been reviewed within the period specified in subsection (a);
(2) assess staffing levels and workforce retention trends
relating to safety-critical occupations within all offices of
the FAA that support such services;
(3) review FAA workforce gaps in safety-critical and senior
positions, including the average vacancy period of such
positions during the most recent fiscal year in the period
specified in subsection (a);
(4) evaluate any applicable assessments of the historic
workload of safety-critical positions and changes in workload
demands over time;
(5) analyze any applicable assessments of critical
competencies and skills gaps among safety-critical positions
conducted by the FAA and any relevant agency actions in
response;
(6) review whether existing FAA workforce development
programs are producing intended results, especially in rural
communities, such as increased recruitment and retention of
agency personnel; and
(7) review opportunities (as such opportunities exist on
the date of enactment of this Act) for employees of the FAA to
gain or enhance expertise, knowledge, skills, and abilities
through cooperative training with appropriate aerospace
companies and organizations, including--
(A) assessing the appropriateness of existing
cooperative training programs and any conflicts of
interest or the appearance of such conflicts with FAA
policies and obligations relating to FAA employee
interactions with aviation industry;
(B) identifying a means by which to leverage such
programs to support credentialing and recurrent
training activities for FAA employees, as appropriate;
(C) assessing the policies and procedures the FAA
has established to avoid both conflicts of interest and
the appearance of such conflicts for employees
participating in such opportunities, which may include
requirements under--
(i) chapter 131 of title 5, United States
Code;
(ii) chapter 11 of title 18, United States
Code;
(iii) subchapter B of chapter XVI of title
5, Code of Federal Regulations; and
(iv) sections 2635.101 and 2635.502 of
title 5, Code of Federal Regulations; and
(D) evaluating whether the conflict of interest
policies and procedures of the FAA for such
opportunities provide for the appropriate means by
which employees return to work at the FAA after having
engaged in such opportunities.
(c) Inspector General Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this Act, the inspector general shall submit to the
Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress--
(1) a report on the results of the audit conducted under
subsection (a); and
(2) recommendations for such legislative and administrative
action as the inspector general determines appropriate.
SEC. 430. STAFFING MODEL FOR AVIATION SAFETY INSPECTORS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall review and, as necessary, revise
the staffing model for aviation safety inspectors.
(b) Requirements.--
(1) Consideration of prior studies and reports.--In
reviewing and revising the model, the Administrator shall take
into consideration the contents and recommendations contained
in the following:
(A) The 2006 report released by the National
Research Council titled ``Staffing Standards for
Aviation Safety Inspectors''.
(B) The 2007 study released by the National Academy
of Sciences titled ``Staffing Standards for Aviation
Safety Inspectors''.
(C) The 2013 report released by Grant Thornton LLP,
titled ``ASTARS Gap Analysis Study: Comparison of the
AVS Staffing Model for Aviation Safety Inspectors to
the National Academy of Sciences' Recommendations Final
Report''.
(D) The 2021 report released by the inspector
general of the Department of Transportation titled
``FAA Can Increase Its Inspector Staffing Model's
Effectiveness by Implementing System Improvements and
Maximizing Its Capabilities''.
(E) The FAA Fiscal Year 2023 Aviation Safety
Workforce Plan conducted to satisfy the requirements of
section 104 of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and
Accountability Act, as enacted in the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2021 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note).
(2) Assessments.--In carrying out this section, the
Administrator shall assess the following:
(A) Projected staffing needs at the service and
office level.
(B) Forecasted attrition of the aviation safety
inspector workforce.
(C) Forecasted workload of aviation safety
inspectors, including responsibilities associated with
overseeing aviation manufacturers and new airspace
entrants.
(D) Means by which field managers use the model to
assess aviation safety inspector staffing and provide
feedback on resources needed at the office level.
(E) Work performed by aviation safety inspectors in
comparison to designees acting on behalf of the
Administrator.
(F) Any associated performance metrics to inform
periodic comparisons to actual aviation safety
inspector staffing level results.
(3) Consultation.--In carrying out this section, the
Administrator shall consult with interested persons, including
the exclusive collective bargaining representative for aviation
safety inspectors certified under section 7111 of title 5,
United States Code.
SEC. 431. SAFETY-CRITICAL STAFFING.
(a) Implementation of Staffing Standards for Safety Inspectors.--
Upon completion of the revised staffing model for aviation safety
inspectors under section 430, and validation of the model by the
Administrator, the Administrator shall take all appropriate actions in
response to the number of aviation safety inspectors, aviation safety
technicians, and operation support positions that are identified in
such model to meet the responsibilities of the Flight Standards Service
and Aircraft Certification Service, including potentially increasing
the number of safety critical positions in the Flight Standards Service
and Aircraft Certification Service each fiscal year, as appropriate, so
long as such staffing increases are measured relative to the number of
individuals serving in safety-critical positions as of September 30,
2023.
(b) Availability of Appropriations.--Any increase in safety
critical staffing pursuant to this subsection shall be subject to the
availability of appropriations.
(c) Safety-critical Positions Defined.--In this section, the term
``safety-critical positions'' means--
(1) aviation safety inspectors, aviation safety specialists
(1801 job series), aviation safety technicians, and operations
support positions in the Flight Standards Service; and
(2) manufacturing safety inspectors, pilots, engineers,
Chief Scientist Technical Advisors, aviation safety specialists
(1801 job series), safety technical specialists, and
operational support positions in the Aircraft Certification
Service.
SEC. 432. DETERRING CREWMEMBER INTERFERENCE.
(a) Task Force.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall convene a task
force to develop voluntary standards and best practices
relating to suspected violations of sections 46318, 46503, and
46504 of title 49, United States Code, including--
(A) proper and consistent incident documentation
and reporting techniques;
(B) best practices for flight crew and cabin crew
response, including de-escalation;
(C) improved coordination between stakeholders,
including flight crew and cabin crew, airport staff,
other Federal agencies as appropriate, and law
enforcement; and
(D) appropriate enforcement actions.
(2) Membership.--The task force convened under paragraph
(1) shall be comprised of representatives of--
(A) air carriers;
(B) airport sponsors and airport law enforcement
agencies;
(C) other Federal agencies determined necessary by
the Administrator;
(D) labor organizations representing air carrier
pilots;
(E) labor organizations representing flight
attendants; and
(F) labor organizations representing ticketing,
check-in, or other customer service representatives
employed by air carriers.
(b) Announcements.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate such actions as
may be necessary to include in the briefing of passengers before
takeoff required under section 121.571 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations, a statement informing passengers that it is against
Federal law to assault or threaten to assault any individual on an
aircraft or interfere with the duties of a crewmember.
(c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section, the definitions in
section 40102(a) of title 49, United States Code, shall apply to terms
in this section.
SEC. 433. USE OF BIOGRAPHICAL ASSESSMENTS.
Section 44506(f)(2)(A) of title 49, United States Code, is amended
by striking ``paragraph (1)(B)(ii)'' and inserting ``paragraph
(1)(B)''.
SEC. 434. EMPLOYEE ASSAULT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PLAN STANDARDS AND
BEST PRACTICES.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) each air carrier operating under part 121 of title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations, shall submit to the Administrator
an Employee Assault Prevention and Response Plan pursuant to
section 551 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C.
44903 note);
(2) each such air carrier should have in place and deploy
an Employee Assault Prevention and Response Plan to facilitate
appropriate protocols, standards, and training to equip
employees with best practices and the experience necessary to
respond effectively to hostile situations and disruptive
behavior and maintain a safe traveling experience; and
(3) any air carrier formed after the date of enactment of
this Act should develop and implement an Employee Assault
Prevention and Response Plan.
(b) Required Briefing.--Section 551 of the FAA Reauthorization Act
of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44903 note) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(f) Briefing to Congress.--Not later than 90 days after the date
of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator of the Federal
Aviation Administration shall provide to the appropriate committees of
Congress a briefing on the Employee Assault Prevention and Response
Plan submitted by each air carrier pursuant to this section.''.
SEC. 435. FORMAL POLICY ON SEXUAL ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT ON AIR
CARRIERS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, passenger air carriers operating under part 121
of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, shall issue, in consultation
with labor unions representing personnel, a formal policy with respect
to sexual assault or harassment incidents.
(b) Contents.--Each policy required under subsection (a) shall
include--
(1) a statement indicating that no sexual assault or
harassment incident is acceptable under any circumstance;
(2) procedures that facilitate the reporting of a sexual
assault or harassment incident, including--
(A) appropriate public outreach activities; and
(B) confidential phone and internet-based
opportunities for reporting;
(3) procedures that personnel should follow upon the
reporting of a sexual assault or harassment incident, including
actions to protect affected individuals from continued sexual
assault or harassment and to notify law enforcement, including
the Federal Bureau of Investigation, when appropriate;
(4) procedures that may limit or prohibit, to the extent
practicable, future travel with the air carrier by any
passenger who commits a sexual assault or harassment incident;
and
(5) training that is required for all appropriate personnel
with respect to each such policy, including specific training
for personnel who may receive reports of sexual assault or
harassment incidents.
(c) Passenger Information.--An air carrier described in subsection
(a) shall display, on the website of the air carrier and through the
use of appropriate signage, a written statement that informs passengers
and personnel of the procedure for reporting a sexual assault or
harassment incident.
(d) Standard of Care.--Compliance with the requirements of this
section, and any policy issued thereunder, shall not determine whether
the air carrier described in subsection (a) has acted with any
requisite standard of care.
(e) Rules of Construction.--
(1) Effect on authorities.--Nothing in this section shall
be construed as granting the Secretary any additional
authorities beyond ensuring that a passenger air carrier
operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations issues a formal policy and displays required
information in compliance with this section.
(2) Effect on other laws.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to alter existing authorities of the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, or the
Department of Justice to enforce applicable employment and
sexual assault and sexual harassment laws.
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Personnel.--The term ``personnel'' means an employee or
contractor of passenger air carrier operating under part 121 of
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(2) Sexual assault.--The term ``sexual assault'' means the
occurrence of an act that constitutes any nonconsensual sexual
act proscribed by Federal, tribal, or State law, including when
the victim lacks capacity to consent.
(3) Sexual assault or harassment incident.--The term
``sexual assault or harassment incident'' means the occurrence,
or reasonably suspected occurrence, of an act that--
(A) constitutes sexual assault or sexual
harassment; and
(B) is committed--
(i) by a passenger or personnel against
another passenger or personnel; and
(ii) within an aircraft or in an area in
which passengers are entering or exiting an
aircraft.
SEC. 436. INTERFERENCE WITH SECURITY SCREENING PERSONNEL.
Section 46503 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``An individual'' and inserting the
following:
``(a) In General.--An individual''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Airport and Air Carrier Employees.--For purposes of this
section, an airport or air carrier employee who has security duties
within the airport includes an airport or air carrier employee
performing ticketing, check-in, baggage claim, or boarding
functions.''.
SEC. 437. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL WORKFORCE STAFFING.
(a) Maximum Hiring.--Subject to the availability of appropriations,
for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028, the Administrator shall set
as the minimum hiring target for new air traffic controllers (excluding
individuals described in section 44506(f)(1)(A) of title 49, United
States Code) the maximum number of individuals able to be trained at
the Federal Aviation Administration Academy.
(b) Transportation Research Board Assessment.--
(1) Review.--Not later than 30 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit an
attestation to the appropriate committees of Congress
demonstrating an agreement entered into with the with the
National Academies Transportation Research Board to--
(A) compare the Certified Professional Controller
(in this section referred to as ``CPC'') operational
staffing models and methodologies in determining the
FAA Controller Staffing Standard included in the 2023
Air Traffic Controller Workforce Plan of the FAA, with
such models and methodologies developed by the
Collaborative Resource Workgroup of the FAA (in this
subsection referred to as ``CRWG'') to determine CPC
operational staffing targets necessary to meet facility
operational, statutory, contractual and safety
requirements, including--
(i) the availability factor multiplier and
other formula components;
(ii) the independent facility staffing
targets of CPCs able to control traffic;
(iii) air traffic controller position
utilization;
(iv) attrition rates at each air traffic
control facility operated by the
Administration; and
(v) the time needed to meet facility
operational, statutory, and contractual
requirements, including relevant resources to
develop, evaluate, and implement processes and
initiatives affecting the national airspace
system;
(B) examine the current and estimated budgets of
the FAA to implement the FAA Controller Staffing
Standard included in the 2023 Controller Workforce Plan
in comparison to the funding needed to implement the
CRWG CPC operational staffing targets;
(C) assess future needs of the air traffic control
system and potential impacts on staffing standards,
including projected air traffic in the airspace of each
air traffic control facility operated by the
Administration; and
(D) determine which staffing models and
methodologies evaluated pursuant to this subsection
best accounts for the operational staffing needs of the
air traffic control system and provide a justification
for such determination.
(2) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the agreement
entered into pursuant to paragraph (b)(1), the Transportation
Research Board of the National Academies shall submit a report
to the Administrator and appropriate committees of Congress on
the findings and recommendations under this subsection,
including the determination pursuant to subparagraph (D).
(3) Consultation.--In conducting the assessment under this
subsection, the Transportation Research Board shall consult
with--
(A) the exclusive bargaining representatives of air
traffic control specialists of the Administration
certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States
Code;
(B) front line managers of the air traffic control
system;
(C) managers and employees responsible for training
air traffic controllers;
(D) the MITRE Corporation;
(E) the Chief Operating Officer of the Air Traffic
Organization of the FAA, and other Federal Government
representatives;
(F) users and operators in the air traffic control
system;
(G) relevant industry representatives; and
(H) other parties determined appropriate by the
Transportation Research Board of the National
Academies.
(c) Required Implementation of Identified Staffing Model.--
(1) Use of staffing model.--The Administrator shall, as
appropriate, take such action that may be necessary to
implement and use the staffing model identified by the
Transportation Research Board pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(D),
including any recommendations for improving such model, not
later than one year after enactment of this Act.
(2) Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after taking such
actions to implement and use the staffing model identified by
the Transportation Research Board pursuant to subsection
(b)(1)(D), the Administrator shall brief the appropriate
committees of Congress regarding the reasons for why any
recommendation by the Transportation Research Board study was
not incorporated into the implemented staffing model.
(d) Revised Staffing Standards.--The Administration shall revise
the FAA CPC operational staffing standards of the Administration
implemented under subsection (c) to--
(1) provide that the controller and management workforce is
sufficiently staffed to safely and efficiently manage and
oversee the air traffic control system;
(2) account for the target number of CPCs able to control
traffic at each independent facility; and
(3) avoid any required or requested reduction of national
airspace system capacity or aircraft operations as a result of
inadequate air traffic control system staffing.
(e) Interim Adoption of Collaborative Resource Workgroup Models.--
(1) In general.--In submitting a Controller Workforce Plan
of the FAA to Congress published after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall adopt and use the staffing
models and methodologies developed by the Collaborative
Resource Workgroup that were recommended in the 2023 Controller
Workforce Plan.
(2) Revisions to the controller workforce plan.--Section
44506(e) of title 49, United States Code is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``the number of
air traffic controllers needed'' and inserting ``the
number of fully certified air traffic controllers
needed'';
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as
paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) for each air traffic control facility operated by the
Federal Aviation Administration--
``(A) the current certified professional controller
staffing levels;
``(B) the operational staffing targets for
certified professional controllers;
``(C) the anticipated certified professional
controller attrition for each of the next 3 years; and
``(D) the number of certified professional
controller trainees;''.
(3) Effective date.--The requirements of paragraph (1)
shall cease to be effective upon the adoption and
implementation of a revised staffing model by the Administrator
as required under subsection (c).
(f) Controller Training.--In any Controller Workforce Plan of the
FAA published after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator shall--
(1) identify all limiting factors on the ability of the
Administrator to hire and train controllers in line with the
staffing standards target set out in such Plan; and
(2) describe what actions the Administrator intends to take
to rectify any impediments to meeting staffing standards
targets and identify contributing factors that are outside the
control of the Administrator.
SEC. 438. AIRPORT SERVICE WORKFORCE ANALYSIS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall complete a comprehensive
review of the domestic airport service workforce and examine the role
of, impact on, and importance of such workforce to the aviation
economy.
(b) Working Group.--
(1) Report.--Upon completion of the review required under
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the
Secretary a report containing such review.
(2) Public working group.--The Secretary may convene a
public working group to evaluate and discuss the report under
paragraph (1) containing--
(A) the entities the Comptroller General consulted
with in carrying out the review under subsection (a);
(B) representatives of other relevant Federal
agencies; and
(C) any other appropriate stakeholder.
(3) Termination.--If the Secretary convenes a working group
under paragraph (2), such working group shall terminate on the
date that is 1 year after the date on which the working group
is convened.
SEC. 439. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION ACADEMY AND FACILITY
EXPANSION PLAN.
(a) Plan.--
(1) In general.--No later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate the
development of a plan to expand overall FAA capacity relating
to facilities, instruction, equipment, and training resources
to grow the number of developmental air traffic controllers
enrolled per fiscal year and support increases in FAA air
controller staffing to advance the safety of the national
airspace system.
(2) Considerations.--In developing the plan under paragraph
(1), the Administrator shall consider--
(A) the resources needed to support an increase in
the total number of developmental air traffic
controllers enrolled at the FAA Academy;
(B) the resources needed to lessen FAA Academy
attrition per fiscal year;
(C) how to modernize the education and training of
developmental air traffic controllers, including
through the use of new techniques and technologies to
support instruction;
(D) the equipment needed to support expanded
instruction, including air traffic control simulation
systems, virtual reality, and other virtual training
platforms;
(E) projected staffing needs associated with FAA
Academy expansion and the operation of education
platforms, including the number of on-the-job
instructors needed to educate and train additional
developmental air traffic controllers;
(F) the costs of expanding FAA capacity at the
existing air traffic control academy (as described in
paragraph (1)(A));
(G) soliciting input from, and coordinating with,
relevant stakeholders as appropriate, including the
exclusive bargaining representative of air traffic
control specialists of the FAA certified under section
7111 of title 5, United States Code; and
(H) other logistical and financial considerations
as determined appropriate by the Administrator.
(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 the plan developed under subsection (a).
(c) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the submission of the
plan under subsection (b), the Administrator shall brief the
appropriate committees of Congress on the plan, including the
implementation of the plan.
SEC. 440. IMPROVING FEDERAL AVIATION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Section 625 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018
(49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 625. AVIATION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation shall
establish--
``(1) a program to provide grants for eligible projects to
support the education and recruitment of future aircraft pilots
and the development of the aircraft pilot workforce;
``(2) a program to provide grants for eligible projects to
support the education and recruitment of aviation maintenance
technical workers and the development of the aviation
maintenance workforce; and
``(3) a program to provide grants for eligible projects to
support the education and recruitment of aviation manufacturing
technical workers and aerospace engineers and the development
of the aviation manufacturing workforce.
``(b) Project Grants.--
``(1) In general.--Out of amounts made available under
section 48105 of title 49, United States Code, there is
authorized to be appropriated--
``(A) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025
through 2028 to provide grants under the program
established under subsection (a)(1);
``(B) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025
through 2028 to provide grants under the program
established under subsection (a)(2); and
``(C) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025
through 2028 to provide grants under the program
established under subsection (a)(3).
``(2) Dollar amount limit.--In providing grants under the
programs established under subsection (a), the Secretary may
not make any grant more than $1,000,000 to any eligible entity
in any 1 fiscal year.
``(3) Education projects.--The Secretary shall ensure that
not less than 20 percent of the amounts made available under
this subsection is used to carry out a grant program that shall
be referred to as the `Willa Brown Aviation Education Program'
under which the Secretary shall provide grants for eligible
projects described in subsection (d) that are carried out in
counties containing at least 1 qualified opportunity zone (as
such term is defined in section 1400Z-1(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986).
``(4) Set aside for technical assistance.--The Secretary
may set aside up to 2 percent of the funds appropriated to
carry out this subsection for each of fiscal years 2025 through
2028 to provide technical assistance to eligible applicants for
a grant under this subsection.
``(5) Consideration for certain applicants.--In reviewing
and selecting applications for grants under the programs
established under subsection (a), the Secretary may give
consideration to applicants that provide an assurance--
``(A) to use grant funds to encourage the
participation of populations that are underrepresented
in the aviation industry, including in economically
disadvantaged geographic areas and rural communities;
``(B) to address the workforce needs of rural and
regional airports; or
``(C) to strengthen aviation programs at a
minority-serving institution (as described in section
371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1067q(a)), a public institution of higher education, or
a public postsecondary vocational institution.
``(c) Eligible Applications.--
``(1) Application for aircraft pilot program.--An
application for a grant under the program established under
subsection (a)(1) may be submitted, in such form as the
Secretary may specify, by--
``(A) an air carrier (as such term is defined in
section 40102 of title 49, United States Code);
``(B) an entity that holds management
specifications under subpart K of title 91 of title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations;
``(C) an accredited institution of higher
education, a postsecondary vocational institution, or a
high school or secondary school;
``(D) a flight school that provides flight
training, as such term is defined in part 61 of title
14, Code of Federal Regulations, or that holds a pilot
school certificate under part 141 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations;
``(E) a labor organization representing
professional aircraft pilots;
``(F) an aviation-related nonprofit organization
described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 that is exempt from taxation under section
501(a) of such Code; or
``(G) a State, local, territorial, or Tribal
governmental entity.
``(2) Application for aviation maintenance program.--An
application for a grant under the program established under
subsection (a)(2) may be submitted, in such form as the
Secretary may specify, by--
``(A) a holder of a certificate issued under part
21, 121, 135, 145, or 147 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations;
``(B) a labor organization representing aviation
maintenance workers;
``(C) an accredited institution of higher
education, a postsecondary vocational institution, or a
high school or secondary school;
``(D) an aviation-related nonprofit organization
described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 that is exempt from taxation under section
501(a) of such Code; or
``(E) a State, local, territorial, or Tribal
governmental entity.
``(3) Application for aviation manufacturing program.--An
application for a grant under the program established under
subsection (a)(3) may be submitted, in such form as the
Secretary may specify, by--
``(A) a holder of a type or production certificate
or similar authorization issued under section 44704 of
title 49, United States Code;
``(B) an accredited institution of higher
education, a postsecondary vocational institution, or a
high school or secondary school;
``(C) an aviation-related nonprofit organization
described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 that is exempt from taxation under section
501(a) of such Code;
``(D) a labor organization representing aerospace
engineering, design, or manufacturing workers; or
``(E) a State, local, territorial, or Tribal
governmental entity.
``(d) Eligible Projects.--
``(1) Aircraft pilot program.--For purposes of the program
established under subsection (a)(1), an eligible project is a
project--
``(A) to create and deliver a program or curriculum
that provides high school or secondary school students
and students of institutions of higher education with
meaningful aviation education to become aircraft pilots
or unmanned aircraft systems operators, including
purchasing and operating a computer-based simulator
associated with such curriculum;
``(B) to establish or improve registered
apprenticeship, internship, or scholarship programs for
individuals pursuing employment as a professional
aircraft pilot or unmanned aircraft systems operator;
``(C) to create and deliver curriculum that
provides certified flight instructors with the
necessary instructional, leadership, and communication
skills to better educate student pilots;
``(D) to support the transition to professional
aircraft pilot or unmanned systems operator careers,
including for members and veterans of the armed forces;
``(E) to support robust outreach about careers in
commercial aviation as a professional aircraft pilot or
unmanned system operator, including outreach to
populations that are underrepresented in the aviation
industry; or
``(F) to otherwise enhance or expand the aircraft
pilot or unmanned aircraft system operator workforce.
``(2) Aviation maintenance program.--For purposes of the
program established under subsection (a)(2), an eligible
project is a project--
``(A) to create and deliver a program or curriculum
that provides high school and secondary school students
and students of institutions of higher education with
meaningful aviation maintenance education to become an
aviation mechanic or aviation maintenance technician,
including purchasing and operating equipment associated
with such curriculum;
``(B) to establish or improve registered
apprenticeship, internship, or scholarship programs for
individuals pursuing employment in the aviation
maintenance industry;
``(C) to support the transition to aviation
maintenance careers, including for members and veterans
of the armed forces;
``(D) to support robust outreach about careers in
the aviation maintenance industry, including outreach
to populations that are underrepresented in the
aviation industry; or
``(E) to otherwise enhance or expand the aviation
maintenance technical workforce.
``(3) Aviation manufacturing program.--For purposes of the
program established under subsection (a)(3), an eligible
project is a project--
``(A) to create and deliver a program or curriculum
that provides high school and secondary school students
and students of institutions of higher education with
meaningful aviation manufacturing education to become
an aviation manufacturing technical worker or aerospace
engineer, including teaching technical skills used in
the engineering and production of components, parts, or
systems thereof for inclusion in an aircraft, aircraft
engine, propeller, or appliance;
``(B) to establish registered apprenticeship,
internship, or scholarship programs for individuals
pursuing employment in the aviation manufacturing
industry;
``(C) to support the transition to aviation
manufacturing careers, including for members and
veterans of the armed forces;
``(D) to support robust outreach about careers in
the aviation manufacturing industry, including outreach
to populations that are underrepresented in the
aviation industry; or
``(E) to otherwise enhance or expand the aviation
manufacturing workforce.
``(e) Reporting and Monitoring Requirements.--The Secretary shall
establish reasonable reporting and monitoring requirements for grant
recipients under this section to measure relevant outcomes for the
grant programs established under subsection (a).
``(f) Notice of Grants.--
``(1) Timely public notice.--The Secretary shall provide
public notice of any grant awarded under this section in a
timely fashion after the Secretary awards such grant.
``(2) Notice to congress.--The Secretary shall provide to
the appropriate Committees of Congress advance notice of a
grant to be made under this section.
``(g) Grant Authority.--
``(1) Limit on faa authority.--The authority of the
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, acting on
behalf of the Secretary, to issue grants under this section
shall terminate on October 1, 2027.
``(2) Nondelegation.--Beginning on October 1, 2027, the
Secretary shall issue grants under this section and may not
delegate any of the authorities or responsibilities under this
section to the Administrator.
``(h) Program Name Redesignation.--Beginning on October 1, 2027,
the Secretary shall redesignate the name of the program established
under subsection (a) as the `Cooperative Aviation Recruitment,
Enrichment, and Employment Readiness Program' or the `CAREER Program'.
``(i) Consultation With Secretary of Education.--The Secretary may
consult with the Secretary of Education, as appropriate, in--
``(1) reviewing applications for grants for eligible
projects under this section; and
``(2) developing considerations regarding program quality
and measurement of student outcomes.
``(j) Report.--Not later than September 30, 2028, the Secretary
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the
administration of the programs established under subsection (a)
covering each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028 that includes--
``(1) a summary of projects awarded grants under this
section and the progress of each recipient towards fulfilling
program expectations;
``(2) an evaluation of how such projects cumulatively
impact the future supply of individuals in the United States
aviation workforce, including any related best practices for
carrying out such projects;
``(3) recommendations for better coordinating actions by
governmental entities, educational institutions, and
businesses, aviation labor organizations, or other stakeholders
to support aviation workforce growth;
``(4) a review of how many grant recipients engaged with
veterans and the resulting impact, if applicable, on recruiting
and retaining veterans as part of the aviation workforce; and
``(5) a review of outreach conducted by grant recipients to
encourage individuals to participate in aviation careers and
the resulting impact, if applicable, on recruiting and
retaining such individuals as part of the aviation workforce.
``(k) Program Authority Sunset.--The authority of the Secretary to
issue grants under this section shall expire on October 1, 2028.
``(l) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Armed forces.--The term `armed forces' has the
meaning given such term in section 101 of title 10, United
States Code.
``(2) High school.--The term `high school' has the meaning
given such term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)).
``(3) Institution of higher education.--The term
`institution of higher education' has the meaning given such
term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001(a)).
``(4) Postsecondary vocational institution.--The term
`postsecondary vocational institution' has the meaning given
such term in section 102(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1002(c)).
``(5) Secondary school.--The term `secondary school' has
the meaning given such term in section 8101 of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)).''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on October 1, 2024.
SEC. 441. NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AVIATION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.
(a) In General.--Chapter 401 of title 49, United States Code, is
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 40132. National strategic plan for aviation workforce
development
``(a) In General.--Not later than September 30, 2025, the Secretary
of Transportation shall, in consultation with other Federal agencies
and the Cooperative Aviation Recruitment, Enrichment, and Employment
Readiness Council (in this section referred to as the `CAREER Council')
established in subsection (c), establish and maintain a national
strategic plan to improve recruitment, hiring, and retention and
address projected challenges in the civil aviation workforce,
including--
``(1) any short-term, medium-term, and long-term workforce
challenges relevant to the economy, workforce readiness, and
priorities of the United States aviation sector;
``(2) any existing or projected workforce shortages; and
``(3) any workforce situation or condition that warrants
special attention by the Federal Government.
``(b) Requirements.--The national strategic plan described in
subsection (a) shall--
``(1) take into account the activities and accomplishments
of all Federal agencies that are related to carrying out such
plan;
``(2) include recommendations for carrying out such plan;
and
``(3) project and identify, on an annual basis, aviation
workforce challenges, including any applicable workforce
shortages.
``(c) Career Council.--
``(1) Establishment.--Not later than September 30, 2025,
the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, shall
establish a council comprised of individuals with expertise in
the civil aviation industry to--
``(A) assist with developing and maintaining the
national strategic plan described in subsection (a);
and
``(B) provide advice to the Secretary, as
appropriate, relating to the CAREER Program established
under section 625 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of
2018, including as such advice relates to program
administration and grant application selection, and
support the development of performance metrics
regarding the quality and outcomes of the Program.
``(2) Appointment.--The CAREER Council shall be appointed
by the Secretary from candidates nominated by national
associations representing various sectors of the aviation
industry, including--
``(A) commercial aviation;
``(B) general aviation;
``(C) aviation labor organizations, including
collective bargaining representatives of Federal
Aviation Administration aviation safety inspectors,
aviation safety engineers, and air traffic controllers;
``(D) aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul;
``(E) aviation manufacturers; and
``(F) unmanned aviation.
``(3) Term.--Each council member appointed by the Secretary
under paragraph (2) shall serve a term of 2 years.
``(d) Nondelegation.--The Secretary may not delegate any of the
authorities or responsibilities under this section to the Administrator
of the Federal Aviation Administration.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 401 of title 49,
United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the
following:
``40132. National strategic plan for aviation workforce development.''.
TITLE V--PASSENGER EXPERIENCE IMPROVEMENTS
Subtitle A--Consumer Enhancements
SEC. 501. ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICE OF AVIATION CONSUMER PROTECTION.
Section 102 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (e)(1)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by
striking ``7'' and inserting ``8''; and
(B) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``and an
Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy'' and
inserting ``an Assistant Secretary for Transportation
Policy, and an Assistant Secretary for Aviation
Consumer Protection''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(j) Office of Aviation Consumer Protection.--
``(1) Establishment.--There is established in the
Department an Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (in this
subsection referred to as the `Office') to administer and
enforce the aviation consumer protection and civil rights
authorities provided to the Department by statute, including
the authorities under section 41712--
``(A) to assist, educate, and protect passengers;
and
``(B) to monitor compliance with, conduct
investigations relating to, and enforce, with support
of attorneys in the Office of the General Counsel,
including by taking appropriate action to address
violations of aviation consumer protection and civil
rights.
``(2) Leadership.--The Office shall be headed by the
Assistant Secretary for Aviation Consumer Protection (in this
subsection referred to as the `Assistant Secretary').
``(3) Transition.--Not later than 180 days after funding is
appropriated for an Office of Aviation Consumer Protection
headed by an Assistant Secretary, the Office of Aviation
Consumer Protection that is a unit within the Office of the
General Counsel of the Department which is headed by the
Assistant General Counsel for Aviation Consumer Protection
shall cease to exist. The Secretary shall determine which
employees are necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the
new Office of Aviation Consumer Protection and such employees
shall be transferred from the Office of the General Counsel, as
appropriate, to the newly established Office of Aviation
Consumer Protection.
``(4) Coordination.--The Assistant Secretary shall
coordinate with the General Counsel appointed under subsection
(e)(1)(E), in accordance with section 1.26 of title 49, Code of
Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation), on all legal
matters relating to--
``(A) aviation consumer protection; and
``(B) the duties and activities of the Office
described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of paragraph
(1).
``(5) Annual report.--The Assistant Secretary shall submit
to the Secretary, who shall submit to Congress and make
publicly available on the website of the Department, an annual
report that, with respect to matters under the jurisdiction of
the Department, or otherwise within the statutory authority of
the Department--
``(A) analyzes trends in aviation consumer
protection, civil rights, and licensing;
``(B) identifies major challenges facing
passengers; and
``(C) addresses any other relevant issues, as the
Assistant Secretary determines to be appropriate.
``(6) Funding.--There is authorized to be appropriated
$12,000,000 for fiscal year 2024, $13,000,000 for fiscal year
2025, $14,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, $15,000,000 for fiscal
year 2027, and $16,000,000 for fiscal year 2028 to carry out
this subsection.''.
SEC. 502. ADDITIONAL WITHIN AND BEYOND PERIMETER SLOT EXEMPTIONS AT
RONALD REAGAN WASHINGTON NATIONAL AIRPORT.
(a) Increase in Number of Slot Exemptions.--Section 41718 of title
49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following
new subsection:
``(i) Additional Slot Exemptions.--
``(1) Increase in slot exemptions.--Not later than 60 days
after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of
2024, the Secretary shall grant, by order, 10 exemptions from--
``(A) the application of sections 49104(a)(5),
49109, and 41714 to air carriers to operate limited
frequencies and aircraft on routes between Ronald
Reagan Washington National Airport and domestic
airports located within or beyond the perimeter
described in section 49109; and
``(B) the requirements of subparts K, S, and T of
part 93 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
``(2) Non-limited incumbents.--Of the slot exemptions made
available under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make 8
available to incumbent air carriers qualifying for status as a
non-limited incumbent carrier at Ronald Reagan Washington
National Airport as of the date of enactment of the FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2024.
``(3) Limited incumbents.--Of the slot exemptions made
available under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make 2
available to incumbent air carriers qualifying for status as a
limited incumbent carrier at Ronald Reagan Washington National
Airport as of the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization
Act of 2024.
``(4) Allocation procedures.--The Secretary shall allocate
the 10 slot exemptions provided under paragraph (1) pursuant to
the application process established by the Secretary under
subsection (d), subject to the following:
``(A) Limitations.--Each air carrier that is
eligible under paragraph (2) and paragraph (3) shall be
eligible to operate no more and no less than 2 of the
newly authorized slot exemptions.
``(B) Criteria.--The Secretary shall consider the
extent to which the exemptions will--
``(i) enhance options for nonstop travel to
beyond-perimeter airports that do not have
nonstop service from Ronald Reagan Washington
National Airport as of the date of enactment of
the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024; or
``(ii) have a positive impact on the
overall level of competition in the markets
that will be served as a result of those
exemptions.
``(5) Prohibition.--
``(A) In general.--The Metropolitan Washington
Airports Authority may not assess any penalty or
similar levy against an individual air carrier solely
for obtaining and operating a slot exemption authorized
under this subsection.
``(B) Rule of construction.--Subparagraph (A) shall
not be construed as prohibiting the Metropolitan
Washington Airports Authority from assessing and
collecting any penalty, fine, or other levy, such as a
handling fee or landing fee, that is--
``(i) authorized by the Metropolitan
Washington Airports Regulations;
``(ii) agreed to in writing by the air
carrier; or
``(iii) charged in the ordinary course of
business to an air carrier operating at Ronald
Reagan Washington National Airport regardless
of whether or not the air carrier obtained a
slot exemption authorized under this
subsection.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 41718(c)(2)(A) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) in clause (i) by striking ``and (b)'' and inserting ``,
(b), and (i)''; and
(2) in clause (ii) by striking ``and (g)'' and inserting
``(g), and (i)''.
(c) Preservation of Existing Within Perimeter Service.--Nothing in
this section, or the amendments made by this section, shall be
construed as authorizing the conversion of a within-perimeter exemption
or slot at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport that is in effect
on the date of enactment of this Act to serve an airport located beyond
the perimeter described in section 49109 of title 49, United States
Code.
SEC. 503. REFUNDS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 423 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after section 42304 the following:
``Sec. 42305. Refunds for cancelled or significantly delayed or changed
flights
``(a) In General.--In the case of a passenger that holds a
nonrefundable ticket on a scheduled flight to, from, or within the
United States, an air carrier or a foreign air carrier shall, upon
request as set forth in subsection (f), provide a full refund,
including any taxes and ancillary fees, for the fare such carrier
collected for any cancelled flight or significantly delayed or changed
flight where the passenger chooses not to--
``(1) fly on the significantly delayed or changed flight or
accept rebooking on an alternative flight; or
``(2) accept any voucher, credit, or other form of
compensation offered by the air carrier or foreign air carrier
pursuant to subsection (c).
``(b) Timing of Refund.--Any refund required under subsection (a)
shall be issued by the air carrier or foreign air carrier--
``(1) in the case of a ticket purchased with a credit card,
not later than 7 business days after the earliest date the
refund was requested as set forth in subsection (f); or
``(2) in the case of a ticket purchased with cash or
another form of payment, not later than 20 days after the
earliest date the refund was requested as set forth in
subsection (f).
``(c) Alternative to Refund.--An air carrier and a foreign air
carrier may offer a voucher, credit, or other form of compensation as
an explicit alternative to providing a refund required by subsection
(a) but only if--
``(1) the offer includes a clear and conspicuous notice
of--
``(A) the terms of the offer; and
``(B) the passenger's right to a full refund under
this section;
``(2) the voucher, credit, or other form of compensation
offered explicitly as an alternative to providing a refund
required by subsection (a) remains valid and redeemable by the
consumer for a period of at least 5 years from the date on
which such voucher, credit, or other form of compensation is
issued;
``(3) upon the issuance of such voucher, credit, or other
form of compensation, an air carrier, foreign air carrier, or
ticket agent, where applicable, notifies the recipient of the
expiration date of the voucher, credit, or other form of
compensation; and
``(4) upon request by an individual who self-identifies as
having a disability (as defined in section 382.3 of title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations), an air carrier, foreign air
carrier, or ticket agent provides a notification under
paragraph (3) in an electronic format that is accessible to the
recipient.
``(d) Significantly Delayed or Changed Flight Defined.--In this
section, the term `significantly delayed or changed flight' includes,
at a minimum, a flight where the passenger arrives at a destination
airport--
``(1) in the case of a domestic flight, 3 or more hours
after the original scheduled arrival time; and
``(2) in the case of an international flight, 6 or more
hours after the original scheduled arrival time.
``(e) Application to Ticket Agents.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall issue a final
rule to apply refund requirements to ticket agents in the case
of cancelled flights and significantly delayed or changed
flights.
``(2) Transfer of funds.--The Secretary shall issue
regulations requiring air carriers and foreign air carriers to
promptly transfer funds to a ticket agent if--
``(A) the Secretary has determined that the ticket
agent is responsible for providing the refund; and
``(B) the ticket agent does not possess the funds
of the passenger.
``(3) Timing and alternatives.--A refund provided by a
ticket agent shall comply with the requirements in subsections
(b) and (c) of this section.
``(f) Refund.--An air carrier and a foreign air carrier shall
consider a passenger to have requested a refund if--
``(1) a flight is cancelled and a passenger is not offered
an alternative flight or any voucher, credit, or other form of
compensation by the air carrier or foreign air carrier pursuant
to subsection (c);
``(2) a passenger rejects the significantly delayed or
changed flight, rebooking on an alternative flight, or any
voucher, credit, or other form of compensation offered by the
air carrier or foreign air carrier pursuant to subsection (c);
or
``(3) a passenger does not respond to an offer of--
``(A) a significantly delayed or changed flight or
an alternative flight and the flight departs without
the passenger; or
``(B) a voucher, credit, or other form of
compensation by the date on which the cancelled flight
was scheduled to depart or the date that the
significantly delayed or changed flight departs.
``(g) Refund Notification.--An air carrier and a foreign air
carrier shall update their passenger notification systems to ensure
passengers owed a refund under this section are notified of their right
to receive a refund.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 423 of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to
section 42304 the following:
``42305. Refunds for cancelled or significantly delayed or changed
flights.''.
SEC. 504. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS POSTERS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 423 of title 49, United States Code, is
further amended by inserting after section 42305 the following:
``Sec. 42306. Know Your Rights posters
``(a) In General.--Each large hub airport, medium hub airport, and
small hub airport with scheduled passenger service shall prominently
display posters that clearly and concisely outline the rights of
airline passengers under Federal law with respect to, at a minimum--
``(1) flight delays and cancellations;
``(2) refunds;
``(3) bumping of passengers from flights and the oversale
of flights; and
``(4) lost, delayed, or damaged baggage.
``(b) Location.--Posters described in subsection (a) shall be
displayed in conspicuous locations throughout the airport, including
ticket counters, security checkpoints, and boarding gates.
``(c) Accessibility Assistance.--Each large hub airport, medium hub
airport, and small hub airport with scheduled passenger service shall
ensure that passengers with a disability (as such term is defined in
section 382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) who identify
themselves as having such a disability are notified of the availability
of accessibility assistance and shall assist such passengers in
connecting to the appropriate entities to obtain the same information
required in this section that is provided to other passengers.''.
(b) Exemption.--Section 46301(a)(1)(A) of title 49, United States
Code, is further amended by striking ``chapter 423'' and inserting
``chapter 423 (except section 42306)''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 423 of title 49,
United States Code, is further amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 42305 the following:
``42306. Know Your Rights posters.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this
Act.
SEC. 505. ACCESS TO CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSISTANCE FOR ALL TRAVELERS.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) In the event of a cancelled or delayed flight, it is
important for customers to be able to easily access information
about the status of their flight and any alternative flight
options.
(2) Customers should be able to access real-time assistance
from customer service agents of air carriers without an
excessive wait time, particularly during times of mass
disruptions.
(b) Transparency Requirements.--
(1) Requirement to maintain a live customer chat or
monitored text messaging number.--Chapter 423 of title 49,
United States Code, is further amended by inserting after
section 42306 the following:
``Sec. 42307. Requirement to maintain a live customer chat or monitored
text messaging number
``(a) Requirement.--
``(1) In general.--A covered air carrier that operates a
domestic or international flight to, from, or within the United
States shall maintain--
``(A) a customer service telephone line staffed by
live agents;
``(B) a customer chat option that allows for
customers to speak to a live agent within a reasonable
time, to the greatest extent practicable; or
``(C) a monitored text messaging number that
enables customers to communicate and speak with a live
agent directly.
``(2) Provision of services.--The services required under
paragraph (1) shall be provided to customers without charge for
the use of such services, and shall be available at all times.
``(b) Rulemaking Authority.--The Secretary shall promulgate such
rules as may be necessary to carry out this section.
``(c) Covered Air Carrier Defined.--In this section, the term
`covered air carrier' means an air carrier that sells tickets for
scheduled passenger air transportation on an aircraft that, as
originally designed, has a passenger capacity of 30 or more seats.
``(d) Effective Date.--Beginning on the date that is 120 days after
the date of enactment of this section, a covered air carrier shall
comply with the requirement specified in subsection (a) without regard
to whether the Secretary has promulgated any rules to carry out this
section as of the date that is 120 days after such date of
enactment.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 423 of
title 49, United States Code, is further amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 42306 the following:
``42307. Requirement to maintain a live customer chat or monitored text
messaging number.''.
SEC. 506. AIRLINE CUSTOMER SERVICE DASHBOARDS.
(a) Dashboards.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 423 of title 49, United States
Code, is further amended by inserting after section 42307 the
following:
``Sec. 42308. DOT airline customer service dashboards
``(a) Requirement To Establish and Maintain Publicly Available
Dashboards.--The Secretary of Transportation shall establish, maintain,
and make publicly available the following online dashboards for
purposes of keeping aviation consumers informed with respect to certain
policies of, and services provided by, large air carriers (as such term
is defined by the Secretary) to the extent that such policies or
services exceed what is required by Federal law:
``(1) Delay and cancellation dashboard.--A dashboard that
displays information regarding the services and compensation
provided by each large air carrier to mitigate any passenger
inconvenience caused by a delay or cancellation due to
circumstances in the control of such carrier.
``(2) Explanation of circumstances.--The website on which
such dashboard is displayed shall explain the circumstances
under which a delay or cancellation is not due to circumstances
in the control of the large air carrier (such as a delay or
cancellation due to a weather event or an instruction from the
Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Control System
Command Center) consistent with section 234.4 of title 14, Code
of Federal Regulations.
``(3) Family seating dashboard.--A dashboard that displays
information regarding which large air carriers guarantee that
each child shall be seated adjacent to an adult accompanying
the child without charging any additional fees.
``(4) Seat size dashboard.--A dashboard that displays
information regarding aircraft seat size for each large air
carrier, including the pitch, width, and length of a seat in
economy class for the aircraft models and configurations most
commonly flown by such carrier.
``(5) Family seating sunset.--The requirement in subsection
(a)(3) shall cease to be effective on the date on which the
rule in section 516 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 is
effective.
``(b) Accessibility Requirement.--In developing the dashboards
required in subsection (a), the Secretary shall, in order to ensure the
dashboards are accessible and contain pertinent information for
passengers with disabilities, consult with the Air Carrier Access Act
Advisory Committee, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers
Compliance Board, any other relevant department or agency to determine
appropriate accessibility standards, and disability organizations,
including advocacy and nonprofit organizations that represent or
provide services to individuals with disabilities.
``(c) Limitation on Dashboards.--After the rule required in section
516 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 is effective, the Secretary
may not establish or maintain more than 4 different customer service
dashboards at any given time.
``(d) Provision of Information.--Each large air carrier shall
provide to the Secretary such information as the Secretary requires to
carry out this section.
``(e) Sunset.--This section shall cease to be effective on October
1, 2028.''.
(2) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish each of
the online dashboards required by section 42308(a) of title 49,
United States Code, not later than 30 days after the date of
enactment of this Act.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 423 of title 49,
United States Code, is further amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 42307 the following:
``42308. DOT airline customer service dashboards.''.
SEC. 507. INCREASE IN CIVIL PENALTIES.
(a) In General.--Section 46301(a)(1) of title 49, United States
Code, is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking
``$25,000'' and inserting ``$75,000''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply to violations occurring on or after the date of enactment of this
Act.
(c) Conforming Regulations.--The Secretary shall revise such
regulations as necessary to conform to the amendment made by subsection
(a).
SEC. 508. ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR AVIATION CONSUMER PROTECTION.
(a) Extension.--Section 411(h) of the FAA Modernization and Reform
Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 42301 prec. note) is amended by striking ``May
10, 2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
(b) Coordination.--Section 411 of the FAA Modernization and Reform
Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 42301 prec. note) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(i) Consultation.--The Advisory Committee shall consult, as
appropriate, with foreign air carriers, air carriers with an ultra-low-
cost business model, nonprofit public interest groups with expertise in
disability and accessibility matters, ticket agents, travel management
companies, and any other groups as determined by the Secretary.''.
SEC. 509. EXTENSION OF AVIATION CONSUMER ADVOCATE REPORTING
REQUIREMENT.
Section 424(e) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C.
42302 note) is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and inserting
``October 1, 2028''.
SEC. 510. CODIFICATION OF CONSUMER PROTECTION PROVISIONS.
(a) Section 429 of FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.--
(1) In general.--Section 429 of the FAA Reauthorization Act
of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 42301 prec. note) is amended--
(A) by transferring such section to appear after
section 41726 of title 49, United States Code;
(B) by redesignating such section as section 41727
of such title; and
(C) by amending the section heading of such section
to read as follows:
``Sec. 41727. Passenger Rights''.
(2) Technical amendment.--Section 41727 of title 49, United
States Code, as transferred and redesignated by paragraph (1),
is amended in subsection (a) by striking ``Not later than 90
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary''
and inserting ``The Secretary''.
(b) Section 434 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.--
(1) In general.--Section 434 of the FAA Reauthorization Act
of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 41705 note) is amended--
(A) by transferring such section to appear after
section 41727 of title 49, United States Code, as
transferred and redesignated by subsection (a)(1);
(B) by redesignating such section 434 as section
41728 of such title; and
(C) by amending the section heading of such section
41728 to read as follows:
``Sec. 41728. Airline passengers with disabilities bill of rights''.
(2) Technical amendment.--Section 41728 of title 49, United
States Code, as transferred and redesignated by paragraph (1),
is amended--
(A) in subsection (a) by striking ``the section
41705 of title 49, United States Code'' and inserting
``section 41705'';
(B) in subsection (c) by striking ``the date of
enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``the date of
enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018''; and
(C) in subsection (f) by striking ``ensure
employees'' and inserting ``ensure that employees''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 417 of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to
section 41726 the following:
``41727. Passenger rights.
``41728. Airline passengers with disabilities bill of rights.''.
SEC. 511. BUREAU OF TRANSPORTATION STATISTICS.
(a) Rulemaking.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Director of the Bureau of Transportation Statistics
shall initiate a rulemaking to revise section 234.4 of title 14, Code
of Federal Regulations, to create a new ``cause of delay'' category (or
categories) that identifies and tracks information on delays and
cancellations of air carriers (as defined in section 40102 of title 49,
United States Code) that are due to instructions from the FAA Air
Traffic Control System and to make any other changes necessary to carry
out this section.
(b) Air Carrier Code.--The following causes shall not be included
within the Air Carrier code specified in section 234.4 of title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations, for cancelled and delayed flights:
(1) Aircraft cleaning necessitated by the death of a
passenger.
(2) Aircraft damage caused by extreme weather, foreign
object debris, or sabotage.
(3) A baggage or cargo loading delay caused by an outage of
a bag system not controlled by a carrier or its contractor.
(4) Cybersecurity attacks (provided that the air carrier is
in compliance with applicable cybersecurity regulations).
(5) A shutdown or system failure of government systems that
directly affects the ability of an air carrier to safely
conduct flights and is unexpected.
(6) Overheated brakes due to a safety incident resulting in
the use of emergency procedures.
(7) Unscheduled maintenance, including in response to an
airworthiness directive, manifesting outside a scheduled
maintenance program that cannot be deferred or must be
addressed before flight.
(8) An emergency that required medical attention through no
fault of the carrier.
(9) The removal of an unruly passenger.
(10) An airport closure due to the presence of volcanic
ash, wind, or wind shear.
(c) Family Seating Complaints.--
(1) In general.--The Director of the Bureau of
Transportation Statistics shall update the reporting framework
of the Bureau to create a new category to identify and track
information on complaints related to family seating.
(2) Sunset.--The requirements in paragraph (1) shall cease
to be effective on the date on which the rulemaking required by
section 513 is effective.
(d) Air Travel Consumer Report.--
(1) ATCSCC delays.--The Secretary shall include information
on delays and cancellations that are due to instructions from
the FAA Air Traffic Control System Command Center in the Air
Travel Consumer Report issued by the Office of Aviation
Consumer Protection of the Department of Transportation.
(2) Family seating complaints.--The Secretary shall include
information on complaints related to family seating--
(A) in the Air Travel Consumer Report issued by the
Office of Aviation Consumer Protection of the
Department of Transportation; and
(B) on the family seating dashboard required by
subsection (a)(2).
(3) Sunset.--The requirements in paragraph (2) shall cease
to be effective on the date on which the rulemaking required by
section 513 is effective.
SEC. 512. REIMBURSEMENT FOR INCURRED COSTS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall direct all air carriers providing
scheduled passenger interstate or intrastate air transportation to
establish policies regarding reimbursement for lodging, transportation
between such lodging and the airport, and meal costs incurred due to a
flight cancellation or significant delay directly attributable to the
air carrier.
(b) Definition of Significantly Delayed.--In this section, the term
``significantly delayed'' means, with respect to air transportation,
the departure or arrival at the originally ticketed destination
associated with such transportation has changed--
(1) in the case of a domestic flight, 3 or more hours after
the original scheduled arrival time; and
(2) in the case of an international flight, 6 or more hours
after the original scheduled arrival time.
(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed as providing the Secretary with any additional authorities
beyond the authority to require air carriers establish the policies
referred to in subsection (a).
SEC. 513. STREAMLINING OF OFFLINE TICKET DISCLOSURES.
(a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall take such action as may be
necessary to update the process by which an air carrier or ticket agent
is required to fulfill disclosure obligations in ticketing transactions
for air transportation not completed through a website.
(b) Requirements.--The process updated under subsection (a) shall--
(1) include means of referral to the applicable air carrier
website with respect to disclosures related to air carrier
optional fees and policies;
(2) include a means of referral to the website of the
Department of Transportation with respect to any other required
disclosures to air transportation passengers;
(3) make no changes to air carrier or ticket agent
obligations with respect to--
(A) section 41712(c) of title 49, United States
Code; or
(B) subsections (a) and (b) of section 399.84 of
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor
regulations); and
(4) require disclosures referred to in paragraphs (1) and
(2) to be made in the manner existing prior to the date of
enactment of this Act upon passenger request.
(c) Air Carrier Defined.--In this section, the term ``air carrier''
has the meaning given such term in section 40102(a) of title 49, United
States Code.
SEC. 514. GAO STUDY ON COMPETITION AND CONSOLIDATION IN THE AIR CARRIER
INDUSTRY.
(a) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study assessing
competition and consolidation in the United States air carrier
industry. Such study shall include an assessment of data related to--
(1) the history of mergers in the United States air carrier
industry, including whether any claimed efficiencies have been
realized;
(2) the effect of consolidation in the United States air
carrier industry, if any, on consumers;
(3) the effect of consolidation in the United States air
carrier industry, if any, on air transportation service in
small and rural markets; and
(4) the current state of competition in the United States
air carrier industry as of the date of enactment of this Act.
(b) 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 containing the results of the study
conducted under subsection (a), and recommendations for such
legislative and administrative action as the Comptroller General
determines appropriate.
SEC. 515. GAO STUDY AND REPORT ON THE OPERATIONAL PREPAREDNESS OF AIR
CARRIERS FOR CERTAIN EVENTS.
(a) Study.--
(1) In general.--The Comptroller General shall study and
assess the operational preparedness of air carriers for
changing weather and other events related to changing
conditions and natural hazards, including flooding, extreme
heat, changes in precipitation, storms, including winter
storms, coastal storms, tropical storms, and hurricanes, and
fire conditions.
(2) Requirements.--As part of the study required under
paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall assess the
following:
(A) The extent to which air carriers are preparing
for weather events and natural disasters, as well as
changing conditions and natural hazards, that may
impact operational investments of air carriers,
staffing levels and safety policies, mitigation
strategies, and other resiliency planning.
(B) How the FAA oversees operational resilience of
air carriers relating to storms, natural disasters, and
changing conditions.
(C) Steps the Federal Government and air carriers
can take to improve operational resilience relating to
storms, natural disasters, and changing conditions.
(b) Briefing and Report.--
(1) Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall brief the
appropriate committees of Congress on the results of the study
required under subsection (a), and recommendations for such
legislative and administrative action as the Comptroller
General determines appropriate.
(2) Report.--Not later than 6 months after the briefing
required by paragraph (1) is provided, the Comptroller General
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report
on the results of the study required under subsection (a), and
recommendations for such legislative and administrative action
as the Comptroller General determines appropriate.
(c) Definition of Air Carrier.--In this section, the term ``air
carrier'' has the meaning given such term in section 40102 of title 49,
United States Code.
SEC. 516. FAMILY SEATING.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a notice of proposed
rulemaking to establish a policy directing air carriers that assign
seats, or allow individuals to select seats in advance of the date of
departure of a flight, to sit each young child adjacent to an
accompanying adult, to the greatest extent practicable, if adjacent
seat assignments are available at any time after the ticket is issued
for each young child and before the first passenger boards the flight.
(b) Prohibition on Fees.--The notice of proposed rulemaking
described in subsection (a) shall include a provision that prohibits an
air carrier from charging a fee, or imposing an additional cost beyond
the ticket price of the additional seat, to seat each young child
adjacent to an accompanying adult within the same class of service.
(c) Rule of Construction.--Notwithstanding the requirement in
subsection (a), nothing in this section may be construed to allow the
Secretary to impose a change in the overall seating or boarding policy
of an air carrier that has an open or flexible seating policy in place
that generally allows adjacent family seating as described under this
section.
(d) Young Child.--In this section, the term ``young child'' means
an individual who has not attained 14 years of age.
SEC. 517. PASSENGER EXPERIENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish an advisory
committee to advise the Secretary and the Administrator in carrying out
activities relating to the improvement of the passenger experience in
air transportation customer service. The advisory committee shall not
duplicate the work of any other advisory committee.
(b) Membership.--The Secretary shall appoint the members of the
advisory committee, which shall be comprised of at least 1
representative of each of--
(1) mainline air carriers;
(2) air carriers with a low-cost or ultra-low-cost business
model;
(3) regional air carriers;
(4) large hub airport sponsors and operators;
(5) medium hub airport sponsors and operators;
(6) small hub airport sponsors and operators;
(7) nonhub airport sponsors and operators;
(8) ticket agents;
(9) representatives of intermodal transportation companies
that operate at airports;
(10) airport concessionaires;
(11) nonprofit public interest groups with expertise in
consumer protection matters;
(12) senior managers of the FAA Air Traffic Organization;
(13) aircraft manufacturers;
(14) entities representing individuals with disabilities;
(15) certified labor organizations representing aviation
workers, including--
(A) FAA employees;
(B) airline pilots working for air carriers
operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations;
(C) flight attendants working for air carriers
operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations; and
(D) other customer-facing airline and airport
workers;
(16) other organizations or industry segments as determined
by the Secretary; and
(17) other Federal agencies that directly interface with
passengers at airports.
(c) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the advisory committee under this
section shall be filled in a manner consistent with subsection (b).
(d) Travel Expenses.--Members of the advisory committee under this
section shall serve without pay but shall receive travel expenses,
including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with
subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code.
(e) Chair.--The Secretary shall designate an individual among the
individuals appointed under subsection (b) to serve as Chair of the
advisory committee.
(f) Duties.--The duties of the advisory committee shall include--
(1) evaluating ways to improve the comprehensive passenger
experience, including--
(A) transportation between airport terminals and
facilities;
(B) baggage handling;
(C) wayfinding;
(D) the security screening process; and
(E) the communication of flight delays and
cancellations;
(2) evaluating ways to improve efficiency in the national
airspace system affecting passengers;
(3) evaluating ways to improve the cooperation and
coordination between the Department of Transportation and other
Federal agencies that directly interface with aviation
passengers at airports;
(4) responding to other taskings determined by the
Secretary; and
(5) providing recommendations to the Secretary and the
Administrator, if determined necessary during the evaluations
considered in paragraphs (1) through (4).
(g) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary
shall submit to Congress a report containing--
(1) consensus recommendations made by the advisory
committee since such date of enactment or the previous report,
as appropriate; and
(2) an explanation of how the Secretary has implemented
such recommendations and, for such recommendations not
implemented, the Secretary's reason for not implementing such
recommendation.
(h) Definition.--The definitions in section 40102 of title 49,
United States Code, shall apply to this section.
(i) Sunset.--This section shall cease to be effective on October 1,
2028.
(j) Termination of DOT ACCESS Advisory Committee.--The ACCESS
Advisory Committee of the Department of Transportation shall terminate
on the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 518. UPDATING PASSENGER INFORMATION REQUIREMENT REGULATIONS.
(a) ARAC Tasking.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall task the Aviation
Rulemaking Advisory Committee with--
(1) reviewing passenger information requirement regulations
under section 121.317 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulation,
and such other related regulations as the Administrator
determines appropriate; and
(2) making recommendations to update and improve such
regulations.
(b) Final Regulation.--Not later than 6 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a final regulation
revising section 121.317 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and
such other related regulations as the Administrator determines
appropriate, to--
(1) update such section and regulations to incorporate
exemptions commonly issued by the Administrator;
(2) reflect civil penalty inflation adjustments; and
(3) incorporate such updates and improvements recommended
by the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee that the
Administrator determines appropriate.
SEC. 519. SEAT DIMENSIONS.
Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator shall--
(1) initiate a rulemaking activity based on the regulation
described in section 577 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018
(49 U.S.C. 42301 note); or
(2) if the Administrator decides not to pursue the
rulemaking described in paragraph (1), the Administrator shall
brief appropriate committees of Congress on the justification
of such decision.
SEC. 520. MODERNIZATION OF CONSUMER COMPLAINT SUBMISSIONS.
Section 42302 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read
as follows:
``Sec. 42302. Consumer complaints
``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation shall--
``(1) maintain an accessible website through the Office of
Aviation Consumer Protection to accept the submission of
complaints from airline passengers regarding air travel service
problems; and
``(2) take appropriate actions to notify the public of such
accessible website.
``(b) Notice to Passengers on the Internet.--An air carrier or
foreign air carrier providing scheduled air transportation using any
aircraft that as originally designed has a passenger capacity of 30 or
more passenger seats shall include on the accessible website of the
carrier--
``(1) the accessible website, e-mail address, or telephone
number of the air carrier for the submission of complaints by
passengers about air travel service problems; and
``(2) the accessible website maintained pursuant to
subsection (a).
``(c) Use of Additional or Alternative Technologies.--The Secretary
shall periodically evaluate the benefits of using mobile phone
applications or other widely used technologies to--
``(1) provide additional or alternative means for air
passengers to submit complaints; and
``(2) provide such additional or alternative means as the
Secretary determines appropriate.
``(d) Air Ambulance Providers.--Each air ambulance provider shall
include the accessible website, or a link to such accessible website,
maintained pursuant to subsection (a) and the contact information for
the Aviation Consumer Advocate established by section 424 of the FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 42302 note) on--
``(1) any invoice, bill, or other communication provided to
a passenger or customer of such provider; and
``(2) the accessible website and any related mobile device
application of such provider.''.
Subtitle B--Accessibility
SEC. 541. AIR CARRIER ACCESS ACT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
(a) In General.--Section 439 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018
(49 U.S.C. 41705 note) is amended--
(1) in the section heading by striking ``advisory committee
on the air travel needs of passengers with disabilities'' and
inserting ``air carrier access act advisory committee'';
(2) in subsection (c)(1) by striking subparagraph (G) and
inserting the following:
``(G) Manufacturers of wheelchairs, including
powered wheelchairs, and other mobility aids.''; and
(3) in subsection (g) by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and
inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1(b) of the FAA Reauthorization
Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254) is amended by striking the item
relating to section 439 and inserting the following:
``Sec. 439. Air Carrier Access Act advisory committee.''.
SEC. 542. IMPROVED TRAINING STANDARDS FOR ASSISTING PASSENGERS WHO USE
WHEELCHAIRS.
(a) Rulemaking.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a notice of proposed
rulemaking to develop requirements for minimum training standards for
airline personnel or contractors who assist wheelchair users who board
or deplane using an aisle chair or other boarding device.
(b) Requirements.--The training standards developed under
subsection (a) shall require, at a minimum, that airline personnel or
contractors who assist passengers who use wheelchairs who board or
deplane using an aisle chair or other boarding device--
(1) before being allowed to assist a passenger using an
aisle chair or other boarding device to board or deplane, be
able to successfully demonstrate skills (during hands-on
training sessions) on--
(A) how to safely use the aisle chair, or other
boarding device, including the use of all straps,
brakes, and other safety features;
(B) how to assist in the transfer of passengers to
and from their wheelchair, the aisle chair, and the
aircraft's passenger seat, either by physically lifting
the passenger or deploying a mechanical device for the
lift or transfer; and
(C) how to effectively communicate with, and take
instruction from, the passenger;
(2) are trained regarding the availability of accessible
lavatories and on-board wheelchairs and the right of a
qualified individual with a disability to request an on-board
wheelchair; and
(3) complete refresher training within 18 months of an
initial training and be recertified on the job every 18 months
thereafter by a relevant superior in order to remain qualified
for providing aisle chair assistance.
(c) Considerations.--In conducting the rulemaking under subsection
(a), the Secretary shall consider, at a minimum--
(1) whether to require air carriers and foreign air
carriers to partner with national disability organizations and
disabled veterans organizations representing individuals with
disabilities who use wheelchairs and scooters in developing,
administering, and auditing training;
(2) whether to require air carriers and foreign air
carriers to use a lift device, instead of an aisle chair, to
board and deplane passengers with mobility disabilities; and
(3) whether individuals able to provide boarding and
deplaning assistance for passengers with limited or no mobility
should receive training incorporating procedures from medical
professionals on how to properly lift these passengers.
(d) Final Rule.--Not later than 12 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a final rule pursuant
to the rulemaking conducted under this section.
(e) Penalties.--The Secretary may assess a civil penalty in
accordance with section 46301 of title 49, United States Code, to any
air carrier or foreign air carrier who fails to meet the requirements
established under the final rule under subsection (d).
SEC. 543. TRAINING STANDARDS FOR STOWAGE OF WHEELCHAIRS AND SCOOTERS.
(a) Rulemaking.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a notice of proposed
rulemaking to develop minimum training standards related to stowage of
wheelchairs and scooters used by passengers with disabilities on
aircraft.
(b) Requirements.--The training standards developed under
subsection (a) shall require, at a minimum, that personnel and
contractors of air carriers and foreign air carriers who stow
wheelchairs and scooters on aircraft--
(1) before being allowed to handle or stow a wheelchair or
scooter, be able to successfully demonstrate skills (during
hands-on training sessions) on--
(A) how to properly handle and configure, at a
minimum, the most commonly used power and manual
wheelchairs and scooters for stowage on each aircraft
type operated by the air carrier or foreign air
carrier;
(B) how to properly review any wheelchair or
scooter information provided by the passenger or the
wheelchair or scooter manufacturer; and
(C) how to properly load, secure, and unload
wheelchairs and scooters, including how to use any
specialized equipment for loading or unloading, on each
aircraft type operated by the air carrier or foreign
air carrier; and
(2) complete refresher training within 18 months of an
initial training and be recertified on the job every 18 months
thereafter by a relevant superior in order to remain qualified
for handling and stowing wheelchairs and scooters.
(c) Considerations.--In conducting the rulemaking under subsection
(a), the Secretary shall consider, at a minimum, whether to require air
carriers and foreign air carriers to partner with wheelchair or scooter
manufacturers, national disability and disabled veterans organizations
representing individuals who use wheelchairs and scooters, and aircraft
manufacturers, in developing, administering, and auditing training.
(d) Final Rule.--Not later than 12 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a final rule pursuant
to the rulemaking conducted under this section.
(e) Penalties.--The Secretary may assess a civil penalty in
accordance with section 46301 of title 49, United States Code, to any
air carrier or foreign air carrier who fails to meet the requirements
established under the final rule under subsection (d).
SEC. 544. MOBILITY AIDS ON BOARD IMPROVE LIVES AND EMPOWER ALL.
(a) Publication of Cargo Hold Dimensions.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall require air carriers
to publish in a prominent and easily accessible place on the
public website of the air carrier, information describing the
relevant dimensions and other characteristics of the cargo
holds of all aircraft types operated by the air carrier,
including the dimensions of the cargo hold entry, that would
limit the size, weight, and allowable type of cargo.
(2) Proprietary information.--The Secretary shall allow an
air carrier to protect the confidentiality of any trade secret
or proprietary information submitted in accordance with
paragraph (1), as appropriate.
(b) Refund Required for Individual Traveling With Wheelchair.--In
the case of a qualified individual with a disability traveling with a
wheelchair who has purchased a ticket for a flight from an air carrier,
but who cannot travel on the aircraft for such flight because the
wheelchair of such qualified individual cannot be physically
accommodated in the cargo hold of the aircraft, the Secretary shall
require such air carrier to offer a refund to such qualified individual
of any previously paid fares, fees, and taxes applicable to such
flight.
(c) Evaluation of Data Regarding Damaged Wheelchairs.--Not later
than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually
thereafter, the Secretary shall--
(1) evaluate data regarding the type and frequency of
incidents of the mishandling of wheelchairs on aircraft and
delineate such data by--
(A) types of wheelchairs involved in such
incidents; and
(B) the ways in which wheelchairs are mishandled,
including the type of damage to wheelchairs (such as
broken drive wheels or casters, bent or broken frames,
damage to electrical connectors or wires, control input
devices, joysticks, upholstery or other components,
loss, or delay of return);
(2) determine whether there are trends with respect to the
data evaluated under paragraph (1); and
(3) make available on the public website of the Department
of Transportation, in an accessible manner, a report containing
the results of the evaluation of data and determination made
under paragraphs (1) and (2) and a description of how the
Secretary plans to address such results.
(d) Report to Congress on Mishandled Wheelchairs.--Upon completion
of each annual report required under subsection (c), the Secretary
shall transmit to the appropriate committees of Congress such report.
(e) Feasibility of In-Cabin Wheelchair Restraint Systems.--
(1) Roadmap.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a publicly available
strategic roadmap that describes how the Department of
Transportation and the United States Access Board,
respectively, shall, in accordance with the recommendations
from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and
Mathematics Transportation Research Board Special Report 341--
(A) establish a program of research, in
collaboration with the Rehabilitation Engineering and
Assistive Technology Society of North America, the
assistive technology industry, air carriers, original
equipment manufacturers, national disability and
disabled veterans organizations, and any other relevant
stakeholders, to test and evaluate an appropriate
selection of WC19-compliant wheelchairs and accessories
in accordance with applicable FAA crashworthiness and
safety performance criteria, including the issues and
considerations set forth in such Special Report 341;
and
(B) sponsor studies that assess issues and
considerations, including those set forth in such
Special Report 341, such as--
(i) the likely demand for air travel by
individuals who are nonambulatory if such
individuals could remain seated in their
personal wheelchairs in flight; and
(ii) the feasibility of implementing
seating arrangements that would accommodate
passengers in wheelchairs in the main cabin in
flight.
(2) Study.--If determined to be technically feasible by the
Secretary, not later than 2 years after making such
determination, the Secretary shall commence a study to assess
the economic and financial feasibility of air carriers and
foreign air carriers implementing seating arrangements that
accommodate passengers with wheelchairs in the main cabin
during flight. Such study shall include an assessment of--
(A) the cost of such seating arrangements,
equipment, and installation;
(B) the demand for such seating arrangements;
(C) the impact of such seating arrangements on
passenger seating and safety on aircraft;
(D) the impact of such seating arrangements on the
cost of operations and airfare; and
(E) any other information determined appropriate by
the Secretary.
(3) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which
the study under paragraph (2) is completed, the Secretary shall
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a publicly
available report describing the results of the study conducted
under paragraph (2) and any recommendations the Secretary
determines appropriate.
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the meaning
given such term in section 40102 of title 49, United States
Code.
(2) Disability; qualified individual with a disability.--
The terms ``disability'' and ``qualified individual with a
disability'' have the meanings given such terms in section
382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on
date of enactment of this Act).
(3) Wheelchair.--The term ``wheelchair'' has the meaning
given such term in section 37.3 of title 49, Code of Federal
Regulations (as in effect on date of enactment of this Act),
and includes power wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, and
scooters.
SEC. 545. PRIORITIZING ACCOUNTABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY FOR AVIATION
CONSUMERS.
(a) Annual Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress, and make publicly
available, a report on aviation consumer complaints related to
passengers with a disability filed with the Department of
Transportation.
(b) Contents.--Each annual report submitted under subsection (a)
shall, at a minimum, include the following:
(1) The number of aviation consumer complaints reported to
the Secretary related to passengers with a disability filed
with the Department of Transportation during the calendar year
preceding the year in which such report is submitted.
(2) The nature of such complaints, including reported
issues with--
(A) an air carrier, including an air carrier's
staff training or lack thereof;
(B) mishandling of passengers with a disability or
their accessibility equipment, including mobility aids
and wheelchairs;
(C) the condition, availability, or lack of
accessibility of equipment operated by an air carrier
or a contractor of an air carrier;
(D) the accessibility of in-flight services,
including accessing and using on-board lavatories, for
passengers with a disability;
(E) difficulties experienced by passengers with a
disability in communicating with air carrier personnel;
(F) difficulties experienced by passengers with a
disability in being moved, handled, or otherwise
assisted;
(G) an air carrier changing the flight itinerary of
a passenger with a disability without the consent of
such passenger;
(H) issues experienced by passengers with a
disability traveling with a service animal; and
(I) such other issues as the Secretary determines
appropriate.
(3) An overview of the review process for such complaints
received during such calendar year.
(4) The median length of time for how quickly review of
such complaints was initiated by the Secretary.
(5) The median length of time for how quickly such
complaints were resolved or otherwise addressed.
(6) Of the complaints that were found to violate section
41705 of title 49, United States Code--
(A) the number of such complaints for which a
formal enforcement order was issued; and
(B) the number of such complaints for which a
formal enforcement order was not issued.
(7) How many aviation consumer complaints related to
passengers with a disability were referred to the Department of
Justice for an enforcement action under--
(A) section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
(29 U.S.C. 794);
(B) the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42
U.S.C. 12101 et seq.); or
(C) any other provision of law.
(8) How many aviation consumer complaints related to
passengers with a disability filed with the Department of
Transportation that involved airport staff (or other matters
under the jurisdiction of the FAA) were referred to the FAA.
(9) The number of disability-related aviation consumer
complaints filed with the Department of Transportation
involving Transportation Security Administration staff that
were referred to the Transportation Security Administration or
the Department of Homeland Security.
(c) Definitions.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
definitions set forth in section 40102 of title 49, United
States Code, and section 382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations, apply to this section.
(2) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' means an air
carrier conducting passenger operations under part 121 of title
14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(3) Passengers with a disability.--In this section, the
term ``passengers with a disability'' has the meaning given the
term ``qualified individual with a disability'' in section
382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
SEC. 546. ACCOMMODATIONS FOR QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.
(a) In General.--
(1) Advanced notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than
180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary
shall issue an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking regarding
seating accommodations for any qualified individual with a
disability.
(2) Notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 18
months after the date on which the advanced notice of proposed
rulemaking under paragraph (1) is completed, the Secretary
shall issue a notice of proposed rulemaking regarding seating
accommodations for any qualified individual with a disability.
(3) Final rule.--Not later than 30 months after the date on
which the notice of proposed rulemaking under subparagraph (B)
is completed, the Secretary shall issue a final rule pursuant
to the rulemaking conducted under this subsection.
(b) Considerations.--In carrying out the advanced notice of
proposed rulemaking required in subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall
consider the following:
(1) The scope and anticipated number of qualified
individuals with a disability who--
(A) may need to be seated with a companion to
receive assistance during a flight; or
(B) should be afforded bulkhead seats or other
seating considerations.
(2) The types of disabilities that may need seating
accommodations.
(3) Whether such qualified individuals with a disability
are unable to obtain, or have difficulty obtaining, appropriate
seating accommodations.
(4) The scope and anticipated number of individuals
assisting a qualified individual with a disability who should
be afforded an adjoining seat pursuant to section 382.81 of
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(5) Any notification given to qualified individuals with a
disability regarding available seating accommodations.
(6) Any method that is adequate to identify fraudulent
claims for seating accommodations.
(7) Any other information determined appropriate by the
Secretary.
(c) Known Service Animal Travel Pilot Program.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a pilot
program to allow approved program participants as known service
animals for purposes of exemption from the documentation
requirements under part 382 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations, with respect to air travel with a service animal.
(2) Requirements.--The pilot program established under
paragraph (1) shall--
(A) be optional for a service animal accompanying a
qualified individual with a disability;
(B) provide for assistance for applicants,
including over-the-phone assistance, throughout the
application process for the program; and
(C) with respect to any web-based components of the
pilot program, meet or exceed the standards described
in section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29
U.S.C. 794d) and the regulations implementing that Act
as set forth in part 1194 of title 36, Code of Federal
Regulations (or any successor regulations).
(3) Consultation.--In establishing the pilot program under
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with--
(A) disability organizations, including advocacy
and nonprofit organizations that represent or provide
services to individuals with disabilities;
(B) air carriers and foreign air carriers;
(C) accredited service animal training programs and
authorized registrars, such as the International Guide
Dog Federation, Assistance Dogs International, and
other similar organizations and foreign and domestic
governmental registrars of service animals;
(D) other relevant departments or agencies of the
Federal Government; and
(E) other entities determined to be appropriate by
the Secretary.
(4) Eligibility.--To be eligible to participate in the
pilot program under this subsection, an individual shall--
(A) be a qualified individual with a disability;
(B) require the assistance of a service animal
because of a disability; and
(C) submit an application to the Secretary at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information
as the Secretary may require.
(5) Clarification.--The Secretary may award a grant or
enter into a contract or cooperative agreement in order to
carry out this subsection.
(6) Nominal fee.--The Secretary may require an applicant to
pay a nominal fee, not to exceed $25, to participate in the
pilot program.
(7) Reports to congress.--Not later than 1 year after the
establishment of the pilot program under this subsection, and
annually thereafter until the date described in paragraph (8),
the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of
Congress and make publicly available report on the progress of
the pilot program.
(8) Sunset.--The pilot program shall terminate on the date
that is 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
(d) Accredited Service Animal Training Programs and Authorized
Registrars.--Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall publish and maintain, on the website of
the Department of Transportation, a list of--
(1) accredited programs that train service animals; and
(2) authorized registrars that evaluate service animals.
(e) Report to Congress on Service Animal Requests.--Not later than
1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually
thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of
Congress a report on requests for air travel with service animals,
including--
(1) during the reporting period, how many requests to board
an aircraft with a service animal were made in total, and how
many requests were made by qualified individuals with
disabilities; and
(2) the number and percentage of such requests, categorized
by type of request, that were reported by air carriers or
foreign air carriers as--
(A) granted;
(B) denied but not fraudulent; or
(C) denied as fraudulent.
(f) Training.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall, in consultation
with the Air Carrier Access Act Advisory Committee, issue
guidance regarding improvements to training for airline
personnel (including contractors) in recognizing when a
qualified individual with a disability is traveling with a
service animal.
(2) Requirements.--The guidance issued under paragraph (1)
shall--
(A) take into account respectful engagement with
and assistance for individuals with a wide range of
visible and nonvisible disabilities;
(B) provide information on--
(i) service animal behavior and whether the
service animal is appropriately harnessed,
leashed, or otherwise tethered; and
(ii) the various types of service animals,
such as guide dogs, hearing or signal dogs,
psychiatric service dogs, sensory or social
signal dogs, and seizure response dogs; and
(C) outline the rights and responsibilities of the
handler of the service animal.
(g) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the meaning
given that term in section 40102 of title 49, United States
Code.
(2) Foreign air carrier.--The term ``foreign air carrier''
has the meaning given that term in section 40102 of title 49,
United States Code.
(3) Qualified individual with a disability.--The term
``qualified individual with a disability'' has the meaning
given that term in section 382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations.
(4) Service animal.--The term ``service animal'' has the
meaning given that term in section 382.3 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations.
SEC. 547. EQUAL ACCESSIBILITY TO PASSENGER PORTALS.
(a) Applications and Information Communication Technologies.--Not
later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary shall, in consultation with the United States Architectural
and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, issue regulations setting
forth minimum standards to ensure that individuals with disabilities
are able to access customer-focused kiosks, software applications, and
websites of air carriers, foreign air carriers, and airports, in a
manner that is equally as effective, and has a substantially equivalent
ease of use, as for individuals without disabilities.
(b) Consistency With Guidelines.--The standards set forth under
subsection (a) shall be consistent with the standards contained in the
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA of the Web
Accessibility Initiative of the World Wide Web Consortium or any
subsequent version of such Guidelines.
(c) Review.--
(1) Air carrier access act advisory committee review.--The
Air Carrier Access Act Advisory Committee shall periodically
review, and make appropriate recommendations regarding, the
accessibility of websites, kiosks, and information
communication technology of air carriers, foreign air carriers,
and airports, and make such recommendations publicly available.
(2) DOT review.--Not later than 5 years after issuing
regulations under subsection (a), and every 5 years thereafter,
the Secretary shall--
(A) review the recommendations of the Air Carrier
Access Act Advisory Committee regarding the regulations
issued under this subsection; and
(B) update such regulations as necessary.
SEC. 548. AIRCRAFT ACCESS STANDARDS.
(a) Aircraft Access Standards.--
(1) Standards.--
(A) Advance notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not
later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Secretary shall issue an advanced notice of
proposed rulemaking regarding standards to ensure that
the aircraft boarding and deplaning process is
accessible, in terms of design for, transportation of,
and communication with, individuals with disabilities,
including individuals who use wheelchairs.
(B) Notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than
1 year after the date on which the advanced notice of
proposed rulemaking under subparagraph (A) is
completed, the Secretary shall issue a notice of
proposed rulemaking regarding standards addressed in
subparagraph (A).
(C) Final rule.--Not later than 1 year after the
date on which the notice of proposed rulemaking under
subparagraph (B) is completed, the Secretary shall
issue a final rule.
(2) Covered airport, equipment, and features.--The
standards prescribed under paragraph (1)(A) shall address, at a
minimum--
(A) boarding and deplaning equipment;
(B) improved procedures to ensure the priority
cabin stowage for manual assistive devices pursuant to
section 382.67 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations; and
(C) improved cargo hold storage to prevent damage
to assistive devices.
(3) Consultation.--For purposes of the rulemaking under
this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with the Access
Board and any other relevant department or agency to determine
appropriate accessibility standards.
(b) In-Flight Entertainment Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue
a notice of proposed rulemaking in accordance with the November 22,
2016, resolution of the Department of Transportation ACCESS Committee
and the consensus recommendation set forth in the Term Sheet Reflecting
Agreement of the Access Committee Regarding In-Flight Entertainment.
(c) Negotiated Rulemaking on In-Cabin Wheelchair Restraint Systems
and Enplaning and Deplaning Standards.--
(1) Timing.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after
completion of the report required by section 544(e)(2),
and if such report finds economic and financial
feasibility of air carriers and foreign air carriers
implementing seating arrangements that accommodate
individuals with disabilities using wheelchairs
(including power wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, and
scooters) in the main cabin during flight, the
Secretary shall conduct a negotiated rulemaking on new
type certificated aircraft standards for seating
arrangements that accommodate such individuals in the
main cabin during flight or an accessible route to a
minimum of 2 aircraft passenger seats for passengers to
access from personal assistive devices of such
individuals.
(B) Requirement.--The negotiated rulemaking under
subparagraph (A) shall include participation of
representatives of--
(i) air carriers;
(ii) aircraft manufacturers;
(iii) national disability organizations;
(iv) aviation safety experts; and
(v) mobility aid manufacturers.
(2) Notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year
after the completion of the negotiated rulemaking required
under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall issue a notice of
proposed rulemaking regarding the standards described in
paragraph (1).
(3) Final rule.--Not later than 1 year after the date on
which the notice of proposed rulemaking under paragraph (2) is
completed, the Secretary shall issue a final rule regarding the
standards described in paragraph (1).
(4) Considerations.--In the negotiated rulemaking and
rulemaking required under this subsection, the Secretary shall
consider--
(A) a reasonable period for the design,
certification, and construction of aircraft that meet
the requirements;
(B) the safety of all persons on-board the
aircraft, including necessary wheelchair standards and
wheelchair compliance with FAA crashworthiness and
safety performance criteria; and
(C) the costs of design, installation, equipage,
and aircraft capacity impacts, including partial fleet
equipage and fare impacts.
(d) Visual and Tactilely Accessible Announcements.--The Advisory
Committee established under section 439 of the FAA Reauthorization Act
of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 41705 note) shall examine technical solutions and
the feasibility of visually and tactilely accessible announcements on-
board aircraft.
(e) Airport Facilities.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall, in direct consultation with
the Access Board, prescribe regulations setting forth minimum standards
under section 41705 of title 49, United States Code, that ensure all
gates (including counters), ticketing areas, and customer service desks
covered under such section at airports are accessible to and usable by
all individuals with disabilities, including through the provision of
visually and tactilely accessible announcements and full and equal
access to aural communications.
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Access board.--The term ``Access Board'' means the
Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.
(2) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the meaning
given such term in section 40102 of title 49, United States
Code.
(3) Individual with a disability.--The term ``individual
with a disability'' has the meaning given such term in section
382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(4) Foreign air carrier.--The term ``foreign air carrier''
has the meaning given such term in section 40102 of title 49,
United States Code.
SEC. 549. INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS.
Section 41705(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
striking paragraph (1), and inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
``(A) not later than 120 days after the receipt of
any complaint of a violation of this section or a
regulation prescribed under this section, investigate
such complaint; and
``(B) provide, in writing, to the individual that
filed the complaint and the air carrier or foreign air
carrier alleged to have violated this section or a
regulation prescribed under this section, the
determination of the Secretary with respect to--
``(i) whether the air carrier or foreign
air carrier violated this section or a
regulation prescribed under this section;
``(ii) the facts underlying the complaint;
and
``(iii) any action the Secretary is taking
in response to the complaint.''.
SEC. 550. REMOVAL OF OUTDATED REFERENCES TO PASSENGERS WITH
DISABILITIES.
(a) Sovereignty and Use of Airspace.--Section 40103(a)(2) of title
49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``handicapped
individuals'' and inserting ``individuals with disabilities''.
(b) Special Prices for Foreign Air Transportation.--Section
41511(b)(4) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking
``handicap'' and inserting ``disability''.
(c) Discrimination Against Individuals With Disabilities.--Section
41705 of title 49, United States Code, is amended in the heading by
striking ``handicapped individuals'' and inserting ``individuals with
disabilities''.
(d) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 417 of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section
41705 and inserting the following:
``41705. Discrimination against individuals with disabilities.''.
SEC. 551. ON-BOARD WHEELCHAIRS IN AIRCRAFT CABIN.
(a) In General.--If an individual informs an air carrier or foreign
air carrier at the time of booking a ticket for air transportation on a
covered aircraft that the individual requires the use of any
wheelchair, the air carrier or foreign air carrier shall provide
information regarding the provision and use of on-board wheelchairs,
including the rights and responsibilities of the air carrier and
passenger as such rights and responsibilities relate to the provision
and use of on-board wheelchairs.
(b) Availability of Information.--An air carrier or foreign air
carrier that operates a covered aircraft shall provide on a publicly
available website of the carrier information regarding the rights and
responsibilities of both passengers on such aircraft and the air
carrier or foreign air carrier relating to on-board wheelchairs,
including--
(1) that an air carrier or foreign air carrier is required
to equip aircraft that have more than 60 passenger seats and
that have an accessible lavatory (whether or not having such a
lavatory is required by section 382.63 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations) with an on-board wheelchair, unless an
exception described in such section 382.65 applies;
(2) that a qualified individual with a disability (as
defined in section 382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations (as in effect on date of enactment of this Act))
may request an on-board wheelchair on aircraft with more than
60 passenger seats even if the lavatory is not accessible and
that the basis of such request must be that the individual can
use an inaccessible lavatory but cannot reach it from a seat
without using an on-board wheelchair;
(3) that the air carrier or foreign air carrier may require
the qualified individual with a disability to provide the
advance notice specified in section 382.27 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations, in order for the individual to be provided
with the on-board wheelchair; and
(4) if the air carrier or foreign air carrier requires the
advance notice described in paragraph (3), information on how
such a qualified individual with a disability can make such a
request.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Applicability of terms.--The definitions contained in
section 40102 of title 49, United States Code, apply to this
section.
(2) Covered aircraft.--The term ``covered aircraft'' means
an aircraft that is required to be equipped with on-board
wheelchairs in accordance with section 382.65 of title 14, Code
of Federal Regulations.
SEC. 552. AIRCRAFT ACCESSIBILITY.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall initiate a program to study and
evaluate the accessibility of new transport category aircraft designs
certified, including, at a minimum--
(1) considering the safe boarding and deplaning processes
for such aircraft, including individuals who use wheelchairs or
other mobility aids, are blind or have limited vision, or are
deaf or hard of hearing; and
(2) determining such aircraft can provide accessible
lavatories.
(b) Consultation.--In conducting the study and evaluation under
this section, the Secretary shall consult with--
(1) air carriers;
(2) aircraft manufacturers and aerospace supply companies;
and
(3) other stakeholders as determined appropriate by the
Secretary.
(c) Report and Recommendations.--Not later than 3 years after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress--
(1) a report on the findings of the study and evaluation
under subsection (a); and
(2) any recommendations based on the findings of such study
and evaluation.
(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to require the Secretary to require the retrofit of transport
category aircraft based on the findings and evaluation under subsection
(a).
Subtitle C--Air Service Development
SEC. 561. ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE REFORMS.
(a) Reduction in Subsidy Cap.--
(1) In general.--Section 41731(a)(1)(C) of title 49, United
States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``(C) had an average subsidy per passenger, as
determined by the Secretary--
``(i) of less than $1,000 during the most
recent fiscal year beginning before October 1,
2026, regardless of driving miles to the
nearest large or medium hub airport;
``(ii) of less than $850 during the most
recent fiscal year beginning after September
30, 2026, regardless of driving miles to the
nearest medium or large hub airport; and
``(iii) of less than $650 during the most
recent fiscal year for locations that are less
than 175 miles from the nearest large or medium
hub airport; and''.
(2) Notice.--Section 41731(a)(1)(D)(ii) is amended by
striking ``90-day'' and inserting ``140-day''.
(3) Waivers.--Section 41731(e) of title 49, United States
Code, is amended to read as follows:
``(e) Waivers.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may waive, on an annual
basis, subsections (a)(1)(B) and (a)(1)(C)(iii) with respect to
an eligible place if such place demonstrates to the Secretary's
satisfaction that the reason the eligibility requirements of
such subsections are not met is due to a temporary decline in
demand.
``(2) Limitation.--Beginning with fiscal year 2027, the
Secretary may not provide a waiver of subsection (a)(1)(B) to
any location--
``(A) in more than 2 consecutive fiscal years; or
``(B) in more than 5 fiscal years within 25
consecutive years.
``(3) Limitation.--Beginning in fiscal year 2027, the
Secretary may not provide a waiver of subsection (a)(1)(C)(iii)
to any location--
``(A) in more than 2 consecutive fiscal years; or
``(B) in more than 5 fiscal years within 25
consecutive years.''.
(4) Conforming amendments.--
(A) Section 332 of the Department of Transportation
and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000 (Public
Law 106-69; 49 U.S.C. 41731 note) is repealed.
(B) Subsections (c) and (d) of section 426 of the
FAA Modernization and Reform Act (49 U.S.C. 41731 note)
are repealed.
(b) Restriction on Length of Routes.--
(1) In general.--Section 41732(a)(1) of title 49, United
States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``(1) to a medium or large hub airport less than 650 miles
from an eligible place (unless such airport or eligible place
are located in a noncontiguous State); or''.
(2) Exception.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall
not apply to an eligible place that is served by an air carrier
selected to receive essential air service compensation under
subchapter II of chapter 417 of title 49, United States Code,
if--
(A) such service is in effect upon the date of
enactment of this Act; and
(B) such service is provided by the same air
carrier that provided service on the date of enactment
of this Act.
(3) Sunset.--Paragraph (2) shall cease to have effect on
October 1, 2028.
(c) Improvements to Basic Essential Air Service.--Section 41732 of
title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2) by inserting ``medium or large''
after ``nearest''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4);
(B) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph
(3); and
(C) by striking paragraph (6).
(d) Level of Basic Essential Air Service.--Section 41733 of title
49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(1)--
(A) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the
following:
``(B) the contractual, marketing, code-share, or interline
arrangements the applicant has made with a larger air carrier
serving the hub airport;'';
(B) by striking subparagraph (C);
(C) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) through (F)
as subparagraphs (C) through (E), respectively;
(D) in subparagraph (C), as so redesignated, by
striking ``giving substantial weight to'' and inserting
``including'';
(E) in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated, by
striking ``and'' at the end;
(F) in subparagraph (E), as so redesignated, by
striking the period and inserting ``; and''; and
(G) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) the total compensation proposed by the air carrier
for providing scheduled air service under this section.''; and
(2) in subsection (h) by striking ``by section 332 of the
Department of Transportation and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2000 (Public Law 106-69; 113 Stat. 1022)''
and inserting ``under section 41731(a)(1)(C)''.
(e) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that route
structures to rural airports serve a critical function to the Nation by
connecting many military installations to major regional airline hubs.
(f) Ending, Suspending, and Reducing Basic Essential Air Service.--
Section 41734 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``An air carrier'' and inserting
``Subject to subsection (d), an air carrier''; and
(B) by striking ``90'' and inserting ``140'';
(2) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
``(d) Continuation of Compensation After Notice Period.--
``(1) In general.--If an air carrier receiving compensation
under section 41733 for providing basic essential air service
to an eligible place is required to continue to provide service
to such place under this section after the 140-day notice
period under subsection (a), the Secretary--
``(A) shall provide the carrier with compensation
sufficient to pay to the carrier the amount required by
the then existing contract for performing the basic
essential air service that was being provided when the
140-day notice was given under subsection (a);
``(B) may pay an additional amount that represents
a reasonable return on investment; and
``(C) may pay an additional return that recognizes
the demonstrated additional lost profits from
opportunities foregone and the likelihood that those
lost profits increase as the period during which the
carrier or provider is required to provide the service
continues.
``(2) Authority.--The Secretary may incorporate contract
termination penalties or conditions on compensation into a
contract for an air carrier to provide service to an eligible
place that take effect in the event an air carrier provides
notice that it is ending, suspending, or reducing basic
essential air service.'';
(3) in subsection (e) by striking ``providing that service
after the 90-day notice period'' and all that follows through
the period at the end of paragraph (2) and inserting
``providing that service after the 140-day notice period
required by subsection (a), the Secretary may provide the air
carrier with compensation after the end of the 140-day notice
period to pay for the fully allocated actual cost to the air
carrier of performing the basic essential air service that was
being provided when the 140-day notice was given under
subsection (a) plus a reasonable return on investment that is
at least 5 percent of operating costs.''; and
(4) in subsection (f) by inserting ``air'' after ``find
another''.
(g) Enhanced Essential Air Service.--Section 41735 of title 49,
United States Code, and the item relating to such section in the
analysis for subchapter II of chapter 417 of such title, are repealed.
(h) Compensation Guidelines, Limitations, and Claims.--Section
41737(d) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``(1)'' before ``The Secretary may''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (2).
(i) Joint Proposals.--Section 41740 of title 49, United States
Code, and the item relating to such section in the analysis for
subchapter II of chapter 417 of such title, are repealed.
(j) Preservation of Basic Essential Air Service at Single Carrier
Dominated Hub Airports.--Section 41744 of title 49, United States Code,
and the item relating to such section in the analysis for subchapter II
of chapter 417 of such title, are repealed.
(k) Community and Regional Choice Programs.--Section 41745 of title
49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking subparagraph (E) and
redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (E);
(2) by striking subsections (b) and (c); and
(3) by redesignating subsections (d) through (g) as
subsections (b) through (e), respectively.
(l) Marketing Program.--Section 41748 of title 49, United States
Code, and the item relating to such section in the analysis for
subchapter II of chapter 417 of such title, are repealed.
SEC. 562. SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.
Section 41743 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking ``10-year''
and inserting ``5-year''; and
(B) in paragraph (5)--
(i) by redesignating subparagraphs (B)
through (G) as subparagraphs (C) through (H),
respectively;
(ii) by inserting after subparagraph (A)
the following:
``(B) the community has demonstrated support from
at least 1 air carrier to provide service;''; and
(iii) in subparagraph (F), as so
redesignated, by inserting ``or substantially
reduced (as measured by enplanements, capacity
(seats), schedule, connections, or routes)''
after ``terminated'';
(2) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``, which shall
begin with each new grant, including same-project new
grants, and which shall be calculated on a non-
consecutive basis for air carriers that provide air
service that is seasonal'' after ``3 years''; and
(B) in paragraph (2) by inserting ``, or an airport
where air service has been terminated or substantially
reduced,'' before ``to obtain service'';
(3) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``or the
community's current air service needs'' after ``the
project''; and
(B) in paragraph (2) by striking ``$10,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2018 through 2023'' and all that
follows through ``May 10, 2024'' and inserting
``$15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through
2028'';
(4) in subsection (g)(4) by striking ``and the creation of
aviation development zones''; and
(5) by striking subsections (f) and (h) and redesignating
subsection (g) (as amended by paragraph (4)) as subsection (f).
SEC. 563. GAO STUDY AND REPORT ON THE ALTERNATE ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE
PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) Study.--The Comptroller General shall study the effectiveness
of the alternate essential air service pilot program established under
section 41745 of title 49, United States Code, (in this section
referred to as the ``Alternate EAS program''), including challenges, if
any, that have impeded robust community participation in the Alternate
EAS program.
(b) Contents.--The study required under subsection (a) shall
include an assessment of potential changes to the Alternate EAS program
and the basic essential air service programs under subchapter II of
chapter 417 of title 49, United States Code, including changes in which
Governors of States or territories containing essential air service
communities would be given block grants in lieu of essential air
service subsidies.
(c) Briefing.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report on the study required under subsection
(a), including any recommendations for legislation and administrative
action as the Comptroller General determines appropriate.
SEC. 564. ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE IN PARTS OF ALASKA.
Not later than September 1, 2024, the Secretary, in consultation
with the appropriate State authority of Alaska, shall review all
domestic points in the State of Alaska that were deleted from carrier
certificates between July 1, 1968, and October 24, 1978, and that were
not subsequently determined to be an eligible place prior to January 1,
1982, as a result of being unpopulated at that time due to destruction
during the 1964 earthquake and its resultant tidal wave, to determine
whether such points have been resettled or relocated and should be
designated as an eligible place entitled to receive a determination of
the level of essential air service supported, if necessary, with
Federal funds.
SEC. 565. ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE COMMUNITY PETITION FOR REVIEW.
(a) In General.--Section 41733 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2) by inserting ``, as defined by the
Secretary'' after ``appropriate representative of the place'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(i) Community Petition for Review.--
``(1) Petition.--An appropriate representative of an
eligible place, as defined by the Secretary, may submit to the
Secretary a petition expressing no confidence in the air
carrier providing basic essential air service under this
section and requesting a review by the Secretary. A petition
submitted under this subsection shall demonstrate that the air
carrier--
``(A) is unwilling or unable to meet the
operational specifications outlined in the order issued
by the Secretary specifying the terms of basic
essential air service to such place;
``(B) is experiencing reliability challenges with
the potential to adversely affect air service to such
place; or
``(C) is no longer able to provide service to such
place at the rate of compensation specified by the
Secretary.
``(2) Review.--Not later than 2 months after the date on
which the Secretary receives a petition under paragraph (1),
the Secretary shall review the operational performance of the
air carrier providing basic essential air service to such place
that submitted such petition and determine whether such air
carrier is fully complying with the obligations specified in
the order issued by the Secretary specifying the terms of basic
essential air service to such place.
``(3) Termination.--If based on a review under paragraph
(2), the Secretary determines noncompliance by an air carrier
with an order specifying the terms for basic essential air
service to the community, the Secretary may--
``(A) terminate the order issued to the air
carrier; and
``(B) issue a notice pursuant to subsection (c)
that an air carrier may apply to provide basic
essential air service to such place for compensation
under this section and select an applicant pursuant to
such subsection.
``(4) Continuation of service.--If the Secretary makes a
determination under paragraph (3) to terminate an order issued
to an air carrier under this section, the Secretary shall
ensure continuity in air service to the affected place.''.
SEC. 566. ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE AUTHORIZATION.
Section 41742(a)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``$155,000,000 for fiscal year 2018'' and all that follows
through ``May 10, 2024,'' and inserting ``$348,544,000 for fiscal year
2024, $340,000,000 for fiscal year 2025, $342,000,000 for fiscal year
2026, $342,000,000 for fiscal year 2027, and $350,000,000 for fiscal
year 2028''.
SEC. 567. GAO STUDY ON COSTS OF ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE.
(a) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study of the
change in costs of the essential air service program under sections
41731 through 41742 of title 49, United States Code.
(b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under subsection
(a), the Comptroller General shall--
(1) assess trends in costs of the essential air service
program under sections 41731 through 41742 of title 49, United
States Code, over the 10-year period ending on the date of
enactment of this Act; and
(2) review potential causes for the increased cost of the
essential air service program, including--
(A) labor costs;
(B) fuel costs;
(C) aging aircraft costs;
(D) air carrier opportunity costs;
(E) airport costs; and
(F) the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
(c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report on the results of the study conducted
under subsection (a).
SEC. 568. RESPONSE TIME FOR APPLICATIONS TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL AIR
SERVICE.
The Secretary shall take such actions as are necessary to respond
with an approval or denial of any application filed by an applicant to
provide essential air service under subchapter II of chapter 417 of
title 49, United States Code, to the greatest extent practicable not
later than 6 months after receiving such application. The Assistant
General Counsel for International and Aviation Economic Law shall
ensure the timely review of all orders proposed by the Essential Air
Service Office, and such timeliness shall be analyzed annually by the
General Counsel of the Department of Transportation.
SEC. 569. GAO STUDY ON CERTAIN AIRPORT DELAYS.
The Comptroller General shall conduct a study on flight delays in
the States of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut and the possible
causes of such delays.
SEC. 570. REPORT ON RESTORATION OF SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE.
(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall seek to enter into an agreement with
the National Academies to conduct a study on the loss of commercial air
service in small communities in the United States and options to
restore such service.
(b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under subsection
(a), that National Academies shall--
(1) assess the reduction of scheduled commercial air
service to small communities over a 5-year period ending on the
date of enactment of this Act, to include small communities
that have lost all scheduled commercial air service;
(2) review economic trends that have resulted in reduction
or loss of scheduled commercial air service to such
communities;
(3) review the economic losses of such communities who have
suffered a reduction or loss of scheduled commercial air
service;
(4) identify the causes that prompted air carriers to
reduce or eliminate scheduled commercial air service to such
communities;
(5) assess the impact of changing aircraft economics; and
(6) identify recommendations that can be implemented by
such communities or Federal, State, or local agencies to aid in
the restoration or replacement of scheduled commercial air
service.
(c) Case Studies.--In conducting the study required under
subsection (a), the National Academies shall assess not fewer than 7
communities that have lost commercial air service or have had
commercial air service significantly reduced in the past 15 years,
including--
(1) Williamsport Regional Airport;
(2) Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport; and
(3) Chautauqua County Jamestown Airport.
(d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the National Academies shall submit to the Secretary and the
appropriate committees of Congress a report containing--
(1) the results of the study described in subsection (a);
and
(2) recommendations to Congress and communities on action
that can be taken to improve or restore scheduled commercial
service to small communities.
(e) Funding.--No funding made available to carry out subchapter II
of chapter 417 of title 49, United States Code, may be used to carry
out this section.
TITLE VI--MODERNIZING THE NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM
SEC. 601. INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM INSTALLATION.
(a) In General.--Not later than January 1, 2025, the Administrator
shall expedite the installation of at least 15 instrument landing
systems (in this section referred to as ``ILS'') in the national
airspace system by utilizing the existing ILS contract vehicle and the
employees of the FAA.
(b) Requirements.--In carrying out subsection (a), the
Administrator shall--
(1) incorporate lessons learned from installations under
section 44502(a)(4) of title 49, United States Code;
(2) record metrics of cost and time savings of expedited
installations;
(3) consider opportunities to further develop ILS technical
expertise among the employees of the FAA; and
(4) consider the cost-benefit analysis of utilizing the
existing ILS contract vehicle, the employees of the FAA, or
both, to accelerate the installation and deployment of procured
equipment.
(c) Briefing to Congress.--Not later than June 30, 2025, the
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress--
(1) on the installation of ILS under this section;
(2) describing any planned near-term ILS installations; and
(3) outlining the approach of the FAA to accelerate future
procurement and installation of ILS throughout the national
airspace system in a manner consistent with the requirements of
title VIII of division J of the Infrastructure Investment and
Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58).
SEC. 602. NAVIGATION AIDS STUDY.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the Department of
Transportation shall initiate a study examining the effects of
reclassifying navigation aids to Design Assurance Level-A from Design
Assurance Level-B, including the following navigation aids:
(1) Distance measuring equipment.
(2) Very high frequency omni-directional range.
(3) Tactical air navigation.
(4) Wide area augmentation system.
(b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under subsection
(a), the inspector general shall address--
(1) the cost-benefit analyses associated with the
reclassification described in such subsection;
(2) the findings from the operational safety assessments
and preliminary hazard analyses of the navigation aids listed
in such subsection;
(3) the risks of such reclassification on navigation aid
equipment currently in use;
(4) the potential impacts on global interoperability of
navigational aids; and
(5) what additional actions should be taken based on the
findings of this subsection.
(c) Report.--Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the inspector general shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report describing the results of the study
conducted under subsection (a).
SEC. 603. NEXTGEN ACCOUNTABILITY REVIEW.
(a) In General.--Not later than December 31, 2026, the
Administrator shall seek to enter into an agreement with the National
Academy of Public Administration to initiate a review to assess the
performance of the FAA in delivering and implementing quantifiable
operational benefits to the national airspace system within the NextGen
program.
(b) Review Requirements.--In conducting the review required under
subsection (a), the National Academy of Public Administration shall--
(1) leverage metrics used by the FAA to quantify the
benefits of NextGen technology and investments;
(2) validate metrics and identify additional metrics the
FAA can use to track national airspace system throughput and
savings as a result of NextGen investments--
(A) by calculating a per flight average, weighted
by distance, of the--
(i) reduction and cumulative savings of
track miles and time savings;
(ii) reduction and cumulative savings of
emissions and fuel burn; and
(iii) reduction of aircraft operation time;
and
(B) by using any other metrics that the National
Academy determines may provide insights into the
quantifiable benefits for operators in the national
airspace system; and
(3) validate current metrics and identify additional
metrics the FAA can use to track and assess fleet equipage
across operators in the national airspace system, including
identifying--
(A) the percentage of aircraft equipped with
NextGen avionics equipment as recommended in the report
of the NextGen Advisory Committee titled ``Minimum
Capabilities List (MCL) Ad Hoc Team NAC Task 19-1
Report'', issued on November 17, 2020;
(B) quantified costs and benefits for an operator
to properly equip an aircraft with baseline NextGen
avionics equipment over the lifecycle of such aircraft;
and
(C) cumulative unrealized NextGen benefits
associated with rates of mixed equipage across
operators.
(c) Industry Consultation.--In conducting the review required under
subsection (a), the National Academy of Public Administration may
consult with aviation industry stakeholders.
(d) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the initiation of the
review under subsection (a), the National Academy shall submit to the
Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress a report
containing any findings and recommendations under such review.
(e) Publication.--Not later than 180 days after receiving the
report required under subsection (d), the Administrator shall establish
a website of the FAA that can be used to monitor and update--
(1) the metrics identified by the review conducted under
subsection (a) on a quarterly and annual basis through 2030, as
appropriate; and
(2) the total amount invested in NextGen technologies and
resulting quantifiable benefits on a quarterly basis until the
Administrator announces the completion of NextGen
implementation.
SEC. 604. AIRSPACE ACCESS.
(a) Coalescing Airspace.--
(1) Review of national airspace system.--Not later than 3
years after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense,
shall conduct a comprehensive review of the airspace of the
national airspace system, including special use airspace.
(2) Streamlining and expediting access.--In carrying out
paragraph (1), the Administrator shall identify methods to
streamline, expedite, and provide greater flexibility of access
to certain categories of airspace for users of the national
airspace system who may not regularly have such access.
(b) Briefing.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 3 months after the
completion of review the under subsection (a), the
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of
Congress on the findings of such review and a proposed action
plan to improve access to airspace for users of the national
airspace system.
(2) Contents.--In the briefing under paragraph (1), the
Administrator shall include, at a minimum, the following:
(A) An identification of current challenges and
barriers faced by airspace users in accessing certain
categories of airspace, including special use airspace.
(B) An evaluation of existing procedures,
regulations, and requirements that may impede or delay
access to certain categories of airspace for certain
users of the national airspace system.
(C) Actions for streamlining and expediting the
airspace access process, including potential regulatory
changes, technological advancements, and enhanced
coordination among relevant stakeholders and Federal
agencies.
(D) If determined appropriate, an implementation
plan for a framework that allows for temporary access
to certain categories of airspace, including special
use airspace, by users of the national airspace system
who do not have regular access to such airspace.
(E) An assessment of the impact of airspace access
improvements described in paragraph (1) on the safety
of, efficiency of, and economic opportunities for
airspace users, including--
(i) military operators;
(ii) commercial operators; and
(iii) general aviation operators.
(3) Implementation and follow-up.--
(A) Action plan.--The Administrator shall take such
actions as are necessary to implement the action plan
developed pursuant to this section.
(B) Coordination.--In implementing the action plan
under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall
coordinate with relevant stakeholders, including
airspace users and the Secretary of Defense, to ensure
effective implementation of such action plan, and
ongoing collaboration in addressing airspace access
challenges.
(C) Progress reports.--The Administrator shall
provide to the appropriate committees of Congress
periodic briefings on the implementation of the action
plan developed under this subparagraph (A), including
updates on--
(i) the adoption of streamlined procedures;
(ii) technological enhancements; and
(iii) any regulatory changes necessary to
improve airspace access and flexibility.
SEC. 605. FAA CONTRACT TOWER WORKFORCE AUDIT.
(a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the Department of
Transportation shall initiate an audit of the workforce needs of the
Contract Tower Program, as established under section 47124 of title 49,
United States Code.
(b) Contents.--In conducting the audit required under subsection
(a), the inspector general shall, at a minimum--
(1) review the assumptions and methodologies used in
assessing FAA contract towers staffing levels and determine the
adequacy of staffing levels at such towers;
(2) evaluate the supply and demand of trained and
certificated personnel prepared for work and such towers;
(3) examine efforts to establish an air traffic controller
training program or curriculum to allow contract tower
contractors to conduct--
(A) initial training of controller candidates
employed or soon to be employed by such contractors who
do not have a Control Tower Operator certificate or a
FAA tower credential;
(B) any initial training for controller candidates
who have completed an approved Air Traffic Collegiate
Training Initiative program from an accredited school
that has a demonstrated successful curriculum; or
(C) on-the-job training of such candidates
described in subparagraphs (A) or (B);
(4) assess whether establishing pathways to allow contract
tower contractors to use the air traffic technical training
academy of the FAA, or other means such as higher educational
institutions, to provide initial technical training for air
traffic controllers employed by such contractors could improve
the workforce needs of the contract tower program and any
related impact such training may have on air traffic controller
staffing more broadly; and
(5) consult with the exclusive bargaining representative of
the air traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of
title 5, United States Code.
(c) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the completion of the
audit under subsection (a), the inspector general shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the findings of such
audit and any recommendations as a result of such audit.
(d) Implementation.--The Administrator shall take such actions as
are necessary to implement any recommendations included in the report
required under subsection (c) with which the Administrator concurs.
(e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall be
construed as a delegation of authority by the Administrator to air
traffic control contractors for the purposes of issuing initial
certifications to air traffic controllers.
SEC. 606. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER SAFETY.
In designing, adopting a design, or constructing an air traffic
control tower based on a previously adopted design, the Administrator
shall prioritize the safety of the national airspace system, the safety
of employees of the Administration, the operational reliability of such
air traffic control tower, and the costs of such tower.
SEC. 607. AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES DATA REPORTS.
Section 45303(g)(2)(A) of title 49, United States Code, is amended
by striking ``8 years'' and inserting ``14 years''.
SEC. 608. CONSIDERATION OF SMALL HUB CONTROL TOWERS.
In selecting projects for the replacement of federally owned air
traffic control towers from funds made available under the heading
``Federal Aviation Administration--Facilities and Equipment'' in title
VIII of division J of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
(Public Law 117-58), the Administrator shall consider selecting
projects at small hub commercial service airports with control towers
that are at least 50 years old.
SEC. 609. FLIGHT PROFILE OPTIMIZATION.
(a) Pilot Program.--
(1) Establishment.--The Administrator shall establish a
pilot program to award grants to air traffic flow management
technology providers to develop prototype capabilities to
incorporate flight profile optimization (in this section
referred to as ``FPO'') into the trajectory based-operations
air traffic flow management system of the FAA.
(2) Considerations.--In establishing the pilot program
under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consider the
following:
(A) The extent to which developed FPO capabilities
may reduce strain on the national airspace system
infrastructure while facilitating safe and efficient
flow of future air traffic volumes and diverse range of
aircraft and advanced aviation aircraft.
(B) The extent to which developed FPO capabilities
may achieve environmental benefits and time savings.
(C) The perspectives of FAA employees responsible
for air traffic flow management development projects,
bilateral civil aviation regulatory partners, and
industry applicants on the performance of the FAA in
carrying out air traffic flow management system
development projects.
(D) Any other information the Administrator
determines appropriate.
(3) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
the program, an air traffic flow management technology provider
shall submit an application to the Administrator at such time,
in such manner, and containing such information as the
Administrator may require.
(4) Maximum amount.--A grant awarded under the program may
not exceed $2,000,000 to a single air traffic flow management
technology provider.
(b) Briefing to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until the termination of
the pilot program under subsection (d) established under this section,
the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on
the progress of such pilot program, including any implementation
challenges of the program, detailed metrics of the program, and any
recommendations to achieve the adoption of FPO.
(c) Trajectory-based Operations Defined.--In this section, the term
``trajectory-based operations'' means an air traffic flow management
method for strategically planning, managing, and optimizing flights
that uses time-based management, performance-based navigation, and
other capabilities and processes to achieve air traffic flow management
operational objectives and improvements.
(d) Sunset.--The pilot program under this section shall terminate
on October 1, 2028.
SEC. 610. EXTENSION OF ENHANCED AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES PILOT PROGRAM.
Section 547 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40103
note) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
``(d) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Certain nextgen avionics.--The term `certain NextGen
avionics' means those avionics and baseline capabilities as
recommended in the report of the NextGen Advisory Committee
titled `Minimum Capabilities List (MCL) Ad Hoc Team NAC Task
19-1 Report', issued on November 17, 2020.
``(2) Preferential basis.--The term `preferential basis'
means prioritizing aircraft equipped with certain NextGen
avionics by providing them more efficient service, shorter
queuing, or priority clearances to the maximum extent possible
without reducing overall capacity or safety of the national
airspace system.''; and
(2) in subsection (e) by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and
inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
SEC. 611. FEDERAL CONTACT TOWER WAGE DETERMINATIONS AND POSITIONS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall request that the Secretary of
Labor--
(1) review and update, as necessary, including to account
for cost-of-living adjustments, the basis for the wage
determination for air traffic controllers who are employed at
air traffic control towers operated under the Contract Tower
Program established under section 47124 of title 49, United
States Code;
(2) reassess the basis for air traffic controller
occupation codes;
(3) create a new wage determination category or occupation
code for managers of air traffic controllers who are employed
at air traffic control towers operated under the Contract Tower
Program; and
(4) consult with the Administrator in carrying out the
requirements of paragraphs (1) through (3).
(b) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor,
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that
includes--
(1) a description of the findings and conclusions of the
review and reassessment made under subsection (a);
(2) an explanation of and justification for the basis for
the wage determination; and
(3) a description of the actions taken by the Department of
Transportation and the Department of Labor to ensure that
contract tower air traffic controller wages are adjusted for
inflation and are assigned the appropriate occupation codes.
SEC. 612. BRIEFING ON RADIO COMMUNICATIONS COVERAGE AROUND MOUNTAINOUS
TERRAIN.
(a) Briefing Requirement.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate
committees of Congress on the radio communications coverage within the
airspace surrounding the Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport in Mena,
Arkansas.
(b) Briefing Contents.--The briefing required under subsection (a)
shall include the following:
(1) The radio communications coverage within the airspace
surrounding the Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport with the
applicable Air Route Traffic Control Center.
(2) The altitudes at which radio communications
capabilities are lost within such airspace.
(3) Recommendations on changes to increase radio
communications coverage below 4,000 feet above ground level
within such airspace.
SEC. 613. AERONAUTICAL MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES.
(a) Satellite Voice Communications Services.--The Administrator
shall evaluate the addition of satellite voice communication services
(in this section referred to as ``SatVoice'') to the Aeronautical
Mobile Communications program (in this section referred to as the
``AMCS program'') that provides for the delivery of air traffic control
messages in oceanic and remote continental airspace.
(b) Analysis and Implementation Procedures.--Not later than 1 year
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall begin
to develop the safety case analysis and implementation procedures for
SatVoice instructions over the controlled oceanic and remote
continental airspace regions of the FAA.
(c) Requirements.--The analysis and implementation procedures
required under subsection (b) shall include, at a minimum, the
following:
(1) Network and protocol testing and integration with
satellite service providers.
(2) Operational testing with aircraft to identify and
resolve performance issues.
(3) A definition of Satcom Standards and Recommended
Practices established through a collaboration with the
International Civil Aviation Organization, which shall include
an RCP-130 performance standard as well as SatVoice standards.
(4) Training for radio operators on new operation
procedures and protocols.
(5) A phased implementation plan for incorporating SatVoice
services into the AMCS program.
(6) The estimated cost of the implementation procedures for
relevant stakeholders.
(d) HF/VHF Minimum Equipage.--
(1) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to affect the HF/VHF equipage requirement for
communications in oceanic and remote continental airspace as of
the date of enactment of this Act.
(2) Maintenance of hf/vhf services.--The Administrator
shall maintain HF/VHF services existing as of the date of
enactment of this Act as minimum equipage under the AMCS
program to provide for auxiliary communication and maintain
safety in the event of a satellite outage.
SEC. 614. DELIVERY OF CLEARANCE TO PILOTS VIA INTERNET PROTOCOL.
(a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a pilot
program to conduct testing and an evaluation to determine the
feasibility of the use, in air traffic control towers, of technology
for mobile clearance delivery for general aviation and on-demand air
carriers operating under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations, at suitable airports that do not have tower data link
services.
(b) Airport Selection.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator shall designate 5
suitable airports for participation in the program established
under subsection (a) after consultation with the exclusive
representatives of air traffic controllers certified under
section 7111 of title 5, United States Code, airport sponsors,
aircraft and avionics manufacturers, MITRE, and aircraft
operators
(2) Airport size and complexity.--In designating airports
under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall designate airports
of different size and complexity.
(c) Program Objective.--The program established under subsection
(a) shall address and include safety, security, and operational
requirements for mobile clearance delivery at airports and heliports
across the United States.
(d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which the
program under subsection (a) is established, the Administrator shall
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the
safety, security, and operational performance of mobile clearance
delivery at airports pursuant to this section and recommendations on
how best to improve the program.
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Mobile clearance delivery.--The term ``mobile clearance
delivery'' means the delivery of access to departure clearance
and clearance cancellation via internet protocol via
applications to pilots while aircraft are on the ground where
traditional data link installations are not feasible or
possible.
(2) Tower data link services.--The term ``tower data link
services'' means communications between controllers and pilots
using controller-pilot data link communications.
(3) Suitable airport.--The term ``suitable airport'' means
towered airports, non-towered airports, and heliports.
SEC. 615. STUDY ON CONGESTED AIRSPACE.
(a) Study.--Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study on the
efficiency and efficacy of scheduled commercial air service transiting
congested airspace.
(b) Contents.--In carrying out the study required under subsection
(a), the Comptroller General shall examine--
(1) various regions of congested airspace and the differing
factors of such regions;
(2) commercial air service;
(3) military flight activity;
(4) emergency response activity;
(5) commercial space launch and reentry activities;
(6) weather; and
(7) air traffic controller staffing.
(c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the initiation of the
study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of the study
and recommendations to reduce the impacts to scheduled air service
transiting congested airspace.
SEC. 616. BRIEFING ON LIT VORTAC PROJECT.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate
committees of Congress on the Little Rock Port Authority Very High
Frequency Omni-Directional Radio Range Tactical Air Navigation Aid
Project (in this section referred to as ``LIT VORTAC'').
(b) Briefing Contents.--The briefing required under subsection (a)
shall include the following:
(1) The status of the efforts by the FAA to relocate the
LIT VORTAC.
(2) The status of new flight planning of the relocated LIT
VORTAC.
(3) A description of and timeline for each remaining phase
of the relocation of the LIT VORTAC.
SEC. 617. SURFACE SURVEILLANCE.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall conduct
a review of surface surveillance systems that are operational as of
such date of enactment.
(b) Contents.--In carrying out the review under subsection (a), the
Administrator shall--
(1) demonstrate that any change to the configuration of
surface surveillance systems or decommissioning of a sensor
from such systems provides an equivalent level of safety as the
current system;
(2) determine how a technology refresh of legacy sensor
equipment can reduce operational and maintenance costs of
surface surveillance systems compared to current costs and
extend the useful life and affordability of such systems; and
(3) consider how to enhance such systems through new
capabilities and software tools that improve the safety of
terminal airspace and the airport surface.
(c) Consultation.--In carrying out the review under subsection (a),
the Administrator shall consult with--
(1) aviation safety experts with specific knowledge of
surface surveillance technology, including multilateration and
automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast;
(2) representatives of the exclusive bargaining
representative of the air traffic controllers certified under
section 7111 of title 5, United States Code, with expertise in
surface safety; and
(3) representatives of the exclusive bargaining
representative of airway transportation systems specialists of
the FAA certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States
Code.
(d) Briefing.--Upon completion of the review under subsection (a),
the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on
the findings of such review.
(e) Implementation.--The Administrator may implement changes to
surface surveillance systems consistent with the findings of the review
described in subsection (d).
SEC. 618. CONSIDERATION OF THIRD-PARTY SERVICES.
(a) Plans and Policy.--Section 44501 of title 49, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by striking ``development and
location of air navigation facilities'' and inserting
``development of air navigation facilities and services''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``and development'' and inserting
``procurement, and development'' each place it appears;
(B) in paragraph (1) by striking ``facilities and
equipment'' and inserting ``facilities, services, and
equipment'';
(C) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A) by striking ``first and 2d years'' and
inserting ``first and second years''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (C) by striking
``subclauses (A) and (B) of this clause'' and
inserting ``subparagraphs (A) and (B)'';
(D) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by striking ``the 3d, 4th, and 5th''
and inserting ``the third, fourth, and fifth'';
and
(ii) by striking ``systems and facilities''
and inserting ``systems, services, and
facilities''; and
(E) in paragraph (4)(B) by striking ``growth of
aviation'' and inserting ``growth of the aerospace
industry''.
(b) Systems, Procedures, Facilities, Services, and Devices.--
(1) In general.--Section 44505 of title 49, United States
Code, is amended--
(A) in the section heading by striking ``and
devices'' and inserting ``services, and devices'';
(B) in subsection (a) by striking ``and devices''
and inserting ``services, and devices'' each place it
appears; and
(C) in subsection (b) by striking ``develop dynamic
simulation models'' and inserting ``develop or procure
dynamic simulation models and tools'' each place it
appears.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 445 of
title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item
relating to section 44505 and inserting the following:
``44505. Systems, procedures, facilities, services, and devices.''.
SEC. 619. NEXTGEN PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, and periodically thereafter as the Administrator
determines appropriate, the Administrator shall convene FAA officials
to evaluate and expedite the implementation of NextGen programs and
capabilities.
(b) Nextgen Program Prioritization.--In allocating amounts
appropriated pursuant to section 48101(a) of title 49, United States
Code, the Secretary shall give priority to the following activities:
(1) Performance-based navigation.
(2) Data communications.
(3) Terminal flight data manager.
(4) Aeronautical information management.
(5) Other activities as recommended by the NextGen Advisory
Committee and determined by the Administrator to be
appropriate.
(c) Performance-based Navigation.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall fully implement
performance-based navigation procedures for all terminal and
enroute routes, including approach and departure procedures for
covered airports.
(2) Specific procedures.--Pursuant to paragraph (1), the
Administrator shall prioritize the following performance-based
navigation procedures:
(A) Trajectory-based operations.
(B) Optimized profile descents.
(C) Multiple airport route separation.
(D) Established on required navigation performance.
(E) Converging runway display aids.
(3) Performance-based navigation baseline equipage
requirements.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the Administrator
shall issue such regulations as may be required, and publish
applicable advisory circulars, to establish the equipage
baseline appropriate for aircraft to safely use performance-
based navigation procedures.
(4) Utilization action plan.--Not later than 180 days after
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall, in consultation
with certified labor representatives of air traffic controllers
and the NextGen Advisory Committee, develop an action plan to
utilize performance-based navigation procedures as a primary
means of navigation to further reduce the dependency on legacy
systems within the national airspace system.
(d) Data Communications.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall fully implement
the use of data communications.
(2) Specific capabilities.--In carrying out subsection (a)
and this subsection, the Administrator shall prioritize the
following data communications capabilities:
(A) Ground-to-ground message exchange for surface
aircraft operations and runway safety at airports.
(B) Automated message generation and receipt.
(C) Message routing and transmission.
(D) Direct communications with aircraft avionics.
(E) Implementation of data communications at all
Air Route Traffic Control Centers.
(F) The Future Air Navigation System.
(e) Terminal Flight Data Manager and Other Systems.--
(1) Terminal flight data manager.--Not later than 4 years
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator
shall install the Terminal Flight Data Manager system at not
less than 89 airports in the United States based on the highest
number of annual aircraft operations or a determination of
operational need and the impact of installation and deployment
on the national airspace system.
(2) Electronic flight strips.--At a minimum, the
Administrator shall implement electronic flight strips at the
air traffic control towers of airports described in paragraph
(1).
(3) Flow management data and services.--Not later than 4
years after the date of enactment of this Act, if the
Administrator finds that Terminal Flight Data Manager systems
would be beneficial to safety or efficiency, the Administrator
shall install Flow Management Data and Services at airports
described under paragraph (1).
(4) Appropriations.--The activities under paragraphs (1),
(2), and (3) of this subsection shall be contingent on the
appropriation of funds to carry out this subsection.
(f) Aeronautical Information Management Systems.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall fully modernize
the aeronautical information management systems of the FAA to
improve the functionality, useability, durability, and
reliability of such systems used in the national airspace
system.
(2) Requirements.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
Administrator shall--
(A) improve the distribution of critical safety
information to pilots, air traffic control, and other
relevant aviation stakeholders;
(B) fully develop and implement the Enterprise
Information Display System; and
(C) notwithstanding a centralized aeronautical
information management system, restructure the back-up
systems of aeronautical information management systems
to be independent and self-sufficient from one another.
(g) Nextgen Equipage Plan.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 14 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a 2-year
implementation plan to further incentivize the acceleration of
the equipage rates of certain NextGen avionics within the
fleets of air carriers (as such term is defined in section
40102(a) of title 49, United States Code.
(2) Contents.--In developing the plan required under
paragraph (1), the Administrator shall, at a minimum--
(A) provide for further implementation and
deployment of NextGen operational improvements to
incentivize universal equipage of commercial and
regional aircraft with certain NextGen avionics;
(B) identify any remaining barriers for operators
of commercial and regional aircraft to properly equip
such aircraft with certain NextGen avionics, including
any methods to address such barriers;
(C) provide for the use of the best methods to
highlight and enhance to operators of commercial and
regional aircraft the benefits of equipping such
aircraft with certain NextGen avionics; and
(D) include in such plan any equipage guidelines
and regulations the Administrator determines necessary
and appropriate.
(3) Consultation.--In developing the plan under paragraph
(1), the Administrator shall consult with representatives
from--
(A) trade associations representing air carriers;
(B) trade associations representing avionics
manufacturers;
(C) certified labor organizations representing air
traffic controllers; and
(D) any other representatives the Administrator
determines appropriate.
(4) Submission of plan.--Not later than 15 months after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit
to the appropriate committees of Congress the plan required
under this subsection.
(5) Implementation.--Not later than 18 months after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate
such actions necessary to implement the plan developed under
paragraph (1), including initiating any required rulemaking.
(6) Definition.--In this subsection, the term ``certain
NextGen avionics'' means those avionics and baseline
capabilities as recommended in the report of the NextGen
Advisory Committee titled ``Minimum Capabilities List (MCL) Ad
Hoc Team NAC Task 19-1 Report'', issued on November 17, 2020.
(h) Effect of Failure to Meet Deadline.--
(1) Notification of congress.--For each deadline
established under subsections (a) through (g), if the
Administrator determines that the Administrator has not met or
will not meet each such deadline, the Administrator shall, not
later than 30 days after such determination, notify the
appropriate committees of Congress about the failure to meet
each deadline.
(2) Contents of notification.--Each notification under
paragraph (1) shall be accompanied by the following:
(A) An explanation as to why the Administrator will
not or did not meet the deadline described in such
paragraph.
(B) A description of the actions the Administrator
plans to take to meet the deadline described in such
paragraph.
(C) Actions Congress can take to assist the
Administrator in meeting the deadline described in such
paragraph.
(3) Briefing.--If the Administrator is required to provide
notice under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall provide the
appropriate committees of Congress quarterly briefings as to
the progress made by the Administrator regarding implementation
under the respective subsection for which the deadline will not
be or was not met until such time as the Administrator has
completed the required work under such subsection.
(i) NextGen Advisory Committee Consultation.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator shall consult and task
the NextGen Advisory Committee with providing recommendations
on ways to expedite, prioritize, and fully implement the
NextGen program to realize the operational benefits of such
programs.
(2) Considerations.--In providing recommendations under
paragraph (1), the NextGen Advisory Committee shall consider--
(A) air traffic throughput of the national airspace
system;
(B) daily operational performance, including delays
and cancellations; and
(C) the potential need for performance-based
operational metrics related to the NextGen program and
subsequent air traffic modernization programs and
efforts.
SEC. 620. CONTRACT TOWER PROGRAM.
Section 47124 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(3) by adding at the end the
following:
``(H) Period for completion of an operational
readiness inspection.--The Secretary shall provide
airport sponsors acting in good faith 7 years to
complete an operational readiness inspection after
receiving a benefit-to-cost ratio of air traffic
control services for an airport.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Improving Controller Situational Awareness.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall allow air
traffic controllers at towers operated under the Contract Tower
Program to use approved advanced equipment and technologies to
improve operational situational awareness, including Standard
Terminal Automation Replacement System radar displays,
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, Flight Data Input/
Output, and Automatic Terminal Information System.
``(2) Installation and maintenance.--Not later than 2 years
after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary
shall allow airports to--
``(A) procure a Standard Terminal Automation
Replacement System or any equivalent system through the
Federal Aviation Administration, and install and
maintain such system using Administration services; or
``(B) purchase a Standard Terminal Automation
Replacement System, or any equivalent system, and
install and maintain such system using services
directly from an original equipment manufacturer.
``(3) Requirements.--To help facilitate the integration of
the equipment and technology described in paragraph (1), the
Secretary--
``(A) shall establish minimum performance and
technical standards that ensure the safe use of
equipment and technology, including commercial radar
displays capable of displaying primary and secondary
radar targets, for use by controllers in contract
towers to improve situational awareness;
``(B) shall identify approved vendors for such
equipment and technology, to the maximum extent
practicable;
``(C) shall establish, in consultation with
contract tower operators, an appropriate training
program to periodically train air traffic controllers
employed by such operators to ensure proper and
efficient integration and use of the situational
awareness equipment and technology described in
paragraph (1) into contract tower operations;
``(D) may add Standard Terminal Automation
Replacement System equipment or any equivalent system
to the minimum level of equipage necessary for Federal
contract towers to perform the function of such towers,
as applicable; and
``(E) shall require that any technology, system, or
equipment procured pursuant to this subsection be
procured using non-Federal funds, except as made
available under a grant issued pursuant to 47124(b)(4).
``(g) Liability Insurance.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date
of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall consult
with aviation industry experts, including air traffic control
contractors and aviation insurance professionals, to determine
adequate limits of liability for the Contract Tower Program.
``(2) Interim steps.--Not later than 6 months after the
date of enactment of this subsection and until the Secretary
makes a determination on liability limits under paragraph (1),
the Secretary shall require air traffic control contractors to
have excess liability insurance (as determined by the
Secretary) to ensure continuity of such coverage should a major
accident occur.
``(3) Briefing.--Not later than 24 months after the date of
enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall brief the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Commerce, Science, and Transportation
of the Senate on the findings, conclusions, and actions taken
and planned to be taken to carry out this subsection.''.
SEC. 621. REMOTE TOWERS.
(a) In General.--Section 47124 of title 49, United States Code, is
further amended--
(1) by adding at the end the following:
``(h) Milestones for Design Approval of Remote Towers.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator of the
Federal Aviation Administration shall create a program and
publish milestones to achieve system design and operational
approval for a remote tower system.
``(2) Requirements.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
Administrator shall--
``(A) rely on support from the Office of Airports
of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Air
Traffic Organization of the Federal Aviation
Administration, including the Air Traffic Services
Service Unit and the Technical Operations Service Unit;
``(B) consult with relevant stakeholders, as the
Administrator determines appropriate;
``(C) establish requirements for the system design
and operational approval of remote towers, including--
``(i) visual siting processes and
requirements for electro-optical sensors;
``(ii) datalink latency requirements;
``(iii) visual presentation design
requirements for monitors used to display
sensor and camera feeds; and
``(iv) any other wireless
telecommunications infrastructure requirements
to enable the operation of such towers;
``(D) use a safety risk management panel process to
address any safety issues with respect to a remote
tower;
``(E) if a remote tower is intended to be installed
at a non-towered airport, assess the safety benefits of
the remote tower against the lack of an existing tower;
``(F) allow the use of surface surveillance
technology, either standalone or integrated into the
visual automation platform, as a situational awareness
tool;
``(G) establish protocols for contingency
operations and procedures in the event of remote tower
technology failures and malfunctions; and
``(H) support active testing of a remote tower
system that has achieved system design approval by the
William J. Hughes Technical Center at an airport that
has installed remote tower infrastructure to support
such system.
``(3) System design approval and evaluation process.--Not
later than December 31, 2024, the Administrator shall expand
the system design approval and evaluation process for a digital
or remote tower system to not less than 3 airports at which a
digital or remote tower will be installed or operated at
airports not located at the William J. Hughes Technical Center
and using the criteria under section 161 of the FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47104 note), to the
extent the Administrator has willing technology providers and
airports interested in the installation and operation of such
towers.
``(4) Preservation of existing design approvals.--Nothing
in this subsection shall be construed to invalidate any system
design approval activity carried out by the William J. Hughes
Technical Center prior to the date of enactment of this
subsection.
``(5) Prioritization for remote tower certification.--In
carrying out the program established under paragraph (1), the
Administrator shall prioritize system design and operational
approval for a remote tower system at--
``(A) airports that do not have a permanent air
traffic control tower at the time of application;
``(B) airports that would provide small and rural
community air service; or
``(C) airports that have been newly accepted as of
the date of enactment of this subsection into the
Contract Tower Program.''.
(b) Briefing to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, and every 6 months thereafter through October
1, 2028, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of
Congress on--
(1) the status of remote and digital tower projects in the
system design approval and commissioning process;
(2) the effectiveness and adequacy of the pilot program
established under section 161 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of
2018 (49 U.S.C. 47104 note); and
(3) any other issues related to the demand for and
potential use of remote tower technology that the Administrator
determines are appropriate.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--Section 47124(b) of title 49, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)(B)(ii) by inserting ``or a remote air
traffic control tower equipment that has received System Design
Approval from the Federal Aviation Administration'' after ``an
operating air traffic control tower''; and
(2) in paragraph (4)(A)--
(A) in clause (i)(III) by inserting ``or remote air
traffic control tower equipment that has received
System Design Approval from the Federal Aviation
Administration'' after ``certified by the Federal
Aviation Administration''; and
(B) in clause (ii)(III) by inserting ``or remote
air traffic control tower equipment that has received
System Design Approval from the Federal Aviation
Administration'' after ``certified by the Federal
Aviation Administration''.
(d) Extension.--Section 161(a)(10) of the FAA Reauthorization Act
of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47104 note) is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024''
and inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
SEC. 622. AUDIT OF LEGACY SYSTEMS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate an audit of all
legacy systems of the national airspace system to determine the level
of operational risk, functionality, and security of such systems and
the compatibility of such systems with current and future technology.
(b) Scope of Audit.--The audit required under subsection (a)--
(1) shall be conducted by an independent third-party
contractor or a federally funded research and development
center selected by the Administrator;
(2) shall include an assessment of whether a legacy system
is an outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable legacy
system;
(3) with respect to any legacy systems identified in the
audit as an outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable legacy
system, shall include--
(A) an analysis of the operational risks associated
with using such legacy systems;
(B) recommendations for replacement or enhancement
of such legacy systems; and
(C) an analysis of any potential impact on aviation
safety and efficiency; and
(4) shall include recommended performance metrics by which
the Administrator can assess the circumstances in which safety-
critical communication, navigation, and surveillance aviation
infrastructure within the national airspace system can remain
in operational service, which take into account--
(A) the expected lifespan of such aviation
infrastructure;
(B) the number and type of mechanical failures of
such aviation infrastructure;
(C) the average annual costs of maintaining such
aviation infrastructure over a 5-year period and
whether such costs exceed the cost to replace such
aviation infrastructure; and
(D) the availability of replacement parts or labor
capable of maintaining such aviation infrastructure.
(c) Deadline.--Not later than 15 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the audit required under subsection (a) shall be
completed.
(d) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the audit required under
subsection (a) is completed, the Administrator shall provide to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the findings and
recommendations of such audit, including--
(1) an inventory of the legacy systems in use;
(2) an assessment of the operational condition of the
legacy systems in use, including the interoperability of such
systems;
(3) the average age of such legacy systems and, for each
such legacy system, the intended design life of the system, by
type; and
(4) the availability of replacement parts, equipment, or
technology to maintain such legacy systems.
(e) Plan to Accelerate Drawdown, Replacement, or Enhancement of
Identified Legacy Systems.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date on
which the Administrator provides the report under subsection
(d), the Administrator shall develop and implement a plan, in
consultation with industry representatives, to accelerate the
drawdown, replacement, or enhancement of any legacy systems
that are identified in the audit required under subsection (a)
as outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable legacy systems.
(2) Priorities.--In developing the plan under paragraph
(1), the Administrator shall prioritize the drawdown,
replacement, or enhancement of such legacy systems based on the
operational risks such legacy systems pose to aviation safety
and the costs associated with the replacement or enhancement of
such legacy systems.
(3) Collaboration with external experts.--In carrying out
this subsection, the Administrator shall--
(A) collaborate with industry representatives and
other external experts in information technology to
develop the plan under paragraph (1) within a
reasonable timeframe;
(B) identify technologies in existence or in
development that, with or without adaptation, are
expected to be suitable to meet the technical
information technology needs of the FAA; and
(C) maintain consistency with the acquisition
management system established and updated pursuant to
section 40110(d) of title 49, United States Code.
(4) Progress updates.--The Administrator shall provide the
appropriate committees of Congress with semiannual updates
through September 30, 2028 on the progress made in carrying out
the plan under paragraph (1).
(5) Inspector general review.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the
Administrator develops the plan required under
paragraph (1), the inspector general of the Department
of Transportation shall assess such efforts of the
Administration to drawdown, replace, or enhance any
legacy systems identified under subsection (a).
(B) Report.--The inspector general shall submit to
the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the
results of the review carried out under subparagraph
(A).
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Industry.--The term ``industry'' means aviation
industry organizations with expertise in aviation-dedicated
network systems, systems engineering platforms, aviation
software services, air traffic management, flight operations,
and International Civil Aviation Organization standards.
(2) Legacy system.--The term ``legacy system'' means any
communication, navigation, surveillance, or automation or
network applications or ground-based aviation infrastructure,
or other critical software and hardware systems owned by the
FAA, that were deployed prior to the year 2000, including the
Notice to Air Missions system.
(3) Outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable legacy
system.--The term ``outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable
legacy system'' means a legacy system for which the likelihood
of failure of such system creates a risk to air safety or
security due to the age, ability to be maintained in a cost-
effective manner, vulnerability to degradation, errors, or
malicious attacks of such system, or any other factors that may
compromise the performance or security of such system,
including a legacy system--
(A) that is vulnerable or susceptible to mechanical
failure; and
(B) with a risk of a single point of failure or
that lacks sufficient contingencies in the event of
such failure.
SEC. 623. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL FACILITY REALIGNMENT STUDY.
(a) Examination.--
(1) 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 a federally funded research and
development center to conduct an Air Traffic Control Facility
Realignment study to examine consolidating or otherwise
reorganizing air traffic control facilities and the management
of airspace controlled by such facilities.
(2) Contents.--In the study required under paragraph (1),
the federally funded research and development center shall--
(A) evaluate the potential efficiencies that may
result from a reorganization;
(B) identify whether certain areas prone to
airspace congestion or facility staff shortages would
benefit from any enhanced flexibilities or operational
changes; and
(C) recommend opportunities for integration of
separate facilities to create a more collaborative and
efficient traffic control environment.
(3) Consultation.--In carrying out this subsection, the
federally funded research and development center shall consult
with the exclusive representatives of air traffic controllers
certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code.
(b) Report.--Not later than 15 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the federally funded research and development center shall
submit to the Administrator a report detailing the findings of the
study required under subsection (a) and recommendations related to
consolidation or reorganization of air traffic control work facilities
and locations.
(c) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 18 months after
receiving the report under subsection (b), the Administrator shall
brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the results of the
study under subsection (a) and any recommendations under subsection (b)
related to consolidation or reorganization of air traffic control work
facilities and locations.
SEC. 624. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER REPLACEMENT PROCESS REPORT.
(a) Report Required.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a
report on the process by which air traffic control tower facilities are
chosen for replacement.
(b) Contents.--The report required under subsection (a) shall
contain--
(1) the process by which air traffic control tower
facilities are chosen for replacement, including which
divisions of the Administration control or are involved in the
replacement decision making process;
(2) the criteria the Administrator uses to determine which
air traffic control tower facilities to replace, including--
(A) the relative importance of each such criteria;
(B) why the Administrator uses each such criteria;
and
(C) the reasons for the relative importance of each
such criteria;
(3) what types of investigation the Administrator carries
out to determine if an air traffic control tower facility
should be replaced;
(4) a timeline of the replacement process for an individual
air traffic control tower facility replacement;
(5) the list of facilities established under subsection
(c), including the reason for selecting each such facility; and
(6) any other information the Administrator considers
relevant.
(c) List of Replaced Air Traffic Control Tower Facilities.--The
Administrator shall establish, maintain, and publish on the website of
the FAA a list of the following:
(1) All air traffic control tower facilities replaced
within the 10-year period preceding the date of enactment of
this Act.
(2) Any air traffic control tower facilities for which the
Administrator has made a determination requiring replacement,
but for which such replacement has not yet been completed.
SEC. 625. CONTRACT TOWER PROGRAM SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS.
(a) Pilot Program for Transitioning to FAA Towers.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a
pilot program to convert high-activity air traffic control
towers operating under the Contract Tower Program as
established under section 47124 of title 49, United States
Code, (in this section referred to as the ``Contract Tower
Program'') to a level I (Visual Flight Rules) tower staffed by
the FAA.
(2) Priority.--In selecting air traffic control towers to
participate in the pilot program established under paragraph
(1), the Administrator shall prioritize air traffic control
towers operating under the Contract Tower Program that--
(A) either--
(i) had over 200,000 annual tower
operations in calendar year 2022; or
(ii) served a small hub airport with more
than 900,000 passenger enplanements in calendar
year 2021;
(B) are either currently owned by the FAA or are
constructed to FAA standards; and
(C) operate within complex airspace, including
airspace that serves air carrier, general aviation, and
military aircraft.
(3) Tower selection.--The number of air traffic control
towers selected to participate in the pilot program established
under paragraph (1) shall be determined based on the
availability of funds for the pilot program and the interest of
the airport sponsor related to such facility.
(4) Controller retention.--With respect to any high-
activity air traffic control tower selected to be converted
under the pilot program established under paragraph (1), the
Administrator shall appoint to the position of air traffic
controller any air traffic controller who--
(A) is employed at such air traffic control tower
as of the date on which the Administrator selects such
tower to be converted;
(B) meets the qualifications contained in section
44506(f)(1)(A) of title 49, United States Code; and
(C) has all other pre-employment qualifications
required by law to be a certified controller of the
FAA.
(5) Safety analysis.--
(A) In general.--The Administrator shall conduct a
safety analysis to determine whether the conversion of
any air traffic control tower described in paragraph
(1) negatively impacts aviation safety at such air
traffic control tower and take such actions needed to
address any negative impact.
(B) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a
report describing the results of the safety analysis
under subparagraph (A), any actions taken to address
any negative impacts to safety, and the overall results
of the pilot program established under this subsection.
(6) Authorization of appropriations.--Out of amounts made
available under section 106(k) of title 49, United States Code,
there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
subsection $30,000,000 to remain available for 5 fiscal years.
(b) Air Traffic Controller Staffing Levels at Small and Medium Hub
Airports.--Section 47124(b)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) by striking ``The Secretary may'' and inserting the
following:
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Small or medium hub airports.--In the case of
a contract entered into on or after the date of
enactment of this subparagraph to operate an airport
traffic control tower at a small or medium hub airport,
the contract shall require the Secretary, after
coordination with the airport sponsor and the entity,
State, or subdivision, and not later than 18 months
after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization
Act of 2024, to provide funding sufficient for the cost
of wages and benefits of at least 2 air traffic
controllers for each tower operating shift.''.
(c) Priorities for Facility Selection.--Section 47124(b)(3)(C) of
title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(viii) Air traffic control towers at
airports with safety or operational problems
related to the lack of an existing tower.
``(ix) Air traffic control towers at
airports with projected commercial and military
increases in aircraft or flight operations.
``(x) Air traffic control towers at
airports with a variety of aircraft operations,
including a variety of commercial and military
flight operations.''.
SEC. 626. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON USE OF ADVANCED SURVEILLANCE IN OCEANIC
AIRSPACE.
It is the sense of Congress the FAA shall continue to evaluate the
potential uses for space-based automatic dependent surveillance
broadcast to improve surveillance coverage of domestic airspace
including improving surveillance coverage over remote terrain and in
oceanic airspace. If determined appropriate by the Administrator, the
FAA shall consider whether additional testing would meaningfully
contribute to the FAA's processes for developing separation standards
and more efficient routes.
SEC. 627. LOW-ALTITUDE ROUTES FOR VERTICAL FLIGHT.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the
national airspace system requires additional rotorcraft, powered-lift
aircraft, and low-altitude instrument flight rules, routes leveraging
advances in performance based navigation in order to provide direct,
safe, and reliable routes that ensure sufficient separation from higher
altitude fixed wing aircraft traffic.
(b) Low-altitude Rotorcraft and Powered-lift Aircraft Instrument
Flight Routes.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate a
rulemaking process to establish or update, as appropriate, low
altitude routes and flight procedures to ensure safe rotorcraft
and powered-lift aircraft operations in the national airspace
system.
(2) Requirements.--In carrying out this subsection, the
Administrator shall--
(A) incorporate instrument flight rules rotorcraft
operations into the low-altitude performance based
navigation procedure infrastructure;
(B) prioritize the development of new helicopter
area navigation instrument flight rules routes as part
of the United States air traffic service route
structure that utilize performance based navigation,
such as Global Positioning System and Global Navigation
Satellite System equipment; and
(C) consider the impact of such low altitude flight
routes on other airspace users and impacted communities
to ensure that such routes are designed to minimize--
(i) the potential for conflict with
existing national airspace system operations;
(ii) the workload of air traffic
controllers; and
(iii) negative effects to impacted
communities.
(3) Consultation.--In carrying out the rulemaking process
under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consult with--
(A) stakeholders in the airport, heliport,
rotorcraft manufacturer and operator, general aviation
operator, powered-lift operator, air carrier, and
performance based navigation technology manufacturer
sectors;
(B) the United States Helicopter Safety Team;
(C) exclusive bargaining representatives of air
traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of
title 5, United States Code; and
(D) other stakeholders determined appropriate by
the Administrator.
SEC. 628. REQUIRED CONSULTATION WITH NATIONAL PARKS OVERFLIGHTS
ADVISORY GROUP.
Section 40128(b)(4) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (D) by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) consult with the advisory group established
under section 805 of the National Parks Air Tour
Management Act of 2000 (49 U.S.C. 40128 note) and
consider all advice, information, and recommendations
provided by the advisory group to the Administrator and
the Director.''.
SEC. 629. UPGRADING AND REPLACING AGING AIR TRAFFIC SYSTEMS.
(a) Study.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter
into an agreement with a qualified organization to conduct a
study to assess the need for upgrades to or replacement of
existing automated surface observation systems/automated
weather observing systems (in this section referred to as
``ASOS/AWOS'') located in non-contiguous States.
(2) Contents.--The study conducted under paragraph (1)
shall include an analysis of--
(A) the age of each ASOS/AWOS located in non-
contiguous States;
(B) the number of days in the calendar year
preceding the date on which the study is conducted that
each such ASOS/AWOS was not able to accurately
communicate or disseminate data for any period of time;
(C) impacts of extreme severe weather on ASOS/AWOS
outages;
(D) the effective coverage of the existing ASOS/
AWOS;
(E) detailed upgrade requirements for each existing
ASOS/AWOS, including an assessment of whether
replacement would be the most cost-effective
recommendation;
(F) prior maintenance expenditures for each
existing ASOS/AWOS;
(G) a description of all upgrades or replacements
made by the FAA to ASOS/AWOS prior to the date of
enactment of this Act;
(H) impacts of an outage or break in service in the
FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure on such ASOS/
AWOS; and
(I) any other matter determined appropriate by the
Administrator.
(b) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report on the findings of the study conducted
under subsection (a), and include in such report--
(1) a plan for executing upgrades to or replacements of
existing ASOS/AWOS located in non-contiguous States;
(2) a plan for converting and upgrading such ASOS/AWOS
communications to the FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure;
(3) an assessment of the use of unmonitored navigational
aids to allow for alternate airport planning for commercial and
cargo aviation to limit ASOS/AWOS service disruptions;
(4) an evaluation of additional alternative methods of
compliance for obtaining weather elements that would be as
sufficient as current data received through ASOS/AWOS; and
(5) any other recommendation determined appropriate by the
Administrator.
(c) Funding.--To carry out the study under this section, the
Administrator may use amounts made available pursuant to section
48101(c)(1) of title 49, United States Code.
SEC. 630. AIRSPACE INTEGRATION FOR SPACE LAUNCH AND REENTRY.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the Sense of Congress that--
(1) a safe and efficient national airspace system that
successfully supports existing users and integrates new
entrants is of the utmost importance;
(2) both commercial aviation and space launch and reentry
operations are vital to United States global leadership,
national security, and economic opportunity;
(3) aircraft hazard areas are necessary during space launch
and reentry operations to ensure public safety; and
(4) the Administrator should prioritize the development and
deployment of technologies to improve visibility of space
launch and reentry operations within FAA computer systems and
minimize operational workload to air traffic controllers
associated with routing traffic during spaceflight launch and
reentry operations.
(b) Space Launch and Reentry Airspace Integration Technology.--Out
of amounts made available under section 48101 of title 49, United
States Code, $10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2025 through 2028
(or until such time as the Administrator determines that the project
meeting the requirements of this section has reached an operational
status) is available for the Administrator to carry out a project to
expedite the development, acquisition, and deployment of technologies
or capabilities to aid in space launch and reentry integration with the
objective of operational readiness not later than December 31, 2026,
which may include--
(1) technologies recommended by the Airspace Access
Priorities aviation rulemaking committee in the final report
titled ``ARC Recommendations Final Report'', issued on August
21, 2019;
(2) systems to enable the integration of launch and reentry
data directly onto air traffic controller displays; and
(3) automated systems to enable near real-time planning and
dynamic rerouting of commercial aircraft during and following
commercial space launch and reentry operations.
SEC. 631. UPDATE TO FAA ORDER ON AIRWAY PLANNING STANDARD.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Administrator shall take such actions as may be necessary to update
,the order of the FAA titled ``Airway Planning Standard Number One-
Terminal Air Navigation Facilities and Air Traffic Control Services''
(FAA Order 7031.2c), to lower the remote radar bright display scope
installation requirement from 30,000 annual itinerant operations to
15,000 annual itinerant operations.
TITLE VII--MODERNIZING AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
Subtitle A--Airport Improvement Program Modifications
SEC. 701. DEVELOPMENT OF AIRPORT PLANS.
Section 47101(g) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) in the second sentence, by inserting
``(including long-term resilience from the impact of natural
hazards and severe weather events)'' after ``environmental'';
and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (D) by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(E) consider the impact of hazardous weather
events on long-term operational resilience.''.
SEC. 702. AIP DEFINITIONS.
Section 47102 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
``(1) `air carrier' has the meaning given such term in
section 40102.'';
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in clause (i) by striking ``and'' at
the end;
(ii) in clause (ii) by striking the period
at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) a secondary runway at a nonhub
airport that is equivalent in size and type to
the primary runway of such airport.'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (iii) by inserting ``and fuel
infrastructure for such equipment to remove
snow'' after ``surveillance equipment'';
(ii) in clause (ix) by striking ``and'' at
the end;
(iii) in clause (x) by striking the period
and inserting ``; and''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(xi) a medium intensity approach lighting
system with runway alignment indicator
lights.'';
(C) in subparagraph (E) by striking ``after
December 31, 1991,'';
(D) in subparagraph (K) by striking ``if the
airport is located in an air quality nonattainment or
maintenance area (as defined in sections 171(2) and
175A of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7501(2); 7505a))
and if the airport would be able to receive emission
credits, as described in section 47139'';
(E) in subparagraph (L) by striking ``the airport
is located in an air quality nonattainment or
maintenance area (as defined in sections 171(2) and
175A of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7501(2); 7505a)),
if the airport would be able to receive appropriate
emission credits (as described in section 47139),
and'';
(F) in subparagraph (P)--
(i) by striking ``improve the reliability
and efficiency of the airport's power supply''
and inserting ``improve reliability and
efficiency of the power supply of the airport
or meet current and future electrical power
demand'';
(ii) by inserting ``, renewable energy
generation and storage infrastructure
(including necessary substation upgrades to
support such infrastructure)'' after
``electrical generators'';
(iii) by striking ``supply, and'' and
inserting ``supply,''; and
(iv) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``, and smart glass (including
electrochromic glass).''; and
(G) by adding at the end the following:
``(S) acquisition of advanced digital construction
management systems and related technology used in the
planning, design and engineering, construction, and
maintenance of airport facilities when such systems or
technologies are acquired to carry out a project
approved by the Secretary under this subchapter.
``(T) improvements, or planning for improvements
(including monitoring equipment or services), that
would be necessary to sustain commercial service flight
operations or permit the resumption of such flight
operations following a natural disaster (including an
earthquake, flooding, high water, wildfires, hurricane,
storm surge, tidal wave, tornado, tsunami, wind driven
water, sea level rise, tropical storm, cyclone, land
instability, or winter storm) at--
``(i) a primary airport; or
``(ii) a nonprimary airport that is
designated as a Federal staging area or
incident support base by the Administrator of
the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
``(U) a project to comply with rulemakings and
recommendations on airport cybersecurity standards from
the aviation rulemaking committee convened under
section 395 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
``(V) reconstructing or rehabilitating an existing
crosswind runway (regardless of the wind coverage of
the primary runway) if the reconstruction or
rehabilitation of such crosswind runway is in the most
recently approved airport layout plan of the sponsor.
``(W) constructing or acquiring such airport-owned
infrastructure or equipment, notwithstanding revenue
producing capability of such infrastructure or
equipment, as may be required for--
``(i) the on-airport distribution or
storage of unleaded aviation gasoline for
piston-driven aircraft, including on-airport
construction or expansion of pipelines, storage
tanks, low-emission fuel systems, and airport-
owned fuel trucks providing exclusively
unleaded aviation fuels (unless the Secretary
determines that an alternative fuel may be
safely used in such fuel truck for a limited
time); or
``(ii) fueling systems for type
certificated hydrogen-powered aircraft.
``(X) constructing, reconstructing, or
rehabilitating a taxiway or taxilane that serves non-
exclusive use aeronautical facilities, including
aircraft storage facilities, except for the 50 feet of
pavement immediately in front of an ineligible
building.
``(Y) any other activity (excluding terminal
development) that the Secretary concludes will
reasonably improve the safety of the airport.'';
(3) in paragraph (5)--
(A) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ``and
catchment area analyses'' after ``planning'';
(B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(C) in subparagraph (C) by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) assessing current and future electrical power
demand for airport airside and landside activities.'';
(4) in paragraph (20)--
(A) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``or'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (C) by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; or''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) the Republic of the Marshall Islands,
Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of
Palau.'';
(5) in paragraph (27) by striking ``the Trust Territory of
the Pacific Islands,''; and
(6) in paragraph (28)(B) by striking ``described in section
47119(a)(1)(B)'' and inserting ``for moving passengers and
baggage between terminal facilities and between terminal
facilities and aircraft''.
SEC. 703. REVENUE DIVERSION PENALTY ENHANCEMENT.
(a) In General.--Section 47107 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in subsection (m)(4) by striking ``an amount equal to''
and inserting ``an amount equal to double''; and
(2) in subsection (n)(1) by striking ``an amount equal to''
and inserting ``an amount equal to double''.
(b) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall not
apply to any illegal diversion of airport revenues (as described in
section 47107(m) of title 49, United States Code) that occurred prior
to the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 704. EXTENSION OF COMPETITIVE ACCESS REPORT REQUIREMENT.
Section 47107(r)(3) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``May 11, 2024'' and inserting ``October 1, 2028''.
SEC. 705. RENEWAL OF CERTAIN LEASES.
Section 47107(t)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``the date of enactment
of this subsection'' and inserting ``October 7, 2016''; and
(2) by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the
following:
``(D) that--
``(i) supports the operation of military
aircraft by the Air Force or Air National
Guard--
``(I) at the airport; or
``(II) remotely from the airport;
or
``(ii) is for the use of nonaeronautical
land or facilities of the airport by the
National Guard.''.
SEC. 706. COMMUNITY USE OF AIRPORT LAND.
Section 47107(v) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to
read as follows:
``(v) Community Use of Airport Land.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding subsections (a)(13),
(b), and (c) and section 47133, and subject to paragraph (2),
the sponsor of a public-use airport shall not be considered to
be in violation of this subtitle, or to be found in violation
of a grant assurance made under this section, or under any
other provision of law, as a condition for the receipt of
Federal financial assistance for airport development, solely
because the sponsor has--
``(A) entered into an agreement, including a
revised agreement, with a local government providing
for the use of airport property for an interim
compatible recreational purpose at below fair market
value; or
``(B) permanently restricted the use of airport
property to compatible recreational and public park use
without paying or otherwise obtaining payment of fair
market value for the property.
``(2) Restrictions.--
``(A) Interim compatible recreational purpose.--
Paragraph (1) shall apply, with respect to a sponsor
that has taken the action described in subparagraph (A)
of such paragraph, only--
``(i) to an agreement regarding airport
property that was initially entered into before
the publication of the Federal Aviation
Administration's Policy and Procedures
Concerning the Use of Airport Revenue, dated
February 16, 1999;
``(ii) if the agreement between the sponsor
and the local government is subordinate to any
existing or future agreements between the
sponsor and the Secretary, including agreements
related to a grant assurance under this
section;
``(iii) to airport property that was
purchased using funds from a Federal grant for
acquiring land issued prior to January 1, 1989;
``(iv) if the airport sponsor has provided
a written statement to the Administrator that
the property made available for a recreational
purpose will not be needed for any aeronautical
purpose during the next 10 years;
``(v) if the agreement includes a term of
not more than 2 years to prepare the airport
property for the interim compatible
recreational purpose and not more than 10 years
of use for that purpose;
``(vi) if the recreational purpose will not
impact the aeronautical use of the airport;
``(vii) if the airport sponsor provides a
certification that the sponsor is not
responsible for preparation, startup,
operations, maintenance, or any other costs
associated with the recreational purpose; and
``(viii) if the recreational purpose is
consistent with Federal land use compatibility
criteria under section 47502.
``(B) Recreational use.--Paragraph (1) shall apply,
with respect to a sponsor that has taken the action
described in subparagraph (B) of such paragraph, only--
``(i) to airport property that was
purchased using funds from a Federal grant for
acquiring land issued prior to January 1, 1989;
``(ii) to airport property that has been
continuously leased or licensed through a
written agreement with a governmental entity or
non-profit entity for recreational or public
park uses since July 1, 2003;
``(iii) if the airport sponsor has provided
a written statement to the Administrator that
the recreational or public park use does not
impact the aeronautical use of the airport and
that the property to be permanently restricted
for recreational or public park use is not
needed for any aeronautical use at the time the
written statement is provided and is not
expected to be needed for any aeronautical use
at any time after such statement is provided;
``(iv) if the airport sponsor provides a
certification to the Administrator that the
sponsor is not responsible for operations,
maintenance, or any other costs associated with
the recreational or public park use;
``(v) if the recreational purpose is
consistent with Federal land use compatibility
criteria under section 47502; and
``(vi) if the airport sponsor will--
``(I) lease the property to a local
government entity or non-profit entity
to operate and maintain the property at
no cost to the airport sponsor; or
``(II) transfer title to the
property to a local government entity
subject to a permanent deed restriction
ensuring compatible airport use under
regulations issued pursuant to section
47502.
``(3) Revenue from certain sales of airport property.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an airport sponsor
leasing or selling a portion of airport property as described
in paragraph (2)(B)(vi) may--
``(A) lease or sell such portion of airport
property for less than fair market value; and
``(B) subject to the requirements of subsection
(b), retain the revenue from the lease or sale of such
portion of airport property for use in accordance with
section 47133.
``(4) Secretary review and approval.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, and subject to the sponsor providing a
written statement certifying such sponsor meets the
requirements under this subsection, no actions permitted under
this subsection shall require the review or approval of the
Secretary of Transportation.
``(5) Statutory construction.--Nothing in this subsection
may be construed as permitting a diversion of airport revenue
for the capital or operating costs associated with the
community use of airport land.
``(6) Aeronautical use; aeronautical purpose defined.--In
this subsection, the terms `aeronautical use' and `aeronautical
purpose'--
``(A) mean all activities that involve or are
directly related to the operation of aircraft,
including activities that make the operation of
aircraft possible and safe;
``(B) include services located at an airport that
are directly and substantially related to the movement
of passengers, baggage, mail, and cargo; and
``(C) do not include any uses of an airport that
are not described in subparagraph (A) or (B), including
any aviation-related uses that do not need to be
located at an airport, such as flight kitchens and
airline reservation centers.''.
SEC. 707. PRICE ADJUSTMENT PROVISIONS.
Section 47108 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by striking ``47114(d)(3)(A) of this
title'' and inserting ``47114(d)(2)(A)'';
(2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Increasing Government Share.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2) or
(3), the amount stated in an offer as the maximum amount the
Government will pay may not be increased when the offer has
been accepted in writing.
``(2) Exception.--For a project receiving assistance under
a grant approved under this chapter or chapter 475, the amount
may be increased--
``(A) for an airport development project, by not
more than 15 percent; and
``(B) to acquire an interest in land for an airport
(except a primary airport), based on creditable
appraisals at the time of the acquisition or a court
award in a condemnation proceeding, by not more than
the greater of--
``(i) 15 percent; or
``(ii) 25 percent of the total increase in
allowable project costs attributable to
acquiring an interest in land.
``(3) Price adjustment provisions.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may incorporate a
provision in a project grant agreement under which the
Secretary agrees to pay more than the maximum amount
otherwise specified in the agreement if the Secretary
finds that commodity or labor prices have increased
since the agreement was made.
``(B) Decrease in costs.--A provision incorporated
in a project grant agreement under this paragraph shall
ensure that the Secretary realizes any financial
benefit associated with a decrease in material or labor
costs for the project.'';
(3) by striking subsection (c); and
(4) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections
(c) and (d), respectively.
SEC. 708. UPDATING UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT'S SHARE OF PROJECT COSTS.
Section 47109 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(h) Special Rule for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026.--Notwithstanding
subsection (a), the Government's share of allowable project costs for a
grant made to a nonhub or nonprimary airport in each of fiscal years
2025 and 2026 shall be 95 percent.''.
SEC. 709. ALLOWABLE PROJECT COSTS AND LETTERS OF INTENT.
Section 47110 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by
striking ``after May 13, 1946, and''; and
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by inserting ``or preparing for'' after
``formulating''; and
(ii) by inserting ``utility relocation,
work site preparation,'' before ``and
administration'';
(2) in subsection (d)(1) by striking ``section 47114(c)(1)
or 47114(d)'' and inserting ``section 47114 or distributed from
the small airport fund under section 47116'';
(3) in subsection (e)(2)(C) by striking ``commercial
service airport having at least 0.25 percent of the boardings
each year at all such airports'' and inserting ``medium hub
airport or large hub airport'';
(4) in subsection (h) by striking ``section
47114(d)(3)(A)'' and inserting ``section 47114(c)(1)(D) or
section 47114(d)(2)(A)''; and
(5) by striking subsection (i).
SEC. 710. SMALL AIRPORT LETTERS OF INTENT.
(a) In General.--Section 47110 of title 49, United States Code, is
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``(i) Small Airport Letters of Intent.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may issue a letter of
intent to a sponsor stating an intention to obligate an amount
from future budget authority for an airport development project
(including costs of formulating the project) at a nonhub
airport or an airport that is not a primary airport.
``(2) Contents.--In the letter issued under paragraph (1),
the Secretary shall establish a schedule under which the
Secretary will reimburse the sponsor for the Government's share
of allowable project costs, as amounts become available, if the
sponsor, after the Secretary issues the letter, carries out the
project without receiving amounts under this subchapter.
``(3) Limitations.--The amount the Secretary intends to
obligate in a letter of intent issued under this subsection
shall not exceed the larger of--
``(A) the Government's share of allowable project
costs; or
``(B) $10,000,000.
``(4) Financing.--Allowable project costs under paragraphs
(1) and (2) may include costs associated with making payments
for debt service on indebtedness incurred to carry out the
project.
``(5) Requirements.--The Secretary shall issue a letter of
intent under paragraph (1) only if--
``(A) the sponsor notifies the Secretary, before
the project begins, of the intent of the sponsor to
carry out the project and requests a letter of intent;
and
``(B) the sponsor agrees to comply with all
statutory and administrative requirements that would
apply to the project if it were carried out with
amounts made available under this subchapter.
``(6) Assessment.--In reviewing a request for a letter of
intent under this subsection, the Secretary shall consider the
grant history of an airport, the enplanements or operations of
an airport, and such other factors as the Secretary determines
appropriate.
``(7) Prioritization.--In issuing letters of intent under
this subsection, the Secretary shall--
``(A) prioritize projects that--
``(i) cannot reasonably be funded by an
airport sponsor using funds apportioned under
section 47114(c), 47114(d)(2)(A), or
47114(d)(6), including funds apportioned under
such sections in multiple fiscal years pursuant
to section 47117(b)(1); and
``(ii) are necessary to the continued safe
operation or development of an airport; and
``(B) structure the reimbursement schedules under
such letters in a manner that minimizes unnecessary or
undesirable project segmentation.
``(8) No obligation or commitment.--
``(A) In general.--A letter of intent issued under
this subsection is not an obligation of the Government
under section 1501 of title 31, and the letter is not
deemed to be an administrative commitment for
financing.
``(B) Obligation or commitment.--An obligation or
administrative commitment may be made only as amounts
are provided in authorization and appropriation Acts.
``(9) Limitation on statutory construction.--Nothing in
this section shall be construed to prohibit the obligation of
amounts pursuant to a letter of intent under this subsection in
the same fiscal year as the letter of intent is issued.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Letters of intent.--Section 47110(e)(7) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by striking ``under this
section'' and inserting ``under this subsection''.
(2) Priority for letters of intent.--Section 47115(h) of
title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``prior
to fulfilling intentions to obligate under section 47110(i)''
after ``section 47110(e)''.
SEC. 711. PROHIBITION ON PROVISION OF AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT GRANT FUNDS
TO CERTAIN ENTITIES THAT HAVE VIOLATED INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY RIGHTS OF UNITED STATES ENTITIES.
(a) In General.--Beginning on the date that is 30 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, amounts provided as project grants under
subchapter I of chapter 471 of title 49, United States Code, may not be
used to enter into a covered contract with any entity on the list
required under subsection (b).
(b) List Required.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, and thereafter as required under
paragraph (2), the United States Trade Representative, the
Attorney General, and the Administrator shall make available to
the Administrator a publicly-available list of entities
manufacturing airport passenger boarding infrastructure or
equipment that--
(A) are owned, directed by, or subsidized in whole
or in part by the People's Republic of China;
(B) have been determined by a Federal court to have
misappropriated intellectual property or trade secrets
from an entity organized under the laws of the United
States or any jurisdiction within the United States;
(C) own or control, are owned or controlled by, are
under common ownership or control with, or are
successors to an entity described in subparagraph (A);
or
(D) have entered into an agreement with or accepted
funding from, whether in the form of minority
investment interest or debt, have entered into a
partnership with, or have entered into another
contractual or other written arrangement with an entity
described in subparagraph (A).
(2) Updates to list.--The United States Trade
Representative shall update the list required under paragraph
(1), based on information provided by the Attorney General and
the Administrator--
(A) not less frequently than every 90 days during
the 180-day period following the initial publication of
the list under paragraph (1); and
(B) not less frequently than annually thereafter.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) In general.--The definitions in section 47102 of title
49, United States Code, shall apply.
(2) Covered contract.--The term ``covered contract'' means
a contract or other agreement for the procurement of
infrastructure or equipment for a passenger boarding bridge at
an airport.
SEC. 712. APPORTIONMENTS.
(a) Primary, Commercial Service, and Cargo Airports.--
(1) Primary and commercial service airports.--Section
47114(c)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read
as follows:
``(1) Primary and commercial service airports.--
``(A) Primary airport apportionment.--The Secretary
shall apportion to the sponsor of each primary airport
for each fiscal year an amount equal to--
``(i) $15.60 for each of the first 50,000
passenger boardings at the airport during the
prior calendar year;
``(ii) $10.40 for each of the next 50,000
passenger boardings at the airport during the
prior calendar year;
``(iii) $5.20 for each of the next 400,000
passenger boardings at the airport during the
prior calendar year;
``(iv) $1.30 for each of the next 500,000
passenger boardings at the airport during the
prior calendar year; and
``(v) $1.00 for each additional passenger
boarding at the airport during the prior
calendar year.
``(B) Minimum and maximum apportionments.--Not less
than $1,300,000 nor more than $22,000,000 may be
apportioned under subparagraph (A) to an airport
sponsor for a primary airport for each fiscal year.
``(C) New airport.--Notwithstanding subparagraph
(A), the Secretary shall apportion in the first fiscal
year following the official opening of a new airport
with scheduled passenger air transportation an amount
equal to $1,300,000 to the sponsor of such airport.
``(D) Nonprimary commercial service airport
apportionment.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall
apportion to each commercial service airport
that is not a primary airport an amount equal
to--
``(I) $60 for each of the first
2,500 passenger boardings at the
airport during the prior calendar year;
and
``(II) $153.33 for each of the next
7,499 passenger boardings at the
airport during the prior calendar year.
``(ii) Applicability.--Paragraphs (4) and
(5) of subsection (d) shall apply to funds
apportioned under this subparagraph.
``(E) Public airports with military use.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a public
airport shall be considered a primary airport in each
of fiscal years 2025 through 2028 for purposes of this
chapter if such airport was--
``(i) designated as a primary airport in
fiscal year 2017; and
``(ii) in use by an air reserve station in
the calendar year used to calculate
apportionments to airport sponsors in a fiscal
year.
``(F) Special rule for fiscal year 2024.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph
or the absence of scheduled passenger service at an
airport, the Secretary shall apportion in fiscal year
2024 to the sponsor of an airport an amount based on
the number of passenger boardings at the airport during
whichever of the following years that would result in
the highest apportioned amount under this paragraph:
``(i) Calendar year 2018.
``(ii) Calendar year 2019.
``(iii) The prior full calendar year prior
to fiscal year 2024.''.
(2) Cargo airports.--Section 47114(c)(2) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``3.5'' and inserting
``4''; and
(ii) by striking ``100,000,000 pounds'' and
inserting ``25,000,000 pounds'';
(B) by striking subparagraph (C); and
(C) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) and (E) as
subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively.
(b) General Aviation Airports.--Section 47114(d) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in the heading by striking ``Special rule'' and
inserting ``Apportionment'';
(B) by striking ``excluding primary airports but
including reliever and nonprimary commercial service
airports'' each place it appears and inserting
``excluding commercial service airports but including
reliever airports'';
(C) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by
striking ``20 percent'' and inserting ``25 percent'';
and
(D) by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D) and
inserting the following:
``(C) An airport that has previously been listed as
unclassified under the national plan of integrated
airport systems that has reestablished the classified
status of such airport as of the date of apportionment
shall be eligible to accrue apportionment funds
pursuant to subparagraph (A) so long as such airport
retains such classified status.'';
(2) in paragraph (4)--
(A) in the heading by striking ``Airports in
alaska, puerto rico, and hawaii'' and inserting
``Airports in Noncontiguous States and Territories'';
(B) by striking ``An amount apportioned under
paragraph (2) or (3)'' and inserting the following:
``(A) Alaska, puerto rico, and hawaii.--An amount
apportioned under this subsection''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Other territories.--An amount apportioned
under paragraph (2)(B)(i) may be made available by the
Secretary for any public-use airport in Guam, American
Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Virgin
Islands if the Secretary determines that there are
insufficient qualified grant applications for projects
at airports that are otherwise eligible for funding
under that paragraph. The Secretary shall prioritize
the use of such amounts in the territory the amount was
originally apportioned in.'';
(3) in paragraph (5) by inserting ``or subsection
(c)(1)(D)'' after ``under this subsection'';
(4) in paragraph (6)--
(A) by striking ``provision of this subsection''
and inserting ``provision of this section''; and
(B) by inserting ``or subsection (c)(1)(D)'' after
``under this subsection'';
(5) by striking paragraph (2); and
(6) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (7) as
paragraphs (2) through (6), respectively.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Project grant application approval.--Section
47106(a)(7) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``section 47114(d)(3)(B)'' and inserting ``section
47114(d)(2)(B)''.
(2) Air traffic control contract program.--Section
47124(b)(4) of title 49, United States Code, is further
amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(ii)--
(i) in subclause (I) by striking ``sections
47114(c)(2) and 47114(d)'' and inserting
``subsections (c) and (d) of section 47114'';
(ii) in subclause (II) by striking
``sections 47114(c)(2) and 47114(d)(3)(A)'' and
inserting ``sections 47114(c) and
47114(d)(2)(A)''; and
(iii) in subclause (III) by striking
``sections 47114(c)(2) and 47114(d)(3)(A)'' and
inserting ``sections 47114(c) and
47114(d)(2)(A)''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B)(v) by striking ``section
47114(d)(2) or 47114(d)(3)(B)'' and inserting ``section
47114(d)(2)(B)''.
SEC. 713. PFC TURNBACK REDUCTION.
(a) In General.--Section 47114(f) of title 49, United States Code,
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``sponsor of an airport having at
least .25 percent of the total number of boardings each
year in the United States and'' and inserting ``sponsor
of a medium or large hub airport'';
(B) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``50 percent''
and inserting ``40 percent'' each place it appears; and
(C) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``75 percent''
and inserting ``60 percent'' each place it appears; and
(2) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the
following:
``(2) Effective date of reduction.--
``(A) New charge collection.--A reduction in an
apportionment under paragraph (1) shall not take effect
until the first fiscal year following the year in which
the collection of the charge imposed under section
40117 has begun.
``(B) New categorization.--A reduction in an
apportionment under paragraph (1) shall only be applied
to an airport if such airport has been designated as a
medium or large hub airport for 3 consecutive years.''.
(b) Applicability.--For an airport that increased in categorization
from a small hub to a medium hub in any fiscal year beginning after the
date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law
115-254) and prior to the date of enactment of this Act, the amendment
to section 47114(f)(2) of title 49, United States Code, under
subsection (a) shall be applied as though the airport increased in
categorization from a small hub to a medium hub in the calendar year
prior to the first fiscal year in which such amendment is applicable.
SEC. 714. AIRPORT SAFETY AND RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE DISCRETIONARY
PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 47115(j) of title 49, United States Code,
is amended--
(1) in the heading by striking ``Supplemental Discretionary
Funds'' and inserting ``Airport Safety and Resilient
Infrastructure Discretionary Program'';
(2) in paragraph (3) by striking subparagraph (B) and
inserting the following:
``(B) Minimum allocation.--Not less than 50 percent
of the amounts available under this subsection shall be
used to provide grants at nonprimary, nonhub, and small
hub airports.
``(C) Prioritization.--In making grants for
projects eligible under subparagraph (D)(iii), the
Secretary shall prioritize grants to large and medium
hub airports.
``(D) Eligibilities.--In making grants under this
subsection, the Secretary shall provide grants to
airports for projects that--
``(i) meet the definition of `airport
development' under section 47102(3)(T);
``(ii) would otherwise increase the
resilience of airport infrastructure against
changing flooding or inundation patterns; or
``(iii) reduce runway incursions or
increase runway or taxiway safety.'';
(3) in paragraph (4)(A) by striking clauses (i) through
(vi) and inserting the following:
``(i) $532,392,074 for fiscal year 2024.
``(ii) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.
``(iii) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
``(iv) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2027.
``(v) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.'';
and
(4) in paragraph (4)(B) by striking ``2 fiscal years'' and
inserting ``3 fiscal years''.
(b) Briefing.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the
Secretary first awards a grant for fiscal year 2025 under
section 47115(j) of title 49, United States Code, and annually
thereafter through 2028, the Secretary shall brief the
appropriate committees of Congress on the grant program
established under such section.
(2) Contents.--In briefing the appropriate committees of
Congress under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include--
(A) a description of each project funded under the
grant program established under section 47115(j),
including the vulnerabilities such program addresses;
(B) a description of projects completed that
received funding under such program, including the
total time between award and project completion;
(C) a description of the consultation with other
agencies that the Secretary has undertaken in carrying
out such program;
(D) recommendations to improve the administration
of such program, including additional consultation with
other agencies and whether additional appropriation
levels are appropriate; and
(E) other items determined appropriate by the
Secretary.
SEC. 715. SPECIAL CARRYOVER ASSUMPTION RULE.
Section 47115 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(l) Special Carryover Assumption Rule.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, in addition to amounts made available under
paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a), the Secretary may add to the
discretionary fund an amount equal to one-third of the apportionment
funds made available under section 47114 that were not required during
the previous fiscal year pursuant to section 47117(b)(1) out of the
anticipated amount of apportionment funds made available under section
47114 that will not be required during the current fiscal year pursuant
to section 47117(b)(1).''.
SEC. 716. SMALL AIRPORT FUND.
Section 47116 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (b) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2)
and inserting the following:
``(1) Not more than 25 percent for grants for projects at
small hub airports.
``(2) Not less than 25 percent for grants to sponsors of
public-use airports (except commercial service airports).
``(3) Not less than 50 percent for grants to sponsors of
commercial service airports that are not larger than a nonhub
airport.'';
(2) in subsection (d)--
(A) by striking paragraph (2); and
(B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph
(2); and
(3) by striking subsections (e) and (f) and inserting the
following:
``(e) General Aviation Transient Aprons.--In distributing amounts
from the fund described in subsection (a) to sponsors described in
subsection (b)(2) and (b)(3), 5 percent of each amount shall be used
for projects to construct or rehabilitate aprons intended to be used
for itinerant general aviation aircraft parking.''.
SEC. 717. REVISION OF DISCRETIONARY CATEGORIES.
Section 47117 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(i) by striking ``or (3)(A),
whichever is applicable''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by striking ``section 47114(d)(3)(A)''
and inserting ``section 47114(d)(2)(A)''; and
(ii) by striking ``section 47114(d)(3)(B)''
and inserting ``section 47114(d)(2)(B)'';
(2) in subsection (c)(2) by striking ``47114(d)(3)(A)'' and
inserting ``47114(d)(2)(A)'';
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``section
47114(d)(2)(A) of this title'' and inserting ``section
47114(d)(2)(B)(i)''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``section 47114(d)(2)(B) or
(C)'' and inserting ``section
47114(d)(2)(B)(ii) or (iii)'' in each place it
appears; and
(ii) by striking ``of this title''; and
(4) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by striking ``$300,000,000''
and inserting ``$200,000,000'';
(II) by striking ``for compatible
land use planning and projects carried
out by State and local governments
under section 47141,'';
(III) by striking ``section
47102(3)(Q)'' and inserting
``subparagraphs (O), (P), (Q), and (W)
of section 47102(3)'';
(IV) by striking ``to comply with
the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et
seq.)''; and
(V) by inserting ``The Secretary
shall provide not less than two-thirds
of amounts under this subparagraph and
paragraph (3) for grants to sponsors of
small hub, medium hub, and large hub
airports.'' after ``being met in that
fiscal year.''; and
(ii) by striking subparagraph (C); and
(B) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the
following:
``(3) Special rule.--Beginning in fiscal year 2026, if the
amount made available under paragraph (1)(A) was not equal to
or greater than $150,000,000 in the preceding fiscal year, the
Secretary shall issue grants for projects eligible under
paragraph (1)(A) from apportionment funds made available under
section 47114 that are not required during the fiscal year
pursuant to subsection (b)(1) in an amount that is not less
than--
``(A) $150,000,000; minus
``(B) the amount made available under paragraph
(1)(A) in the preceding fiscal year.''.
SEC. 718. DISCRETIONARY FUND FOR TERMINAL DEVELOPMENT COSTS.
(a) Terminal Projects at Transitioning Airports.--Section 47119(c)
of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (4) by striking ``or'' after the
semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (5)--
(A) by striking ``section 47114(d)(3)(A)'' and
inserting ``sections 47114(c) and 47114(d)(2)(A)''; and
(B) by striking the period at the end and inserting
``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) not more than $20,000,000 of the amount that may be
distributed for the fiscal year from the discretionary fund
established under section 47115, to the sponsor of a nonprimary
airport to pay costs allowable under subsection (a) for
terminal development projects, if the Secretary determines
(which may be based on actual and projected enplanement trends,
as well as completion of an air service development study,
demonstrated commitment by airlines to provide commercial
service accommodating at least 10,000 annual enplanements, the
documented commitment of a sponsor to providing the remaining
funding to complete the proposed project, and a favorable
environmental finding (including all required permits) in
support of the proposed project) that the status of the
nonprimary airport is reasonably expected to change to primary
status based on enplanements for the third calendar year after
the issuance of the discretionary grant.''.
(b) Limitation.--Section 47119(f) of title 49, United States Code,
is amended by striking ``$20,000,000'' and inserting ``$30,000,000''.
SEC. 719. PROTECTING GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORTS FROM CLOSURE.
(a) Non-surplus Property.--Section 47125 of title 49, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Waiving Restrictions.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary
may grant to an airport, city, or county a waiver of any of the
terms, conditions, reservations, or restrictions contained in a
deed under which the United States conveyed to the airport,
city, or county an interest in real property for airport
purposes pursuant to section 16 of the Federal Airport Act (60
Stat. 179), section 23 of the Airport and Airway Development
Act of 1970 (84 Stat. 232), or this section.
``(2) Conditions.--Any waiver granted by the Secretary
pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be subject to the following
conditions:
``(A) The applicable airport, city, county, or
other political subdivision shall agree that in
conveying any interest in the real property which the
United States conveyed to the airport, city, or county,
the airport, city, or county will receive consideration
for such interest that is equal to its current fair
market value.
``(B) Any consideration received by the airport,
city, or county under subparagraph (A) shall be used
exclusively for the development, improvement,
operation, or maintenance of a public airport by the
airport, city, or county.
``(C) Such waiver--
``(i) will not significantly impair the
aeronautical purpose of an airport;
``(ii) will not result in the permanent
closure of an airport (unless the Secretary
determines that the waiver will directly
facilitate the construction of a replacement
airport); or
``(iii) is necessary to protect or advance
the civil aviation interests of the United
States.
``(D) Any other conditions required by the
Secretary.
``(3) Annual reporting.--The Secretary shall include a list
and description of each waiver granted pursuant to paragraph
(1) in the plan required under section 47103.''.
(b) Surplus Property.--
(1) In general.--Section 47151 of title 49, United States
Code, is amended by striking subsection (d) and inserting the
following:
``(d) Waiver of Condition.--The Secretary may not waive any
condition imposed on an interest in surplus property conveyed under
subsection (a) that such interest be used for an aeronautical purpose
unless the Secretary provides public notice not less than 30 days
before the issuance of such waiver and determines that such waiver--
``(1) will not significantly impair the aeronautical
purpose of an airport;
``(2) will not result in the permanent closure of an
airport (unless the Secretary determines that the waiver will
directly facilitate the construction of a replacement airport);
or
``(3) is necessary to protect or advance the civil aviation
interests of the United States.''.
(2) Waiving and adding terms.--Section 47153 of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (c) and
inserting the following:
``(c) Restrictions on Waiver.--Notwithstanding subsections (a) and
(b), the Secretary may not waive any term under this section that an
interest in land be used for an aeronautical purpose unless--
``(1) the Secretary provides public notice not less than 30
days before the issuance of a waiver; and
``(2) the Secretary determines that such waiver--
``(A) will not significantly impair the
aeronautical purpose of an airport;
``(B) will not result in the permanent closure of
an airport (unless the Secretary determines that the
waiver will directly facilitate the construction of a
replacement airport); or
``(C) is necessary to protect or advance the civil
aviation interests of the United States.''.
(c) Repeals.--
(1) Airports near closed or realigned bases.--Section 1203
of the Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 1996 (49 U.S.C.
47101 note), and the item relating to such section in the table
of contents under section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
(2) Release from restrictions.--Section 817 of the FAA
Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 47125 note),
and the item relating to such section in the table of contents
under section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
SEC. 720. STATE BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Training.--Section 47128 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Training for Participating States.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide to each
State participating in the block grant program under this
section training or updated training materials for the
administrative responsibilities assumed by the State under such
program at no cost to the State.
``(2) Timing.--The training or updated training materials
provided under paragraph (1) shall be provided at least once
during each 2-year period and at any time there is a material
change in the program.''.
(b) Administration.--Section 47128 of title 49, United States Code,
is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Roles and Responsibilities of Participating States.--
``(1) Airports.--Unless a State participating in the block
grant program under this section expressly agrees in a
memorandum of agreement, the Secretary shall not require the
State to manage functions and responsibilities for airport
actions or projects that do not relate to such program.
``(2) Program documentation.--
``(A) In general.--Any grant agreement providing
funds to be administered under such program shall be
consistent with the most recently executed memorandum
of agreement between the State and the Federal Aviation
Administration.
``(B) Parity.--The Administrator of the Federal
Aviation Administration shall provide parity to
participating States and shall only require the same
type of information and level of detail for any program
agreements and documentation that the Administrator
would perform with respect to such action if the State
did not participate in the program.
``(3) Responsibilities.--Unless the State expressly agrees
to retain responsibility, the Administrator shall retain
responsibility for the following:
``(A) Grant compliance investigations,
determinations, and enforcement.
``(B) Obstruction evaluation and airport airspace
analysis, determinations, and enforcement off airport
property.
``(C) Non-rulemaking analysis, determinations, and
enforcement for proposed improvements on airport
properties not associated with this subchapter, or off
airport property.
``(D) Land use determinations, compatibility
planning, and airport layout plan review and approval
(consistent with section 47107(x)) for projects not
funded by amounts available under this subchapter.
``(E) Nonaeronautical and special event
recommendations and approvals.
``(F) Instrument approach procedure evaluations and
determinations.
``(G) Environmental review for projects not funded
by amounts available under this subchapter.
``(H) Review and approval of land leases, land
releases, changes in on-airport land-use designation,
and through-the-fence agreements.''.
(c) IIJA State Block Grant Program Administrative Funding.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall distribute
administrative funding to assist States participating in the
State block grant program under section 47128 of title 49,
United States Code, with program implementation of airport
infrastructure projects under the Infrastructure Investment and
Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58).
(2) Funding source.--In distributing administrative funds
to States under this subsection, the Secretary shall distribute
such funds from the funds made available in the Infrastructure
Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) for personnel,
contracting, and other costs to administer and oversee grants
of the Airport Infrastructure Grants, Contract Tower
Competitive Grant Program, and Airport Terminal Program.
(3) Administrative funds.--With respect to administrative
funds made available for fiscal years 2022 through 2026--
(A) the amount of administrative funds available
for distribution under paragraph (2) shall be an amount
equal to a percentage determined by the Secretary, but
not less than 2 percent, of the annual allocations
provided under the heading ``AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
GRANTS'' under the heading ``FEDERAL AVIATION
ADMINISTRATION'' in title VIII of division J of the
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-
58) to non-primary airports participating in the
State's block grant program each fiscal year of the
Airport Infrastructure Grant program;
(B) administrative funds distributed under
paragraph (2) shall be used by such States to--
(i) administer and oversee, as outlined in
a memorandum of agreement or other agreement
between the FAA and the State, all airport
grant program funds provided under the
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public
Law 117-58) to non-primary airports
participating in the State's block grant
program, whether through direct allocation or
through competitive selection; and
(ii) carry out the public purposes of
supporting eligible and justified airport
development and infrastructure projects as
provided in the Infrastructure Investment and
Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58); and
(C) except as provided in paragraph (4), such
administrative funds shall be distributed to such
States through a cooperative agreement executed between
the State and the FAA not later than December 1 of each
fiscal year in which the Infrastructure Investment and
Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) provides airport grant
program funds.
(4) Initial distribution.--With respect to administrative
funds made available for fiscal years 2022 through 2024, funds
available as of the date of enactment of this Act shall be
distributed to States through a cooperative agreement executed
between the State and the FAA not later than 30 days after such
date of enactment.
(d) Report.--The Comptroller General shall issue to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report on the Office of Airports of the FAA
and the airport improvement program under subchapter I of chapter 471
and chapter 475 of title 49, United States Code, and include in such
report a description of--
(1) the responsibilities of States participating in the
block grant program under section 47128 of title 49, United
States Code; and
(2) the impact of title VIII of division J of the
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) and
other Federal administrative funding sources on the ability of
such States to disburse and administer airport improvement
program funds.
SEC. 721. INNOVATIVE FINANCING TECHNIQUES.
Section 47135 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the
following:
``(a) Authority.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Transportation may
approve an application by an airport sponsor to use grants
received under this subchapter for innovative financing
techniques related to an airport development project that is
located at an airport that is not a large hub airport.
``(2) Approval.--The Secretary may approve not more than 30
applications described under paragraph (1) in a fiscal year.
``(b) Purposes.--The purpose of grants made under this section
shall be to--
``(1) provide information on the benefits and difficulties
of using innovative financing techniques for airport
development projects;
``(2) lower the total cost of an airport development
project; or
``(3) expedite the delivery or completion of an airport
development project without reducing safety or causing
environmental harm.''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (D) by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) any other techniques that the Secretary
determines are consistent with the purposes of this
section.''.
SEC. 722. LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT PLANS.
Section 47136(c) of title 49, United States Code is amended--
(1) by striking ``applicants that will'' and inserting the
following: ``applicants that--
``(1) will'';
(2) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``;
and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) provide a long-term management plan for eligible
vehicles and equipment that includes the existing and future
infrastructure requirements of the airport related to such
vehicles and equipment.''.
SEC. 723. ALTERNATIVE PROJECT DELIVERY.
(a) In General.--Section 47142 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in the section heading by striking ``Design-build
contracting'' and inserting ``Alternative project delivery'';
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``Administrator of the
Federal Aviation Administration'' and inserting
``Secretary of Transportation''; and
(ii) by striking ``award a design-build''
and inserting ``award a covered project
delivery'';
(B) in paragraph (2) by striking ``design-build''
and inserting ``covered project delivery''; and
(C) in paragraph (4) by striking ``design-build
contract will'' and inserting ``covered project
delivery contract is projected to''; and
(3) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) Pilot Program.--
``(1) Pilot program.--Not later than 270 days after the
date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall
establish a pilot program under which the Administrator may
award grants for integrated project delivery contracts, as
described in subsection (d)(2), to carry out up to 5 building
construction projects at airports in the United States with a
grant awarded under section 47104.
``(2) Application.--
``(A) Eligibility.--A sponsor of an airport may
submit to the Secretary an application, in such time
and manner and containing such information as the
Secretary may require, to carry out a building
construction project under the pilot program that would
otherwise be eligible for assistance under this
chapter.
``(B) Approval.--The Secretary may approve the
application of a sponsor of an airport submitted under
paragraph (1) to authorize such sponsor to award an
integrated project delivery contract using a selection
process permitted under applicable State or local law
if--
``(i) the Secretary approves the
application using criteria established by the
Secretary;
``(ii) the integrated project delivery
contract is in a form that is approved by the
Secretary;
``(iii) the Secretary is satisfied that the
contract will be executed pursuant to
competitive procedures and contains a schematic
design and any other material that the
Secretary determines sufficient to approve the
grant;
``(iv) the Secretary is satisfied that the
use of an integrated project delivery contract
will be cost effective and expedite the
project;
``(v) the Secretary is satisfied that there
will be no conflict of interest; and
``(vi) the Secretary is satisfied that the
contract selection process will be open, fair,
and objective and that not less than 2 sets of
proposals will be submitted for each team
entity under the selection process.
``(3) Reimbursement of costs.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may reimburse a
sponsor of an airport for any design or construction
costs incurred before a grant is made pursuant to this
section if--
``(i) the project funding is approved by
the Secretary in advance;
``(ii) the project is carried out in
accordance with all administrative and
statutory requirements under this chapter; and
``(iii) the project is carried out under
this chapter after a grant agreement has been
executed.
``(B) Accounting.--Reimbursement of costs shall be
based on transparent cost accounting or open book cost
accounting.
``(d) Covered Project Delivery Contract Defined.--In this section,
the term `covered project delivery contract' means--
``(1) an agreement that provides for both design and
construction of a project by a contractor through alternative
project delivery methods, including construction manager-at-
risk and progressive design build; or
``(2) a single contract for the delivery of a whole project
that--
``(A) includes, at a minimum, the sponsor, builder,
and architect-engineer as parties that are subject to
the terms of the contract;
``(B) aligns the interests of all the parties to
the contract with respect to the project costs and
project outcomes; and
``(C) includes processes to ensure transparency and
collaboration among all parties to the contract
relating to project costs and project outcomes.''.
(b) Briefing.--Not later than 2 years after the Secretary
establishes the pilot program under section 47142(c) of title 49,
United States Code (as amended by subsection (a)), the Secretary shall
brief the appropriate committees of Congress on whether integrated
project delivery or other covered project delivery contracts authorized
under such section resulted in any project efficiencies.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 471 of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section
47142 and inserting the following:
``47142. Alternative project delivery.''.
SEC. 724. NONMOVEMENT AREA SURVEILLANCE SURFACE DISPLAY SYSTEMS PILOT
PROGRAM.
Section 47143(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``May 11, 2024'' and inserting ``October 1, 2028''.
SEC. 725. AIRPORT ACCESSIBILITY.
(a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 471 of title 49, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 47145. Pilot program for airport accessibility
``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation shall establish
and carry out a pilot program to award grants to sponsors to carry out
capital projects to upgrade the accessibility of commercial service
airports for individuals with disabilities by increasing the number of
commercial service airports, airport terminals, or airport facilities
that meet or exceed the standards and regulations under the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12131 et seq.) and the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 701 note).
``(b) Use of Funds.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), a sponsor
shall use a grant awarded under this section--
``(A) for a project to repair, improve, or relocate
the infrastructure of an airport, airport terminal, or
airport facility to increase accessibility for
individuals with disabilities, or as part of a plan to
increase accessibility for individuals with
disabilities;
``(B) to develop or modify a plan (as described in
subsection (e)) for a project that increases
accessibility for individuals with disabilities,
including--
``(i) assessments of accessibility or
assessments of planned modifications to an
airport, airport terminal, or airport facility
for passenger use, performed by the disability
advisory committee of the recipient airport (if
applicable), the protection and advocacy system
for individuals with disabilities in the
applicable State, a center for independent
living, or a disability organization, including
an advocacy or nonprofit organization that
represents or provides services to individuals
with disabilities; or
``(ii) coordination by the disability
advisory committee of the recipient airport
with a protection and advocacy system, center
for independent living, or such disability
organization; or
``(C) to carry out any other project that meets or
exceeds the standards and regulations described in
subsection (a).
``(2) Limitation.--Eligible costs for a project funded with
a grant awarded under this section shall be limited to the
costs associated with carrying out the purpose authorized under
subsection (a).
``(c) Eligibility.--A sponsor may use a grant under this section to
upgrade a commercial service airport that is accessible to and usable
by individuals with disabilities--
``(1) consistent with the current (as of the date of the
upgrade) standards and regulations described in subsection (a);
and
``(2) even if the related service, program, or activity,
when viewed in the entirely of the service, program, or
activity, is readily accessible and usable as so described.
``(d) Selection Criteria.--In making grants to sponsors under this
section, the Secretary shall give priority to sponsors that are
proposing--
``(1) a capital project to upgrade the accessibility of a
commercial service airport that is not accessible to and usable
by individuals with disabilities consistent with standards and
regulations described in subsection (a); or
``(2) to meet or exceed the Airports Council International
accreditation under the Accessibility Enhancement
Accreditation, through the incorporation of universal design
principles.
``(e) Accessibility Commitment.--A sponsor that receives a grant
under this section shall adopt a plan under which the sponsor commits
to pursuing airport accessibility projects that--
``(1) enhance the passenger experience and maximize
accessibility of commercial service airports, airport
terminals, or airport facilities for individuals with
disabilities, including by--
``(A) upgrading bathrooms, counters, or pumping
rooms;
``(B) increasing audio and visual accessibility on
information boards, security gates, or paging systems;
``(C) updating airport terminals to increase the
availability of accessible seating and power outlets
for durable medical equipment (such as powered
wheelchairs);
``(D) updating airport websites and other
information communication technology to be accessible
for individuals with disabilities; or
``(E) increasing the number of elevators, including
elevators that move power wheelchairs to an aircraft;
``(2) improve the operations of, provide efficiencies of
service to, and enhance the use of commercial service airports
for individuals with disabilities;
``(3) establish a disability advisory committee if the
airport is a small, medium, or large hub airport; and
``(4) make improvements in personnel, infrastructure, and
technology that can assist passenger self-identification
regarding disability and needing assistance.
``(f) Coordination With Disability Advocacy Entities.--In
administering grants under this section, the Secretary shall
encourage--
``(1) engagement with disability advocacy entities (such as
the disability advisory committee of the sponsor) and a
protection and advocacy system for individuals with
disabilities in the applicable State, a center for independent
living, or a disability organization, including an advocacy or
nonprofit organization that represents or provides services to
individuals with disabilities; and
``(2) assessments of accessibility or assessments of
planned modifications to commercial service airports to the
extent merited by the scope of the capital project of the
sponsor proposed to be assisted under this section, taking into
account any such assessment already conducted by the Federal
Aviation Administration.
``(g) Federal Share of Costs.--The Government's share of allowable
project costs for a project carried out with a grant under this section
shall be the Government's share of allowable project costs specified
under section 47109.
``(h) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Center for independent living.--The term `center for
independent living' has the meaning given such term in section
702 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796a).
``(2) Disability advisory committee.--The term `disability
advisory committee' means a body of stakeholders (including
airport staff, airline representatives, and individuals with
disabilities) that provide to airports and appropriate
transportation authorities input from individuals with
disabilities, including identifying opportunities for removing
barriers, expanding accessibility features, and improving
accessibility for individuals with disabilities at airports.
``(3) Protection and advocacy system.--The term `protection
and advocacy system' means a system established in accordance
with section 143 of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance
and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15043).
``(i) Funding.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this
chapter, for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028, the Secretary may
use up to $20,000,000 of the amounts that would otherwise be used to
make grants from the discretionary fund under section 47115 for each
such fiscal year to carry out this section.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for subchapter I of chapter
471 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 47144 the following:
``47145. Pilot program for airport accessibility.''.
SEC. 726. GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORT RUNWAY EXTENSION PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 471 of title 49, United
States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 47146. General aviation program runway extension pilot program
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Transportation shall
establish and carry out a pilot program to provide grants to general
aviation airports to increase the usable runway length capability at
such airports in order to--
``(1) expand access to such airports for larger aircraft;
and
``(2) support the development and economic viability of
such airports.
``(b) Grants.--
``(1) In general.--For the purpose of carrying out the
pilot program established in subsection (a), the Secretary
shall make grants to not more than 2 sponsors of general
aviation airports per fiscal year.
``(2) Use of funds.--A sponsor of a general aviation
airport shall use a grant awarded under this section to plan,
design, or construct a project to extend an existing primary
runway by not greater than 1,000 feet in order to accommodate
large turboprop or turbojet aircraft that cannot be
accommodated with the existing runway length.
``(3) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this section, a sponsor of a general aviation airport shall
submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such
form, and containing such information as the Secretary may
require.
``(4) Selection.--In selecting an applicant for a grant
under this section, the Secretary shall prioritize projects
that demonstrate that the existing runway length at the airport
is--
``(A) inadequate to support the near-term
operations of 1 or more business entities operating at
the airport as of the date of submission of such
application;
``(B) a direct aircraft operational impediment to
airport economic viability, job creation or retention,
or local economic development; and
``(C) not located within 20 miles of another
National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems airport
with comparable runway length.
``(c) Project Justification.--A project that demonstrates the
criteria described in subsection (b) shall be considered a justified
cost with respect to the pilot program, notwithstanding--
``(1) any benefit-cost analysis required under section
47115(d); or
``(2) a project justification determination described in
section 3 of chapter 3 of FAA Order 5100.38D, Airport
Improvement Program Handbook (dated September 30, 2014) (or any
successor document).
``(d) Federal Share.--The Government's share of allowable project
costs for a project carried out with a grant under this section shall
be the Government's share of allowable project costs specified under
section 47109.
``(e) Report to Congress.--Not later than 5 years after the
establishment of the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary
shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of
the House of Representatives a report that evaluates the pilot program,
including--
``(1) information regarding the level of applicant interest
in grants for increasing runway length;
``(2) the number of large aircraft that accessed each
general aviation airport that received a grant under the pilot
program in comparison to the number of such aircraft that
accessed the airport prior to the date of enactment of the FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2024, based on data provided to the
Secretary by the airport sponsor not later than 6 months before
the submission date described in this subsection; and
``(3) a description, provided to the Secretary by the
airport sponsor not later than 6 months before the submission
date described in this subsection, of the economic development
opportunities supported by increasing the runway length at
general aviation airports.
``(f) Funding.--For each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028, the
Secretary may use funds under section 47116(b)(2) to carry out this
section.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for subchapter I of chapter
471 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 47145 the following:
``47146. General aviation airport runway extension pilot program.''.
SEC. 727. REPEAL OF OBSOLETE CRIMINAL PROVISIONS.
Section 47306 of title 49, United States Code, and the item
relating to such section in the analysis for chapter 473 of such title,
are repealed.
SEC. 728. TRANSFERS OF AIR TRAFFIC SYSTEMS ACQUIRED WITH AIP FUNDING.
(a) In General.--Section 44502(e) of title 49, United States Code,
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``An airport'' and
inserting ``Subject to paragraph (4), an airport in a non-
contiguous State'';
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``or'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (C) by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; or''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(D) a Medium Intensity Approach Lighting System
with Runway Alignment Indicator Lights.''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4) Exception.--The requirement under paragraph (1) that
an eligible air traffic system or equipment be purchased in
part using a Government airport aid program, airport
development aid program, or airport improvement project grant
shall not apply if the air traffic system or equipment is
installed at an airport that is categorized as a basic or local
general aviation airport under the most recently published
national plan of integrated airport systems under section
47103.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect beginning on October 1, 2024.
SEC. 729. NATIONAL PRIORITY SYSTEM FORMULAS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall review and update the National
Priority System prioritization formulas contained in FAA Order 5090.5
to account for the amendments to chapter 471 of title 49, United States
Code, made by this Act.
(b) Required Consultation.--In revising the formulas under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with representatives of the
following:
(1) Primary airports, including large, medium, small, and
nonhub airports.
(2) Non-primary airports, including general aviation
airports.
(3) Airport trade associations, including trade
associations representing airport executives.
(4) State aviation officials, including associations
representing such officials.
(5) Air carriers, including mainline, regional, and low-
cost air carriers.
(6) Associations representing air carriers.
(c) Priority Projects.--In revising the formulas under subsection
(a), the Secretary shall assign the highest priority to projects that
increase or maintain the safety, efficiency, and capacity of the
aviation system.
SEC. 730. MINORITY AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS PARTICIPATION.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) While significant progress has occurred due to the
establishment of the airport disadvantaged business enterprise
program and the airport concessions disadvantaged business
enterprise program under sections 47113 and 47107(e) of title
49, United States Code, respectively, discrimination and
related barriers continue to pose significant obstacles for
minority- and women-owned businesses seeking to do business in
airport-related markets across the Nation.
(2) Congress has received and reviewed testimony and
documentation of race and gender discrimination from numerous
sources, including congressional hearings and roundtables,
scientific reports, reports issued by public and private
agencies, news stories, reports of discrimination by
organizations and individuals, and discrimination lawsuits.
Such testimony and documentation show that race- and gender-
neutral efforts alone are insufficient to address the problem.
(3) The testimony and documentation described in paragraph
(2) demonstrate that race and gender discrimination pose a
barrier to full and fair participation in airport-related
businesses of women business owners and minority business
owners in the racial groups detailed in parts 23 and 26 of
title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, and has impacted firm
development and other aspects of airport-related business in
the public and private markets.
(4) The testimony and documentation described in paragraph
(2) provide a strong basis that there is a compelling need for
the continuation of the airport disadvantaged business
enterprise program and the airport concessions disadvantaged
business enterprise program to address race and gender
discrimination in airport-related business.
(b) Supportive Services.--Section 47113 of title 49, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Supportive Services.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary, in coordination with the
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, may, at
the request of an airport sponsor, provide assistance under a
grant issued under this subchapter to develop, conduct, and
administer training programs and assistance programs in
connection with any airport improvement project subject to part
26 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, for small business
concerns referred to in subsection (b) to achieve proficiency
to compete, on an equal basis for contracts and subcontracts
related to such projects.
``(2) Eligible entities.--An entity eligible to receive
assistance under this section is--
``(A) a State;
``(B) a political subdivision of a State or local
government;
``(C) a Tribal government;
``(D) an airport sponsor;
``(E) a metropolitan planning organization;
``(F) a group of entities described in
subparagraphs (A) through (E); or
``(G) any other organization considered appropriate
by the Secretary.''.
SEC. 731. EXTENSION OF PROVISION RELATING TO AIRPORT ACCESS ROADS IN
REMOTE LOCATIONS.
Section 162 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47102
note) is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``2018'' and all that follows through ``2024'' and inserting ``2024
through 2028''.
SEC. 732. POPULOUS COUNTIES WITHOUT AIRPORTS.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may not
deny inclusion in the national plan of integrated airport systems
maintained under section 47103 of title 49, United States Code, to an
airport or proposed airport if the airport or proposed airport--
(1) is located in the most populous county (as such term is
defined in section 2 of title 1, United States Code) of a State
that does not have an airport listed in the national plan;
(2) has an airport sponsor that was established before
January 1, 2017;
(3) is located more than 15 miles away from another airport
listed in the national plan;
(4) demonstrates how the airport will meet the operational
activity required, through a forecast validated by the
Secretary, within the first 10 years of operation;
(5) meets FAA airport design standards;
(6) submits a benefit-cost analysis;
(7) presents a detailed financial plan to accomplish
construction and ongoing maintenance; and
(8) has the documented support of the State government for
the entry of the airport or proposed airport into the national
plan.
SEC. 733. AIP HANDBOOK UPDATE.
(a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall revise the Airport Improvement
Program Handbook (FAA Order 5100.38D) (in this section referred to as
the ``AIP Handbook'') to account for legislative changes to the airport
improvement program under subchapter I of chapter 471 and chapter 475
of title 49, United States Code, and to make such other changes as the
Administrator determines necessary.
(b) Requirements Relating to Alaska.--In revising the AIP Handbook
under subsection (a) (and in any subsequent revision), the
Administrator, in consultation with the Governor of Alaska, shall
identify and incorporate reasonable exceptions to the general
requirements of the AIP Handbook to meet the unique circumstances, and
advance the safety needs, of airports in Alaska, including with respect
to the following:
(1) Snow Removal Equipment Building size and configuration.
(2) Expansion of lease areas.
(3) Shared governmental use of airport equipment and
facilities in remote locations.
(4) Ensuring the resurfacing or reconstruction of legacy
runways to support--
(A) aircraft necessary to support critical health
needs of a community;
(B) remote fuel deliveries; and
(C) firefighting response.
(5) The use of runway end identifier lights at airports in
Alaska.
(c) Additional Requirement.--In revising the AIP Handbook under
subsection (a), the Administrator shall include updates to reflect
whether a light emitting diode system is an appropriate replacement for
any existing halogen system.
(d) Public Comment.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall publish a draft
revision of the AIP Handbook and make such draft available for
public comment for a period of not less than 90 days.
(2) Review.--The Administrator shall--
(A) review all comments submitted during the public
comment period described under paragraph (1);
(B) as the Administrator considers appropriate,
incorporate changes based on such comments into the
final revision of the Handbook; and
(C) provide a response to all significant comments.
(e) Interim Implementation of Changes.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), not
later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator shall issue program guidance letters to provide
for the interim implementation of amendments made by this Act
to the Airport Improvement Program.
(2) Alaska exceptions.--Not later than 60 days after the
date on which the Administrator identified reasonable
exceptions under subsection (b), the Administrator, in
consultation with the Regional Administrator of the FAA Alaskan
Region, shall issue program guidance letters to provide for the
interim application of such exceptions.
SEC. 734. GAO AUDIT OF AIRPORT FINANCIAL REPORTING PROGRAM.
(a) Audit.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate an audit of the
airport financial reporting program of the FAA and provide
recommendations to the Administrator on improvements to such program.
(b) Requirements.--In conducting the audit required under
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall, at a minimum--
(1) review relevant FAA guidance to airports, including the
version of Advisory Circular 150/5100-19, titled ``Operating
and Financial Summary'', that is in effect on the date of
enactment of this Act;
(2) evaluate the information requested or required by the
Administrator from airports for completeness and usefulness by
the FAA and the public;
(3) assess the costs associated with collecting, reporting,
and maintaining such information for airports and the FAA;
(4) determine if such information provided is--
(A) updated on a regular basis to make such
information useful; and
(B) audited and verified in an appropriate manner;
(5) assess if the Administrator has addressed the issues
the Administrator discovered during the apportionment and
disbursement of relief funds to airports under the Coronavirus
Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (Public Law 116-136)
using inaccurate and aged airport financial data; and
(6) determine whether the airport financial reporting
program as structured as of the date of enactment of this Act
provides value to the FAA, the aviation industry, or the
public.
(c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 3 months after the
completion of the audit required under subsection (a), the Comptroller
General shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report
containing the findings of such audit and any recommendations provided
to the Administrator to improve or alter the airport financial
reporting program.
SEC. 735. GAO STUDY OF ONSITE AIRPORT GENERATION.
(a) Study.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study on the
feasibility of installation and adoption of certain power generation
property at airports which receive funding from the Federal Government.
(b) Content.--In carrying out the study required under subsection
(a), the Comptroller General shall examine--
(1) any safety impacts of the installation and operation of
such power generation property, either in aggregate or around
certain locations or structures at the airport;
(2) regulatory barriers to adoption;
(3) benefits to adoption;
(4) previous examples of adoptions;
(5) impacts on other entities; and
(6) previous examples of adoption and factors pertaining to
previous examples of adoption, including--
(A) novel uses beyond supplemental power
generation, such as expanding nonresidential property
around airports to minimize noise, power generation
resilience, and market forces;
(B) challenges identified in the installation
process;
(C) upfront and long-term costs, both foreseen and
unforeseen;
(D) funding sources used to pay for upfront costs;
and
(E) long-term savings.
(c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the initiation of the
study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report containing the results of
the study and any recommendations based on such results.
(d) Power Generation Property Defined.--In this section, the term
``power generation property'' means equipment defined in section
48(a)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
SEC. 736. TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT AT AIRPORTS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall conduct a study to examine
the efficacy of transportation demand management strategies at United
States airports.
(b) Considerations.--In conducting the study under subsection (a),
the Comptroller General shall examine, at a minimum--
(1) whether transportation demand management strategies
should be considered by airports when making infrastructure
planning and construction decisions;
(2) the impact of transportation demand management
strategies on existing multimodal options to and from airports
in the United States; and
(3) best practices for developing transportation demand
management strategies that can be used to improve access to
airports for passengers and airport and airline personnel.
(c) Report.--Upon completion of the study conducted under
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report on such study.
(d) Transportation Demand Management Strategy Defined.--In this
section, the term ``transportation demand management strategy'' means
the use of planning, programs, policy, marketing, communications,
incentives, pricing, data, and technology to optimize travel modes,
routes used, departure times, and number of trips.
SEC. 737. COASTAL AIRPORTS ASSESSMENT.
(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with the Chief of
Engineers and Commanding General of the United States Army Corps of
Engineers, and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, shall initiate an assessment on the
resiliency of airports in coastal or flood-prone areas of the United
States.
(b) Contents.--The assessment required under subsection (a) shall--
(1) examine the impact of hazardous weather and other
environmental factors that pose risks to airports in coastal or
flood-prone areas; and
(2) identify and evaluate initiatives and best practices to
prevent and mitigate the impacts of factors described in
paragraph (1) on airports in coastal or flood-prone areas.
(c) Report.--Upon completion of the assessment, the Administrator
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress and the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives a report on--
(1) the results of the assessment required under subsection
(a); and
(2) recommendations for legislative or administrative
action to improve the resiliency of airports in coastal or
flood-prone areas in the United States.
SEC. 738. AIRPORT INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.
Section 47134(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(4) Benefit-cost analysis.--
``(A) In general.--Prior to approving an
application submitted under subsection (a), the
Secretary may require a benefit-cost analysis.
``(B) Finding.--If a benefit-cost analysis is
required, the Secretary shall issue a preliminary and
conditional finding, which shall--
``(i) be issued not later than 60 days
after the date on which the sponsor submits all
information required by the Secretary;
``(ii) be based upon a collaborative review
process that includes the sponsor or a
representative of the sponsor;
``(iii) not constitute the issuance of a
Federal grant or obligation to issue a grant
under this chapter or other provision of law;
and
``(iv) not constitute any other obligation
on the part of the Federal Government until the
conditions specified in the final benefit-cost
analysis are met.''.
SEC. 739. SPECIAL RULE FOR RECLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN UNCLASSIFIED
AIRPORTS.
(a) Request for Reclassification.--
(1) In general.--Not later than September 30, 2024, a
privately owned reliever airport (as such term is defined in
section 47102 of title 49, United States Code) that is
identified as unclassified in the National Plan of Integrated
Airport Systems of the FAA titled ``National Plan of Integrated
Airport Systems (NPIAS) 2023-2027'', published on September 30,
2022 may submit to the Secretary a request to reclassify the
airport according to the criteria used to classify a publicly
owned airport.
(2) Required information.--In submitting a request under
paragraph (1), a privately owned reliever airport shall include
the following information:
(A) A sworn statement and accompanying
documentation that demonstrates how the airport would
satisfy the requirements of FAA Order 5090.5, titled
``Formulation of the NPIAS and ACIP'' (or any successor
guidance), to be classified as ``Local'' or ``Basic''
if the airport was publicly owned.
(B) A report that--
(i) identifies the role of the airport to
the aviation system; and
(ii) describes the long-term fiscal
viability of the airport based on demonstrated
aeronautical activity and associated revenues
relative to ongoing operating and maintenance
costs.
(b) Eligibility Review.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after receiving a
request from a privately owned reliever airport under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall perform an eligibility
review with respect to the airport, including an assessment of
the safety, security, capacity, access, compliance with Federal
grant assurances, and protection of natural resources of the
airport and the quality of the environment, as prescribed by
the Secretary.
(2) Public sponsor.--In performing the eligibility review
under paragraph (1), the Secretary--
(A) may require the airport requesting
reclassification to provide information regarding the
outlook (whether positive or negative) for obtaining a
public sponsor; and
(B) may not require the airport to obtain a public
sponsor.
(c) Reclassification by Secretary.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after receiving a
request from a privately owned reliever airport under
subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall grant such request if
the following criteria are met:
(A) The request includes the required information
under subsection (a)(2).
(B) The privately owned reliever airport, to the
satisfaction of the Secretary--
(i) passes the eligibility review performed
under subsection (b); or
(ii) submits a corrective action plan in
accordance with paragraph (2).
(2) Corrective action plan.--With respect to a privately
owned reliever airport that does not, to the satisfaction of
the Secretary, pass the eligibility review performed under
subsection (b), the Secretary shall provide notice of
disapproval to such airport not later than 60 days after
receiving the request under subsection (a)(1), and such airport
may resubmit to the Secretary a reclassification request along
with a corrective action plan that--
(A) resolves any shortcomings identified in such
eligibility review; and
(B) proves that any necessary corrective action has
been completed by the airport.
(d) Effective Date.--The reclassification of any privately owned
reliever airport under this section shall take effect not later than--
(1) October 1, 2025, for any request granted under
subsection (c)(1); and
(2) October 1, 2026, for any request granted after the
submission of a corrective action plan under subsection (c)(2).
SEC. 740. PERMANENT SOLAR POWERED TAXIWAY EDGE LIGHTING SYSTEMS.
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator shall produce an engineering brief that describes the
acceptable use of permanent solar powered taxiway edge lighting systems
at regional, local, and basic general aviation airports (as categorized
in the most recent National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems of the
FAA titled ``National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) 2023-
2027'', published on September 30, 2022).
SEC. 741. SECONDARY RUNWAYS.
In approving grants for projects with funds made available pursuant
to title VIII of division J of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs
Act (Public Law 117-58) under the heading ``Federal Aviation
Administration--Airport Infrastructure Grants'', the Administrator
shall consider permitting a nonhub or small hub airport to use such
funds to extend secondary runways, notwithstanding the level of
operational activity at such airport.
SEC. 742. INCREASING ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF AIRPORTS AND MEETING CURRENT
AND FUTURE ENERGY POWER DEMANDS.
(a) In General.--Section 47140 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 47140. Meeting current and future energy power demand
``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation shall establish
a program under which the Secretary shall--
``(1) encourage the sponsor of each public-use airport to--
``(A) conduct airport planning that assesses the
airport's--
``(i) current and future energy power
requirements, including--
``(I) heating and cooling;
``(II) on-road airport vehicles and
ground support equipment;
``(III) gate electrification;
``(IV) electric aircraft charging;
and
``(V) vehicles and equipment used
to transport passengers and employees
between the airport and--
``(aa) nearby facilities
owned or controlled by the
airport or which otherwise
directly support the functions
or services provided by the
airport; or
``(bb) an intermodal
surface transportation facility
adjacent to the airport; and
``(ii) existing energy infrastructure
condition, location, and capacity, including
base load and backup power, to meet the current
and future electrical power demand as
identified in this subparagraph; and
``(B) conduct airport development to improve energy
efficiency, increase peak load savings at the airport,
and meet future electrical power demands as identified
in subparagraph (A); and
``(2) reimburse the airport sponsor for the costs incurred
in conducting the assessment under paragraph (1)(A).
``(b) Grants.--The Secretary shall make grants to airport sponsors
from amounts made available under section 48103 to assist such sponsors
that have completed the assessment described in subsection (a)(1)--
``(1) to acquire or construct equipment that will improve
energy efficiency at the airport; and
``(2) to pursue an airport development project described in
subsection (a)(1)(B).
``(c) Application.--To be eligible for a grant under paragraph (1),
the sponsor of a public-use airport shall submit an application,
including a certification that no safety projects are being deferred by
requesting a grant under this section, to the Secretary at such time,
in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may
require.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 471 of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section
47140 and inserting the following:
``47140. Meeting current and future energy power demand.''.
SEC. 743. REVIEW OF AIRPORT LAYOUT PLANS.
(a) In General.--Section 163 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018
(49 U.S.C. 47107 note) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
``(a) [Reserved].''; and
(2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) [Reserved].''.
(b) Airport Layout Plan Approval Authority.--Section 47107 of title
49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(16)--
(A) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the
following:
``(B) subject to subsection (x), the Secretary will
review and approve or disapprove the plan and any
revision or modification of the plan before the plan,
revision, or modification takes effect;''; and
(B) in subparagraph (C)(i) by striking
``subparagraph (B)'' and inserting ``subsection (x)'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(x) Scope of Airport Layout Plan Review and Approval Authority of
Secretary.--
``(1) Authority over projects on land acquired without
federal assistance.--For purposes of subsection (a)(16)(B),
with respect to any project proposed on land acquired by an
airport owner or operator without Federal assistance, the
Secretary may review and approve or disapprove only the
portions of the plan (or any subsequent revision to the plan)
that--
``(A) materially impact the safe and efficient
operation of aircraft at, to, or from the airport;
``(B) adversely affect the safety of people or
property on the ground as a result of aircraft
operations; or
``(C) adversely affect the value of prior Federal
investments to a significant extent.
``(2) Limitation on non-aeronautical review.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may not require an
airport to seek approval for (including in the
submission of an airport layout plan), or directly or
indirectly regulate or place conditions on (including
through any grant assurance), any project that is not
subject to paragraph (1).
``(B) Review and approval authority.--If only a
portion of a project proposed by an airport owner or
operator is subject to the review and approval of the
Secretary under subsection (a)(16)(B), the Secretary
shall not extend review and approval authority to other
non-aeronautical portions of the project.
``(3) Notice.--
``(A) In general.--An airport owner or operator
shall submit to the Secretary a notice of intent to
proceed with a proposed project (or a portion thereof)
that is outside of the review and approval authority of
the Secretary, as described in this subsection, if the
project was not on the most recently submitted airport
layout plan of the airport.
``(B) Failure to object.--If not later than 45 days
after receiving the notice of intent described in
subparagraph (A), the Secretary fails to object to such
notice, the proposed project (or portion thereof) shall
be deemed as being outside the scope of the review and
approval authority of the Secretary under subsection
(a)(16)(B).''.
SEC. 744. PROTECTION OF SAFE AND EFFICIENT USE OF AIRSPACE AT AIRPORTS.
(a) Airspace Review Process Requirements.--The Administrator shall
consider the following additional factors in the evaluation of
cumulative impacts when making a determination of hazard or no hazard,
or objection or no objection, as applicable, under part 77 of title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations, regarding proposed construction or
alteration within 3 miles of the runway ends and runway centerlines (as
depicted in the FAA-approved Airport Layout Plan of the airport) on any
land not owned by any such airport:
(1) The accumulation and spacing of structures or other
obstructions that might constrain radar or communication
capabilities, thereby reducing the capacity of an airport,
flight procedure minimums or availability, or aircraft takeoff
or landing capabilities.
(2) Safety risks of lasers, lights, or light sources,
inclusive of lighted billboards and screens, affixed to
structures, that may pose hazards to air navigation.
(3) Water features or hazardous wildlife attractants, as
defined by the Administrator.
(4) Impacts to visual flight rule traffic patterns for both
fixed and rotary wing aircraft, inclusive of special visual
flight rule procedures established by Letters of Agreement
between air traffic facilities, the airport, and flight
operators.
(5) Impacts to FAA-funded airport improvement projects,
improvements depicted on or described in FAA-approved Airport
Layout Plans and master plans, and preservation of the
navigable airspace necessary for achieving the objectives and
utilization of the projects and plans.
(b) Required Information.--A notice submitted under part 77 of
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, shall include the following:
(1) Actual designs of an entire project and property,
without regard to whether a proposed construction or alteration
within 3 miles of the end of a runway of an airport and runway
centerlines as depicted in the FAA-approved Airport Layout Plan
of the airport is limited to a singular location on a property.
(2) If there are any changes to such designs or addition of
equipment, such as cranes used to construct a building, after
submission of such a notice, all information included with the
notice submitted before such change or addition shall be
resubmitted, along with information regarding the change or
addition.
(c) Expiration.--
(1) In general.--Unless extended, revised, or terminated,
each determination of no hazard issued by the Administrator
under part 77 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, shall
expire 18 months after the effective date of the determination,
or on the date the proposed construction or alteration is
abandoned, whichever is earlier.
(2) After expiration.--Determinations under paragraph (1)
are no longer valid with regard to whether a proposed
construction or alteration would be a hazard to air navigation
after such determination has expired.
(d) Authority to Consolidate OEI Surface Criteria.--The
Administrator may develop a single set of One Engine Inoperative
surface criteria that is specific to an airport. The Administrator
shall consult with the airport operator and flight operators that use
such airport, on the development of such surface criteria.
(e) Development of Policies to Protect OEI Surfaces.--Not later
than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress
regarding the status of the efforts of the FAA to protect One Engine
Inoperative surfaces from encroachment at United States certificated
and federally obligated airports, including the current status of
efforts to incorporate such protections into FAA Obstruction
Evaluation/Airport Airspace Analysis processes.
(f) Authority to Consult With Other Agencies.--The Administrator
may consult with other Federal, State, or local agencies as necessary
to carry out the requirements of this section.
(g) Applicability.--This section shall only apply to an airport in
a county adjacent to 2 States with converging intersecting cross runway
operations within 12 nautical miles of an Air Force base.
SEC. 745. ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT INFRASTRUCTURE PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary may establish a pilot program under
which airport sponsors may use funds made available under chapter 471
or section 48103 of title 49, United States Code, for use at up to 10
airports to carry out--
(1) activities associated with the acquisition, by purchase
or lease, operation, and installation of equipment to support
the operations of electric aircraft, including interoperable
electric vehicle charging equipment; and
(2) the construction or modification of infrastructure to
facilitate the delivery of power or services necessary for the
use of electric aircraft, including--
(A) on airport utility upgrades; and
(B) associated design costs.
(b) Eligibility.--A public-use airport is eligible for
participation in the pilot program under this section if the Secretary
finds that funds made available under subsection (a) would support--
(1) electric aircraft operators at such airport, or using
such airport; or
(2) electric aircraft operators planning to operate at such
airport with an associated agreement in place.
(c) Sunset.--The pilot program established under subsection (a)
shall terminate on October 1, 2028.
SEC. 746. CURB MANAGEMENT PRACTICES.
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prevent airports from--
(1) engaging in curb management practices, including
determining and assigning curb designations and regulations;
(2) installing and maintaining upon any of the roadways or
parts of roadways as many curb zones as necessary to aid in the
regulation, control, and inspection of passenger loading and
unloading; or
(3) enforcing curb zones using sensor, camera, automated
license plate recognition, and software technologies and
issuing citations by mail to the registered owner of the
vehicle.
SEC. 747. NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY.
Notwithstanding part 200 of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations,
or any other provision of law, funds made available as part of the
Airport Improvement Program under subchapter I of chapter 471 or
chapter 475 of title 49, United States Code, shall not be subject to
any public notice of funding opportunity requirement.
SEC. 748. RUNWAY SAFETY PROJECTS.
In awarding grants under section 47115 of title 49, United States
Code, for runway safety projects, the Administrator shall, to the
maximum extent practicable--
(1) reduce unnecessary or undesirable project segmentation;
and
(2) complete the entire project in an expeditious manner.
SEC. 749. AIRPORT DIAGRAM TERMINOLOGY.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall update Airport Diagram
Order JO 7910.4 and any related advisory circulars, policy, and
guidance to ensure the clear and consistent use of terms to delineate
the types of parking available to general aviation pilots.
(b) Collaboration.--In carrying out subsection (a), the
Administrator shall collaborate with industry stakeholders, commercial
service airports, and general aviation airports in--
(1) facilitating basic standardization of general aviation
parking terms;
(2) accounting for the majority of uses of general aviation
parking terms; and
(3) providing clarity for chart users.
(c) IAC Specifications.--The Administrator shall encourage the
Interagency Air Committee to incorporate the terms developed pursuant
to subsection (a) in publications produced by the Committee.
SEC. 750. GAO STUDY ON FEE TRANSPARENCY BY FIXED BASED OPERATORS.
(a) In General.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study
reviewing the efforts of fixed based operators to meet their
commitments to improve the online transparency of prices and fees for
all aircraft and enhancing the customer experience for general and
business aviation users.
(b) Contents.--In conducting the study described in subsection (a),
the Comptroller General, at a minimum, should evaluate the fixed based
operator industry commitment to ``Know Before You Go'' best business
practices including--
(1) fixed based operators provisions for all general
aviation and business aircraft types regarding a description of
available services and a listing of applicable retail fuel
prices, fees, and charges;
(2) the accessibility of fees and charges described in
paragraph (1) to aircraft operators on-line and in a user-
friendly manner and with sufficient clarity that a pilot
operating a particular aircraft type can determine what will be
charged;
(3) efforts by fixed based operators to invite and
encourage customers to contact them so that operators can ask
questions, know any options, and make informed decisions; and
(4) any practices imposed by an airport operator that
prevent fixed based operators from fully disclosing fees and
charges.
(c) Report Required.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report containing the results of
the review required under this section.
SEC. 751. MINORITY AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS PARTICIPATION.
Section 157(b)(2) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C.
47113 note) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(D) Publishing data.--The Secretary of
Transportation shall report on a publicly accessible
website the uniform report of DBE awards/commitments
and payments specified in part 26 of title 49, Code of
Federal Regulations, and the uniform report of ACDBE
Participation for non-car rental and car rental
concessions, for each airport sponsor beginning with
fiscal year 2025.''.
SEC. 752. PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN RUNWAY LENGTH REQUIREMENTS.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may not
require an airport to shorten the length or width of the runway, apron,
or taxiway of the airport as a condition for the receipt of federal
financial assistance if the airport directly supports a base of the
United States Air Force or the Air National Guard at the airport,
regardless of the stationing of military aircraft.
SEC. 753. REPORT ON INDO-PACIFIC AIRPORTS.
The Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of State,
shall submit to Congress a report on airports of strategic importance
in the Indo-Pacific region that includes each of the following:
(1) An identification of airports and air routes critical
to national security, defense operations, emergency response,
and continuity of government activities.
(2) An assessment of the economic impact and contribution
of airports and air routes to national and regional economies.
(3) An evaluation of the connectivity and accessibility of
airports and air routes, including their importance in
supporting domestic and international travel, trade, and
tourism.
(4) An analysis of infrastructure and technological
requirements necessary to maintain and enhance the strategic
importance of identified airports and air routes.
(5) An identification of potential vulnerabilities, risks,
and challenges faced by airports and air routes of strategic
importance, including cybersecurity threats and physical
infrastructure vulnerabilities.
(6) Any recommendations for improving the security,
resilience, and efficiency of the identified airports and air
routes, including potential infrastructure investments and
policy changes.
SEC. 754. GAO STUDY ON IMPLEMENTATION OF GRANTS AT CERTAIN AIRPORTS.
The Comptroller General shall conduct a study on the implementation
of grants provided to airports located in the Republic of the Marshall
Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of Palau under
section 47115(i) of title 49, United States Code and submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of such
study.
SEC. 755. GAO STUDY ON TRANSIT ACCESS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall conduct a study on
transit access to airports and submit to the appropriate committees of
Congress a report on the results of such study.
(b) Contents.--In carrying out the study under subsection (a), the
Comptroller General shall review public transportation access to
commercial service airports throughout the United States, including
accessibility and other potential barriers for individuals.
SEC. 756. BANNING MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.
(a) In General.--The United States, acting through the
Administrator, shall release the City of Banning, California, from all
restrictions, conditions, and limitations on the use, encumbrance,
conveyance, and closure of the Banning Municipal Airport, as described
in the most recent airport layout plan approved by the FAA, to the
extent such restrictions, conditions, and limitations are enforceable
by the Administrator.
(b) Conditions.--The release under subsection (a) shall not be
executed before the City of Banning, California, or its designee,
transfers to the United States Government the following:
(1) A reimbursement for 1983 grant the City of Banning,
California received from the FAA for the purchase of 20 acres
of land, at an amount equal to the fair market value for the
highest and best use of the Banning Municipal Airport property
determined in good faith by 2 independent and qualified real
estate appraisers and an independent review appraiser on or
after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(2) An amount equal to the unamortized portion of any
Federal development grants other than land paid to the City of
Banning for use at the Banning Municipal Airport, which may be
paid with, and shall be an allowable use of, airport revenue
notwithstanding section 47107 or 47133 of title 49, United
States Code.
(3) For no consideration, all airport and aviation-related
equipment of the Banning Municipal Airport owned by the City of
Banning and determined by the FAA or the Department of
Transportation of the State of California to be salvageable for
use at other airports.
(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to limit the applicability of--
(1) the requirements and processes under section 46319 of
title 49, United States Code;
(2) the requirements under the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
(3) the requirements and processes under part 157 of title
14, Code of Federal Regulations; or
(4) the public notice requirements under section
47107(h)(2) of title 49, United States Code.
SEC. 757. DISPUTED CHANGES OF SPONSORSHIP AT FEDERALLY OBLIGATED,
PUBLICLY OWNED AIRPORT.
(a) Approval Authority.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), in the case of a
disputed change of airport sponsorship, the Administrator shall
have the sole legal authority to approve any change in the
sponsorship of, or operational responsibility for, the airport
from the airport sponsor of record to another public or private
entity.
(2) Exclusion.--This section shall not apply to a change of
sponsorship or ownership of a privately-owned airport, a
transfer under the Airport Investment Partnership Program, a
change when the Federal Government exercises a right of
reverter, or a change that is not disputed.
(b) Conditions for Approval.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the
Administrator shall not approve any disputed change of airport
sponsorship unless the Administrator receives--
(A) written documentation from the airport sponsor
of record consenting to the change in sponsorship or
operation;
(B) notice of a final, non-reviewable judicial
decision requiring such change; or
(C) notice of a legally-binding agreement between
the parties involved.
(2) Pending judicial review.--The Administrator may not
evaluate or approve a disputed change of airport sponsorship
where a legal dispute is pending before a court of competent
jurisdiction.
(3) Technical assistance.--
(A) In general.--Any State or local legislative
body or public agency considering whether to take an
action (including by drafting legislation) that would
impact the ownership, sponsorship, governance, or
operations of a federally obligated, publicly owned
airport may request from the Administrator, at any
point in the deliberative process--
(i) technical assistance regarding the
interrelationship between Federal and State or
local requirements applicable to any such
action; and
(ii) review and comment on such action.
(B) Failure to seek technical assistance.--The
Administrator may deny a change in the ownership,
sponsorship, or governance of, or operational
responsibility for, a federally obligated, publicly
owned airport if a State or local legislative body or
public agency does not seek technical assistance under
subparagraph (A) with respect to such change.
(c) Final Decision Authority.--In addition to the conditions
outlined in subsection (b), the Administrator shall independently
determine whether the proposed sponsor or operator is able to satisfy
Federal requirements for airport sponsorship or operation and shall
ensure, by requiring whatever terms and conditions the Administrator
determines necessary, that any change in the ownership, sponsorship, or
governance of, or operational responsibility for, a federally
obligated, publicly owned airport is consistent with existing Federal
law, regulations, existing grant assurances, and Federal land
conveyance obligations.
(d) Definition of Disputed Change of Airport Sponsorship.--In this
section, the term ``disputed change of airport sponsorship'' means any
action that seeks to change the ownership, sponsorship, or governance
of, or operational responsibility for, a federally obligated, publicly
owned airport, including any such change directed by judicial action or
State or local legislative action, where the airport sponsor of record
initially does not consent to such change.
SEC. 758. PROCUREMENT REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO FAA MULTIMODAL
PROJECTS.
(a) In General.--Any multimodal airport development project that
uses grant funding from funds made available to the Administrator to
carry out subchapter I of chapter 471 of title 49, United States Code,
or airport infrastructure projects under the Infrastructure Investment
and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) shall abide by the procurement
regulations applicable to--
(1) the FAA; and
(2) subject to subsection (b), the component of the project
relating to transit, highway, or rail, respectively.
(b) Multiple Component Projects.--In the case of a multimodal
airport development project described in subsection (a) that involves
more than 1 component described in paragraph (2) of such subsection,
such project shall only be required to apply the procurement
regulations applicable to the component where the greatest amount of
Federal financial assistance will be expended.
SEC. 759. BUCKEYE 940 RELEASE OF DEED RESTRICTIONS.
(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to authorize the
Secretary to issue a Deed of Release from all terms, conditions,
reservations, restrictions, and obligations contained in the Quitclaim
Deed and to permit the State of Arizona to deposit all proceeds of the
disposition of Buckeye 940 in the appropriate fund for the benefit of
the beneficiaries of the Arizona State Land Trust.
(b) Release of Any and All Interest in Buckeye 940.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, the United States, acting through the Secretary, shall
issue to the State of Arizona a Deed of Release to release all
terms, conditions, reservations, restrictions, and obligations
contained in the Quitclaim Deed, including any and all
reversionary interest of the United States in Buckeye 940.
(2) Terms and conditions.--The Deed of Release described in
paragraph (1) shall be subject to such additional terms and
conditions, consistent with such paragraph, as the Secretary
considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United
States.
(3) No restriction on use of proceeds.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, the State of Arizona may dispose of
Buckeye 940 and any proceeds thereof, including proceeds
already collected by the State and held in a suspense account,
without regard to any restriction imposed by the Quitclaim Deed
or by section 155.7 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(4) Mineral reservation.--The Deed of Release described in
paragraph (1) shall include the release of all interests of the
United States to the mineral rights on Buckeye 940 included in
the Quitclaim Deed.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Buckeye 940.--The term ``Buckeye 940'' means all of
section 12, T.1 N., R.3 W. and all of adjoining fractional
section 7, T.1 N., R.2 W., Gila and Salt River Meridian,
Arizona, which property was the subject of the Quitclaim Deed
between the United States and the State of Arizona, dated July
11, 1949, and which is currently owned by the State of Arizona
and held in trust for the beneficiaries of the Arizona State
Land Trust.
(2) Quitclaim deed.--The term ``Quitclaim Deed'' means the
Quitclaim Deed between the United States and the State of
Arizona, dated July 11, 1949.
SEC. 760. WASHINGTON, DC METROPOLITAN AREA SPECIAL FLIGHT RULES AREA.
(a) Submission of Study to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation
with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Defense,
shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the
Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the
Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives a study
on the Special Flight Rules Area and the Flight Restricted Zone under
subpart V of part 93 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(b) Contents of Study.--In carrying out the study under subsection
(a), the Administrator shall assess specific proposed changes to the
Special Flight Rules Area and the Flight Restricted Zone that will
decrease operational impacts and improve general aviation access to
airports in the National Capital Region that are currently impacted by
the Special Flight Rules Area and the Flight Restricted Zone.
(c) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall provide to the committees of
Congress described in subsection (a) a briefing on the feasibility
(including any associated costs) of--
(1) installing equipment that allows a pilot to communicate
with air traffic control using a very high frequency radio for
the purposes of receiving an instrument flight rules clearance,
activating a DC FRZ flight plan, or activating a DC SFRA flight
plan (as applicable) at--
(A) non-towered airports in the Flight Restricted
Zone; and
(B) airports in the Special Flight Rules Area that
do not have the communications equipment described in
this paragraph;
(2) allowing a pilot approved by the Transportation
Security Administration in accordance with section 1562.3 of
title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to electronically file a
DC FRZ flight plan or instrument flight rules flight plan that
departs from, or arrives at, an airport in the Flight
Restricted Zone; and
(3) allowing a pilot to electronically file a standard very
high frequency radio flight plan that departs from, or arrives
at, an airport in the Special Flight Rules Area or Flight
Restricted Zone.
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) DC frz flight plan; dc sfra flight plan.--The terms
``DC FRZ flight plan'' and ``DC SFRA flight plan'' have the
meanings given such terms in section 93.335 of title 14, Code
of Federal Regulations.
(2) Standard vfr flight plan.--The term ``standard VFR
flight plan'' means a VFR flight plan (as such term is
described in section 91.153 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations) that includes search and rescue services.
SEC. 761. STUDY ON AIR CARGO OPERATIONS IN PUERTO RICO.
(a) In General.--No later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall conduct a study on air cargo
operations in Puerto Rico.
(b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under subsection
(a), the Comptroller General shall address the following:
(1) The economic impact of waivers authorized by the
Secretary related to air cargo operations in Puerto Rico.
(2) Recommendations for security measures that may be
necessary to support increased air cargo operations in Puerto
Rico.
(3) Potential need for additional staff to safely
accommodate additional air cargo operations.
(4) Airport infrastructure improvements that may be needed
in the 3 international airports located in Puerto Rico to
support increased air cargo operations.
(5) Alternatives to increase private stakeholder engagement
and use of the 3 international airports in Puerto Rico to
attract increased air cargo operations.
(6) Possible national benefits of increasing air cargo
operations in Puerto Rico.
(c) Report.--Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report on the results of the study described
in subsection (a).
SEC. 762. PROGRESS REPORTS ON THE NATIONAL TRANSITION PLAN RELATED TO A
FLUORINE-FREE FIREFIGHTING FOAM.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, and every 180 days thereafter until the progress
report termination date described in subsection (c), the Administrator,
in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency and the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a progress report on the development and
implementation of a national transition plan related to a fluorine-free
firefighting foam that meets the performance standards referenced in
chapter 6 of the advisory circular of the FAA titled ``Aircraft Fire
Extinguishing Agents'', issued on July 8, 2004 (Advisory Circular 150/
5210-6D) and is acceptable under section 139.319(l) of title 14, Code
of Federal Regulations, for use at part 139 airports.
(b) Required Information.--Each progress report under subsection
(a) shall include the following:
(1) An assessment of the progress made by the FAA with
respect to providing part 139 airports with--
(A) guidance from the Environmental Protection
Agency on acceptable environmental limits relating to
fluorine-free firefighting foam;
(B) guidance from the Department of Defense on the
transition of the Department of Defense to a fluorine-
free firefighting foam;
(C) best practices for the decontamination of
existing aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles,
systems, and other equipment used to deploy
firefighting foam at part 139 airports; and
(D) timelines for the release of policy and
guidance relating to the development of implementation
plans for part 139 airports to obtain approved military
specification products and firefighting personnel
training.
(2) A comprehensive list of the amount of aqueous film-
forming firefighting foam at each part 139 airport as of the
date of the submission of the progress report, including the
amount of such firefighting foam held in firefighting equipment
and the number of gallons regularly kept in reserve at each
such airport.
(3) An assessment of the progress made by the FAA with
respect to providing airports that are not part 139 airports
and local authorities with responsibility for inspection and
oversight with guidance described in subparagraphs (A) and (B)
of paragraph (1) as such guidance relates to the use of
fluorine-free firefighting foam at such airports.
(4) Any other information that the Administrator determines
is appropriate.
(c) Progress Report Termination Date.--The progress report
termination date described in this subsection is the date on which the
Administrator notifies the appropriate committees of Congress that
development and implementation of the national transition plan
described in subsection (a) is complete.
(d) Part 139 Airport Defined.--In this section, the term ``part 139
airport'' means an airport certified under part 139 of title 14, Code
of Federal Regulations.
SEC. 763. REPORT ON AIRPORT NOTIFICATIONS.
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a
report on the activities of the FAA with respect to--
(1) collecting more accurate data in notices of
construction, alteration, activation, and deactivation of
airports as required under part 157 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations; and
(2) making the database under part 157 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations, more accurate and useful for aircraft
operators, particularly for helicopter and rotary wing type
aircraft operators.
SEC. 764. STUDY ON COMPETITION AND AIRPORT ACCESS.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Secretary shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on--
(1) specific actions the Secretary and the Administrator,
using existing legal authority, can take to expand access for
lower cost passenger air carriers to capacity constrained
airports in the United States, including New York John F.
Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark
Liberty International Airport; and
(2) any additional legal authority the Secretary and the
Administrator require in order to make additional slots at New
York John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia
Airport and runway timings at Newark Liberty International
Airport available to lower cost passenger air carriers.
SEC. 765. REGIONAL AIRPORT CAPACITY STUDY.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate a study on the following:
(1) Existing FAA policy and guidance that govern the siting
of new airports or the transition of general aviation airports
to commercial service.
(2) Ways that existing regulations and policies could be
streamlined to facilitate the development of new airport
capacity, particularly in high-demand air travel regions
looking to invest in new airport capacity.
(3) Whether Federal funding sources (existing as of the
date of enactment of this Act) that are authorized by the
Secretary could be used for such purposes.
(4) Whether such Federal funding sources meet the needs of
the national airspace system for adding new airport capacity
outside of the commercial service airports in operation as of
the date of enactment of this Act.
(5) If such Federal funding sources are determined by the
Administrator to be insufficient for the purposes described in
this subsection, an estimate of the funding gap.
(b) Report.--Not later than 30 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report on the results of the study conducted
under subsection (a), together with recommendations for such
legislative or administrative action as the Administrator determines
appropriate.
(c) Guidance.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall, if appropriate, revise FAA
guidance to incorporate the findings of the study conducted under
subsection (a) to assist airports and State and local departments of
transportation in increasing airport capacity to meet regional air
travel demand.
SEC. 766. STUDY ON AUTONOMOUS AND ELECTRIC-POWERED TRACK SYSTEMS.
(a) Study.--The Administrator may conduct a study to determine the
feasibility and economic viability of autonomous or electric-powered
track systems that--
(1) are located underneath the pavement at an airport; and
(2) allow a transport category aircraft to taxi without the
use of the main engines of the aircraft.
(b) Briefing.--If the Administrator conducts a study under
subsection (a), the Administrator shall provide a briefing to the
appropriate committees of Congress on the results of such study.
SEC. 767. PFAS-RELATED RESOURCES FOR AIRPORTS.
(a) PFAS Replacement Program for Airports.--Not later than 90 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation
with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall
establish a program to reimburse sponsors of eligible airports for the
reasonable and appropriate costs incurred after September 12, 2023, and
associated with any of the following:
(1) The one-time initial acquisition by the sponsor of an
eligible airport of an approved fluorine-free firefighting
agent under Military Specification MIL-PRE-32725, dated January
12, 2023, in a quantity of--
(A) the capacity of all required aircraft rescue
and firefighting equipment listed in the most recent
FAA-approved Airport Certification Manual, regardless
of how the equipment was initially acquired; and
(B) twice the quantity carried onboard each
required truck available in the fire station for the
eligible airport.
(2) The disposal of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl
products, including fluorinated aqueous film-forming agents, to
the extent such disposal is necessary to facilitate the
transition to such approved fluorine-free firefighting agent,
including aqueous film-forming agents currently in firefighting
equipment and vehicles and any wastewater generated during the
cleaning of firefighting equipment and vehicles.
(3) The cleaning or disposal of existing equipment or
components thereof, to the extent such cleaning or disposal is
necessary to facilitate the transition to such approved
fluorine-free firefighting agent.
(4) The acquisition of any equipment, or components
thereof, necessary to facilitate the transition to such
approved fluorine-free firefighting agent.
(5) The replacement of any aircraft rescue and firefighting
equipment determined necessary to be replaced by the Secretary.
(b) Distribution of Funds.--
(1) Grants to replace aircraft rescue and firefighting
vehicles.--
(A) In general.--Of the amounts made available to
carry out the PFAS replacement program, the Secretary
shall reserve up to $30,000,000 to make grants to each
eligible airport that is designated under part 139 as
an Index A airport and does not have existing
capabilities to produce fluorine-free firefighting foam
for the replacement of aircraft rescue and firefighting
vehicles.
(B) Amount.--The maximum amount of a grant made
under subparagraph (A) may not exceed $2,000,000.
(2) Remaining amounts.--
(A) Determination of need.--With respect to the
amount of firefighting foam concentrate required for
foam production commensurate with applicable aircraft
rescue and firefighting equipment required in
accordance with the most recent FAA-approved Airport
Certification Manual, the Secretary shall determine--
(i) for each eligible airport, the total
amount of such concentrate required for all of
the federally required aircraft rescue and
firefighting vehicles that meet index
requirements under part 139, in gallons; and
(ii) for all eligible airports, the total
amount of firefighting foam concentrate, in
gallons.
(B) Determination of grant amounts.--The Secretary
shall make a grant to the sponsor of each eligible
airport in an amount equal to the product of--
(i) the amount of funds made available to
carry out this section that remain available
after the Secretary reserves the amount
described in paragraph (1); and
(ii) the ratio of the amount determined
under subparagraph (A)(i) for such eligible
airport to the amount determined under
subparagraph (A)(ii).
(c) Program Requirements.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall determine the
eligibility of costs payable under the PFAS replacement program
by taking into account all engineering, technical, and
environmental protocols and generally accepted industry
standards that are developed or established for approved
fluorine-free firefighting foams.
(2) Compliance with applicable law.--To be eligible for
reimbursement under the program established under subsection
(a), the sponsor of an eligible airport shall carry out all
actions related to the acquisition, disposal, and transition to
approved fluorine-free firefighting foams, including the
cleaning and disposal of equipment, in full compliance with all
applicable Federal laws in effect at the time of obligation of
a grant under this section.
(3) Federal share.--The Federal share of allowable costs
under the PFAS replacement program shall be 100 percent.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated not
more than $350,000,000 to carry out the PFAS replacement
program.
(2) Requirements.--Amounts made available to carry out the
PFAS replacement program shall--
(A) remain available for expenditure for a period
of 5 fiscal years; and
(B) be available in addition to any other funding
available for similar purposes under any other Federal,
State, local, or Tribal program.
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Eligible airport.--The term ``eligible airport'' means
an airport holding an Airport Operating Certificate issued
under part 139.
(2) Part 139.--The term ``part 139'' means part 139 of
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(3) PFAS replacement program.--The term ``PFAS replacement
program'' means the program established under subsection (a).
SEC. 768. LIMITATION ON CERTAIN ROLLING STOCK PROCUREMENTS.
(a) In General.--Section 50101 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) by striking ``(except section 47127)'' each place it
appears; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Limitation on Certain Rolling Stock Procurements.--
``(1) In general.--Financial assistance made available
under the provisions described in subsection (a) shall not be
used in awarding a contract or subcontract to an entity on or
after the date of enactment of this subsection for the
procurement of rolling stock for use in an airport-related
project if the manufacturer of the rolling stock--
``(A) is incorporated in or has manufacturing
facilities in the United States; and
``(B) is owned or controlled by, is a subsidiary
of, or is otherwise related legally or financially to a
corporation based in a country that--
``(i) is identified as a nonmarket economy
country (as defined in section 771(18) of the
Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1677(18))) as of
the date of enactment of this subsection;
``(ii) was identified by the United States
Trade Representative in the most recent report
required by section 182 of the Trade Act of
1974 (19 U.S.C. 2242) as a foreign country
included on the priority watch list defined in
subsection (g)(3) of that section; and
``(iii) is subject to monitoring by the
Trade Representative under section 306 of the
Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2416).
``(2) Exception.--
``(A) In general.--For purposes of paragraph (1),
the term `otherwise related legally or financially'
does not include--
``(i) a minority relationship or
investment; or
``(ii) relationship with or investment in a
subsidiary, joint venture, or other entity
based in a country described in paragraph
(1)(B) that does not export rolling stock or
components of rolling stock for use in the
United States.
``(B) Corporation based in people's republic of
china.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (A)(i), for
purposes of paragraph (1), the term `otherwise related
legally or financially' includes a minority
relationship or investment if the relationship or
investment involves a corporation based in the People's
Republic of China.
``(3) International agreements.--This subsection shall be
applied in a manner consistent with the obligations of the
United States under international agreements.
``(4) Waiver.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may waive the
limitation described in paragraph (1) using the
criteria described in subsection (b).
``(B) Notification.--Not later than 10 days after
issuing a waiver under subparagraph (A), the Secretary
shall notify the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of
the Senate.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Restricting contract awards because of discrimination
against united states goods or services.--Section 50102 of
title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``(except
section 47127)''.
(2) Restriction on airport projects using products or
services of foreign countries denying fair market
opportunities.--Section 50104(b) of title 49, United States
Code, is amended by striking ``(except section 47127)''.
(3) Fraudulent use of made in america label.--Section 50105
of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking
``(except section 47127)''.
SEC. 769. MAINTAINING SAFE FIRE AND RESCUE STAFFING LEVELS.
(a) Update to Regulation.--The Administrator shall update the
regulations contained in section 139.319 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations, to ensure that paragraph (4) of such section provides that
at least 1 individual maintains certification at the emergency medical
technician basic level, or higher, at a small, medium, or large hub
airport.
(b) Staffing Review.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall conduct a review of
airport environments and related regulations to evaluate sufficient
staffing levels necessary for firefighting, rescue, and emergency
medical services and response at airports certified under part 139 of
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after completing the review
under subsection (b), the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report containing the results of the review.
SEC. 770. GRANT ASSURANCES.
(a) General Written Assurances.--Section 47107(a) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (20) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (21) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(22) the airport owner or operator may not restrict or
prohibit the sale or self-fueling of any 100-octane low lead
aviation gasoline for purchase or use by operators of general
aviation aircraft if such aviation gasoline was available at
such airport at any time during calendar year 2022, until the
earlier of--
``(A) December 31, 2030; or
``(B) the date on which the airport or any retail
fuel seller at such airport makes available an unleaded
aviation gasoline that--
``(i) has been authorized for use by the
Administrator of the Federal Aviation
Administration as a replacement for 100-octane
low lead aviation gasoline for use in nearly
all piston-engine aircraft and engine models;
and
``(ii) meets either an industry consensus
standard or other standard that facilitates the
safe use, production, and distribution of such
unleaded aviation gasoline, as determined
appropriate by the Administrator.''.
(b) Civil Penalties for Grant Assurances Violations.--Section
46301(a) of title 49, United States Code, is further amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(A) by inserting ``section 47107(a)(22)
(including any assurance made under such section),'' after
``chapter 451,''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(8) Failure to Continue Offering Aviation Fuel.--Notwithstanding
paragraph (1), the maximum civil penalty for a violation of section
47107(a)(22) (including any assurance made under such section)
committed by a person, including if the person is an individual or a
small business concern, shall be $5,000 for each day that the person is
in violation of that section.''.
SEC. 771. AVIATION FUEL IN ALASKA.
(a) In General.--
(1) Prohibition on restriction of fuel usage or
availability.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation
Administration and the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency shall not restrict the continued use or
availability of 100-octane low lead aviation gasoline in the
State of Alaska until the earlier of--
(A) December 31, 2032; or
(B) 6 months after the date on which the
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration
finds that an unleaded aviation fuel is widely
commercially available at airports throughout the State
of Alaska that--
(i) has been authorized for use by the
Administrator of the Federal Aviation
Administration as a replacement for 100-octane
low lead aviation gasoline; and
(ii) meets either an industry consensus
standard or other standard that facilitates and
ensures the safe use, production, and
distribution of such unleaded aviation fuel.
(2) Savings clause.--Nothing in this section shall limit
the authority of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation
Administration or the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency to address the endangerment to public health
and welfare posed by lead emissions--
(A) in the United States outside of the State of
Alaska; or
(B) within the State of Alaska after the date
specified in paragraph (1).
(b) GAO Report on Transitioning to Unleaded Aviation Fuel in the
State of Alaska.--
(1) Evaluation.--The Comptroller General of the United
States shall conduct an evaluation of the following:
(A) The aircraft, routes, and supply chains in the
State of Alaska utilizing leaded aviation gasoline,
including identification of remote and rural
communities that rely upon leaded aviation gasoline.
(B) The estimated costs and benefits of
transitioning aircraft and the supply chain in the
State of Alaska to aviation fuel that meets the
requirements described in clauses (i) and (ii) of
section 47107(a)(22)(B) of title 49, United States
Code, as added by section 770, including direct costs
of new aircraft and equipment and indirect costs,
including transportation from refineries to markets,
foreign imports, and changes in leaded aviation
gasoline prices as a result of reduced supply.
(C) The programs of the Environmental Protection
Agency, the Federal Aviation Administration, and other
government agencies that can be utilized to assist
individuals, communities, industries, and the State of
Alaska with the costs described in subparagraph (B).
(D) A reasonable time frame to permit any
limitation on 100-octane low-lead aviation gasoline in
the State of Alaska.
(E) Other logistical considerations associated with
the transition described in subparagraph (B).
(2) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this section, the Comptroller General shall submit
a report containing the results of the evaluation conducted
under paragraph (1) to--
(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate;
(B) the Committee on Environment and Public Works
of the Senate;
(C) the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and
(D) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the
House of Representatives.
SEC. 772. APPLICATION OF AMENDMENTS.
The amendments to the Airport Improvement Program apportionment and
discretionary formulas under chapter 471 of title 49, United States
Code, made by this Act (except as they relate to the extension of
provisions or authorities expiring on May 10, 2024, or May 11, 2024)
shall not apply in a fiscal year beginning before the date of enactment
of this Act.
SEC. 773. PROHIBITION ON USE OF AMOUNTS TO PROCESS OR ADMINISTER ANY
APPLICATION FOR THE JOINT USE OF HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE
BASE WITH CIVIL AVIATION.
No amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to the Federal
Aviation Administration for fiscal years 2024 through 2028 may be used
to process or administer any application for the joint use of Homestead
Air Reserve Base, Homestead, Florida, by the Air Force and civil
aircraft.
SEC. 774. UNIVERSAL CHANGING STATION.
(a) Grant Assurances.--Section 47107 of title 49, United States
Code, as amended by section 743(b)(2), is further amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(y) Universal Changing Station.--
``(1) In general.--In fiscal year 2030 and each fiscal year
thereafter, the Secretary of Transportation may approve an
application under this subchapter for an airport development
project grant only if the Secretary receives written assurances
that the airport owner or operator will install or maintain (in
compliance with the requirements of section 35.133 of title 28,
Code of Federal Regulations), as applicable--
``(A) at least 1 private, single-use room with a
universal changing station that--
``(i) meets the standards established under
paragraph (2)(A); and
``(ii) is accessible to all individuals for
purposes of use by an individual with a
disability in each passenger terminal building
of the airport; and
``(B) signage at or near the entrance to the
changing station indicating the location of the
changing station.
``(2) Standards required.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of this subsection, the United States Access
Board shall--
``(A) establish--
``(i) comprehensive accessible design
standards for universal changing tables; and
``(ii) standards on the privacy,
accessibility, and sanitation equipment of the
room in which such table is located, required
to be installed, or maintained under this
subsection; and
``(B) in establishing the standards under
subparagraph (A), consult with entities with
appropriate expertise relating to the use of universal
changing stations used by individuals with
disabilities.
``(3) Applicability.--
``(A) Airport size.--The requirement in paragraph
(1) shall only apply to applications submitted by the
airport sponsor of a medium or large hub airport.
``(B) Special rule.--The requirement in paragraph
(1) shall not apply with respect to a project grant
application for a period of time, determined by the
Secretary, if the Secretary determines that
construction or maintenance activities make it
impracticable or unsafe for the universal changing
station to be located in the sterile area of the
building.
``(4) Exception.--Upon application by an airport sponsor,
the Secretary may determine that a universal changing station
in existence before the date of enactment of the FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2024, complies with the requirements of
paragraph (1) (including the standards established under
paragraph (2)(A)), notwithstanding the absence of 1 or more of
the standards or characteristics required under such paragraph.
``(5) Definition.--In this section:
``(A) Disability.--The term `disability' has the
meaning given that term in section 3 of the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102).
``(B) Sterile area.--The term `sterile area' has
the same meaning given that term in section 1540.5 of
title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
``(C) Universal changing station.--The term
`universal changing station' means a universal or adult
changing station that meets the standards established
by the United States Access Board under paragraph
(2)(A).
``(D) United states access board.--The term `United
States Access Board' means the Architectural and
Transportation Barriers Compliance Board established
under section 502(a)(1) of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973 (29 U.S.C. 792(a)(1)).''.
(b) Terminal Development Costs.--Section 47119(a) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Universal changing stations.--In addition to the
projects described in paragraph (1), the Secretary may approve
a project for terminal development for the construction or
installation of a universal changing station (as defined in
section 47107(y)) at a commercial service airport.''.
SEC. 774A. AIRPORT HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION GRANTS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a grant program to
provide grants to airports described in subsection (b)(1) to address
human trafficking awareness, education, and prevention efforts,
including by--
(1) coordinating human trafficking prevention efforts
across multimodal transportation operations within a community;
and
(2) accomplishing the best practices and recommendations
provided by the Department of Transportation Advisory Committee
on Human Trafficking.
(b) Distribution.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall distribute amounts
made available for grants under this section to--
(A) the 75 airports in the United States with the
highest number of passenger enplanements annually,
based on the most recent data available; and
(B) as the Secretary determines to be appropriate,
an airport not described in subparagraph (A) that
serves an area with a high prevalence of human
trafficking, on application of the airport.
(2) Priority; considerations.--In distributing amounts made
available for grants under this section, the Secretary shall--
(A) give priority in grant amounts to airports
referred to in paragraph (1) that serve regions with a
higher prevalence of human trafficking; and
(B) take into consideration the effect the amounts
would have on surrounding areas.
(3) Consultation.--In distributing amounts made available
for grants under this section, the Secretary shall consult with
the Department of Transportation Advisory Committee on Human
Trafficking in determining the amounts to be distributed to
each grant recipient to ensure the best use of the funds.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $10,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028.
SEC. 774B. STUDY ON IMPROVEMENTS FOR CERTAIN NONHUB AIRPORTS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment
of this section, the Comptroller General shall conduct a study on the
challenges faced by nonhub airports not designated as essential air
service communities and recommend ways to help secure and retain flight
schedules using existing Federal programs, such as the Small Community
Air Service Development program.
(b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this section, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report on the results of the study conducted
under subsection (a), including recommendations for such legislation
and administrative action as the Comptroller General determines
appropriate.
Subtitle B--Passenger Facility Charges
SEC. 775. ADDITIONAL PERMITTED USES OF PASSENGER FACILITY CHARGE
REVENUE.
Section 40117(a)(3) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(H) A project at a small hub airport for a noise
barrier where the day-night average sound level from
commercial, general aviation, or cargo operations is
expected to exceed 55 decibels as a result of new
airport development.
``(I) A project for the replacement of existing
workspace elements (including any associated in-kind
facility or equipment within or immediately adjacent to
a terminal development or renovation project at such
airport) related to the relocation of a Federal agency
on airport grounds due to such terminal development or
renovation project for which development costs are
eligible costs under this section.''.
SEC. 776. PASSENGER FACILITY CHARGE STREAMLINING.
(a) In General.--Section 40117 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``The Secretary'' and
inserting ``Except as provided under subsection
(l), the Secretary''; and
(ii) by striking ``$1, $2, or $3'' and
inserting ``$1, $2, $3, $4, or $4.50'';
(B) by striking paragraph (4);
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (7) as
paragraphs (4) through (6), respectively;
(D) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated--
(i) by striking ``paragraphs (1) and (4)''
and inserting ``paragraph (1)''; and
(ii) by striking ``paragraph (1) or (4)''
and inserting ``paragraph (1)''; and
(E) in paragraph (6)(A), as so redesignated--
(i) by striking ``paragraphs (1), (4), and
(6)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (1) and (5)'';
and
(ii) by striking ``paragraph (1) or (4)''
and inserting ``paragraph (1)'';
(2) in subsection (e)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ``or a
passenger facility charge imposition is authorized
under subsection (l)'' after ``of this section''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B) by inserting ``reasonable''
after ``subject to''; and
(3) in subsection (l)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Pilot
Program for Passenger Facility Charge Authorizations''
and inserting ``Passenger Facility Charge
Streamlining'';
(B) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe
regulations to streamline the process for authorizing
eligible agencies for airports to impose passenger
facility charges.
``(B) Passenger facility charge.--An eligible
agency may impose a passenger facility charge of $1,
$2, $3, $4, or $4.50 in accordance with the provisions
of this subsection instead of using the procedures
otherwise provided in this section.'';
(C) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the
following:
``(4) Acknowledgment of receipt and indication of
objection.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall acknowledge
receipt of the notice and indicate any objection to the
imposition of a passenger facility charge under this
subsection for any project identified in the notice
within 60 days after receipt of the eligible agency's
notice.
``(B) Prohibited objection.--The Secretary may not
object to an eligible airport-related project that
received Federal financial assistance for airport
development, terminal development, airport planning, or
for the purposes of noise compatibility, if the Federal
financial assistance and passenger facility charge
collection (including interest and other returns on the
revenue) do not exceed the total cost of the project.
``(C) Allowed objection.--The Secretary may only
object to the imposition of a passenger facility charge
under this subsection for a project that--
``(i) establishes significant policy
precedent;
``(ii) raises significant legal issues;
``(iii) garners significant controversy, as
evidenced by significant opposition to the
proposed action by the applicant or other
airport authorities, airport users,
governmental agencies, elected officials, or
communities;
``(iv) raises significant revenue
diversion, airport noise, or access issues,
including compliance with section 47111(e) or
subchapter II of chapter 475;
``(v) includes multimodal components; or
``(vi) serves no aeronautical purpose.'';
(D) by striking paragraph (6); and
(E) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph
(6).
(b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate a rulemaking to
implement the amendments made by subsection (a).
(c) Interim Guidance.--The interim guidance established in the
memorandum of the FAA titled ``PFC 73-20. Streamlined Procedures for
Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Authorizations at Small-, Medium-, and
Large-Hub Airports'', issued on January 22, 2020, including any
modification to such guidance necessary to conform with the amendments
made by subsection (a), shall remain in effect until the effective date
of the final rule issued under subsection (b).
Subtitle C--Noise And Environmental Programs And Streamlining
SEC. 781. STREAMLINING CONSULTATION PROCESS.
Section 47101(h) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``shall'' and inserting ``may''.
SEC. 782. REPEAL OF BURDENSOME EMISSIONS CREDIT REQUIREMENTS.
Section 47139 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``airport sponsors
receive'' and inserting ``airport sponsors may
receive'';
(ii) by striking ``carrying out projects''
and inserting ``carrying out projects,
including projects''; and
(iii) by striking ``conditions'' and
inserting ``considerations''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``airport sponsor'' and
inserting ``airport sponsor, including for an
airport outside of a nonattainment area or
maintenance area,'';
(ii) by striking ``only'';
(iii) by striking ``or as offsets'' and
inserting ``, as offsets''; and
(iv) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``, or as part of a State
implementation plan.'';
(2) by striking subsection (b); and
(3) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).
SEC. 783. EXPEDITED ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND ONE FEDERAL DECISION.
Section 47171 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``develop and''; and
(ii) by striking ``projects at congested
airports'' and all that follows through
``aviation security projects'' and inserting
``projects, terminal development projects,
general aviation airport construction or
improvement projects, and aviation safety
projects''; and
(B) in paragraph (1) by striking ``better'' and
inserting ``streamlined'';
(2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Aviation Projects Subject to a Streamlined Environmental
Review Process.--
``(1) In general.--Any airport capacity enhancement
project, terminal development project, or general aviation
airport construction or improvement project shall be subject to
the coordinated and expedited environmental review process
requirements set forth in this section.
``(2) Project designation criteria.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may designate an
aviation safety project for priority environmental
review.
``(B) Requirements.--A designated project shall be
subject to the coordinated and expedited environmental
review process requirements set forth in this section.
``(C) Guidelines.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall
establish guidelines for the designation of an
aviation safety project or aviation security
project for priority environmental review.
``(ii) Consideration.--Guidelines
established under clause (i) shall provide for
consideration of--
``(I) the importance or urgency of
the project;
``(II) the potential for
undertaking the environmental review
under existing emergency procedures
under the National Environmental Policy
Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
``(III) the need for cooperation
and concurrent reviews by other Federal
or State agencies; and
``(IV) the prospect for undue delay
if the project is not designated for
priority review.'';
(3) in subsection (c) by striking ``an airport capacity
enhancement project at a congested airport or a project
designated under subsection (b)(3)'' and inserting ``a project
described or designated under subsection (b)'';
(4) in subsection (d) by striking ``each airport capacity
enhancement project at a congested airport or a project
designated under subsection (b)(3)'' and inserting ``a project
described or designated under subsection (b)'';
(5) in subsection (h) by striking ``designated under
subsection (b)(3)'' and all that follows through ``congested
airports'' and inserting ``described in subsection (b)(1)'';
(6) in subsection (j)--
(A) by striking ``For any'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--For any''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Deadline.--The Secretary shall define the purpose and
need of a project not later than 45 days after--
``(A) the submission of the appropriately completed
proposed purpose and need description of the airport
sponsor; and
``(B) any appropriately completed proposed revision
to a development project that affects the purpose and
need description previously prepared or accepted by the
Federal Aviation Administration.
``(3) Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide all airport
sponsors with technical assistance in drafting purpose and need
statements and necessary supporting documentation for projects
involving Federal approvals from more than 1 Federal agency.'';
(7) in subsection (k)--
(A) by striking ``an airport capacity enhancement
project at a congested airport or a project designated
under subsection (b)(3)'' and inserting ``a project
described or designated under subsection (b)'';
(B) by striking ``project shall consider'' and
inserting the following: ``project shall--
``(1) consider'';
(C) by striking the period at the end and inserting
``; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) limit the comments of the agency to--
``(A) subject matter areas within the special
expertise of the agency; and
``(B) changes necessary to ensure the agency is
carrying out the obligations of that agency under the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
4321 et seq.) and other applicable law.'';
(8) in subsection (l) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``and section 1503 of title 40, Code of Federal
Regulations.''; and
(9) by striking subsection (m) and inserting the following:
``(m) Coordination and Schedule.--
``(1) Coordination plan.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the
date of publication of a notice of intent to prepare an
environmental impact statement or the initiation of an
environmental assessment, the Secretary of
Transportation shall establish a plan for coordinating
public and agency participation in and comment on the
environmental review process for a project described or
designated under subsection (b). The coordination plan
may be incorporated into a memorandum of understanding.
``(B) Cloud-based, interactive digital platforms.--
The Secretary is encouraged to utilize cloud-based,
interactive digital platforms to meet community
engagement and agency coordination requirements under
subparagraph (A).
``(C) Schedule.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall
establish as part of such coordination plan,
after consultation with and the concurrence of
each participating agency for the project and
with the State in which the project is located
(and, if the State is not the project sponsor,
with the project sponsor), a schedule for--
``(I) interim milestones and
deadlines for agency activities
necessary to complete the environmental
review; and
``(II) completion of the
environmental review process for the
project.
``(ii) Factors for consideration.--In
establishing the schedule under clause (i), the
Secretary shall consider factors such as--
``(I) the responsibilities of
participating agencies under applicable
laws;
``(II) resources available to the
cooperating agencies;
``(III) overall size and complexity
of the project;
``(IV) the overall time required by
an agency to conduct an environmental
review and make decisions under
applicable Federal law relating to a
project (including the issuance or
denial of a permit or license) and the
cost of the project; and
``(V) the sensitivity of the
natural and historic resources that
could be affected by the project.
``(iii) Maximum project schedule.--To the
maximum extent practicable and consistent with
applicable Federal law, the Secretary shall
develop, in concurrence with the project
sponsor, a maximum schedule for the project
described or designated under subsection (b)
that is not more than 2 years for the
completion of the environmental 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
Secretary and participating agencies
(or amongst participating agencies)
during the environmental review process
shall be addressed expeditiously to
avoid delay.
``(II) Responsibilities.--The
Secretary and participating agencies
shall--
``(aa) implement the
requirements of this section
consistent with any dispute
resolution process 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
responsibilities.--
``(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 regarding
the environmental, historic,
and socioeconomic resources
located within the project area
and the general locations of
the alternatives under
consideration.
``(bb) Sources of
information.--The information
described in item (aa) may be
based on existing data sources,
including geographic
information systems mapping.
``(IV) Cooperating and
participating agency
responsibilities.--Each cooperating and
participating agency shall--
``(aa) identify, as early
as practicable, any issues of
concern regarding any potential
environmental impacts of the
project, including any issues
that could substantially delay
or prevent an agency from
completing any environmental
review or authorization
required for the project; and
``(bb) communicate any
issues described in item (aa)
to the project sponsor.
``(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
extended, or the Secretary anticipates
that a permitting timetable milestone
will be missed or will need to be
extended, 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 agencies shall elevate the
dispute to senior agency leadership for
resolution.
``(D) Consistency with other time periods.--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
subparagraph (C) for good cause. The Secretary
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 Federal
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 schedule
under clause (i) if doing so would
impair the ability of a cooperating
Federal agency to conduct necessary
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 deadline 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.
``(G) Dissemination.--A copy of a schedule under
subparagraph (C), and of any modifications to the
schedule under subparagraph (E), shall be--
``(i) provided to all participating
agencies and to the State department of
transportation 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 statement, 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.
``(B) For all other comment periods established by
the lead agency for agency or public comments in the
environmental review process, a period of not more than
45 days from availability of the materials on which
comment is requested, 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 designated 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 decisions 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
Transportation 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 relating 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 additional notice.
``(4) Involvement of the public.--Nothing in this
subsection shall reduce any time period provided for public
comment in the environmental review process under existing
Federal law, including a regulation.
``(n) Concurrent Reviews and Single NEPA Document.--
``(1) Concurrent reviews.--Each participating agency and
cooperating agency under the expedited and coordinated
environmental review process established under this section
shall--
``(A) carry out the obligations of such agency
under other applicable law concurrently, and 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 obligations; and
``(B) formulate and implement administrative,
policy, and procedural mechanisms to enable the agency
to ensure completion of the environmental review
process in a timely, coordinated, and environmentally
responsible manner.
``(2) Single nepa document.--
``(A) In general.--To the maximum extent
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 Policy 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 develop an
environmental document sufficient to satisfy
the requirements for any Federal approval or
other Federal action required for the project,
including permits issued by other Federal
agencies.
``(ii) Cooperation of participating
agencies.--In carrying out this subparagraph,
other participating agencies shall cooperate
with the lead agency and provide timely
information.
``(C) Treatment as participating and cooperating
agencies.--A Federal agency required 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
cooperating 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
documents;
``(ii) the obligations of a cooperating
agency or participating agency under the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) have already been
satisfied with respect to the project; or
``(iii) the Secretary determines that
reliance on a single environmental document (as
described in subparagraph (A)) would not
facilitate timely completion of the
environmental review process for the project.
``(3) Participating agency responsibilities.--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 expertise or
jurisdiction of the agency; and
``(B) use the process to address any environmental
issues of concern to the agency.
``(o) Environmental Impact Statement.--
``(1) In general.--In preparing a final environmental
impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) for a project described or
designated under subsection (b), if the Secretary modifies the
statement in response to comments that are minor and are
confined to factual corrections or explanations of why the
comments do not warrant additional agency response, 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 reasons
that support the position of the agency; and
``(B) if appropriate, indicate the circumstances
that would trigger agency reappraisal or further
response.
``(2) Single document.--To the maximum extent 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 statement or
record of decision makes substantial changes to the
project that are relevant to environmental or safety
concerns; or
``(B) there is a significant new circumstance or
information relevant to environmental concerns that
bears on the proposed action or the environmental
impacts of the proposed action.
``(3) Length of environmental document.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), an environmental impact statement
shall not exceed 150 pages, not including 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 citations or appendices.
``(p) Integration of Planning and Environmental Review.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (5) and to the
maximum extent practicable and appropriate, the following
agencies may adopt or incorporate by reference, and use a
planning product in proceedings relating to, any class of
action in the environmental review process of a project
described or designated under subsection (b):
``(A) The lead agency for a project, with respect
to an environmental impact statement, environmental
assessment, categorical exclusion, or other document
prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
``(B) A cooperating agency with responsibility
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 incorporate 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 reference 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 incorporation by
reference.
``(4) Timing.--The adoption or incorporation by reference
of a planning product under paragraph (1) may--
``(A) be made at the time the lead and cooperating
agencies decide the appropriate scope of environmental
review for the project; or
``(B) occur later in the environmental review
process, as appropriate.
``(5) Conditions.--Such agency in the environmental 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 potential
effects, including effects on the human and natural
environment.
``(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 accordance 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 comments.
``(F) There is no significant new information or
new circumstance that has a reasonable likelihood of
affecting the continued validity or appropriateness of
the planning product or portions thereof.
``(G) The planning product has a rational basis and
is based on reliable and reasonably 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 environmental
review process document or other environmental
document; and
``(B) relied on and used by other Federal agencies
in carrying out reviews of the project.
``(q) Report on NEPA Data.--
``(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 Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Natural
Resources of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on
Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report on projects
described in subsection (b)(1) that contains the information
described in paragraph (3).
``(2) Time to complete.--For purposes of paragraph (3), the
NEPA process--
``(A) for an environmental impact statement--
``(i) begins on the date on which a notice
of intent is published in the Federal Register;
and
``(ii) ends on the date on which the
Secretary issues a record of decision,
including, if necessary, a revised record of
decision; and
``(B) for an environmental assessment--
``(i) begins on the date on which the
Secretary makes a determination to prepare an
environmental assessment; and
``(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 necessary.
``(3) Information described.--The information 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 pending on the
date on which the report is submitted for which the
issuance of a documented categorical 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);
``(F) the number of proposed actions pending 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 reporting 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 pending 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 identified;
and
``(ii) all other Federal, State, and local
activities that are required to allow the
proposed action to proceed are completed.
``(4) Definitions.--In this section:
``(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 regulation).
``(B) Environmental impact statement.--The term
`environmental impact statement' 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 assessment and analysis of any impacts,
alternatives, 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 `proposed action'
means an action (within the meaning 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.
``(E) Reporting period.--The term `reporting
period' means the fiscal year prior to the fiscal year
in which a report is issued under subsection (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), respectively;
(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 `terminal
development' has the meaning given such term in section
47102.''.
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 inserting ``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, including part 161 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations.
(b) Outreach.--As part of the review conducted under subsection
(a), the Administrator shall clarify existing and future noise policies
and standards and seek feedback from airports, airport users, and
individuals living in the vicinity of airports and in airport adjacent
communities before implementing any changes to any noise policies 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).
(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 EXPOSURE.
In implementing or substantially revising a flight procedure, the
Administrator shall consider the following actions (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 mitigate the
impact of aircraft noise, based on a consensus 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, discourage
local encroachment of residential or other buildings near
airports that could create future aircraft noise complaints or
impact airport operations or aviation safety.
SEC. 788. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS.
(a) Categorical Exclusion for Projects of Limited Federal
Assistance.--An action by the Administrator 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 annually by
the Administrator to reflect any increases in the Consumer
Price Index prepared by the Department 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 Administrator 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 under FAA Order 1050.1F (or any successor
document), if such project is--
(1) for the repair or reconstruction of any airport
facility, runway, taxiway, or similar structure that is in
operation or under construction when damaged 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 pursuant 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 facility,
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 presumption that an action is
covered by a categorical exclusion under subsections (a) and (b) shall
not apply if the Administrator 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:
(1) Categorical exclusion.--The term ``categorical
exclusion'' has the meaning given such term in section
1508.1(d) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations.
(2) Public-use airport; sponsor.--The terms ``public-use
airport'' and ``sponsor'' have the meanings 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 pursuant to section 93.153(f) of title 40, Code of
Federal Regulations, 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 Columbia.
(b) Contents.--In carrying out the study under subsection (a), the
Comptroller General shall consider--
(1) the extent to which military operators consider
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 aircraft) could be
used for emergency and law enforcement 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 observations, 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
(2) any recommendations for the reduction of rotorcraft
noise in the District of Columbia.
(d) Relevant Operators and Entities Defined.--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 routinely 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 effect 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;
(3) examine airborne UFPs and the potential effect 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 concentrations
compared to other sources;
(E) potential health effects associated with
elevated UFP exposures, including outcomes related to
cardiovascular disease, respiratory infection 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 release of
UFPs; and
(6) identify information gaps related to understanding
potential relationships between UFP exposures and health
effects, contributions of aviation-related emissions to UFP
exposures, and the effectiveness of mitigation measures.
(c) Coordination.--The Administrator may coordinate with the heads
of such other agencies that the Administrator considers appropriate to
provide data and other assistance necessary for the study.
(d) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the National 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), including 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 nanometers.
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 section referred to as the ``Advisory
Committee'') to advise the Administrator on issues facing the aviation
community 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 comprised 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 communities 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 existing Day Night Level
standard, in consultation with the National Academies;
(3) the evaluation of the current 65-decibel exposure
threshold, including the impact to land use compatibility
around airports if such threshold was lowered;
(4) the evaluation of current noise mitigation strategies
and the community engagement efforts by the FAA with respect to
changes in airspace utilization, 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 Administrator a report on any recommended
changes to current aviation noise policies.
(2) Report to congress.--Not later than 180 days after the
date the Administrator receives the report 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 recommendations contained in the report and, for
each recommendation that the Administrator does not plan to implement,
the reason of the Administrator for not implementing the
recommendation.
(f) Consultation.--The Advisory Committee shall consult with other
relevant Federal agencies, including the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, in carrying out the duties described in section (c).
SEC. 793. COMMUNITY COLLABORATION PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--The Administrator shall continue 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 entrants; and
(F) other topics with respect to which community
engagement is critical to program success.
(2) Specified responsibilities.--In carrying out the
Program, the Administrator shall be responsible for--
(A) updating the internal guidance of the FAA for
community engagement based on--
(i) best practices of other Federal
agencies and external organizations with
expertise in community engagement;
(ii) interviews with impacted residents;
and
(iii) recommendations solicited from
individuals and local government officials in
communities adversely impacted by aircraft
noise;
(B) coordinating with the Air Traffic Organization
on community engagement efforts related to air traffic
procedure changes to ensure that impacted communities
are consulted in a meaningful way;
(C) coordination with Regional Ombudsmen of the
FAA;
(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 methodologies;
(ii) ensuring such Regional Ombudsmen are
consulted in local air traffic procedure
development decisions; and
(iii) collecting feedback from such
Regional Ombudsmen to inform national
policymaking efforts;
(E) timely implementation of the recommendations,
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
Communities'', 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
supplemental metrics for assessing
noise impacts and circumstances for
their use to aid in the internal
assessment of the FAA of noise impacts
related to proposed flight path
changes;
(II) update guidance to incorporate
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 engaging
with the FAA; and
(ii) any other recommendations included in
the report that would assist the FAA in
improving outreach to communities affected by
aircraft noise;
(F) ensuring engagement with local community groups
as appropriate in conducting the other responsibilities
described in this section; and
(G) other responsibilities as considered
appropriate by the Administrator.
(c) Briefing.--Not later than 2 years after the Administrator
implements the recommendations described in subsection (b)(2)(E), the
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress
describing--
(1) the implementation of each such recommendation;
(2) how any recommended actions are assisting the
Administrator in improving outreach to communities affected by
aircraft noise and other community engagement concerns; and
(3) any challenges or barriers that limit or prevent the
ability of the Administrator to take such actions.
(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 reporting 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 helicopter noise complaint data
accessible to the FAA, to helicopter operators operating in the
Washington, DC area, and to the public on a website of the FAA, based
on the recommendation of the Government Accountability Office in the
report titled ``Aircraft Noise: Better Information Sharing Could
Improve Responses to Washington, D.C. Area 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 complaint made
by an individual about helicopter noise in the
Washington, DC area and may include--
(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 identifiable
information of the individual who submitted the
complaint.
(2) Washington, dc area.--The term ``Washington, DC area''
means the area inside of a 30-mile radius surrounding Ronald
Reagan Washington National 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, territorial, or local government may mitigate
the negative impacts 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).
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 chapter 447 of title 49, United States Code.
``(b) Information Required.--In providing notification 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 necessitated;
``(2) that the reexamination shall occur within 1 year from
the date of the notice provided by the Administrator, however,
if the reexamination is not conducted within 30 days, the
Administrator may restrict passenger carrying operations;
``(3) that if such reexamination is not conducted after 1
year from date of notice, the airman certificate of the
individual may be suspended or revoked; and
``(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 performing 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 establish the qualifications
of an airman.
``(d) Standard of Review.--An order issued by the Administrator to
amend, modify, suspend, or revoke an airman 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 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 subsection (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 covered 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 covered proceeding;
and
(4) any impacts of the implementation of the Pilot's Bill
of Rights.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered proceeding.--The term ``covered proceeding''
means a proceeding conducted under subpart C, D, or F of part
821 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, relating to
denial, amendment, modification, suspension, or revocation of
an airman certificate.
(2) Pilot's bill of rights.--The term ``Pilot's Bill of
Rights'' means the Pilot's Bill of Rights (Public 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:
``Sec. 44114. Privacy
``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
including section 552(b)(3) of title 5, the Administrator 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 Administrator withholds the registration number and other
similar 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 management
purposes) for the noncommercial flights of the owner or operator.
``(b) Withholding Personally Identifiable Information 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 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 information made available to or from
a Government agency pursuant to a government contract, subcontract, or
agreement, including for traffic management purposes) the personally
identifiable information of such individual, including on a publicly
available website of the FAA.
``(c) ICAO Aircraft Identification Code.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall establish a
program for aircraft owners and operators to apply for a new
ICAO aircraft identification code.
``(2) Limitations.--In carrying out the program 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 aircraft
identification code; and
``(B) each approved applicant who obtains a new
ICAO aircraft identification code to comply with all
applicable aspects of, or related to, part 45 of title
14, Code of Federal Regulations, including updating an
aircraft's registration 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 automatic dependent
surveillance-broadcast.
``(2) ICAO.--The term `ICAO' means the International Civil
Aviation Organization.
``(3) Personally identifiable information.--The term
`personally identifiable information' means--
``(A) the mailing address or registration address
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 operator,
if the owner or operator is an individual.''.
(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.
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 initiate a review of the
process for reserving aircraft registration numbers to ensure that such
process offers an equal opportunity for members of the general public
to obtain specific 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 process 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 conducted under subsection (a), including any
recommendations of the Administrator to improve equal participation in
the process for reserving aircraft registration numbers by the general
public.
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 investigation 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 provided to make a final determination
or close such investigation is insufficient, the Administrator
shall approve an extension of such investigation for 2 years.
(2) Additional extensions.--The Administrator may approve
consecutive extensions under paragraph (1).
(c) Delegation.--The Administrator may not delegate the authority
to approve an extension described in subsection (b) to anyone other
than the leadership of the Administration as described in section
106(b) of title 49, United States Code.
SEC. 806. ALL MAKES AND MODELS AUTHORIZATION.
(a) In General.--
(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 authorization 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;
(C) shall hold 3 experimental aircraft
authorizations in aircraft of the same category and
class rating for the authorization sought; and
(D) may become qualified in additional experimental
aircraft by completing aircraft-specific 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 prescribed 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 investigation.--
``(A) In general.--If an individual decides to
respond to a Letter of Investigation described in
paragraph (2)(B), such individual may respond not later
than 30 days after receipt of such Letter, including
providing written comments on the incident to the
investigating office.
``(B) Construction.--Nothing in this paragraph
shall be construed to diminish the authority of the
Administrator (as of the day before the date of
enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024) to
take emergency action relating to an airman
certificate.''.
SEC. 808. ADS-B OUT EQUIPAGE STUDY; VEHICLE-TO-VEHICLE LINK PROGRAM.
(a) Study and Briefing on ADS-B Out Equipage.--
(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 operating 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'');
(B) the requirements for, and impact of, expanding
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 accommodation
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 advance vehicle-
to-vehicle link initiatives that--
(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 prepare a report on the
development of a suitable position reporting system for voluntary use
in covered airspace to facilitate traffic awareness.
(b) Technical Advice.--In preparing the report under subsection
(a), the Administrator shall solicit technical advice from
representatives from--
(1) industry groups, including pilots, aircraft owners,
avionics manufacturers; and
(2) any others determined necessary by the Administrator.
(c) Requirements.--In preparing the report under subsection (a),
the Administrator shall--
(1) research and catalog domestic and international
equipment, standards, and systems analogous 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 systems for
use in covered airspace--
(A) provide recommendations on any regulatory 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 respect to such
reporting systems;
(4) determine market size, development costs, and barriers
that may need to be overcome for the development of technology
that enables such position reporting 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
(B) promotes the benefits of the voluntary use in
covered airspace of position reporting systems 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 appropriate committees of Congress
the report prepared under subsection (a).
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered airspace.--The term ``covered airspace'' 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 Regulations,
(2) ADS-B.--The term ``ADS-B'' means Automatic 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 establish 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--
(1) serve as a mechanism for Federal Government 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 safety strategies.
(c) Activities.--In carrying out the objectives pursuant 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 initial
publication an Airshow Safety Plan that incorporates consensus
based and data driven mitigation measures and non-regulatory
safety strategies to improve and promote safety of the public,
performers, and airport personnel; and
(3) engage the airshow and aerial event community 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.
(d) Membership.--The Administrator may request the Airshow Safety
Team be comprised of at least 10 individuals, 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 RENEWAL.
(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 section 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
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
requirements for the aircraft's airworthiness
certificate issued under section 44704(d); and
``(B) the most recent aircraft registration.
``(2) Proof of pending renewal application.--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 aircraft
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 certificate
issued under section 44704(d) as valid provided that
the applicant confirms acknowledgment of the
requirements of paragraph (1)(A)(ii);
``(D) confirm the applicant acknowledged the
limitations described in paragraph (3)(A) and (3)(B);
and
``(E) include identifying information pertaining 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
application to renew the registration of such
aircraft.''.
(b) Rulemaking; Guidance.--Not later than 36 months after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 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 individual may obtain a
temporary airman certificate from the Administrator after requesting a
permanent replacement airman certificate issued under this section. A
temporary airman certificate shall be--
``(1) made available--
``(A) electronically to the individual immediately
upon submitting an online application for a replacement
certificate to the Administrator; or
``(B) physically to the individual at a flight
standards district office--
``(i) if the individual submits an online
application for a replacement certificate; or
``(ii) if the individual applies for a
permanent replacement certificate other than by
online application and such application has
been received by the Federal Aviation
Administration; and
``(2) destroyed upon receipt of the permanent replacement
airman certificate from the Administrator.''.
SEC. 814. LETTER OF DEVIATION AUTHORITY.
(a) In General.--A flight instructor, registered owner, lessor, or
lessee of a covered aircraft shall not be required to obtain a letter
of deviation authority from the 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 aircraft as
available for flight training, checking, or testing; 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 Requirements.--
Notwithstanding section 61.23(a)(3)(iv) of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations, an examiner may administer a practical test or proficiency
check if such examiner meets the medical qualification requirements
under part 68 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, if the
operation 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 subsection (a), in addition to any related
requirements the Administrator 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 Examiner (as
described in section 183.21 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations) by sex, if such information is available;
(2) display credentials and aircraft qualifications of a
designated pilot examiner (as described in section 183.23 of
such title); and
(3) display the scheduling availability of a designated
pilot examiner (as described in section 183.23 of such title)
to administer a test or proficiency check to an airman.
SEC. 817. DEADLINE TO ELIMINATE AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION 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 registration and recordation backlog at the
Civil Aviation Registry 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 enactment 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 enactment 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--
(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 Administration applicant
coordination and communications; and
(3) take into consideration any third-party entity 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 Administrator shall provide a briefing to appropriate
committees of Congress on the status of the backlog of air carrier
certificate 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 AIRCRAFT FOR SERVICE IN
COMMUTER AND ON-DEMAND OPERATIONS.
(a) Establishment of Working Group.--
(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 conducting and completing aircraft
conformity processes in a timely manner for existing operators
and air carriers operating aircraft under part 135 and entering
such aircraft into service.
(b) Membership.--The Working Group shall be comprised 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 recommendations to enhance such processes,
including with respect to--
(1) methodologies for air carriers and operators to
document and attest to aircraft conformity in accordance 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 certificate immediately prior to
moving to a new air carrier 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 appropriate committees of Congress on the
progress made by the Working Group in carrying out the duties specified
in subsection (c), recommendations of the Working Group, and the
efforts of the Administrator to implement such recommendations.
(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 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 Deregulatory 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 instructor
certificate; and
(2) replace the requirement that a flight instructor renews
their flight instructor certificate with appropriate recent
experience requirements for the holder of a flight instructor
certificate to exercise the privileges of such certificate.
SEC. 821. CONSISTENCY OF POLICY APPLICATION IN FLIGHT STANDARDS AND
AIRCRAFT CERTIFICATION.
(a) In General.--The inspector general of the Department of
Transportation shall initiate audits, as described in subsection (d),
of the Flight Standards and Aircraft Certification Services of the FAA,
and the personnel of such offices, on the consistency of--
(1) the interpretation of policies, orders, guidance, and
regulations; and
(2) the application of policies, orders, guidance, and
regulations.
(b) Components.--In completing the audits required under this
section, the inspector general shall interview stakeholders, including
at a minimum, individuals or entities 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 Administration; or
(4) hold a single or multiple relevant certificates or
authorizations.
(c) Reports.--The inspector general of the Department of
Transportation shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress,
the Secretary, and the Administrator a report for each audit required
in this section, containing the results of the audit, including
findings and necessary recommendations to the Administrator to improve
the consistency of decision-making by Flight Standards and Aircraft
Certification Services offices of the Administration.
(d) Audits.--The inspector general shall complete an audit and
issue the associated report required under subsection (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 recommendations 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 offices 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 status of any recommendation received
pursuant to this section, and any best practices that are being
implemented more broadly.
SEC. 822. APPLICATION OF POLICIES, ORDERS, AND GUIDANCE.
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 Administrator shall
ensure consistency in the application of policies, orders, and
guidance of the Administration by--
``(A) audits of the application and interpretation
of such material by Administration personnel from
person to person and office to office;
``(B) updating policies, orders, and guidance to
resolve inconsistencies and clarify demonstrated
ambiguities, such as through repeated inconsistent
interpretation; and
``(C) ensuring officials are properly documenting
findings and decisions throughout a project to decrease
the occurrence of duplicative work and inconsistent
findings by subsequent officials assigned to the same
project.
``(2) Alterations.--The Administrator shall consult as
appropriate with regulated entities who 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 Administrator 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 Materials
Safety;
``(6) the Office of Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement;
and
``(7) such other offices as the Administrator determines
appropriate.''; and
(2) in subsection (d)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``anonymous
regulatory interpretation questions'' and inserting
``regulatory interpretation questions, including
anonymously,'';
(B) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``anonymous
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 Regulatory 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 Regulatory 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--
(1) by striking ``rotorcraft'' and inserting ``helicopter''
each place it appears;
(2) in the heading for paragraph (2) of subsection (a) by
striking ``rotorcraft'' and inserting ``helicopter''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Exception.--A helicopter issued an experimental certificate
under section 21.191 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any
successor regulations), or operating under a Special Flight Permit
issued under section 21.197 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations
(or any successor regulations), is excepted from the requirements of
this section.''.
SEC. 826. PUBLIC AIRCRAFT FLIGHT TIME LOGGING ELIGIBILITY.
(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 eligible to log pilot flight
times, if the flight time was acquired by the pilot while
engaged on an official forestry or fire protection flight, in
the same manner as aircraft under the direct operational
control of a Federal, 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 continue to
partner with industry and other Federal Government stakeholders
in carrying out the Eliminate 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 safe and
efficient operation of the piston-engine aircraft
fleet;
(B) the approval of the use of unleaded
alternatives to leaded aviation gasoline for use in all
piston-engine aircraft types and piston-engine 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 gasoline that
is approved for use in piston-engine aircraft and
engines widely available for purchase 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 aviation gasoline
by 2030, to the extent practicable.
(3) Activities.--In carrying out the responsibilities 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 eligible 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 unleaded aviation
gasoline;
(C) seek to facilitate programs that accelerate the
creation, evaluation, qualification, deployment, and
use of unleaded aviation gasolines;
(D) carry out, in partnership with the general
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 gasoline
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 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 relevant stakeholders, including--
(A) general aviation aircraft engine, aircraft
propulsion, and aircraft airframe manufacturers;
(B) general aviation aircraft users, aircraft
owners, aircraft pilots, and aircraft operators;
(C) airports and fixed-base operators;
(D) State, local, and Tribal aviation officials;
(E) representatives of the petroleum industry,
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 Administrator
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress
a report that--
(i) contains an updated strategic plan for
maintaining a fleet authorization process for
the efficient approval and authorization 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
involvement of all FAA offices that have
responsibilities described in paragraph (2);
and
(iii) identifies policy initiatives,
regulatory 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 committees of Congress on activities and
progress of the EAGLE Initiative.
(C) Sunset.--Subparagraph (B) shall cease to be
effective after December 31, 2030.
(b) Transition Plan to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline.--
(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 Initiative,
including progress towards--
(i) safely eliminating the use of leaded
aviation gasoline by piston-engine aircraft by
the end of 2030 without adversely affecting the
safe and efficient operation of the piston-
engine aircraft fleet;
(ii) approving the use of unleaded
alternatives to leaded aviation gasoline for
use in all piston-engine aircraft types and
piston-engine models; and
(iii) facilitating efforts to make approved
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.
(B) The evaluation and development of necessary
airport infrastructure, including fuel storage and
dispensing facilities, to support the distribution and
storage of unleaded aviation gasoline.
(C) The establishment of best practices for piston-
engine aircraft owners and operators, airport operators
and personnel, aircraft maintenance technicians, and
other appropriate personnel 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 distribution
of unleaded aviation gasoline to airports.
(E) Outreach efforts to educate and update piston-
engine aircraft owners and operators, airport
operators, and other members of the general aviation
community on the potential benefits, availability, and
safety of unleaded aviation gasoline.
(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 implementation
of the transition plan.
(3) Collaboration with eagle initiative.--In supporting the
development of such transition plan and issuing associated
guidance pertaining to the implementation of such transition
plan, the Administrator shall consult and collaborate with
individuals carrying out the EAGLE Initiative.
(4) Unleaded aviation gasoline communication materials.--
The Administrator may collaborate with individuals carrying out
the EAGLE Initiative to jointly develop and continuously update
websites, brochures, and other communication materials
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 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 Administrator 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 ``calendar''
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)'';
(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 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate a report that describes 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 certified to
airworthiness standards under part 29 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations.''.
(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 Administrator shall apply parts
61 and 68, Code of Federal Regulations, in a manner reflecting the
amendments made by this section.
SEC. 829. PROHIBITION ON USING ADS-B OUT DATA TO INITIATE 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 dependent surveillance-
broadcast data in an investigation that was initiated for any
reason other than the review of automatic dependent
surveillance-broadcast data, including if such investigation
was initiated as a result of a report or complaint submitted to
the Administrator.''.
SEC. 830. CHARITABLE FLIGHT FUEL REIMBURSEMENT EXEMPTIONS.
(a) In General.--
(1) Validity of exemption.--Except as otherwise provided in
this subsection, an exemption from section 61.113(c) of title
14, Code of Federal Regulations, that is granted by the
Administrator for the purpose of allowing a volunteer pilot to
accept reimbursement from a volunteer pilot organization for
the fuel costs and airport fees attributed to 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) 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 suspend the exemption.
(3) No longer qualifying.--If the Administrator finds that
such exemption holder no longer qualifies as a volunteer pilot
organization, the Administrator 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 exemption.
(b) Additional Requirements.--
(1) In general.--A volunteer pilot organization may impose
additional safety requirements on a volunteer pilot without--
(A) being considered--
(i) an air carrier (as such term is defined
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 subsection may be
construed to limit or otherwise affect the authority of the
Administrator to regulate, as appropriate, a flight operation
associated with a volunteer pilot organization that constitutes
a commercial operation or common carriage.
(c) Reissuance of Existing Exemptions.--In reissuing 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 previously
issued exemption.
(d) Statutory Construction.--Nothing in this section 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 organization in which the volunteer
pilot--
(A) is not reimbursed the fuel costs and airport
fees attributed to a flight operation to provide
charitable flights; or
(B) pays a pro rata share of expenses as described
in section 61.113(c) of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations.
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Volunteer pilot.--The term ``volunteer pilot'' means a
person who--
(A) acts as a pilot in command of 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); and
(B) holds a private pilot certificate, commercial
pilot certificate, or an airline transportation pilot
certificate issued under part 61 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations.
(2) Volunteer pilot organization.--The term ``volunteer
pilot organization'' has the meaning given such term in section
821(c) of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49
U.S.C. 40101 note).
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 initiate 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 requirements of
section 61.113(c) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, for
the purpose of allowing a pilot to accept 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),
including assessment of--
(A) the conditions and limitations a petitioner
shall comply with if the exemption is granted and
whether such conditions and limitations are--
(i) applied to petitioners in a consistent
manner; and
(ii) commensurate with the types of flight
operations exemption holders propose to conduct
under any such exemptions;
(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 exemption from
section 61.113(c) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations,
including an analysis of the certificates, qualifications, and
aeronautical experience of the operators of such flights.
(b) Consultation.--In carrying out the review initiated under
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall consult with charitable
organizations, including volunteer pilot organizations, aircraft
owners, and pilots who volunteer to provide transportation for or on
behalf of a charitable organization, flight safety experts, and
employees of the FAA.
(c) Recommendations.--As part of the review initiated 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 describing the findings of such review
and recommendations developed under subsection (c).
SEC. 832. FLIGHT INSTRUCTION OR TESTING.
(a) Authorized Additional Pilots.--An individual 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 conducted under subsection (a)
shall not be deemed to be operating an aircraft carrying persons or
property for compensation 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 requirements 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 coordination of designated
pilot examiners appointed under section 183.23 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations.
(b) Responsibilities.--The office described in subsection (a) shall
be responsible for the following:
(1) Oversight of designated pilot examiners appointed under
section 183.23 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(2) Coordinating with other offices, as appropriate, to
support the standardization of policy, guidance, and
regulations across the FAA pertaining to the selection,
training, duties, and deployment of designated pilot examiners
appointed under section 183.23 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations, including evaluating the consistency by which such
examiners apply Administration policies, orders, and guidance.
(3) Evaluating the consistency by which such examiners
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 examiners.
(6) Deploying a survey system to track the performance and
merit of such examiners.
(7) Facilitating an industry partnership to create a formal
mentorship program for such examiners.
(c) Coordination.--In carrying out the responsibilities 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 stakeholders, including
representatives of the general aviation community; and
(2) considers whether to implement the final
recommendations 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 Congress a report that evaluates the use of
designated pilot examiners appointed under section 183.23 of
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor
regulation), for testing, including both written and practical
tests.
(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 region were
forced to wait to schedule an appointment 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 designated
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.
SEC. 834. PART 135 PILOT SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN REQUIREMENT.
(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 proposed rulemaking,
the Administrator shall consider applicable safety data and risks,
including in relation to applicable incidents and accidents, as well as
the investigations and recommendations of the National Transportation
Safety 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--
(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 CORRECTIONS.
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.
SEC. 904. AIRPORT SAFETY AND AIRSPACE HAZARD MITIGATION 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 appropriate'' 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 Program.--Not later than 270
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in
coordination with the Secretary of Defense, and other heads of relevant
Federal agencies, shall establish a pilot program to make airspace data
feeds containing controlled unclassified information available to
qualified users (as determined by the Administrator), 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 information related to air traffic within the
national airspace system and use such information in an agreed upon
manner to--
(1) provide and enable--
(A) air traffic management services; and
(B) unmanned aircraft system traffic management
services; or
(2) to test technologies that may enable or enhance the
provision of the services described in paragraph (1).
(c) Consultation.--In establishing the process described in
subsection (b), the Administrator shall consult with representatives of
the unmanned aircraft systems industry 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 establishing the pilot
program under subsection (a), and annually 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 conduct a study of
technologies and methods that may be used by operators of unmanned
aircraft systems to detect and avoid manned aircraft that may lawfully
operate below 500 feet above ground level and that are--
(1) not equipped with a transponder or automatic dependent
surveillance-broadcast out equipment; 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 manufacturers 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 General
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 describing the results of such study.
SEC. 907. REMOTE IDENTIFICATION ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF COMPLIANCE.
(a) Evaluation.--The Administrator shall review and evaluate the
final rule of the FAA titled ``Remote Identification 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 results 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 filled out by an applicant,
except to provide applicants the ability to provide the FAA
with information for an unusual or irregular operation.
(3) Data.--
(A) In general.--In carrying out paragraph (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 Administrator shall--
(A) consider whether the waiver applicant has
control over access to all real property on the ground
within the area of operation; and
(B) recognize and account for the safety
enhancements of such controlled access.
(2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall
be construed to influence the extent to 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 operation intended to be conducted under such certificate
of waiver.
(d) Public Availability of Waivers.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator shall publish all
certificates of waiver issued under section 107.200 of title
14, Code of Federal Regulations, on the website of the FAA,
including, with respect to each issued certificate of waiver--
(A) the terms, conditions, and limitations; and
(B) the class of airspace and any restrictions
related to operating near airports or heliports.
(2) Publication.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
Administrator shall ensure that published information is made
available in a manner that prevents inappropriate disclosure of
proprietary information.
(e) Precedential Use of Previously Approved Waivers.--
(1) Waiver approval precedent.--If the Administrator
determines, using criteria for a particular waiver, that an
application for a certificate of waiver issued under section
107.200 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, is
substantially similar (or is comprised of elements that are
substantially similar) to an application for a certificate of
waiver that the Administrator has previously approved, the
Administrator may streamline, as appropriate, the approval of
applications for such a particular waiver.
(2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in paragraph (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 establish an
expedited review process for a request to modify or renew
certificates of waiver previously issued under section 107.200
of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, as appropriate.
(2) Use of review process.--The review process established
under paragraph (1) shall be used to modify or renew
certificates of waiver that cover operations that are
substantially similar in all material facts to operations
covered under a previously issued certificate of waiver.
SEC. 909. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND NOISE CERTIFICATION.
(a) National Environmental Policy Act Guidance.--Not later than 180
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall
publish unmanned aircraft 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 emission
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 Administrator.
(c) Programmatic Level Approach to NEPA Review.--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--
(1) leverage an environmental review for unmanned aircraft
operations within a defined geographic 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 environmental
impact statement for nationwide programmatic approaches for
large scale distributed unmanned aircraft operations.
(d) Developing 1 or More Categorical Exclusions.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator shall engage 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
Administrator to more easily allow for safe commercial
operations of unmanned aircraft.
(2) Prior operations.--The Administrator shall review
existing categorical exclusions for applicability to unmanned
aircraft operations in accordance 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.
(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 Administrator to implement subsection
(a).
(f) Nonapplication of Noise Certification Requirements Pending
Standards Development.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding the requirements 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 Regulations, for an
applicant seeking unmanned aircraft type and
airworthiness certifications; and
(B) not deny, withhold, or delay such
certifications due to the absence of a noise
certification basis under such part, if the
Administrator has developed appropriate noise
measurement procedures for unmanned aircraft and the
Administrator has received from the applicant the noise
measurement results based on such procedures.
(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 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 standards.--
(A) Development of criteria.--Not later than 18
months after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator shall develop and establish 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 criteria and standard
metrics under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall
include criteria and metrics related to the noise
impacts of an unmanned 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 determines that the
design, construction, maintenance and operational sustainability,
airworthiness approval, or operational approval of an unmanned aircraft
require environmental 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 extent practicable, conduct
such reviews and analyses concurrently.
(h) Third-party Support.--In implementing subsection (a), the
Administrator shall allow for the engagement of approved specialized
third parties, as appropriate, to support an applicant's preparation
of, or the Administration'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 implementing or complying with the
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and any related requirements to ensure the
protection of the environment and aviation safety.
SEC. 910. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM USE IN WILDFIRE RESPONSE.
(a) Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Wildfire Response.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with
the Chief of the Forest Service, the Administrator of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and any other
Federal entity (or a contracted unmanned aircraft system
operator of a Federal entity) the Administrator considers
appropriate, shall develop a plan for the use of unmanned
aircraft systems by public entities in wildfire response
efforts, including wildfire detection, 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 wildfire
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 wildfire response efforts
in areas designated under subparagraph (A), including a
waiver process under section 91.113 or section 107.31
of title 14, 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 relevant
Federal agencies and public entities on the use of
unmanned aircraft systems in wildfire response 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 Committee 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-related
temporary flight restriction under section 91.137 of title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations; and
(3) under the operational control of, or otherwise are
being operationally coordinated by, an authorized aviation
coordinator responsible for coordinating disaster 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 Administrator 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, including
wildfire detection, mitigation, and suppression.
(d) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to
confer upon the Administrator the authorities of the Administrator of
the Federal Emergency Management 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;
(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 Emergency 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 activities of the Department of
Transportation with unmanned aircraft systems to increase employee
safety, enhance 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 Administrator shall evaluate the use
of unmanned aircraft systems to inspect ground-based aviation
infrastructure that may require visual inspection in hard-to-reach
areas, including--
(1) navigational aids;
(2) air traffic control towers;
(3) radar facilities;
(4) communication facilities; and
(5) other air traffic control facilities.
(c) Coordination.--In carrying out subsection (b), the
Administrator shall consult with the labor union certified 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 systems were
used to supplement existing inspection, data collection, or
oversight activities of Department employees, including the
number of operations and types of activities performed;
(3) efficiency or safety improvements, if any, associated
with the use of unmanned aircraft systems to supplement
conventional inspection, data collection, or oversight
activities;
(4) the fleet of unmanned aircraft systems maintained by
the Department for the program, or an overview of the services
used as part of the pilot program; and
(5) recommendations for improving the use or efficacy of
unmanned aircraft systems to supplement the Department's
inspection, data collection, or oversight 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 practice.--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 inspection, 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 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 infrastructure 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
(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 require, 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 application for a
grant under this section, the Secretary shall prioritize applications
that propose to--
(1) carry out a project in a variety of communities,
including urban, suburban, rural, Tribal, or any other type of
community; and
(2) address a safety risk in the inspection, operation,
construction, maintenance, or repair of an element 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 requirements of section 5333(b) of
title 49, United States Code.
(f) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the first
grant is provided under this section, the Secretary shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report that evaluates the program
carried out under this section that includes--
(1) a description of the number of grants provided under
this section;
(2) the amount of each grant provided under this section;
(3) the activities carried out with a grant provided 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 governmental entity if such entity--
(i) submits a written application to the
Secretary requesting an increase in the Federal
share; and
(ii) demonstrates that the additional
assistance is necessary to facilitate the
acceptance and full use of a grant under this
section, such as alleviating economic hardship,
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 section 106(k) of title 49,
United States Code, the following amounts are authorized to
carry out this section:
(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)).
(2) Element of critical infrastructure.--The term ``element
of critical infrastructure'' means a critical infrastructure
facility or asset, including public bridges, tunnels, roads,
highways, dams, electric grid, water infrastructure,
communication systems, pipelines, or other related facilities
or assets, as determined by the Secretary.
(3) Governmental entity.--The term ``governmental 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 entities
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 infrastructure, including mitigating
environmental hazards to such infrastructure.
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 Transportation 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 Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note).
(c) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this
section, an educational institution shall submit an application to the
Secretary at such time, in such form, and containing such information
as the Secretary may require.
(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 institution of higher education
(as such term is defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) that participates in a program authorized under
sections 631 and 632 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C.
40101 note).
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 Aircraft 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 Unmanned Aircraft
Systems Collegiate Training Initiative.
SEC. 915. TERMINATION OF ADVANCED AVIATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
The Secretary may not renew the charter of the Advanced Aviation
Advisory Committee (chartered by the Secretary on June 10, 2022).
SEC. 916. UNMANNED AND AUTONOMOUS FLIGHT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the termination of the
Advanced Aviation Advisory Committee 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 operations and activities, including, at a minimum,
the following:
(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 standards of
highly automated aircraft, unmanned aircraft, and
associated elements of such aircraft;
(B) coordination of procedures for operations in
controlled and uncontrolled airspace; and
(C) communication protocols.
(2) The use cases of unmanned aircraft systems, including
evaluating and assessing the potential benefits of using
unmanned aircraft systems.
(3) The development of processes and methodologies to
address safety concerns related to the operation of unmanned
aircraft systems, including risk assessments and mitigation
strategies.
(4) Unmanned aircraft system training, education, and
workforce development programs, including evaluating
aeronautical knowledge gaps in the unmanned aircraft system
workforce, assessing the workforce needs of unmanned aircraft
system operations, 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 Committee shall include
at least 1 representative of each of the following:
(A) Commercial operators of unmanned aircraft
systems.
(B) Unmanned aircraft system manufacturers.
(C) Counter-UAS manufacturers.
(D) FAA-approved unmanned aircraft system service
suppliers.
(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 representing
commercial airline pilots, air traffic control
specialists employed by the Administration, certified
aircraft maintenance technicians, certified aircraft
dispatchers, or aviation safety inspectors.
(I) Academia or a relevant research organization.
(3) Observers.--The Administrator may invite appropriate
representatives of other Federal agencies to observe or provide
input on the work of the Advisory Committee, but shall not
allow such representatives to participate in any decision-
making of the Advisory 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 Committee.
(2) Congressional reporting.--The Administrator 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 Secretary on June 15, 2022) to include 1 representative from the
unmanned aircraft system industry and 1 representative 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, manufacturing, or
operation of unmanned aircraft systems and powered-lift
aircraft.
(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 system.
SEC. 918. INTERAGENCY COORDINATION.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the purpose of the joint Department of Defense-Federal
Aviation Administration executive committee (in this section
referred to as the ``Executive Committee'') on conflict and
dispute resolution as described in section 1036(b) of the
Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417) is to resolve disputes on the
matters of policy and procedures between the Department of
Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration relating to
airspace, aircraft certifications, aircrew training, and other
issues, including the access 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 current scope of
activities and membership of the Executive 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 Administrator 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 Duncan 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 Committee by joint agreement of
the Administrator and the Secretary of Defense.
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 review of the requirements necessary to
permit unmanned aircraft systems (excluding small unmanned aircraft
systems) 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, including outside of restricted
airspace, without being escorted by a manned aircraft.
(b) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the completion 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 recommended regulatory and statutory changes to
enable the operations described under subsection (a).
SEC. 920. EXTENSION OF BEYOND PROGRAM.
(a) FAA BEYOND Program Extension.--The Administrator 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
governments entered into under the Program until the date on which the
Administrator determines the Program is no longer necessary or useful.
(b) FAA BEYOND Program Expansion.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator shall consider expanding
the Program to include additional State, local, and Tribal
governments to test and evaluate the use of new and emerging
aviation concepts 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, including--
(A) increasing automation in civil aircraft,
including unmanned aircraft systems and new or emerging
aviation technologies;
(B) operations of such systems and technologies,
including beyond visual line of sight; and
(C) the societal and economic impacts of such
operations.
(3) Additional waiver authority.--In carrying out an
expansion of the Program, the Administrator may waive the
requirements of section 44711 of title 49, United States Code,
including related regulations, 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 contained in
the report of the Government Accountability Office titled
``Drones: FAA Should Improve Its Approach to Integrating Drones
into the National Airspace System'', issued in January 2023
(GAO-23-105189); and
(2) the inspector general of the Department of
Transportation to the Administrator contained in the audit
report 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--
(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 integration 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 paragraph (2).
SEC. 922. EXTENSION OF KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY CAMPAIGN.
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
``research,''; and
(2) by inserting ``(including data collection on civil
aviation systems undergoing research, development, test, or
evaluation at a test range (as such term is defined in section
44801)), infrastructure inspections, or any other activity
undertaken by a governmental entity that the Administrator
determines is inherently governmental'' after ``biological or
geological resource management''.
SEC. 924. FAA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ON UAS AUTOMATION.
(a) Comprehensive Plan.--The Administrator shall establish a
comprehensive plan for the integration of autonomous unmanned aircraft
systems into the national airspace system.
(b) Comprehensive Plan Contents.--In establishing the comprehensive
plan under subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
(1) identify FAA processes and regulations that need to
change to accommodate the increasingly automated role of a
remote operator of an unmanned aircraft system; and
(2) identify how the Administrator intends to authorize
operations ranging from low risk automated operations to
increasingly complex automated operations of such systems.
(c) Coordination.--In establishing the comprehensive plan under
subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult with--
(1) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
(2) the Department of Defense;
(3) manufacturers of autonomous unmanned aircraft systems;
(4) operators of autonomous unmanned aircraft systems; and
(5) other stakeholders with knowledge of automation in
aviation, the human-computer interface, and aviation safety, as
determined appropriate by the Administrator.
(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 Committee 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 inserting the following:
``Sec. 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 unmanned 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 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
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 (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 Administrator finds
that it is in the best interest of enabling safe UAS
integration into the national airspace system, the
Administrator may select and designate as a test range
under this section up to 2 additional test ranges in
accordance with the requirements of this section
through a competitive 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 officer of
the State, local, territorial, or Tribal government for
the principal place of business of the applicant, prior
to seeking designation by the Administrator;
``(C) undertake and ensure testing and evaluation
of innovative concepts, technologies, and operations
that will offer new safety benefits, including
developing and retaining an advanced aviation
industrial base within the United States; and
``(D) meet any other requirements established by
the Administrator.
``(b) Airspace Requirements.--
``(1) In general.--In carrying out the program under
subsection (a), the Administrator may establish, upon the
request of a test range sponsor designated 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 development, testing,
and evaluation activities to inform the safe
integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the
national airspace system; or
``(B) other activities authorized by the
Administrator 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
establishment of a restricted area, special use airspace, or
other similar type of airspace under this subsection.
``(3) Inactive restricted area or special use airspace.--
``(A) In general.--In the event a restricted area,
special use airspace, or other similar 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 designations shall be inactive.
``(B) Using agency.--For purposes of this
subsection, a test range sponsor designated by the
Administrator under subsection (a) shall be considered
the using agency with respect to a restricted area
established by the Administrator under this subsection.
``(4) Approval authority.--The Administrator shall have the
authority to approve access by a participating or
nonparticipating operator to a test range or restricted area,
special use airspace, or other similar type of airspace
established by the Administrator 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;
``(2) shall coordinate with, and leverage the resources of,
the Administrator of the National Aeronautics 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 integration of unmanned aircraft
systems into the national airspace system;
``(5) shall engage test range sponsors, as necessary and
with available resources, in projects for development, testing,
and evaluation of flight systems, including activities
conducted pursuant to section 1042 of the FAA Reauthorization
Act of 2024, to facilitate the development of regulations and
the validation of standards by the Administrator for the safe
integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the national
airspace system, which may include activities related to--
``(A) developing and enforcing geographic and
altitude limitations;
``(B) providing for alerts regarding any hazards or
limitations on flight, including prohibition on flight,
as necessary;
``(C) developing or validating sense and avoid
capabilities;
``(D) developing or validating technology to
support communications, navigation, and surveillance;
``(E) testing or validating operational concepts
and technologies related to beyond visual line of sight
operations, autonomous operations, nighttime
operations, operations over people, operations
involving multiple unmanned aircraft systems by a
single pilot or operator, and unmanned aircraft systems
traffic management capabilities or services;
``(F) improving privacy protections through the use
of advances in unmanned aircraft systems;
``(G) conducting counter-UAS testing capabilities,
with the approval of the Administrator; and
``(H) other relevant topics for which development,
testing or evaluation are needed;
``(6) shall develop data sharing and collection
requirements for test ranges to support the unmanned aircraft
systems integration efforts of the Administration 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 evaluation
would advance efforts to safely integrate unmanned
aircraft systems into the national airspace 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 validation 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 approved 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 Administrator under subsection (a) shall--
``(1) provide access to all interested private and public
entities seeking to carry out research, development, 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 geographical
boundaries and altitude limitations established 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 designated
test range in a careless or reckless manner;
``(4) establish safe operating procedures for all operators
approved for activities at the test range, including provisions
for maintaining operational control and ensuring protection of
persons and property on the ground, subject to approval by the
Administrator;
``(5) exercise direct oversight of all operations conducted
at the test range;
``(6) consult with the Administrator on the nature of
planned activities at the test range and whether 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 entity 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 inspection 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 inspection
upon request by the Administrator; and
``(10) provide recommendations, on a quarterly basis until
the program terminates, to the Administrator to further enable
public and private development, testing, and evaluation
activities at the test ranges to contribute to the safe
integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the national
airspace system.
``(f) Testing.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator may authorize a
sponsor of a test range designated under subsection (a) to host
research, development, testing, and evaluation activities,
including activities conducted pursuant to section 1042 of the
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, as appropriate, other than
activities directly related to the integration of unmanned
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 regulations) to the extent
the Administrator determines such waiver is consistent with
aviation safety.
``(g) Collaborative Research and Development Agreements.--The
Administrator may use the transaction authority under section
106(l)(6), including in coordination with the Center of Excellence for
Unmanned Aircraft Systems, to enter into collaborative research and
development agreements or to direct research, development, testing, and
evaluation related to unmanned aircraft systems, including activities
conducted pursuant to section 1042 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of
2024, as appropriate, at any test range designated under subsection
(a).
``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--
``(1) Establishment.--Out of amounts authorized 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 purposes of--
``(A) providing matching funds to commercial
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 demonstration
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 purpose of providing matching funds
to commercial entities 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
Administrator under section 44803''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of
title 49, United States Code, is amended 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--
(1) provide fair and accessible services to a broad variety
of unmanned aircraft technology developers, to the extent
practicable;
(2) operate in the best interest of domestic technology
developers in terms of intellectual property and proprietary
data protections; and
(3) comply with data sharing and collection requirements
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 subparagraph
(A)--
(I) by striking ``Not later than
180 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the'' and inserting ``The'';
(II) by striking ``permit the use
of'' and inserting ``permit'';
(III) by striking ``public''; and
(IV) by inserting ``by a public
safety organization for such systems''
after ``systems'';
(ii) by striking subparagraph (A) and
inserting the following:
``(A) operated--
``(i) at or below an altitude of 150 feet
above ground level within class B, C, D, E, or
G airspace, but not at a greater altitude than
the ceiling depicted on the UAS Facility Maps
published by the Federal Aviation
Administration, where applicable;
``(ii) within zero-grid airspaces as
depicted on such UAS Facility Maps, only if
operated in life-saving or emergency situations
and with prior notification to the
Administration 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
Administrator;'';
(iii) by striking subparagraph (B); and
(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 engages in activities
related to the safety and well-being of the general public, including
law enforcement, fire departments, 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 following:
``44806. Public unmanned aircraft systems and public safety use of
tethered unmanned 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;
(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 Transportation''
and inserting ``the Administrator of the Federal
Aviation Administration''; and
(C) by striking ``if certain'' and inserting
``how'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``Secretary'' and inserting
``Administrator''; and
(B) by striking ``which types of'' and inserting
``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 systems.
``(2) Expedited exemptions and approvals.--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 visual line
of sight operations with the use of acoustics, 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 satisfying the requirements of section 91.113(b) of
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, if the operation
employs--
``(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--
``(A) provide an unmanned aircraft operating
pursuant to this section the right of way over a manned
aircraft; or
``(B) limit the authority of the Administrator 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 requirements 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 expiration of such authority, shall
continue to be in effect until the date that is 3 years after
the date of termination described in such exemption, provided
the Administrator does not determine there is a safety risk.
(3) Rules of construction.--Nothing in this section shall
be construed to interfere with the Administrator's--
(A) authority to rescind or amend an exemption 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 SYSTEMS.
(a) Specified Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of
Unmanned Aircraft.--Section 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 Administrator
establishes alternative altitude ceilings or as otherwise
authorized in section (c), in Class G airspace, the aircraft is
flown from the surface to not more than 400 feet above ground
level and complies with all airspace and flight restrictions
and prohibitions established under this subtitle, such as
special use airspace designations and temporary flight
restrictions.'';
(2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) Operations at Fixed Sites.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall establish a
process to approve, and publicly disseminate the location of,
fixed sites at which a person may carry out recreational
unmanned aircraft system operations.
``(2) Operating procedures.--
``(A) Controlled airspace.--Persons operating
unmanned aircraft under paragraph (1) from a fixed site
within Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within
the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E
airspace designated for an airport, or a community-
based organization sponsoring operations within such
airspace, shall make the location of the fixed site
known to the Administrator and shall establish a
mutually agreed upon operating procedure with the air
traffic control facility.
``(B) Altitude.--The Administrator, in coordination
with community-based organizations sponsoring
operations at fixed sites, shall develop a process to
approve requests for recreational unmanned 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 restrictions and
prohibitions established under this subtitle, including
special use airspace designations 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
Administrator; and
``(ii) above 400 feet above ground level,
with prior authorization from the
Administrator.
``(3) Unmanned aircraft weighing 55 pounds or greater.--A
person may operate an unmanned aircraft weighing 55 pounds or
greater, including the weight of anything attached to or
carried by the aircraft, if--
``(A) the unmanned aircraft complies with standards
and limitations developed by a community-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 Administrator 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 ``subsection (a)
of''; and
(B) by striking the subsection designation and
heading and all that follows through ``(3) Savings
clause.--'' and inserting ``(d) Savings clause.--'';
(4) in subsection (f)(1) by striking ``updates to'';
(5) by striking subsection (g)(1) and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--The Administrator, in consultation 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 electronically
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), respectively; and
(B) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so
redesignated) the following:
``(1) is recognized by the Administrator of the Federal
Aviation Administration;''.
(b) Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Educational Purposes.--
Section 350 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44809
note) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as
paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and
(B) by inserting before paragraph (3) (as so
redesignated) the following:
``(2) operated by an elementary school, a secondary school,
or an institution of higher education for educational or
research purposes;''; and
(2) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (2) by inserting ``an elementary
school, or a secondary school'' after ``with respect to
the operation of an unmanned aircraft system by an
institution of higher education,''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Elementary school.--The term `elementary school' has
the meaning given to that term by section 8101 of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
7801(19)).
``(4) Secondary school.--The term `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'';
(2) in subsection (b)(1)(C)(iv) by striking ``Other
locations that warrant such restrictions'' and inserting
``State prisons''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Deadlines.--
``(1) Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of
the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the Administrator shall
publish a notice of proposed rulemaking 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 individuals 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:
``Sec. 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
referred 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 following:
``(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 operators for
BVLOS operations, taking into account varying levels of
automated control and management of UAS flights.
``(3) An approval or acceptance process for UAS and
associated elements (as defined by the Administrator), which
may leverage the creation of a special airworthiness
certificate or a manufacturer's declaration of compliance to a
Federal Aviation Administration accepted means of compliance.
Such process--
``(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
Administrator; and
``(ii) operates within a maximum speed
limit as determined by the Administrator;
``(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 approved or
accepted as described in paragraph (3).
``(5) Protocols, if appropriate, for networked information
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 maneuverability and
technology limitations of certain aircraft, including hot air
balloons.
``(c) Final Rule.--Not later than 16 months after publishing the
proposed rule under subsection (a), the Administrator 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 rulemaking efforts related to UAS
BVLOS operations that are ongoing as of the date of enactment of the
FAA Reauthorization 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 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a risk
assessment methodology that allows for the determination of acceptable
levels of risk for unmanned aircraft system operations, including
operations beyond visual line of sight, conducted--
(1) under waivers issued to part 107 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations;
(2) pursuant to section 44807 of title 49, United States
Code; or
(3) pursuant to other applicable regulations, as
appropriate.
(b) Risk Assessment Methodology Considerations.--In establishing
the risk assessment methodology under this section, the Administrator
shall ensure alignment 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 Administration 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
commercial operation of unmanned aircraft systems.
(b) Acceptance of Standards.--In establishing the approval process
required under subsection (a), the Administrator shall ensure that, to
the maximum extent practicable, industry consensus standards, such as
ASTM International Standard F3548-21, titled ``UAS Traffic Management
(UTM) UAS Service Supplier (USS) Interoperability'', 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 aircraft 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 capabilities and services, including UTM, with similar
requirements and guidance of other civil aviation authorities.
(e) Coordination.--In carrying out this section, the Administrator
shall consider any relevant information provided 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, supplemental 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 operations.--Nothing in
this section shall be construed to prevent or prohibit beyond
visual line of sight operations 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 section 40103 of title
49, United States Code.
SEC. 933. SPECIAL AUTHORITY FOR TRANSPORT OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS BY
COMMERCIAL PACKAGE DELIVERY UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other Federal requirement or
restriction related to the transportation of hazardous materials on
aircraft, the Secretary shall, beginning not later than 180 days after
enactment of this section, use a risk-based approach to establish the
operational requirements, standards, or special permits necessary to
approve 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 Regulations, 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 national
airspace system;
(2) efficiencies of allowing the safe transportation of
hazardous materials by unmanned aircraft systems and whether
such transportation complies with the hazardous materials
regulations under subchapter C of chapter I of title 49, Code
of Federal Regulations, including any changes to such
regulations issued pursuant to this section;
(3) the risk profile of the transportation of hazardous
materials by unmanned aircraft systems, taking into
consideration the risk associated with differing weights,
quantities, and packing group classifications of hazardous
materials;
(4) mitigations to the risk of the hazardous materials
being transported, based on the weight, amount, and type of
materials being transported and the characteristics of the
operation, including operational and aircraft-based
mitigations; and
(5) the altitude at which unmanned aircraft operations 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 Regulations.--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 Regulations, to this section. Such changes shall be made
concurrently with the activities described in subsection (a).
(e) Stakeholder Input on Changes to the Hazardous 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
Administrator, or the Administrator of the Pipeline and
Hazardous Materials Safety Administration from implementing
requirements to ensure the safe carriage of hazardous materials
by aircraft; and
(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 implementing the operational
approval process under subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult
with appropriate stakeholders, including industry stakeholders.
(c) ICAO Activities.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 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 approving the operation of unmanned aircraft
systems over the high seas and brief the appropriate committees of
Congress 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:
``Sec. 44812. Temporary flight restrictions for unmanned aircraft
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Temporary flight restrictions.--The Administrator of
the Federal Aviation Administration shall, upon the request by
an eligible entity, temporarily restrict unmanned aircraft
operations over eligible large public gatherings.
``(2) Denial.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the
Administrator may deny a request for a temporary 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 requirements in
subsection (b);
``(C) the eligibility requirements in subsections
(c) and (d) have not been met;
``(D) a flight restriction exists to the airspace
overlying the same location as the temporary flight
restriction sought under this section; or
``(E) the Administrator determines appropriate for
any other reason.
``(b) Requirements.--
``(1) Advance notice.--Eligible entities may only request a
temporary flight restriction under subsection (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 section 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 eligible
entity and the on-scene incident command responsible
for securing the large public gathering.
``(D) Any other information the Administrator
considers necessary to establish the restriction.
``(c) Eligible Large Public Gatherings.--
``(1) In general.--To be eligible for a temporary flight
restriction under this section, large public gatherings hosted
in a stadium or other venue shall--
``(A) be hosted in a stadium or other venue that--
``(i) has previously hosted events
qualifying for the application of special
security instructions in accordance with
section 521 of the Transportation, Treasury,
and Independent 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 request 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 temporary flight
restrictions under subsection (a) in a timely fashion.
``(f) Public Information.--Any temporary flight restriction
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 gathering.
``(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 authorized 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 authorizing 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 temporary flight restriction has been established under this section
or cancelling a temporary flight restriction established under this
section.
``(i) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section 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 contract or
awarding a grant--
(A) for the operation, procurement, or contracting
action with respect to a covered unmanned aircraft
system; or
(B) to an entity that operates (as determined by
the Administrator) a covered unmanned 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 system.
(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 related to--
(1) unmanned aircraft detection systems and counter-UAS
systems, including activities conducted--
(A) under the Alliance for System Safety of UAS
through Research Excellence Center of Excellence 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, including activities carried
out under the Alliance for System Safety of UAS through
Research Excellence Center of Excellence of the FAA;
(4) in coordination with other relevant Federal agencies,
determining security threats of covered unmanned aircraft
systems; and
(5) intelligence, electronic warfare, and information
warfare operations.
(c) Waivers.--The Secretary may waive any restrictions under
subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis by notifying 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 unmanned 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 system 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 capabilities 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 appropriated to the
Secretary $5,000,000 to carry out this subsection.
(e) Effective Dates.--
(1) Operations.--The prohibitions under paragraphs (1) and
(3) of subsection (a) shall be in effect on the date of
enactment of this Act.
(2) Grants.--The prohibitions under paragraphs (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 programs of the Department of
Transportation, including--
(1) aviation research grant programs;
(2) aviation workforce development programs established
under section 625 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49
U.S.C. 40101 note);
(3) FAA Air Transportation Centers of Excellence;
(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 subchapter I of
chapter 471 of title 49, United States Code.
(g) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall prevent a
State, local, Tribal, or territorial governmental agency from procuring
or operating a covered unmanned aircraft system purchased with non-
Federal funding.
(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 determines
necessary.
(2) Covered foreign entity.--The term ``covered foreign
entity'' means--
(A) an entity included on the list developed and
maintained by the Federal Acquisition Security Council
and published in the System for Award Management;
(B) an entity included on the Consolidated
Screening List or Entity List as designated by the
Secretary of Commerce;
(C) an entity that is domiciled in, or under the
influence or control of, a covered foreign country; or
(D) an entity that is a subsidiary or affiliate of
an entity described under subparagraphs (A) through
(C).
(3) Covered unmanned aircraft system.--The term ``covered
unmanned aircraft system'' means--
(A) a small unmanned aircraft, an unmanned
aircraft, and unmanned aircraft system, or the
associated elements of such aircraft and aircraft
systems related to the collection and transmission of
sensitive information (consisting of communication
links and the components that control the unmanned
aircraft) that enable the operator to operate the
aircraft in the National Airspace System which is
manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity;
and
(B) an unmanned aircraft detection system or
counter-UAS system that is manufactured or assembled by
a covered foreign entity.
SEC. 937. EXPANDING USE OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN THE GULF OF
MEXICO.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall prioritize the
authorization of an eligible UAS test range sponsor partnering with an
eligible airport authority to achieve the goals specified in subsection
(b).
(b) Goals.--The goals of a partnership authorized pursuant to
subsection (a) shall be to test the operations of innovative
technologies in both commercial and non-commercial applications,
consistent with existing law, to--
(1) identify challenges associated with aviation operations
over large bodies of water;
(2) provide transportation of cargo and passengers to
offshore energy infrastructure;
(3) assess the impacts of operations in saltwater
environments;
(4) identify the challenges of integrating such
technologies in complex airspace, including with commercial
rotorcraft; and
(5) identify the differences between coordinating with
Federal air traffic control towers and towers operated under
the FAA Contract Tower Program.
(c) Briefing to Congress.--The Administrator shall provide an
annual briefing to the appropriate committees of Congress on the status
of the partnership authorized under this section, including detailing
any barriers to the commercialization of innovative technologies in the
Gulf of Mexico.
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Eligible airport authority.--The term ``eligible
airport authority'' means an AIP-eligible airport authority
that is--
(A) located in a state bordering the Gulf of Mexico
which does not already contain a UAS Test Range;
(B) has an air traffic control tower operated under
the FAA Contract Tower Program;
(C) is located within 60 miles of a port; and
(D) does not have any scheduled passenger airline
service as of the date of the enactment of this Act.
(2) Innovative technologies.--The term ``innovative
technologies'' means unmanned aircraft systems and powered-lift
aircraft.
(3) UAS.--The term ``UAS'' means an unmanned aircraft
system.
Subtitle B--Advanced Air Mobility
SEC. 951. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle:
(1) Advanced air mobility.--The terms ``advanced air
mobility'' and ``AAM'' mean a transportation system that is
comprised of urban air mobility and regional air mobility using
manned or unmanned aircraft.
(2) Powered-lift aircraft.--The term ``powered-lift
aircraft'' has the meaning given the term ``powered-lift'' in
section 1.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(3) Regional air mobility.--The term ``regional air
mobility'' means the movement of passengers or property by air
between 2 points using an airworthy aircraft that--
(A) has advanced technologies, such as distributed
propulsion, vertical takeoff and landing, powered lift,
nontraditional power systems, or autonomous
technologies;
(B) has a maximum takeoff weight of greater than
1,320 pounds; and
(C) is not urban air mobility.
(4) Urban air mobility.--The term ``urban air mobility''
means the movement of passengers or property by air between 2
points in different cities or 2 points within the same city
using an airworthy aircraft that--
(A) has advanced technologies, such as distributed
propulsion, vertical takeoff and landing, powered lift,
nontraditional power systems, or autonomous
technologies; and
(B) has a maximum takeoff weight of greater than
1,320 pounds.
(5) Vertiport.--The term ``vertiport'' means an area of
land, water, or a structure used or intended to be used to
support the landing, takeoff, taxiing, parking, and storage of
powered-lift aircraft or other aircraft that vertiport design
and performance standards established by the Administrator can
accommodate.
SEC. 952. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON FAA LEADERSHIP IN ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the United States should take actions to become a
global leader in advanced air mobility;
(2) as such a global leader, the FAA should--
(A) prioritize work on the type certification of
powered-lift aircraft;
(B) publish, in line with stated deadlines,
rulemakings and policy necessary to enable commercial
operations, such as the Special Federal Aviation
Regulation of the FAA titled ``Integration of Powered-
Lift: Pilot Certification and Operations; Miscellaneous
Amendments Related to Rotorcraft and Airplanes'',
issued on June 14, 2023 (2120-AL72);
(C) work with global partners to promote acceptance
of advanced air mobility products; and
(D) leverage the existing aviation system to the
greatest extent possible to support advanced air
mobility operations; and
(3) the FAA should work with manufacturers, prospective
operators of powered-lift aircraft, and other relevant
stakeholders to enable the safe entry of such aircraft into the
national airspace system.
SEC. 953. APPLICATION OF NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT CATEGORICAL
EXCLUSIONS FOR VERTIPORT PROJECTS.
In considering the environmental impacts of a proposed vertiport
project on an airport for purposes of compliance with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the
Administrator shall--
(1) apply any applicable categorical exclusions in
accordance 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; and
(2) after consultation with the Council on Environmental
Quality, take steps to establish additional categorical
exclusions, as appropriate, for vertiports on an airport, in
accordance 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.
SEC. 954. ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY WORKING GROUP AMENDMENTS.
Section 2 of the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership
Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b) by striking ``, particularly
passenger-carrying aircraft,'';
(2) in subsection (d)(1) by striking subparagraph (D) and
inserting the following:
``(D) operators of airports, heliports, and
vertiports, and fixed-base operators;'';
(3) in subsection (e)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by
striking ``1 year'' and inserting ``18 months'';
(B) in paragraph (3) by inserting ``or that may
impede such maturation'' after ``AAM industry'';
(C) in paragraph (7) by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(D) in paragraph (8) by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; and''; and
(E) by adding at the end the following:
``(9) processes and programs that can be leveraged to
improve the efficiency of Federal reviews required for
infrastructure development, including for electrical capacity
projects.'';
(4) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph
(3);
(C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following
new paragraph:
``(2) recommendations for sharing expertise and data on
critical items, including long-term electrification
requirements and the needs of cities (from a macro-
electrification standpoint) to enable the deployment of AAM;
and''; and
(D) in paragraph (3), as redesignated by paragraph
(2) of this section, by striking ``paragraph (1)'' and
inserting ``paragraphs (1) and (2)''.
(5) in subsection (g)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by
striking ``working group'' and inserting ``Secretary of
Transportation'';
(B) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(C) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph
(3); and
(D) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) summarizing any dissenting views and opinions of a
participant of the working group described in subsection
(c)(3); and'';
(6) in subsection (h)--
(A) by striking ``Not later than 30 days'' and
inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--Not later than 30 days''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Considerations for termination of working group.--In
deciding whether to terminate the working group under this
subsection, the Secretary, in consultation with the
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, shall
consider other interagency coordination activities associated
with AAM, or other new or novel users of the national airspace
system, that could benefit from continued wider interagency
coordination.''; and
(7) in subsection (i)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``transports
people and property by air between two points in the
United States using aircraft with advanced
technologies, including electric aircraft or electric
vertical take-off and landing aircraft,'' and inserting
``is comprised of urban air mobility and regional air
mobility using manned or unmanned aircraft'';
(B) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph
(7);
(C) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph
(9);
(D) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
``(5) Powered-lift aircraft.--The term `powered-lift
aircraft' has the meaning given the term `powered-lift' in
section 1.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
``(6) Regional air mobility.--The term `regional air
mobility' means the movement of passengers or property by air
between 2 points using an airworthy aircraft that--
``(A) has advanced technologies, such as
distributed propulsion, vertical take-off and landing,
powered-lift, non-traditional power systems, or
autonomous technologies;
``(B) has a maximum takeoff weight of greater than
1,320 pounds; and
``(C) is not urban air mobility.'';
(E) by inserting after paragraph (7), as so
redesignated, the following:
``(8) Urban air mobility.--The term `urban air mobility'
means the movement of passengers or property by air between 2
points in different cities or 2 points within the same city
using an airworthy aircraft that--
``(A) has advanced technologies, such as
distributed propulsion, vertical takeoff and landing,
powered lift, nontraditional power systems, or
autonomous technologies; and
``(B) has a maximum takeoff weight of greater than
1,320 pounds.''; and
(F) by adding at the end the following:
``(10) Vertiport.--The term `vertiport' means an area of
land, water, or a structure, used or intended to be used to
support the landing, take-off, taxiing, parking, and storage of
powered lift or other aircraft that vertiport design and
performance standards established by the Administrator can
accommodate.''.
SEC. 955. RULES FOR OPERATION OF POWERED-LIFT AIRCRAFT.
(a) SFAR Rulemaking.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 7 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall publish a final
rule for the Special Federal Aviation Regulation of the FAA
titled ``Integration of Powered-Lift: Pilot Certification and
Operations; Miscellaneous Amendments Related to Rotorcraft and
Airplanes'', issued on June 14, 2023 (2120-AL72), establishing
procedures for certifying pilots of powered-lift aircraft and
providing operational rules for powered-lift aircraft capable
of transporting passengers and cargo.
(2) Requirements.--With respect to any powered-lift
aircraft type certificated by the Administrator, the
regulations established under paragraph (1) shall--
(A) provide a practical pathway for pilot
qualification and operations;
(B) establish performance-based requirements for
energy reserves and other range- and endurance-related
requirements that reflect the capabilities and intended
operations of the aircraft;
(C) provide for a combination of pilot training
requirements, including simulators, to ensure the safe
operation of powered-lift aircraft; and
(D) to the maximum extent practicable, align
powered-lift pilot qualifications with section 2.1.1.4
of Annex 1 to the Convention on International Civil
Aviation published by the International Civil Aviation
Organization.
(3) Considerations.--In developing the regulations required
under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall--
(A) consider whether to grant an individual with an
existing commercial airplane (single- or multi-engine)
or helicopter pilot certificate the authority to serve
as pilot-in-command of a powered-lift aircraft in
commercial operation following the completion of an
FAA-approved pilot type rating for such type of
aircraft;
(B) consult with the Secretary of Defense with
regard to--
(i) the Agility Prime program of the United
States Air Force;
(ii) powered-lift aircraft evaluated and
deployed for military purposes, including the
F-35B program; and
(iii) the commonalities and differences
between powered-lift aircraft types and the
handling qualities of such aircraft; and
(C) consider the adoption of the recommendations
for powered-lift operations, as appropriate, contained
in document 10103 of the International Civil Aviation
Organization titled ``Guidance on the Implementation of
ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices for Tilt-
rotors'', published in 2019.
(b) Interim Application of Rules and Privileges in Lieu of
Rulemaking.--
(1) In general.--Beginning 16 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, if a final rule has not been published
pursuant to subsection (a)--
(A) the rules in effect on the date that is 16
months after the date of enactment of this Act that
apply to the operation and the operator of rotorcraft
or fixed-wing aircraft under subchapters F, G, H, and I
of chapter 1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations,
shall be--
(i) deemed to apply to--
(I) the operation of a powered-lift
aircraft in the national airspace
system; and
(II) the operator of such a
powered-lift aircraft; and
(ii) applicable, as determined by the
operator of an airworthy powered-lift aircraft
in consultation with the Administrator, and
consistent with sections 91.3 and 91.13 of
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
(B) upon the completion of a type rating for a
specific powered-lift aircraft, airmen that hold a
pilot or instructor certification with airplane
category ratings in any class or rotorcraft category
ratings in the helicopter class shall be deemed to have
privileges of a powered-lift rating for such specific
powered-lift aircraft.
(2) Termination of interim rules and privileges.--This
subsection shall cease to have effect 1 month after the
effective date of a final rule issued pursuant to subsection
(a).
(c) Powered-lift Aircraft Aviation Rulemaking Committee.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date on
which the Administrator issues the first certificate to
commercially operate a powered-lift aircraft, the Administrator
shall establish an aviation rulemaking committee (in this
section referred to as the ``Committee'') to provide the
Administrator with specific findings and recommendations for,
at a minimum, the creation of a standard pathway for the--
(A) performance-based certification of powered-lift
aircraft;
(B) certification of airmen capable of serving as
pilot-in-command of a powered-lift aircraft; and
(C) operation of powered-lift aircraft in
commercial service and air transportation.
(2) Considerations.--In providing findings and
recommendations under paragraph (1), the Committee shall
consider the following:
(A) Outcome-driven safety objectives to spur
innovation and technology adoption and promote the
development of performance-based regulations.
(B) Lessons and insights learned from previously
published special conditions and other Federal Register
notices of airworthiness criteria for powered-lift
aircraft.
(C) To the maximum extent practicable, aligning
powered-lift pilot qualifications with section 2.1.1.4
of Annex 1 to the Convention on International Civil
Aviation published by the International Civil Aviation
Organization.
(D) The adoption of the recommendations contained
in document 10103 of the International Civil Aviation
Organization titled ``Guidance on the Implementation of
ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices for Tilt-
rotors'', published in 2019, as appropriate.
(E) Practical pathways for pilot qualification and
operations.
(F) Performance-based requirements for energy
reserves and other range- and endurance-related designs
and technologies that reflect the capabilities and
intended operations of the aircraft.
(G) A combination of pilot training requirements,
including simulators, to ensure the safe operation of
powered-lift aircraft.
(3) Report.--The Committee shall submit to the
Administrator a report detailing the findings and
recommendations of the Committee.
(d) Powered-lift Aircraft Rulemaking.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 270 days after the date on
which the Committee submits the report under subsection (c)(3),
the Administrator shall initiate a rulemaking to implement the
findings and recommendations of the Committee, as determined
appropriate by the Administrator.
(2) Requirements.--In developing the rulemaking under
paragraph (1), the Administrator shall--
(A) consult with the Secretary of Defense with
regard to methods for pilots to gain proficiency and
earn the necessary ratings required to act as a pilot-
in-command of powered-lift aircraft;
(B) consider and plan for unmanned and remotely
piloted powered-lift aircraft, and the associated
elements of such aircraft, through the promulgation of
performance-based regulations;
(C) consider any information and experience gained
from operations and efforts that occur as a result of
the Special Federal Aviation Regulation of the FAA
titled ``Integration of Powered-Lift: Pilot
Certification and Operations; Miscellaneous Amendments
Related to Rotorcraft and Airplanes'', issued on June
14, 2023 (2120-AL72);
(D) consider whether to grant an individual with an
existing commercial airplane (single- or multi-engine)
or helicopter pilot certificate the authority to serve
as pilot-in-command of a powered-lift aircraft in
commercial operation following the completion of an
FAA-approved pilot type rating for such type of
aircraft;
(E) work to harmonize the certification and
operational requirements of the FAA with those of civil
aviation authorities with bilateral safety agreements
in place with the United States, to the extent such
harmonization does not negatively impact domestic
manufacturers and operators; and
(F) consider and plan for the use of alternative
fuel types and propulsion methods, including reviewing
the performance-based nature of parts 33 and 35 of
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and any related
recommendations provided to the Administrator by the
aviation rulemaking advisory committee described in
section 956.
SEC. 956. ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS REGULATIONS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall task the Aviation Rulemaking
Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the ``Committee'')
to provide the Administrator with specific findings and recommendations
for regulations related to the certification and installation of--
(1) electric engines and propellers;
(2) hybrid electric engines and propulsion systems;
(3) hydrogen fuel cells;
(4) hydrogen combustion engines or propulsion systems; and
(5) other new or novel propulsion mechanisms and methods as
determined appropriate by the Administrator.
(b) Considerations.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Committee
shall consider, at a minimum, the following:
(1) Outcome-driven safety objectives to spur innovation and
technology adoption, and promote the development of
performance-based regulations.
(2) Lessons and insights learned from previously published
special conditions and other published airworthiness criteria
for novel engines, propellers, and aircraft.
(3) The requirements of part 33 and part 35 of title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations, any boundaries of applicability
for standalone engine type certificates (including highly
integrated systems), and the use of technical standards order
authorizations.
(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after providing findings and
recommendations under subsection (a), the Committee shall submit to the
Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress a report
containing such findings and recommendations.
(d) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date on which the
Committee submits the report under subsection (c), the Administrator
shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress regarding plans of
the FAA in response to the findings and recommendations contained in
the report.
SEC. 957. POWERED-LIFT AIRCRAFT ENTRY INTO SERVICE.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall, in consultation with
exclusive bargaining representatives of air traffic controllers
certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code, and any
relevant stakeholder as determined appropriate by the Administrator,
take such actions as may be necessary to safely integrate powered-lift
aircraft into the national airspace system, including in controlled
airspace, and learn from any efforts to adopt and update related policy
and guidance.
(b) Air Traffic Policies for Entry Into Service.--Not later than 40
months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall
update air traffic orders and policies, to the extent necessary, and
address air traffic control system challenges in order to allow for--
(1) the use of existing air traffic procedures, where
determined to be safe by the Administrator, by powered-lift
aircraft; and
(2) the approval of letters of agreement between air
traffic control system facilities and powered-lift operators
and infrastructure operators to minimize the amount of active
coordination required for safe recurring powered-lift aircraft
operations, as appropriate.
(c) Long-term Air Traffic Policies.--Beginning 40 months after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall--
(1) continue to update air traffic orders and policies to
support the operation of powered-lift aircraft;
(2) to the extent necessary, develop powered-lift specific
procedures for airports, heliports, and vertiports;
(3) evaluate the human factors impacts on controllers
associated with managing powered-lift aircraft operations,
consider the impact of additional operations on air traffic
controller staffing, and make necessary changes to staffing,
procedures, regulations, and orders; and
(4) consider the use of third-party service providers to
manage increased operations in controlled airspace to support,
supplement, and enhance the work of air traffic controllers.
SEC. 958. INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORTING VERTICAL FLIGHT.
(a) Update to Design Standards.--The Administrator shall--
(1) not later than December 31, 2024, publish an update to
the memorandum of the FAA titled ``Engineering Brief No. 105,
Vertiport Design'', issued on September 21, 2022 (EB No. 105);
(2) not later than December 31, 2025, publish a
performance-based vertiport design advisory circular; and
(3) begin the work necessary to update the advisory
circular of the FAA titled ``Heliport Design'' (Advisory
Circular 150/5390) in order to provide performance-based
guidance for heliport design, including consideration of
alternative fuel and propulsion mechanisms.
(b) Engineering Brief Sunset.--Upon the publication of an advisory
circular pursuant to subsection (a)(2), the Administrator shall cancel
the memorandum described in subsection (a)(1).
(c) Dual Use Facilities.--The Administrator shall establish a
mechanism by which owners and operators of aviation infrastructure can
safely accommodate, or file a notice to accommodate, powered-lift
aircraft if such infrastructure meets the safety requirements or
guidance of the FAA for such aircraft.
(d) Guidance, Forms, and Planning.--The Administrator shall--
(1) not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of
this Act, ensure airport district offices of the FAA have
sufficient guidance and policy direction regarding the use and
applicability of heliport and vertiport design standards of the
FAA, and update such guidance routinely;
(2) determine if updates to FAA Form 7460 and Form 7480 are
necessary and update such forms, as appropriate; and
(3) ensure that the methodology and underlying data sources
of the Terminal Area Forecast of the FAA include commercial
operations conducted by aircraft regardless of propulsion type
or fuel type.
SEC. 959. CHARTING OF AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE.
The Administrator shall increase efforts to update and keep current
the Airport Master Record of the FAA, including by establishing a
streamlined process by which the owners and operators of public and
private aviation facilities with nontemporary, nonintermittent
operations are encouraged to keep the information on such facilities
current.
SEC. 960. ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY INFRASTRUCTURE PILOT PROGRAM EXTENSION.
Section 101 of division Q of the Consolidated Appropriations Act,
2023 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ``, as
well as the use of existing airport and
heliport infrastructure that may require
modifications to safely accommodate AAM
operations,'' after ``vertiport
infrastructure''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) in clause (iii) by striking
``vertiport'' and inserting ``locations
for'';
(II) in clause (iv) by inserting
``and guidance'' after ``any
standards'';
(III) in clause (v) by striking
``vertiport infrastructure'' and
inserting ``urban air mobility and
regional air mobility operations''; and
(IV) in clause (x) by inserting
``or the modification of aviation
infrastructure'' after ``operation of a
vertiport'';
(B) in paragraph (4)(B) by inserting ``the
Department of Defense, the National Guard,'' before
``or''; and
(C) in paragraph (6)--
(i) in subparagraph (A) by striking
``September 30, 2025'' and inserting
``September 30, 2027''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) in clause (i) by striking
``and'' at the end;
(II) in clause (ii) by striking the
period at the end and inserting ``;
and''; and
(III) by adding at the end the
following:
``(iii) a description of--
``(I) initial community engagement
efforts and responses from the public
on the planning and development efforts
of eligible entities related to urban
air mobility and regional air mobility
operations;
``(II) how eligible entities are
planning for and encouraging early
adoption of urban air mobility and
regional air mobility operations;
``(III) what role each level of
government plays in the process; and
``(IV) whether such entities
recommend specific regulatory or
guidance actions be taken by the
Secretary or any other head of a
Federal agency in order to support such
early adoption.'';
(2) by striking subsection (c)(1) and inserting the
following:
``(1) Authorization.--Out of amounts made available under
section 106(k) of title 49, United States Code, there are
authorized to carry out this section $12,500,000 for each of
fiscal years 2023 through 2026, to remain available until
expended.'';
(3) in subsection (d) by striking ``2024'' and inserting
``2026'' each place it appears; and
(4) in subsection (e)--
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the
following:
``(1) Advanced air mobility; aam; regional air mobility;
urban air mobility; vertiport.--The terms `advanced air
mobility', `AAM', `regional air mobility', `urban air
mobility', and `vertiport' have the meaning given such terms in
section 2(i) of the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and
Leadership Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note).''; and
(B) by striking paragraphs (9) and (10).
SEC. 961. CENTER FOR ADVANCED AVIATION TECHNOLOGIES.
(a) Plan.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall develop a plan to establish a Center
for Advanced Aviation Technologies to support the testing and
advancement of new and emerging aviation technologies.
(b) Consultation.--In developing the plan under subsection (a), the
Administrator may consult with the Advanced Air Mobility Working Group
established in the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership
Act (Public Law 117-203), as amended by this Act, and the interagency
working group established in section 1042 of this Act.
(c) Considerations.--In developing the plan under subsection (a),
the Administrator shall consider as roles and responsibilities for the
Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies--
(1) developing an airspace laboratory and flight
demonstration zones to facilitate the safe integration of
advanced air mobility aircraft into the national airspace
system, with at least 1 such zone to be established within the
same geographic region as the Center for Advanced Aviation
Technologies and that also has aviation manufacturers with
relevant expertise, such as powered-lift;
(2) establishing testing corridors for the purposes of
validating air traffic requirements for advanced air mobility
operations, operational procedures, and performance
requirements, with at least 1 such corridor to be established
within the same geographic region as the Center for Advanced
Aviation Technologies;
(3) developing and facilitating technology partnerships
with, and between, industry, academia, and other government
agencies, and supporting such partnerships;
(4) identifying new and emerging aviation technologies,
innovative aviation concepts, and relevant aviation services,
including advanced air mobility, powered-lift aircraft, and
other advanced aviation technologies, as determined appropriate
by the Administrator; and
(5) any other duties, as determined appropriate by the
Administrator.
(d) Submission to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate the
plan developed under subsection (a).
(e) Center.--Not later than September 30, 2026, the Administrator
shall establish the Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies in
accordance with the plan developed under subsection (a). In choosing
the location for the Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies, the
Administrator shall give preference to a community or region with a
strong aeronautical presence, specifically the presence of--
(1) a large commercial airport or large air logistics
center;
(2) aviation manufacturing with expertise in advanced
aviation technologies, such as powered-lift;
(3) existing FAA facilities or offices, such as a Center,
Institute, certificate management office, or a regional
headquarters;
(4) airspace utilized for advanced aviation technology
testing activity, and capable of supporting a wide range of use
cases;
(5) proximity to both rural and urban communities;
(6) State, local, or Tribal governments;
(7) programs to support public-private partnerships for
advanced aviation technologies; and
(8) academic institutions that offer programs relating to
advanced aviation technologies engineering.
(f) Authorization.--Out of amounts made available under section
106(k) of title 49, United States Code, $35,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2025 through 2028 is authorized to carry out this section.
(g) Interaction With Other Entities.--The Administrator, in
carrying out this section, shall, to the maximum extent practicable,
leverage the research and testing capacity and capabilities of the
Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and, as appropriate,
the unmanned aircraft test ranges established in section 44803 of title
49, United States Code.
(h) Savings Clauses.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to
interfere with any of the following activities:
(1) The ongoing activities of the unmanned aircraft test
ranges established in section 44803 of title 49, United States
Code, to the maximum extent practicable.
(2) The ongoing activities of the William J. Hughes
Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace, to the maximum extent
practicable.
(3) The ongoing activities of the Center of Excellence for
Unmanned Aircraft Systems, to the maximum extent practicable.
(4) The ongoing activities of the Mike Monroney
Aeronautical Center, to the maximum extent practicable.
TITLE X--RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Subtitle A--General Provisions
SEC. 1001. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Covered committees of congress.--The term ``covered
committees of Congress'' means the Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate.
(2) NASA.--The term ``NASA'' means the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration.
SEC. 1002. RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORIZATION OF
APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 48102(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (15) by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
semicolon; and
(2) by striking paragraph (16) and inserting the following:
``(16) $280,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
``(17) $311,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
``(18) $323,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
``(19) $334,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
``(20) $345,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.
SEC. 1003. REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION; FUNDING FOR SAFETY RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Comptroller General shall submit to the covered committees of
Congress a report on the allocation of funding pursuant to section
48102 of title 49, United States Code, to the Secretary to conduct
civil aviation research and development and to assess the
implementation of section 48102(b)(2) of such title.
SEC. 1004. NATIONAL AVIATION RESEARCH PLAN MODIFICATION.
(a) Modification of Submission Deadline.--Section 44501(c)(1) of
title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``the date of submission'' and inserting
``the date that is 30 days after the date of submission''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following ``If such report
cannot be prepared and submitted by the date that is 30 days
after the date of submission of the President's budget to
Congress, the Administrator shall submit, before such date, a
letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the
Committee of Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives stating the reason for delayed submission,
impacts of the delay, and actions taken to address
circumstances that led to the delay.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 48102(g) of title 49, United
States Code, is amended by striking ``the date of submission'' and
inserting ``the date that is 30 days after the date of submission''.
SEC. 1005. ADVANCED MATERIALS CENTER OF EXCELLENCE ENHANCEMENTS.
Section 44518 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Continued operations.--The Administrator shall--
``(A) continue operation of the Advanced Materials
Center of Excellence (referred to in this section as
the `Center'); and
``(B) make a determination on whether to award a
grant to the Center not later than 90 days after the
date on which the grants officer of the Federal
Aviation Administration recommends a proposal for award
of such grant to the Administrator.
``(2) Purposes.--The Center shall--
``(A) focus on applied research and training on the
safe use of composites and advanced materials, and
related manufacturing practices, in airframe
structures; and
``(B) conduct research and development into
aircraft structure crash worthiness and passenger
safety, as well as address safe and accessible air
travel of individuals with a disability (as defined in
section 382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations
(or any successor regulation)), including materials
required to facilitate safe wheelchair restraint
systems on commercial aircraft.''; and
(2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Responsibilities.--The Center shall--
``(1) promote and facilitate collaboration among member
universities, academia, the Administration, the commercial
aircraft industry, including manufacturers, commercial air
carriers, and suppliers, and other appropriate stakeholders for
the purposes under subsection (a) and the activities described
in paragraphs (2) through (4);
``(2) carry out research and development activities to
advance technology, improve engineering practices, and
facilitate continuing education in relevant areas of study,
which shall include--
``(A) all structural materials, including--
``(i) metallic and non-metallic based
additive materials, ceramic materials, carbon
fiber polymers, and thermoplastic composites;
``(ii) the long-term material and
structural behavior of such materials; and
``(iii) evaluating the resiliency and long-
term durability of advanced materials in high
temperature conditions and in engines for
applications in advanced aircraft; and
``(B) structural technologies, such as additive
manufacturing, to be used in applications within the
commercial aircraft industry, including traditional
fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft, and emerging aircraft
types such as advanced air mobility aircraft; and
``(3) conduct research activities for the purpose of
improving the safety and certification of aviation structures,
materials, and additively manufactured aviation products and
components; and
``(4) conducting research activities to advance the safe
movement of all passengers, including individuals with a
disability (as defined in section 382.3 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation)), and
individuals using personal wheelchairs in flight, that takes
into account the modeling, engineering, testing, operating, and
training issues significant to all passengers and relevant
stakeholders.''.
SEC. 1006. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code, is
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44813. Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems
``(a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation
Administration shall continue operation of the Center of Excellence for
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (referred to in this section as the
`Center').
``(b) Responsibilities.--The Center shall carry out the following
responsibilities:
``(1) Conduct applied research and training on the safe and
efficient integration of unmanned aircraft systems and advanced
air mobility into the national airspace system.
``(2) Promote and facilitate collaboration among academia,
the Federal Aviation Administration, Federal agency partners,
and industry stakeholders (including manufacturers, operators,
service providers, standards development organizations,
carriers, and suppliers), with respect to the safe and
efficient integration of unmanned aircraft systems and advanced
air mobility into the national airspace system.
``(3) Establish goals set to advance technology, improve
engineering practices, and facilitate continuing education with
respect to the safe and efficient integration of unmanned
aircraft systems and advanced air mobility into the national
airspace system.
``(c) Program Participation.--The Administrator shall ensure the
participation in the Center of institutions of higher education (as
defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1001)) and research institutions that provide accredited bachelor's
degree programs in aeronautical sciences that provide pathways to
commercial pilot certifications and that include a focus on pilot
training for women aviators.
``(d) Leveraging of Certain Capacity and Capabilities.--The
Administrator shall, in carrying out research necessary to validate
consensus safety standards accepted pursuant to section 44805, to the
maximum extent practicable, leverage the research and testing capacity
and capabilities of--
``(1) the Center;
``(2) the test ranges designated under section 44803;
``(3) existing Federal and non-Federal test ranges and
testbeds;
``(4) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
and
``(5) the William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced
Aerospace.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of title 49,
United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the
following:
``44813. Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems.''.
SEC. 1007. ASSURED SAFE CREDENTIALING AUTHORITY.
(a) In General.--Chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code, is
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44814. ASSUREd Safe credentialing authority
``(a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this section, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation
Administration shall establish a credentialing authority for the
program of record of the Federal Aviation Administration (referred to
in this section as `ASSUREd Safe') under the Center of Excellence for
Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
``(b) Purposes.--ASSUREd Safe shall offer services throughout the
United States, and to allies and partners of the United States,
including--
``(1) online and in-person standards, education, and
testing for the use of unmanned aircraft systems by first
responders for emergency and disaster management operations;
``(2) uniform communications standards, operational
standards, and reporting standards for civilian, military, and
international allies and partners; and
``(3) any other relevant standards development related to
operation of unmanned aircraft systems, as determined
appropriate by the Administrator.
``(c) Coordination.--The Administrator shall ensure that the Center
of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems coordinates with the
National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Federal
Emergency Management Agency on establishment of ASSUREd Safe, and on
any services offered by ASSUREd Safe.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of title 49,
United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the
following:
``44814. ASSUREd Safe credentialing authority.''.
SEC. 1008. CLEEN ENGINE AND AIRFRAME TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIP.
Section 47511 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``subsonic'' after
``fuels for civil''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Selection.--In carrying out the program, the Administrator
may provide that not less than 2 of the cooperative agreements entered
into under this section involve the participation of an entity that is
a small business concern (as defined in section 3 of the Small Business
Act (15 U.S.C. 632)), provided that the submitted technology proposal
of the entity meets, at a minimum, FAA Acquisition Management System
requirements and requisite technology readiness levels for entry into
the agreement, as determined by the Administrator.''.
SEC. 1009. HIGH-SPEED FLIGHT TESTING.
(a) In General.--The Administrator, in consultation with the
Administrator of NASA, shall establish procedures for the exclusive
purposes of developmental and airworthiness testing and demonstration
flights, which may include the establishment of high-speed testing
corridors in the national airspace system--
(1) with respect to manufacturers and operators of high-
speed aircraft that conduct flights operating with supersonic
speed, not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act; and
(2) with respect to manufacturers and operators of high-
speed aircraft that conduct flights operating with hypersonic
speed, not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of
this Act.
(b) Areas of Testing and Demonstration.--The Administrator shall
take action, as appropriate, to ensure flight testing and demonstration
flights occur in areas where such flights will not interfere with the
safety of other aircraft or the efficient use of airspace in the
national airspace system.
(c) Considerations.--In carrying out subsection (a), the
Administrator shall consider--
(1) sections 91.817 and 91.818 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations;
(2) applications for special flight authorizations for
flights operating at supersonic or hypersonic speed, as
described in section 91.818 of such title;
(3) the environmental impacts of developmental and
airworthiness testing operations;
(4) requiring applicants to include specification of
proposed flight areas;
(5) the authorization of flights to and from airports in
Class D airspace within 10 nautical miles of oceanic coastline;
(6) developing the vertical limits at or above the altitude
necessary for safe supersonic and hypersonic operations;
(7) proponent-provided data regarding the design and
operational analysis of the aircraft, as well as data regarding
sonic boom overpressures;
(8) the safety of the uninvolved public; and
(9) community outreach, education, and engagement.
(d) Consultation.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the
Environmental Protection Agency and other stakeholders, shall assess
and report to the covered committees of Congress on a means for
supporting continued compliance with the National Environmental Policy
Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The Administrator shall seek to
enter into an agreement with an appropriate federally funded research
and development center, or other independent nonprofit organization
that recommends long term solutions for maintaining compliance with
such Act for 1 or more over-land or near-land hypersonic and supersonic
test areas as established by the Administrator.
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) High-speed aircraft.--The term ``high-speed aircraft''
means an aircraft operating at speeds in excess of Mach 1,
including supersonic and hypersonic aircraft.
(2) Hypersonic.--The term ``hypersonic'' means flights
operating at speeds that exceed Mach 5.
(3) Supersonic.--The term ``supersonic'' means flights
operating at speeds in excess of Mach 1 but less than Mach 5.
SEC. 1010. HIGH-SPEED AIRCRAFT PATHWAY TO INTEGRATION STUDY.
(a) Study.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator, in consultation with
aircraft manufacturers and operators, institutions of higher
education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), the Administrator of NASA, the
Secretary of Defense, and any other agencies the Administrator
determines appropriate, shall conduct a study assessing actions
necessary to facilitate the safe operation and integration of
high-speed aircraft into the national airspace system.
(2) Contents.--The study conducted under paragraph (1)
shall include, at a minimum--
(A) an initial assessment of cross-agency equities
related to high-speed aircraft technologies and flight;
(B) the identification and collection of data
required to develop certification, flight standards,
and air traffic requirements for the deployment and
integration of high-speed aircraft;
(C) the development of a framework and potential
timeline to establish the appropriate regulatory
requirements for conducting high-speed aircraft
flights;
(D) strategic plans to improve the FAA's state of
preparedness and response capability in advance of
receiving applications to conduct high-speed aircraft
flights; and
(E) a survey of global high-speed aircraft-related
regulatory and testing developments or activities.
(3) Considerations.--In conducting the study under
paragraph (1), the Administrator may consider--
(A) feedback and input reflecting the technical
expertise of the aerospace industry and other
stakeholders, as the Administrator determines
appropriate, to inform future development of policies,
regulations, and standards that enable the safe
operation and integration of high-speed aircraft into
the national airspace system;
(B) opportunities for--
(i) demonstrating United States global
leadership in high-speed aircraft and related
technologies; and
(ii) strengthening global harmonization in
aeronautics including in the development of
international policies relating to the safe
operation of high-speed aircraft; and
(C) methods and opportunities for community
outreach, education, and engagement.
(b) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of
Congress and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the
House of Representatives a report on the results of the study conducted
under subsection (a) and recommendations, if appropriate, to facilitate
the safe operation and integration of high-speed aircraft into the
national airspace system.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) High-speed aircraft.--The term ``high-speed aircraft''
means an aircraft operating at speeds in excess of Mach 1,
including supersonic and hypersonic aircraft.
(2) Hypersonic.--The term ``hypersonic'' means flights
operating at speeds that exceed Mach 5.
(3) Supersonic.--The term ``supersonic'' means flights
operating at speeds in excess of Mach 1 but less than Mach 5.
SEC. 1011. OPERATING HIGH-SPEED FLIGHTS IN HIGH ALTITUDE CLASS E
AIRSPACE.
(a) Research.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of
NASA and any other relevant stakeholders the Administrator determines
appropriate, including industry and academia, shall undertake research
to identify, to the maximum extent practicable, the minimum altitude
above the upper boundary of Class A airspace, at or above which flights
operating with speeds above Mach 1 generate sonic booms that do not
produce appreciable sonic boom overpressures that reach the surface
under prevailing atmospheric conditions.
(b) Hypersonic Defined.--In this section, the term ``hypersonic''
means a flight operating at speeds that exceed Mach 5.
SEC. 1012. ELECTRIC PROPULSION AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS STUDY.
(a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study
assessing the safe and scalable operation and integration of electric
aircraft into the national airspace system.
(b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under subsection
(a), the Comptroller General shall address--
(1) identification of the workforce technical capacity and
competencies needed for the Administrator to certify aircraft
systems specific to electric aircraft;
(2) the data development and collection required to develop
standards specific to electric aircraft;
(3) the regulatory standards and guidance material needed
to facilitate the safe operation and maintenance of electric
aircraft, including--
(A) fire protection;
(B) high voltage electromagnetic environments;
(C) engine and human machine interfaces;
(D) reliability of high voltage components and
insulation;
(E) lithium batteries for propulsion use;
(F) operating and pilot qualifications; and
(G) airspace integration;
(4) the airport infrastructure requirements to support
electric aircraft operations, including an assessment of--
(A) the capabilities of airport infrastructure,
including, to the extent practicable, the capabilities
and capacity of the electrical power grid of the United
States to support such operations, including cost,
challenges, and opportunities for clean generation of
electricity relating to such support, existing as of
the date of enactment of this Act;
(B) aircraft operations specifications;
(C) projected operations demand by carriers and
other operators;
(D) potential modifications to existing airport
infrastructure;
(E) additional investments in new infrastructure
and systems required to meet operations demand;
(F) management of infrastructure relating to
hazardous materials used in hybrid and electric
propulsion; and
(G) ability of such current and future airport
infrastructure capabilities to adapt to meet the
evolving needs of electric aircraft operations; and
(5) varying types of electric aircraft, including advanced
air mobility aircraft and small or regional passenger or cargo
aircraft.
(c) Considerations.--In conducting the study under subsection (a),
the Comptroller General may consider the following:
(1) The potential for improvements to air service
connectivity for communities through the deployment of electric
aircraft operations, including by--
(A) establishing routes to small and rural
communities; and
(B) introducing alternative modes of transportation
for multimodal operations within communities.
(2) Impacts to airport-adjacent communities, including
implications due to changes in airspace utilization and land
use compatibility.
(d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the
covered committees of Congress and the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the results
of the study conducted under subsection (a) and recommendations for
such legislation and administrative action as the Comptroller General
determines appropriate.
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Electric aircraft.--The term ``electric aircraft''
means an aircraft with a fully electric or hybrid electric
driven propulsion system used for flight.
(2) Advanced air mobility.--The term ``advanced air
mobility'' means a transportation system that transports
passengers and cargo by air between two points in the United
States using aircraft with advanced technologies, including
aircraft with hybrid or electric vertical take-off and landing
capabilities, in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace.
SEC. 1013. CONTRACT WEATHER OBSERVERS PROGRAM.
Section 2306 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016
(Public Law 114-190; 130 Stat. 641) is amended by striking subsection
(b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Continued Use of Contract Weather Observers.--The
Administrator may not discontinue or diminish the contract weather
observer program at any airport until September 30, 2028.''.
SEC. 1014. AIRFIELD PAVEMENT TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.
Section 744 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-
254; 49 U.S.C. 44505 note) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 744. RESEARCH AND DEPLOYMENT OF CERTAIN AIRFIELD PAVEMENT
TECHNOLOGIES.
``Using amounts made available under section 48102(a) of title 49,
United States Code, the Secretary may carry out a program for the
research and development of airfield pavement technologies under which
the Secretary makes grants to, and enters into cooperative agreements
with, institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of
the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) and nonprofit
organizations that--
``(1) research concrete and asphalt pavement technologies
that extend the life of airfield pavements;
``(2) develop sustainability and resiliency guidelines to
improve long-term pavement performance;
``(3) develop and conduct training with respect to such
airfield pavement technologies;
``(4) provide for demonstration projects of such airfield
pavement technologies; and
``(5) promote the latest airfield pavement technologies to
aid the development of safer, more cost effective, and more
resilient and sustainable airfield pavements.''.
SEC. 1015. REVIEW OF FAA MANAGEMENT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall conduct a review of the
management of research and development activities of the FAA, and the
insight of the Administrator into, and coordination with, other Federal
government research and development activities relating to civil
aviation.
(b) Review of FAA Management.--The review of the Comptroller
General under subsection (a) shall include an assessment of how the
Administrator--
(1) plans, manages, and tracks progress of research and
development projects and activities and how FAA processes and
procedures compare with leading practices related to research
and development management and collaboration, as determined by
the Comptroller General;
(2) prioritizes research and development objectives;
(3) applies leading practices related to management of
research and development, enhancement of collaboration and
cooperation, and minimization of duplication, waste, and
inefficiencies, in conducting activities--
(A) among FAA research and development programs;
(B) with NASA, including--
(i) the extent to which NASA and the FAA
leverage each other's laboratory and testing
capabilities, facilities, resources, and
subject matter expert personnel in support of
aeronautics research and development programs
and projects;
(ii) an assessment of--
(I) the fiscal year in which the
review is conducted, and the 3 fiscal
years prior to such year, of Federal
expenditures and any applicable
fluctuation in the appropriated funds,
for FAA and NASA research and
development programs and projects and
the impact of any funding changes on
agency programs and projects; and
(II) the extent to which other
Federal agencies, industry partners,
and research organizations are involved
in such programs and projects; and
(iii) recommendations, as appropriate, for
the improvement of such coordination and
collaboration with NASA;
(C) with other relevant Federal agencies;
(D) with international partners; and
(E) with academia, research organizations,
standards groups, and industry;
(4) interacts with the private sector, including by
examining the extent to which FAA--
(A) takes into account private sector research and
development efforts in the management and investment of
the research and development activities and investments
of the FAA; and
(B) assesses the impact of FAA research and
development on U.S. private sector aeronautics research
and development investments;
(5) transitions the results of research and development
projects into operational use;
(6) has implemented the recommendations in the report
issued by the Comptroller General titled ``Aviation Research
and Development'' issued April 2017 (GAO report 17-372) and the
results of the efforts to implement such recommendations; and
(7) can improve management of research and development
activities and any recommendations as the Comptroller General
determines appropriate based on the results of the review.
(c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after completing the review
under required under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall
submit to the covered committees of Congress--
(1) a report on such review and relevant findings; and
(2) recommendations, including the recommendations
developed under paragraphs (3)(B)(iii) and (7) of subsection
(b).
SEC. 1016. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF FAA'S AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION
SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION ACTIVITIES.
(a) In General.--Using amounts made available under section
48102(a) of title 49, United States Code, and subject to the
availability of appropriations, the Administrator, in coordination with
the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, shall
establish a research and development program, not later than 60 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, to inform the continuous
modernization of the aeronautical information systems of the FAA,
including--
(1) the Aeronautical Information Management Modernization,
including the Notice to Air Missions system of the FAA;
(2) the Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing
system; and
(3) the Service Difficulty Reporting System.
(b) Review and Report.--
(1) Review.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter
into an agreement with a federally funded research and
development center to conduct and complete a review of planned
and ongoing modernization efforts of the aeronautical
information systems of the FAA. Such review shall identify
opportunities for additional coordination between the
Administrator and the John A. Volpe National Transportation
Systems Center to further modernize such systems.
(2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the Administrator
enters into the agreement with the center under paragraph (1),
the Center shall submit to the Administrator, the covered
committees of Congress, and the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the
review conducted under paragraph (1) and such recommendations
as the Center determines appropriate.
SEC. 1017. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR ALTERNATIVE JET FUELS AND
ENVIRONMENT.
(a) In General.--Chapter 445 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44520. Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and
Environment
``(a) In General.--The Administrator shall continue operation of
the Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment (in
this section referred to as the `Center').
``(b) Responsibilities.--The Center shall--
``(1) focus on research to--
``(A) assist in the development, qualification, and
certification of the use of aviation fuel from
alternative and renewable sources (such as biomass,
next-generation feedstocks, alcohols, organic acids,
hydrogen, bioderived chemicals and gaseous carbon) for
commercial aircraft;
``(B) assist in informing the safe use of
alternative aviation fuels in commercial aircraft that
also apply electrified aircraft propulsion systems;
``(C) reduce community exposure to civilian
aircraft noise and pollutant emissions;
``(D) inform decision making to support United
States leadership on international aviation
environmental issues, including the development of
domestic and international standards; and
``(E) improve and expand the scientific
understanding of civil aviation noise and pollutant
emissions and their impacts, as well as support the
development of improved modeling approaches and tools;
``(2) examine the use of novel technologies and other forms
of innovation to reduce noise, emissions, and fuel burn in
commercial aircraft; and
``(3) support collaboration with other Federal agencies,
industry stakeholders, research institutions, and other
relevant entities to accelerate the research, development,
testing, evaluation, and demonstration programs and facilitate
United States sustainability and competitiveness in aviation.
``(c) Grant Authority.--The Administrator shall carry out the work
of the Center through the use of grants or other measures, as
determined appropriate by the Administrator pursuant to section 44513,
including through interagency agreements and coordination with other
Federal agencies.
``(d) Participation.--
``(1) Participation of educational and research
institutions.--In carrying out the responsibilities described
in subsection (b), the Center shall include, as appropriate,
participation by--
``(A) institutions of higher education and research
institutions that--
``(i) have existing facilities for
research, development, and testing; and
``(ii) leverage private sector
partnerships;
``(B) other Federal agencies;
``(C) consortia with experience across the
alternative fuels supply chain, including with
research, feedstock development and production, small-
scale development, testing, and technology evaluation
related to the creation, processing, production, and
transportation of alternative aviation fuel; and
``(D) consortia with experience in innovative
technologies to reduce noise, emissions, and fuel burn
in commercial aircraft.
``(2) Use of nasa facilities.--The Center shall, in
consultation with the Administrator of NASA, consider using, on
a reimbursable basis, the existing and available capacity in
aeronautics research facilities at the Langley Research Center,
the NASA John H. Glenn Center at the Neil A. Armstrong Test
Facility, and other appropriate facilities of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 445 of such
title, as amended by section 817, is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 44519 the following:
``44520. Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and
Environment.''.
SEC. 1018. NEXT GENERATION RADIO ALTIMETERS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with the aviation and
commercial wireless industries, the National Telecommunications and
Information Administration, the Federal Communications Commission, and
other relevant government stakeholders, shall carry out an accelerated
research and development program to inform the development and testing
of the standards and technology necessary to ensure appropriate FAA
certification actions and industry production that meets the
installation requirements for next generation radio altimeters across
all necessary aircraft by January 1, 2028.
(b) Grant Program.--Subject to the availability of appropriations,
the Administrator may award grants for the purposes of research and
development, testing, and other activities necessary to ensure that
next generation radio altimeter technology is developed, tested,
certified, and installed on necessary aircraft by 2028, including
through public-private partnership grants (which shall include
protections for necessary intellectual property with respect to any
private sector entity testing, certifying, or producing next generation
radio altimeters under the program carried out under this section) with
industry to ensure the accelerated production and installation by
January 1, 2028.
(c) Review and Report.--Not later than 180 days after the enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees
of Congress and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of
the House of Representatives a report on the steps the Administrator
has taken as of the date on which such report is submitted and any
actions the Administrator plans to take, including as part of the
program carried out under this section, to ensure that next generation
radio altimeter technology is developed, tested, certified, and
installed by 2028.
(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to apply to efforts to retrofit the existing supply of
altimeters in place as of the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 1019. HYDROGEN AVIATION STRATEGY.
(a) FAA and Department of Energy Leadership on Using Hydrogen to
Propel Commercial Aircraft.--The Secretary, acting through the
Administrator and jointly with the Secretary of Energy, shall exercise
leadership in and shall conduct research and development activities
relating to enabling the safe use of hydrogen in civil aviation,
including the safe and efficient use and sourcing of hydrogen to propel
commercial aircraft.
(b) Research Strategy.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the
Administrator of NASA and other relevant Federal agencies, shall
complete the development of a research and development strategy on the
safe use of hydrogen in civil aviation.
(c) Considerations.--The strategy developed under subsection (b)
shall consider the following:
(1) The feasibility, opportunities, challenges, and
pathways toward the potential and safe uses of hydrogen in
civil aviation.
(2) The use of hydrogen in addition to electric propulsion
to propel commercial aircraft and any related operational
efficiencies.
(d) Exercise of Leadership.--The Secretary, the Administrator, and
the Secretary of Energy shall carry out the research activities
consistent with the strategy in subsection (b), and that may include
the following:
(1) Establishing positions and goals for the safe use of
hydrogen in civil aviation, including to propel commercial
aircraft.
(2) Understanding of the qualification of hydrogen aviation
fuel, the safe transition to such fuel for aircraft, the
advancement of certification efforts for such fuel, and risk
mitigation measures for the use of such fuel in aircraft
systems, including propulsion and storage systems.
(3) Through grant, contract, or interagency agreements,
carrying out research and development to understand the
contribution that the use of hydrogen would have on civil
aviation, including hydrogen as an input for conventional jet
fuel, hydrogen fuel cells as a source of electric propulsion,
sustainable aviation fuel, and power to liquids or synthetic
fuel, and researching ways of accelerating the introduction of
hydrogen-propelled aircraft.
(4) Reviewing grant eligibility requirements, loans, loan
guarantees, and other policies and requirements of the FAA and
the Department of Energy to identify ways to increase the safe
and efficient use of hydrogen in civil aviation.
(5) Considering the needs of the aerospace industry,
aviation suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport
sponsors, fixed base operators, and other stakeholders in
creating policies that enable the safe use of hydrogen in civil
aviation.
(6) Coordinating with NASA, and obtaining input from the
aerospace industry, aviation suppliers, hydrogen producers,
airlines, airport sponsors, fixed base operators, academia and
other stakeholders regarding--
(A) the safe and efficient use of hydrogen in civil
aviation, including--
(i) updating or modifying existing policies
on such use;
(ii) assessing barriers to, and benefits
of, the introduction of hydrogen in civil
aviation, including aircraft propelled by
hydrogen;
(iii) the operational differences between
aircraft propelled by hydrogen and aircraft
propelled with other types of fuels; and
(iv) public, economic, and noise benefits
of the operation of commercial aircraft
propelled by hydrogen and associated aerospace
industry activity; and
(B) other issues identified by the Secretary, the
Administrator, the Secretary of Energy, or the advisory
committee established under paragraph (7) that must be
addressed in order to enable the safe and efficient use
of hydrogen in civil aviation.
(7) Establish an advisory committee composed of
representatives of NASA, the aerospace industry, aviation
suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport sponsors,
fixed base operators, and other stakeholders to advise the
Secretary, the Administrator, and the Secretary of Energy on
the activities carried out under this subsection.
(e) International Leadership.--The Secretary, the Administrator,
and the Secretary of Energy, in the appropriate international forums,
shall take actions that--
(1) demonstrate global leadership in carrying out the
activities required by subsections (a) and (b);
(2) consider the needs of the aerospace industry, aviation
suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport sponsors,
fixed base operators, and other stakeholders identified under
subsection (b);
(3) consider the needs of fuel cell manufacturers; and
(4) seek to advance the competitiveness of the United
States in the safe use of hydrogen in civil aviation.
(f) Report to Congress.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Administrator
and jointly with the Secretary of Energy, shall submit to the covered
committees of Congress and the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report detailing--
(1) the actions of the Secretary, the Administrator, and
the Secretary of Energy to exercise leadership in conducting
research relating to the safe and efficient use of hydrogen in
civil aviation;
(2) the planned, proposed, and anticipated actions to
update or modify existing policies related to the safe and
efficient use of hydrogen in civil aviation, based on the
results of the research and development carried out under this
section, including such actions identified as a result of
consultation with, and feedback from, the aerospace industry,
aviation suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport
sponsors, fixed base operators, academia and other stakeholders
identified under subsection (b); and
(3) a proposed timeline for any such actions pursuant to
paragraph (2).
SEC. 1020. AVIATION FUEL SYSTEMS.
(a) Coordination.--The Secretary, in coordination with the
stakeholders identified in subsection (b), shall review, plan, and make
recommendations with respect to coordination and implementation issues
relating to aircraft powered by new aviation fuels or fuel systems,
including at a minimum, the following:
(1) Research and technical assistance related to the
development, certification, operation, and maintenance of
aircraft powered by new aviation fuels and fuel systems, along
with refueling and charging infrastructure and associated
technologies critical to their deployment.
(2) Data sharing with respect to the installation,
maintenance, and utilization of charging and refueling
infrastructure at airports.
(3) Development and deployment of training and
certification programs for the development, construction, and
maintenance of aircraft, related fuel systems, and charging and
refueling infrastructure.
(4) Any other issues that the Secretary, in consultation
with the Secretary of Energy, shall deem of interest related to
the validation and certification of new fuels for use or fuel
systems in aircraft.
(b) Consultation.--The Secretary shall consult with--
(1) the Department of Energy;
(2) NASA;
(3) the Department of the Air Force; and
(4) other Federal agencies, as determined by the Secretary.
(c) Prohibition on Duplication.--The Secretary shall ensure that
activities conducted under this section do not duplicate other Federal
programs or efforts.
(d) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be construed as
granting the Environmental Protection Agency additional authority to
establish alternative fuel emissions standards.
(e) Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall provide to the covered committees of
Congress a briefing on the results of the review of coordination
efforts conducted under this section.
SEC. 1021. AIR TRAFFIC SURVEILLANCE OVER UNITED STATES CONTROLLED
OCEANIC AIRSPACE AND OTHER REMOTE LOCATIONS.
(a) Persistent Aviation Surveillance Over Oceans and Remote
Locations.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the
Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of NASA and other
relevant Federal agencies, shall carry out research, development,
demonstration, and testing to enable civil aviation surveillance over
oceans and other remote locations to improve safety.
(b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of
Congress a report on the activities carried out under this section.
(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to duplicate existing efforts conducted by the Administrator,
in coordination with other Federal agencies.
SEC. 1022. AVIATION WEATHER TECHNOLOGY REVIEW.
(a) Review.--The Administrator, in consultation with the
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
shall conduct a review of current and planned research, modeling, and
technology capabilities that have the potential to--
(1) more accurately detect and predict weather impacts to
aviation;
(2) inform how advanced predictive models can enhance
aviation operations; and
(3) increase national airspace system safety and
efficiency.
(b) Consideration.--The review required under subsection (a) shall
include consideration of the unique impacts of weather on unmanned
aircraft systems (as defined in section 44801 of title 49, United
States Code) and advanced air mobility operations.
(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of
Congress a report containing the results of the review conducted under
subsection (a).
(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to duplicate existing efforts conducted by the Administrator,
in consultation with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
SEC. 1023. AIR TRAFFIC SURFACE OPERATIONS SAFETY.
(a) Research.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the
Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of NASA and other
appropriate Federal agencies, shall continue to carry out research and
development activities relating to technologies and operations to
enhance air traffic surface operations safety.
(b) Requirements.--In carrying out the research and development
under subsection (a) shall examine the following:
(1) Methods and technologies to enhance the safety and
efficiency of air traffic control operations related to air
traffic surface operations.
(2) Emerging technologies installed in aircraft cockpits to
enhance ground situational awareness, including enhancements to
the operational performance of runway traffic alerting and
runway landing safety technologies.
(3) Safety enhancements and adjustments to air traffic
surface operations to account for and enable safe operations of
advanced aviation technology.
(c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees
of Congress a report on the research and development activities carried
out under this section, including regarding the transition into
operational use of such activities.
SEC. 1024. TECHNOLOGY REVIEW OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MACHINE
LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES.
(a) Review.--The Administrator shall conduct a review of current
and planned artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies
to improve airport efficiency and safety.
(b) Considerations.--In conducting the review required under
subsection (a), the Administrator may consider--
(1) identifying best practices and lessons learned from
both domestic and international artificial intelligence and
machine learning technology applications to improve airport
operations; and
(2) coordinating with other relevant Federal agencies to
identify China's domestic application of artificial
intelligence and machine learning technologies relating to
airport operations.
(c) Summaries.--The review conducted under subsection (a) shall
include examination of the application of artificial intelligence and
machine learning technologies to the following:
(1) Jet bridges.
(2) Airport service vehicles on airport movement areas.
(3) Aircraft taxi.
(4) Air traffic control operations.
(5) Any other areas the Administrator determines necessary
to help improve airport efficiency and safety.
(d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of
Congress a report containing the results of the review conducted under
subsection (a).
SEC. 1025. RESEARCH PLAN FOR COMMERCIAL SUPERSONIC RESEARCH.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator
of NASA and industry, shall provide to the covered committees of
Congress a briefing on any plans to build on existing research and
development activities and identify any further research and
development needed to inform the development of Federal and
international policies, regulations, standards, and recommended
practices relating to the certification and safe and efficient
operation of civil supersonic aircraft and supersonic overland flight.
(b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to duplicate existing research and development efforts
conducted by the Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator
of NASA.
(c) Supersonic Defined.--In this section, the term ``supersonic''
means flights operating at speeds in excess of Mach 1 but less than
Mach 5.
SEC. 1026. ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
(a) In General.--The Administrator, in consultation with the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the
Federal Communications Commission, shall conduct research, engineering,
and development related to the effective and efficient use and
management of radio frequency spectrum in the civil aviation domain,
including for aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems, and advanced air
mobility.
(b) Contents.--The research, engineering, and development conducted
under subsection (a) shall, at a minimum, address the following:
(1) How reallocation or repurposing of radio frequency
spectrum adjacent to spectrum allocated for communication,
navigation, and surveillance may impact the safety of civil
aviation.
(2) The effectiveness of measures to identify risks,
protect, and mitigate against spectrum interference in
frequency bands used in civil aviation operations to ensure
public safety.
(3) The identification of any emerging civil aviation
systems and their anticipated spectrum requirements.
(4) The implications of paragraphs (1) through (3) on
existing civil aviation systems that use radio frequency
spectrum, including on the operational specifications of such
systems, as it relates to existing and to future radio
frequency spectrum requirements for civil aviation.
(c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of
Congress a report containing the results of the research, engineering,
and development conducted under subsection (a).
SEC. 1027. RESEARCH PLAN ON THE REMOTE TOWER PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered
committees of Congress a comprehensive plan for research, development,
testing, and evaluation needed to further mature remote tower
technologies and systems and related requirements and provide a
strategic roadmap to support deployment of such technologies.
(b) Considerations.--In developing the plan under subsection (a),
the Administrator shall consider--
(1) how remote tower systems could enhance certain air
traffic services, including providing additional air traffic
support to existing air traffic control tower operations and
providing air traffic support at airports without a manned air
traffic control tower;
(2) the validation and certification timeline and structure
of the FAA;
(3) existing remote tower technologies to the extent
possible to inform technology maturation and improvements;
(4) new and developing remote tower technologies and the
extent to which remote tower systems enable the introduction of
advanced technological capabilities; and
(5) collaborating with the exclusive bargaining
representative of air traffic controllers of the FAA certified
under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code.
(c) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to
limit or otherwise delay testing, validating, certifying, or deploying
remote tower technologies conducted under section 47124 title 49,
United States Code.
SEC. 1028. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TRAINING.
(a) Research.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the
Administrator shall carry out a research program to evaluate
opportunities to modernize, enhance, and streamline on-the-job training
and training time for individuals seeking to become certified
professional controllers of the FAA, as required by the Administrator.
(b) Requirements.--In carrying out the research program under
subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
(1) assess the benefits of deploying and using advanced
technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine
learning, adaptive computer-based simulation, virtual reality,
or augmented reality, or any other technology determined
appropriate by the Administrator, to enhance air traffic
controller knowledge retention and controller performance,
strengthen safety, and improve the effectiveness of training
time; and
(2) include collaboration with labor organizations,
including the exclusive bargaining representative of air
traffic controllers of the FAA certified under section 7111 of
title 5, United States Code, and other stakeholders.
(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of
Congress a report on the findings of the research under subsection (a).
(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to delay the installation of tower simulation systems by the
Administrator at FAA air traffic facilities across the national
airspace system.
SEC. 1029. REPORT ON AVIATION CYBERSECURITY DIRECTIVES.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered
committees of Congress a report on the status of the implementation by
the Administrator of the framework developed under section 2111 of the
FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-190; 49
U.S.C. 44903 note).
(b) Contents.--The report, at a minimum, shall include the
following:
(1) A description of the progress of the Administrator in
developing, implementing, and updating such framework.
(2) An overview of completed research and development
projects to date and a description of remaining research and
development activities prioritized for the most needed
improvements, with target dates, to safeguard the national
airspace system.
(3) An explanation for any delays or challenges in so
implementing such section.
SEC. 1030. TURBULENCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
(a) In General.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the
Administrator, in collaboration with the Administrator of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and in consultation with the
Administrator of NASA, shall carry out applied research and development
to--
(1) enhance the monitoring and understanding of severe
turbulence, including clear-air turbulence; and
(2) inform the development of measures to mitigate safety
impacts on crew and the flying public that may result from
severe turbulence.
(b) Research and Development Activities.--In carrying out the
research and development under subsection (a), the Administrator
shall--
(1) establish processes and procedures for comprehensive
and systematic data collection, through both instrumentation
and pilot reporting, of severe turbulence, including clear-air
turbulence;
(2) establish measures for storing and managing such data
collection;
(3) support measures for monitoring and characterizing
incidents of severe turbulence;
(4) consider relevant existing research and development
from other entities, including Federal departments and
agencies, academia, and the private sector; and
(5) carry out research and development--
(A) to understand the impacts of relevant factors
on the nature of turbulence, including severe
turbulence and clear-air turbulence;
(B) to enhance turbulence forecasts for flight
planning and execution, seasonal predictions for
schedule and route-planning, and long-term projections
of severe turbulence, including clear-air turbulence;
and
(C) on other subject matters areas related to
severe turbulence, as determined by the Administrator;
and
(6) support the effective transition of the results of
research and development to operations, in cases in which such
transition is appropriate.
(c) Duplicative Research and Development Activities.--The
Administrator shall ensure that research and development activities
under this section do not duplicate other Federal programs relating to
turbulence.
(d) Turbulence Data.--
(1) Commercial providers.--In carrying out the research and
development under subsection (a) and the activities described
in subsection (b), the Administrator may enter into agreements
with commercial providers for the following:
(A) The purchase of turbulence data.
(B) The placement on aircraft of instruments
relevant to understanding and monitoring turbulence.
(2) Data access.--The Administrator shall make the data
collected under subsection (b) widely available and accessible
to the scientific research, user, and stakeholder communities,
including the Administrator of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, to the greatest extent practicable
and in accordance with FAA data management policies.
(e) Report on Turbulence Research.--Not later than 15 months after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in collaboration
with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, shall submit to the covered committees of Congress a
report that--
(1) details the activities conducted under this section,
including how the requirements of subsection (b) have
contributed to the goals described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of
subsection (a);
(2) assesses the current state of scientific understanding
of the causes, occurrence rates, and past and projected future
trends in occurrence rates of severe turbulence, including
clear-air turbulence;
(3) describes the processes and procedures for collecting,
storing, and managing, data in pursuant to subsection (b);
(4) assesses--
(A) the use of commercial providers pursuant to
subsection (d)(1); and
(B) the need for any future Federal Government
collection or procurement of data and instruments
related to turbulence, including an assessment of
costs;
(5) describes how such data will be made available to the
scientific research, user, and stakeholder communities; and
(6) identifies future research and development needed to
inform the development of measures to predict and mitigate the
safety impacts that may result from severe turbulence,
including clear-air turbulence.
SEC. 1031. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION REGARDING COLLABORATIONS.
Nothing in this title may be construed as modifying or limiting
existing collaborations, or limiting potential engagement on future
collaborations, between the Administrator, stakeholders, and labor
organizations, including the exclusive bargaining representative of air
traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United
States Code, pertaining to FAA research, engineering, development,
demonstration, and testing activities.
SEC. 1032. LIMITATION.
(a) Prohibited Activities.--None of the funds authorized in this
title may be used to conduct research, develop, design, plan,
promulgate, implement, or execute a policy, program, order, or contract
of any kind with the Chinese Communist Party or any entity that is
domiciled in China or under the influence of China unless such
activities are specifically authorized by a law enacted after the date
of enactment of this Act.
(b) Exemption.--The Administrator is exempt from the prohibitions
under subsection (a) if the prohibited activities are executed for the
purposes of testing, research, evaluating, analyzing, or training
related to--
(1) counter-unmanned aircraft detection and mitigation
systems, including activities conducted--
(A) under the Center of Excellence for Unmanned
Aircraft Systems of the FAA; or
(B) by the 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, including activities carried
out by the Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems
of the FAA;
(4) in coordination with other relevant Federal agencies,
determining security threats of unmanned aircraft systems; and
(5) intelligence, electronic warfare, and information
warfare operations.
(c) Waivers.--
(1) Public interest determination.--The Administrator may
waive any prohibitions under subsection (a) on a case-by-case
basis if the Administrator determines that activities described
in subsection (a) are in the public interest.
(2) Notification.--If the Administrator provides a waiver
under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall notify the covered
committees of Congress in writing not later than 15 days after
exercising such waiver.
Subtitle B--Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Advanced Air Mobility
SEC. 1041. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle:
(1) Advanced air mobility.--The term ``advanced air
mobility'' means a transportation system that is comprised of
urban air mobility and regional air mobility using manned or
unmanned aircraft.
(2) Interagency working group.--The term ``interagency
working group'' means the advanced air mobility and unmanned
aircraft systems interagency working group of the National
Science and Technology Council established under section 1042.
(3) Labor organization.--The term ``labor organization''
has the meaning given the term in section 2(5) of the National
Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 152(5)), except that such term
shall also include--
(A) any organization composed of labor
organizations, such as a labor union federation or a
State or municipal labor body; and
(B) any organization which would be included in the
definition for such term under such section 2(5) but
for the fact that the organization represents--
(i) individuals employed by the United
States, any wholly owned Government
corporation, any Federal Reserve Bank, or any
State or political subdivision thereof;
(ii) individuals employed by persons
subject to the Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C. 151
et seq.); or
(iii) individuals employed as agricultural
laborers.
(4) National laboratory.--The term ``National Laboratory''
has the meaning given such term in section 2 of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).
(5) Technical standard.--The term ``technical standard''
has the meaning given such term in section 12(d)(5) of the
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15
U.S.C. 272 note).
(6) Unmanned aircraft system.--The term ``unmanned aircraft
system'' has the meaning given such term in section 44801 of
title 49, United States Code.
SEC. 1042. INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP.
(a) Designation.--
(1) In general.--The National Science and Technology
Council shall establish or designate an interagency working
group on advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems to
coordinate Federal research, development, deployment, testing,
and education activities to enable advanced air mobility and
unmanned aircraft systems.
(2) Membership.--The interagency working group shall be
comprised of senior representatives from NASA, the Department
of Transportation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, the National Science Foundation, the National
Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Homeland
Security, and such other Federal agencies as appropriate.
(b) Duties.--The interagency working group shall--
(1) develop a strategic research plan to guide Federal
research to enable advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft
systems and oversee implementation of the plan;
(2) oversee the development of--
(A) an assessment of the current state of United
States competitiveness and leadership in advanced air
mobility and unmanned aircraft systems, including the
scope and scale of United States investments in
relevant research and development; and
(B) strategies to strengthen and secure the
domestic supply chain for advanced air mobility systems
and unmanned aircraft systems;
(3) facilitate communication and outreach opportunities
with academia, industry, professional societies, State, local,
Tribal, and Federal governments, and other stakeholders;
(4) facilitate partnerships to leverage knowledge and
resources from industry, State, local, Tribal, and Federal
governments, National Laboratories, unmanned aircraft systems
test range (as defined in section 44801 of title 49, United
States Code), academic institutions, and others;
(5) coordinate with the advanced air mobility working group
established under section 2 of the Advanced Air Mobility
Coordination and Leadership Act (Public Law 117-203) and heads
of other Federal departments and agencies to avoid duplication
of research and other activities to ensure that the activities
carried out by the interagency working group are complementary
to those being undertaken by other interagency efforts; and
(6) coordinate with the National Security Council and other
authorized agency coordinating bodies on the assessment of
risks affecting the existing Federal unmanned aircraft systems
fleet and outlining potential steps to mitigate such risks.
(c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter until December 31,
2028, the interagency working group shall transmit to the covered
committees of Congress a report that includes a summary of federally
funded advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems research,
development, deployment, and testing activities, including the budget
for each of the activities described in this paragraph.
(d) Rule of Construction.--The interagency working group shall not
be construed to conflict with or duplicate the work of the interagency
working group established under the advanced air mobility working group
established by the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership
Act (Public Law 117-203).
SEC. 1043. STRATEGIC RESEARCH PLAN.
(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the interagency working group shall develop and
periodically update, as appropriate, a strategic plan for Federal
research, development, deployment, and testing of advanced air mobility
systems and unmanned aircraft systems.
(b) Considerations.--In developing the plan required under
subsection (a), the interagency working group shall consider and use--
(1) information, reports, and studies on advanced air
mobility and unmanned aircraft systems that have identified
research, development, deployment, and testing needed;
(2) information set forth in the national aviation research
plan developed under section 44501(c) of title 49, United
States Code; and
(3) recommendations made by the National Academies in the
review of the plan under subsection (d).
(c) Contents of the Plan.--In developing the plan required under
subsection (a), the interagency working group shall--
(1) determine and prioritize areas of advanced air mobility
and unmanned aircraft systems research, development,
demonstration, and testing requiring Federal Government
leadership and investment;
(2) establish, for the 10-year period beginning in the
calendar year the plan is submitted, the goals and priorities
for Federal research, development, and testing which will--
(A) support the development of advanced air
mobility technologies and the development of an
advanced air mobility research, innovation, and
manufacturing ecosystem;
(B) take into account sustained, consistent, and
coordinated support for advanced air mobility and
unmanned aircraft systems research, development, and
demonstration, including through grants, cooperative
agreements, testbeds, and testing facilities;
(C) apply lessons learned from unmanned aircraft
systems research, development, demonstration, and
testing to advanced air mobility systems;
(D) inform the development of voluntary consensus
technical standards and best practices for the
development and use of advanced air mobility and
unmanned aircraft systems;
(E) support education and training activities at
all levels to prepare the United States workforce to
use and interact with advanced air mobility systems and
unmanned aircraft systems;
(F) support partnerships to leverage knowledge and
resources from industry, State, local, Tribal, and
Federal governments, the National Laboratories, Center
of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research of
the FAA, unmanned aircraft systems test ranges (as
defined in section 44801 of title 49, United States
Code), academic institutions, labor organizations, and
others to advance research activities;
(G) leverage existing Federal investments; and
(H) promote hardware interoperability and open-
source systems;
(3) support research and other activities on the impacts of
advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems on national
security, safety, economic, legal, workforce, and other
appropriate societal issues;
(4) reduce barriers to transferring research findings,
capabilities, and new technologies related to advanced air
mobility and unmanned aircraft systems into operation for the
benefit of society and United States competitiveness;
(5) in consultation with the Council of Economic Advisers,
measure and track the contributions of unmanned aircraft
systems and advanced air mobility to United States economic
growth and other societal indicators; and
(6) identify relevant research and development programs and
make recommendations for the coordination of relevant
activities of the Federal agencies and set forth the role of
each Federal agency in implementing the plan.
(d) National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Evaluation.--The Administrator shall seek to enter into an agreement
with the National Academies to review the plan every 5 years.
(e) Public Participation.--In developing the plan under subsection
(a), the interagency working group shall consult with representatives
of stakeholder groups, which may include academia, research
institutions, and State, industry, and labor organizations. Not later
than 90 days before the plan, or any revision thereof, is submitted to
Congress, the plan shall be published in the Federal Register for a
public comment period of not less than 60 days.
(f) Reports to Congress on the Strategic Research Plan.--
(1) Progress report.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this Act, the interagency working group
described in section 1042 of this Act shall transmit to the
covered committees of Congress a report that describes the
progress in developing the plan required under this section.
(2) Initial report.--Not later than 2 years after the date
of enactment of this Act, the interagency working group shall
transmit to the covered committees of Congress the strategic
research plan developed under this section.
(3) Biennial report.--Not later than 1 year after the
transmission of the initial report under paragraph (2) and
every 2 years thereafter until December 31, 2033, the
interagency working group shall transmit to the covered
committees of Congress a report that includes an analysis of
the progress made towards achieving the goals and priorities
for the strategic research plan.
SEC. 1044. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM AND
ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
(a) In General.--Consistent with the research plan in section 1043,
the Administrator, in coordination with the Administrator of NASA and
other Federal agencies, shall carry out and support research,
development, testing, and demonstration activities and technology
transfer, and activities to facilitate the transition of such
technologies into application to enable advanced air mobility and
unmanned aircraft systems and to facilitate the safe integration of
advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems into the national
airspace system, in areas including--
(1) beyond visual-line-of-sight operations;
(2) command and control link technologies;
(3) development and integration of unmanned aircraft system
traffic management into the national airspace system;
(4) noise and other societal and environmental impacts;
(5) informing the development of an industry consensus
vehicle-to-vehicle standard;
(6) safety, including collisions between advanced air
mobility and unmanned aircraft systems of various sizes,
traveling at various speeds, and various other crewed aircraft
or various parts of other crewed aircraft of various sizes and
traveling at various speeds; and
(7) detect-and-avoid capabilities.
(b) Duplicative Research and Development Activities.--The
Administrator shall ensure that research and development and other
activities conducted under this section do not duplicate other Federal
activities related to the integration of unmanned aviation systems or
advanced air mobility.
(c) Lessons Learned.--The Administrator shall apply lessons learned
from unmanned aircraft systems research, development, demonstration,
and testing to advanced air mobility systems.
(d) Research on Approaches to Evaluating Risk.--The Administrator
shall conduct research on approaches to evaluating risk in emerging
vehicles, technologies, and operations for unmanned aircraft systems
and advanced air mobility systems. Such research shall include--
(1) defining quantitative metrics, including metrics that
may support the Administrator in making determinations, and
research to inform the development of requirements, as
practicable, for the operations of certain unmanned aircraft
systems, as described under section 44807 of title 49, United
States Code;
(2) developing risk-based processes and criteria to inform
the development of regulations and certification of complex
operations, to include autonomous beyond-visual-line-of-sight
operations, of unmanned aircraft systems of various sizes and
weights, and advanced air mobility systems; and
(3) considering the utility of performance standards to
make determinations under section 44807 of title 49, United
States Code.
(e) Report.--Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of
Congress a report on the actions taken by the Administrator to
implement provisions under this section that includes--
(1) a summary of the costs and results of research under
subsection (a)(6);
(2) a description of plans for and progress toward the
implementation of research and development under subsection
(d);
(3) a description of the progress of the FAA in using
research and development to inform FAA certification guidance
and regulations of--
(A) large unmanned aircraft systems, including
those weighing more than 55 pounds; and
(B) extended autonomous and remotely piloted
operations beyond visual line of sight in controlled
and uncontrolled airspace; and
(4) a current plan for full operational capability of
unmanned aircraft systems traffic management, as described in
section 376 the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C.
44802 note).
(f) Parallel Efforts.--
(1) In general.--Research and development activities under
this section may be conducted concurrently with the deployment
of technologies outlined in (a) and in carrying out the this
title and title IX.
(2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to delay appropriate actions to deploy the
technologies outlined in subsection (a), including the
deployment of beyond visual-line-of-sight operations of
unmanned aircraft systems, or delay the Administrator in
carrying out this title and title IX, or limit FAA use of
existing risk methodologies to make determinations pursuant to
section 44807 of title 49, United States Code, prior to
completion of relevant research and development activities.
(3) Practices and regulations.--The Administrator shall, to
the maximum extent practicable, use the results of research and
development activities conducted under this section to inform
decisions on whether and how to maintain or update existing
regulations and practices, or whether to establish new
practices or regulations.
SEC. 1045. PARTNERSHIPS FOR RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, DEMONSTRATION, AND
TESTING.
(a) Study.--The Administrator shall seek to enter into an
arrangement with the National Academy of Public Administration to
examine research, development, demonstration, and testing partnerships
of the FAA to advance unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air
mobility and to facilitate the safe integration of unmanned aircraft
systems into the national airspace system.
(b) Considerations.--The Administrator shall ensure that the entity
carrying out the study in subsection (a) shall--
(1) identify existing FAA partnerships with external
entities, including academia and Centers of Excellence,
industry, and nonprofit organizations, and the types of such
partnership arrangements;
(2) examine the partnerships in paragraph (1), including
the scope and areas of research, development, demonstration,
and testing carried out, and associated arrangements for
performing research and development activities;
(3) review the extent to which the FAA uses the results and
outcomes of each partnership to advance the research and
development in unmanned aircraft systems;
(4) identify additional research and development areas, if
any, that may benefit from partnership arrangements, and
whether such research and development would require new
partnerships;
(5) identify any duplication of ongoing or planned
research, development, demonstration, or testing activities;
(6) identify effective and appropriate means for
publication and dissemination of the results and sharing with
the public, commercial, and research communities related data
from such research, development, demonstration, and testing
conducted under such partnerships;
(7) identify effective mechanisms, either new or already
existing, to facilitate coordination, evaluation, and
information-sharing among and between such partnerships;
(8) identify effective and appropriate means for
facilitating technology transfer activities within such
partnerships;
(9) identify the extent to which such partnerships broaden
participation from groups historically underrepresented in
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, including
computer science and cybersecurity, and include participation
by industry, workforce, and labor organizations; and
(10) review options for funding models best suited for such
partnerships, which may include cost-sharing and public-private
partnership models with industry.
(c) Transmittal.--Not later than 12 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit to the covered
committees of Congress the study described in subsection (a).
TITLE XI--MISCELLANEOUS
SEC. 1101. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
(a) Title 49 Analysis.--The analysis for title 49, United States
Code, is amended by striking the item relating to subtitle IX and
inserting the following:
``IX. MULTIMODAL FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION..................... 70101''.
(b) Subtitle I Analysis.--The analysis for subtitle I of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to chapter
7.
(c) Subtitle VII Analysis.--The analysis for subtitle VII of title
49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to
chapter 448 and inserting the following:
``448. Unmanned Aircraft Systems............................ 44801''.
(d) Authority To Exempt.--Section 40109(b) of title 49, United
States Code, is amended by striking ``sections 40103(b)(1) and (2) of
this title'' and inserting ``paragraphs (1) and (2) of section
40103(b)''.
(e) Disposal of Property.--Section 40110(c)(4) of title 49, United
States Code, is amended by striking ``subsection (a)(2)'' and inserting
``subsection (a)(3)''.
(f) General Procurement Authority.--Section 40110(d)(3) of title
49, United States Code, is further amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B) by inserting ``, as in effect on
October 9, 1996'' after ``Policy Act'';
(2) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``the Office of Federal
Procurement Policy Act'' and inserting ``division B of subtitle
I of title 41''; and
(3) in subparagraph (D) by striking ``section
27(e)(3)(A)(iv) of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy
Act'' and inserting ``section 2105(c)(1)(D) of title 41''.
(g) Government-Financed Air Transportation.--Section 40118(g)(1) of
title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``detection and
reporting of potential human trafficking (as described in paragraphs
(9) and (10)'' and inserting ``detection and reporting of potential
severe forms of trafficking in persons and sex trafficking (as such
terms are defined in paragraphs (11) and (12)''.
(h) FAA Authority To Conduct Criminal History Record Checks.--
Section 40130(a)(1)(A) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``(42 U.S.C. 14616)'' and inserting ``(34 U.S.C. 40316)''.
(i) Submissions of Plans.--Section 41313(c)(16) of title 49, United
States Code, is amended by striking ``will consult'' and inserting
``the foreign air carrier shall consult''.
(j) Plans and Policy.--Section 44501(c) of title 49, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by striking ``40119,''; and
(2) in paragraph (3) by striking ``Subject to section
40119(b) of this title and regulations prescribed under section
40119(b),'' and inserting ``Subject to section 44912(d)(2) and
regulations prescribed under such section,''.
(k) Civil Penalty.--Section 44704(f) of title 49, United States
Code, is amended by striking ``subsection (a)(6)'' and inserting
``subsection (d)(3)''.
(l) Use and Limitation of Amounts.--Section 44508 of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by striking ``40119,'' each place it
appears.
(m) Structures Interfering With Air Commerce or National
Security.--Section 44718(h) of title 49, United States Code, is amended
to read as follows:
``(h) Definitions.--In this section, the terms `adverse impact on
military operations and readiness' and `unacceptable risk to the
national security of the United States' have the meaning given those
terms in section 183a(h) of title 10.''.
(n) Meteorological Services.--Section 44720(b)(2) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``the Administrator to persons'' and
inserting ``the Administrator, to persons''; and
(2) by striking ``the Administrator and to'' and inserting
``the Administrator, and to''.
(o) Aeronautical Charts.--Section 44721(c)(1) of title 49, United
States Code, is amended by striking ``1947,'' and inserting ``1947''.
(p) Flight Attendant Certification.--Section 44728(c) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by striking ``Regulation,'' and
inserting ``Regulations,''.
(q) Manual Surcharge.--The analysis for chapter 453 of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``45306. Manual surcharge.''.
(r) Schedule of Fees.--Section 45301(a) of title 49, United States
Code, is amended by striking ``The Administrator shall establish'' and
inserting ``The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration
shall establish''.
(s) Judicial Review.--Section 46110(a) of title 49, United States
Code, is amended by striking ``subsection (l) or (s) of section 114''
and inserting ``subsection (l) or (r) of section 114''.
(t) Civil Penalties.--Section 46301(a) of title 49, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in the heading for paragraph (6), by striking ``Failure
to collect airport security badges'' and inserting ``Failure to
collect airport security badges''; and
(2) in paragraph (7), by striking ``Penalties relating to
harm to passengers with disabilities'' in the paragraph heading
and inserting ``Penalties relating to harm to passengers with
disabilities''.
(u) Payments Under Project Grant Agreements.--Section 47111(e) of
title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``fee'' and
inserting ``charge''.
(v) Agreements for State and Local Operation of Airport
Facilities.--Section 47124(b)(1)(B)(ii) of title 49, United States
Code, is amended by striking the second period at the end.
(w) Use of Funds for Repairs for Runway Safety Repairs.--Section
47144(b)(4) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking
``(42 U.S.C. 4121 et seq.)'' and inserting ``(42 U.S.C. 5121 et
seq.)''.
(x) Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.--Section 49106 of
title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)(B) by striking ``and section 49108
of this title''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(6)(C) by inserting ``the'' before
``jurisdiction''.
(y) Separability and Effect of Judicial Order.--Section 49112(b) of
title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (1); and
(2) by striking ``(2) Any action'' and inserting ``Any
action''.
SEC. 1102. TRANSPORTATION OF ORGANS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator,
shall convene a working group (in this section referred to as the
``working group'') to assist in developing best practices for
transportation of an organ in the cabin of an aircraft operating under
part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and to identify
regulations that hinder such transportation, if applicable.
(b) Composition.--The working group shall be comprised of
representatives from the following:
(1) Air carriers operating under part 121 of title 14, Code
of Federal Regulations.
(2) Organ procurement organizations.
(3) Organ transplant hospitals.
(4) Flight attendants.
(5) Other relevant Federal agencies involved in organ
transportation or air travel.
(c) Considerations.--In establishing the best practices described
in subsection (a), the working group shall consider--
(1) a safe, standardized process for acceptance, handling,
management, and transportation of an organ in the cabin of such
aircraft; and
(2) protocols to ensure the safe and timely transport of an
organ in the cabin of such aircraft, including through
connecting flights.
(d) Recommendations.--Not later than 1 year after the convening of
the working group, such working group shall submit to the Secretary a
report containing recommendations for the best practices described in
subsection (a).
(e) Definition of Organ.--In this section, the term ``organ''--
(1) has the meaning given such term in section 121.2 of
title 42, Code of Federal Regulations; and
(2) includes--
(A) organ-related tissue;
(B) bone marrow; and
(C) human cells, tissues, or cellular or tissue-
based products (as such term is defined in section
1271.3(d) of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations).
SEC. 1103. ACCEPTANCE OF DIGITAL DRIVER'S LICENSE AND IDENTIFICATION
CARDS.
The Administrator shall take such actions as may be necessary to
accept, in any instance where an individual is required to submit
government-issued identification to the Administrator, a digital or
mobile driver's license or identification card issued to such
individual by a State.
SEC. 1104. QUASQUICENTENNIAL OF AVIATION.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) December 17, 2028, is the 125th anniversary of the
first successful manned, free, controlled, and sustained flight
by an aircraft.
(2) The first flight by Orville and Wilbur Wright in Kitty
Hawk, North Carolina, is a defining moment in the history of
the United States and the world.
(3) The Wright brothers' achievement is a testament to
their ingenuity, perseverance, and commitment to innovation,
which has inspired generations of aviators and scientists
alike.
(4) The advent of aviation and the air transportation
industry has fundamentally transformed the United States and
the world for the better.
(5) The 125th anniversary of the Wright brothers' first
flight is worthy of recognition and celebration to honor their
legacy and to inspire a new generation of Americans as aviation
reaches an inflection point of innovation and change.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the
Secretary, the Administrator, and the heads of other appropriate
Federal agencies should facilitate and participate in local, national,
and international observances and activities that commemorate and
celebrate the 125th anniversary of powered flight.
SEC. 1105. LIMITATIONS FOR CERTAIN CARGO AIRCRAFT.
(a) In General.--The standards adopted by the Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency in part 1030 of title 40, Code of
Federal Regulations, and the requirements in part 38 of title 14, Code
of Federal Regulations, that were finalized by the Administrator of the
FAA under the final rule titled ``Airplane Fuel Efficiency
Certification'', and published on February 16, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg.
12634) in part 38 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, shall not
apply to any covered airplane before the date that is 5 years after
January 1, 2028.
(b) Operational Limitation.--The Administrator shall limit to
domestic use or international operations, consistent with relevant
international agreements and standards, the operation of any covered
airplane that--
(1) does not meet the standards and requirements described
in subsection (a); and
(2) received an original certificate of airworthiness
issued by the Administrator on or after January 1, 2028.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered airplane.--The term ``covered airplane'' means
an airplane that--
(A) is a subsonic jet that is a purpose-built
freighter;
(B) has a maximum takeoff mass greater than 180,000
kilograms but not greater than 240,000 kilograms; and
(C) has a type design certificated prior to January
1, 2023.
(2) Purpose-built freighter.--The term ``purpose-built
freighter'' means any airplane that--
(A) was configured to carry cargo rather than
passengers prior to receiving an original certificate
of airworthiness; and
(B) is configured to carry cargo rather than
passengers.
SEC. 1106. PROHIBITION ON MANDATES.
(a) Prohibition on Mandates.--The Administrator may not require any
contractor to mandate that employees of such contractor obtain a COVID-
19 vaccine or enforce any condition regarding the COVID-19 vaccination
status of employees of a contractor.
(b) Prohibition on Implementation.--The Administrator may not
implement or enforce any requirement that--
(1) employees of air carriers be vaccinated against COVID-
19;
(2) employees of the FAA be vaccinated against COVID-19; or
(3) passengers of air carriers be vaccinated against COVID-
19 or wear a mask as a result of a COVID-19 related public
health measure.
SEC. 1107. COVID-19 VACCINATION STATUS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 417 of title 49, United States Code, is
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 41729. COVID-19 vaccination status
``(a) In General.--An air carrier (as such term is defined in
section 40102) may not deny service to any individual solely based on
the vaccination status of the individual with respect to COVID-19.
``(b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to apply to the regulation of intrastate travel,
transportation, or movement, including the intrastate transportation of
passengers.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 417 of title 49,
United States Code, is further amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 41728 the following:
``41729. COVID-19 vaccination status.''.
(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section, or the
amendment made by this section, shall be construed to permit or
otherwise authorize an executive agency to enact or otherwise impose a
COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
SEC. 1108. RULEMAKING RELATED TO OPERATING HIGH-SPEED FLIGHTS IN HIGH
ALTITUDE CLASS E AIRSPACE.
Not later than 2 years after the date on which the Administrator
identifies the minimum altitude pursuant to section 1011, the
Administrator shall publish in the Federal Register a notice of
proposed rulemaking to amend sections 91.817 and 91.818 of title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations, and such other regulations as appropriate,
to permit flight operations with speeds above Mach 1 at or above the
minimum altitude identified under section 1011 without specific
authorization, provided that such flight operations--
(1) show compliance with airworthiness requirements;
(2) do not produce appreciable sonic boom overpressures
that reach the surface under prevailing atmospheric conditions;
(3) have ordinary instrument flight rules clearances
necessary to operate in controlled airspace; and
(4) comply with applicable environmental requirements.
SEC. 1109. FAA LEADERSHIP IN HYDROGEN AVIATION.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall exercise leadership in the
development of Federal regulations, standards, best practices, and
guidance relating to the safe and efficient certification of the use of
hydrogen in civil aviation, including the certification of hydrogen-
powered commercial aircraft.
(b) Exercise of Leadership.--In carrying out subsection (a), the
Administrator shall--
(1) develop a viable path for the certification of the safe
use of hydrogen in civil aviation, including hydrogen-powered
aircraft, that considers existing frameworks, modifying an
existing framework, or developing new standards, best
practices, or guidance to complement the existing frameworks,
as appropriate;
(2) review certification regulations, guidance, and other
requirements of the FAA to identify ways to safely and
efficiently certify hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft;
(3) consider the needs of the aerospace industry, aviation
suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport sponsors,
fixed base operators, and other stakeholders when developing
regulations and standards that enable the safe certification
and deployment of the use of hydrogen in civil aviation,
including hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft, in the national
airspace system; and
(4) obtain the input of the aerospace industry, aviation
suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport sponsors,
fixed base operators, academia, research institutions, and
other stakeholders regarding--
(A) an appropriate regulatory framework and
timeline for permitting the safe and efficient use of
hydrogen in civil aviation, including the deployment
and operation of hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft
in the United States, which may include updating or
modifying existing regulations;
(B) how to accelerate the resolution of issues
related to data, standards development, and related
regulations necessary to facilitate the safe and
efficient certification of the use of hydrogen in civil
aviation, including hydrogen-powered commercial
aircraft; and
(C) other issues identified and determined
appropriate by the Administrator or the advisory
committee established under section 1019(d)(7) to be
addressed to enable the safe and efficient use of
hydrogen in civil aviation, including the deployment
and operation of hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft.
SEC. 1110. ADVANCING GLOBAL LEADERSHIP ON CIVIL SUPERSONIC AIRCRAFT.
Section 181 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101
note) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by striking ``regulations, and
standards'' and inserting ``regulations, standards, and
recommended practices''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(g) Additional Reports.--
``(1) Initial progress report.--Not later than 1 year after
the date of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report
describing--
``(A) the progress of the actions described in
subsection (d)(1);
``(B) any planned, proposed, or anticipated action
to update or modify existing policies and regulations
related to civil supersonic aircraft, including such
actions identified as a result of stakeholder
consultation and feedback (such as landing and takeoff
noise); and
``(C) any other information determined appropriate
by the Administrator.
``(2) Subsequent report.--Not later than 2 years after the
date on which the Administrator submits the initial progress
report under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall update the
report described in paragraph (1) and submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress such report.''.
SEC. 1111. LEARNING PERIOD.
Section 50905(c)(9) of title 51, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``May 11, 2024'' and inserting ``January 1, 2025''.
SEC. 1112. COUNTER-UAS AUTHORITIES.
Section 210G(i) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C.
124n(i)) is amended by striking ``May 11, 2024'' and inserting
``October 1, 2024''.
SEC. 1113. STUDY ON AIR CARGO OPERATIONS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study on the
economic sustainability of air cargo operations.
(b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under subsection
(a), the Comptroller General shall address the following:
(1) Airport and cargo development strategies, including the
pursuit of new air carriers and plans for physical expansion.
(2) Key historical statistics for passenger, cargo volumes,
including freight, express, and mail cargo, and operations,
including statistics distinguishing between passenger and
freight operations.
(3) A description of air cargo facilities, including the
age and condition of such facilities and the square footage and
configuration of the landside and airside infrastructure of
such facilities, and cargo buildings.
(4) The projected square footage deficit of the cargo
facilities and infrastructure described in paragraph (3).
(5) The projected requirements and square footage deficit
for air cargo support facilities.
(6) The general physical and operating issues and
constraints associated with air cargo operations.
(7) A description of delays in truck bays associated with
the infrastructure and critical landside issues, including
truck maneuvering and queuing and parking for employees and
customers.
(8) The estimated cost of developing new cargo facilities
and infrastructure, including the identification of percentages
for development with a return on investment and without a
return on investment.
(9) The projected leasing costs to tenants per square foot
with and without Federal funding of the non-return on
investment allocation.
(10) A description of customs and general staffing issues
associated with air cargo operations and the impacts of such
issues on service.
(11) An assessment of the impact, cost, and estimated cost
savings of using modern comprehensive communications and
technology systems in air cargo operations.
(12) A description of the impact of Federal regulations and
local enforcement of interdiction and facilitation policies on
throughput.
(c) Report.--The Comptroller General shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress the results of the study carried out
under this section.
SEC. 1114. WING-IN-GROUND-EFFECT CRAFT.
(a) Memorandum of Understanding.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 24 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator and the Commandant of
the Coast Guard shall execute a memorandum of understanding
governing the specific roles, authorities, delineations of
responsibilities, resources, and commitments of the FAA and the
Coast Guard, respectively, pertaining to wing-in-ground-effect
craft that are--
(A) only capable of operating either in water or in
ground effect over water; and
(B) operated exclusively over waters subject to the
jurisdiction of the United States.
(2) Contents.--The memorandum of understanding described in
paragraph (1) shall--
(A) cover, at a minimum, the processes of the FAA
and the Coast Guard will follow to promote
communications, efficiency, and nonduplication of
effort in carrying out such memorandum of
understanding; and
(B) provide procedures for, at a minimum--
(i) the approval of wing-in-ground-effect
craft designs;
(ii) the operation of wing-in-ground-effect
craft, including training and certification of
persons responsible for operating such craft;
(iii) pilotage of wing-in-ground-effect
craft;
(iv) the inspection, including pre-delivery
and service, of wing-in-ground-effect craft;
and
(v) the maintenance of wing-in-ground-
effect craft.
(b) Status Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator and the Commandant shall brief
the appropriate committees of Congress on the status of the memorandum
of understanding described in subsection (a) as well as provide any
recommendations for legislative action to improve efficacy or
efficiency of wing-in-ground-effect craft governance.
(c) Wing-in-ground-effect Craft Defined.--In this section, the term
``wing-in-ground-effect craft'' means a craft that is capable of
operating completely above the surface of the water on a dynamic air
cushion created by aerodynamic lift due to the ground effect between
the craft and the surface of the water.
SEC. 1115. CERTIFICATES OF AUTHORIZATION OR WAIVER.
(a) Required Coordination.--
(1) In general.--On an annual basis, the Administrator
shall convene a meeting with representatives of FAA-approved
air shows, the general aviation community, stadiums and other
large outdoor events and venues or organizations that run such
events, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department
of Justice--
(A) to identify scheduling conflicts between FAA-
approved air shows and large outdoor events and venues
where--
(i) flight restrictions will be imposed
pursuant to section 521 of division F of the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2004 (49
U.S.C. 40103 note); or
(ii) any other restriction will be imposed
pursuant to FAA Flight Data Center Notice to
Airmen 4/3621 (or any successor notice to
airmen); and
(B) in instances where a scheduling conflict
between events is identified or is found to be likely
to occur, develop appropriate operational and
communication procedures to ensure for the safety and
security of both events.
(2) Scheduling conflict.--If the Administrator or any other
stakeholder party to the required annual coordination required
in paragraph (1) identifies a scheduling conflict outside of
the annual meeting at any point prior to the scheduling
conflict, the Administrator shall work with impacted
stakeholders to develop appropriate operational and
communication procedures to ensure for the safety and security
of both events.
(b) Operational Purposes.--Section 521(a)(2)(B) of division F of
the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2004 (49 U.S.C. 40103 note) is
amended--
(1) in clause (ii) by inserting ``(or attendees approved
by)'' after ``guests of'';
(2) in clause (iv) by striking ``and'' at the end; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(vi) to permit the safe operation of an
aircraft that is operated by an airshow
performer in connection with an airshow,
provided such aircraft is not permitted to
operate directly over the stadium (or adjacent
parking facilities) during the sporting event;
and''.
SEC. 1116. DESIGNATION OF ADDITIONAL PORT OF ENTRY FOR THE IMPORTATION
AND EXPORTATION OF WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE PRODUCTS BY THE
UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE.
(a) In General.--Subject to the availability of funding and in
accordance with subsection (b), the Director of the United States Fish
and Wildlife Service shall designate 1 additional port as a ``port of
entry designated for the importation and exportation of wildlife and
wildlife products'' under section 14.12 of title 50, Code of Federal
Regulations.
(b) Criteria for Selecting Additional Designated Port.--The
Director shall select the additional port to be designated pursuant to
subsection (a) from among the United States airports that handled more
than 8,000,000,000 pounds of cargo during 2022, as reported by the
Federal Aviation Administration Air Carrier Activity Information
System, and based upon the analysis submitted to Congress by the
Director pursuant to the Wildlife Trafficking reporting directive under
title I of Senate Report 114-281.
(c) Authority to Accept Donations.--The Director may accept
donations from private entities and, notwithstanding section 3302 of
title 31, United States Code, may use those donations to fund the
designation of the additional port pursuant to subsection (a).
TITLE XII--NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD
SEC. 1201. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``National Transportation Safety
Board Amendments Act of 2024''.
SEC. 1202. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 1118(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read
as follows:
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Authorizations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated for purposes of this chapter--
``(A) $140,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
``(B) $145,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
``(C) $148,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
``(D) $151,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
``(E) $154,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.
``(2) Availability.--Amounts authorized under paragraph (1)
shall remain available until expended.''.
SEC. 1203. CLARIFICATION OF TREATMENT OF TERRITORIES.
Section 1101 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as
follows:
``Sec. 1101. Definitions
``(a) In General.--In this chapter:
``(1) Accident.--The term `accident' includes damage to or
destruction of vehicles in surface or air transportation or
pipelines, regardless of whether the initiating event is
accidental or otherwise.
``(2) State.--The term `State' means a State of the United
States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin
Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and
Guam.
``(b) Applicability of Other Definitions.--Section 2101(23) of
title 46 and section 40102(a) of this title shall apply to this
chapter.''.
SEC. 1204. ADDITIONAL WORKFORCE TRAINING.
(a) Training on Emerging Transportation Technologies.--Section
1113(b)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (I) by striking ``; and'' and inserting
a semicolon;
(2) in subparagraph (J) by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(K) notwithstanding section 3301 of title 41, acquire
training on emerging transportation technologies if such
training--
``(i) is required for an ongoing investigation; and
``(ii) meets the criteria under section
3304(a)(7)(A) of title 41.''.
(b) Additional Training Needs.--Section 1115(d) of title 49, United
States Code, is amended by inserting ``and in those subjects furthering
the personnel and workforce development needs set forth in the
strategic workforce plan of the Board as required under section
1113(h)'' after ``of accident investigation''.
SEC. 1205. OVERTIME ANNUAL REPORT TERMINATION.
Section 1113(g)(5) of title 49, United States Code, is repealed.
SEC. 1206. STRATEGIC WORKFORCE PLAN.
Section 1113 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(h) Strategic Workforce Plan.--
``(1) In general.--The Board shall develop a strategic
workforce plan that addresses the immediate and long-term
workforce needs of the Board with respect to carrying out the
authorities and duties of the Board under this chapter.
``(2) Aligning the workforce to strategic goals.--In
developing the strategic workforce plan under paragraph (1),
the Board shall take into consideration--
``(A) the current state and capabilities of the
Board, including a high-level review of mission
requirements, structure, workforce, and performance of
the Board;
``(B) the significant workforce trends, needs,
issues, and challenges with respect to the Board and
the transportation industry;
``(C) with respect to employees involved in
transportation safety work, the needs, issues, and
challenges, including accident severity and risk, posed
by each mode of transportation, and how the Board's
staffing for each transportation mode reflects these
aspects;
``(D) the workforce policies, strategies,
performance measures, and interventions to mitigate
succession risks that guide the workforce investment
decisions of the Board;
``(E) a workforce planning strategy that identifies
workforce needs, including the knowledge, skills, and
abilities needed to recruit and retain skilled
employees at the Board;
``(F) a workforce management strategy that is
aligned with the mission of the Board, including plans
for continuity of leadership and knowledge sharing;
``(G) an implementation system that addresses
workforce competency gaps, particularly in mission-
critical occupations; and
``(H) a system for analyzing and evaluating the
performance of the Board's workforce management
policies, programs, and activities.
``(3) Planning period.--The strategic workforce plan
developed under paragraph (1) shall address a 5-year forecast
period, but may include planning for longer periods based on
information about emerging technologies or safety trends in
transportation.
``(4) Plan updates.--The Board shall update the strategic
workforce plan developed under paragraph (1) not less than once
every 5 years.
``(5) Relationship to strategic plan.--The strategic
workforce plan developed under paragraph (1) may be developed
separately from, or incorporated into, the strategic plan
required under section 306 of title 5.
``(6) Availability.--The strategic workforce plan under
paragraph (1) and the strategic plan required under section 306
of title 5 shall be--
``(A) submitted to the Committee on Transportation
and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
of the Senate; and
``(B) made available to the public on a website of
the Board.''.
SEC. 1207. TRAVEL BUDGETS.
(a) In General.--Section 1113 of title 49, United States Code, is
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``(i) Non-accident-related Travel Budget.--
``(1) In general.--The Board shall establish annual fiscal
year budgets for non-accident-related travel expenditures for
each Board member.
``(2) Notification.--The Board shall notify the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate of any non-accident-related travel
budget overrun for any Board member not later than 30 days of
such overrun becoming known to the Board.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 9 of the National Transportation
Safety Board Amendments Act of 2000 (49 U.S.C. 1113 note) is repealed.
SEC. 1208. NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENT.
(a) In General.--Section 1114(b) of title 49, United States Code,
is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading by striking ``Trade Secrets''
and inserting ``Certain Confidential Information''; and
(2) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``The Board'' and inserting ``In
general.--The Board''; and
(B) by striking ``information related to a trade
secret referred to in section 1905 of title 18'' and
inserting ``confidential information described in
section 1905 of title 18, including trade secrets,''.
(b) Aviation Enforcement.--Section 1151 of title 49, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Notification to Congress.--If the Board or Attorney General
carry out such civil actions described in subsection (a) or (b) of this
section against an airman employed at the time of the accident or
incident by an air carrier operating under part 121 of title 14, Code
of Federal Regulations, the Board shall immediately notify the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate of such civil actions, including--
``(1) the labor union representing the airman involved, if
applicable;
``(2) the air carrier at which the airman is employed;
``(3) the docket information of the incident or accident in
which the airman was involved;
``(4) the date of such civil actions taken by the Board or
Attorney General; and
``(5) a description of why such civil actions were taken by
the Board or Attorney General.
``(e) Subsequent Notification to Congress.--Not later than 15 days
after the notification described in subsection (d), the Board shall
submit a report to or brief the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate describing the
status of compliance with the civil actions taken.''.
SEC. 1209. BOARD JUSTIFICATION OF CLOSED UNACCEPTABLE RECOMMENDATIONS.
Section 1116(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (6) as
paragraphs (4) through (7), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) a list of each recommendation made by the Board to
the Secretary of Transportation or the Commandant of the Coast
Guard that was closed in an unacceptable status in the
preceding 12 months, including--
``(A) any explanation the Board received from the
Secretary or Commandant; and
``(B) any explanation from the Board as to why the
recommendation was closed in an unacceptable status,
including a discussion of why alternate means, if any,
taken by the Secretary or Commandant to address the
Board's recommendation were inadequate;''.
SEC. 1210. MISCELLANEOUS INVESTIGATIVE AUTHORITIES.
(a) Highway Investigations.--Section 1131(a)(1)(B) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by striking ``selects in cooperation
with a State'' and inserting ``selects, concurrent with any State
investigation, in which case the Board and the relevant State agencies
shall coordinate to ensure both the Board and State agencies have
timely access to the information needed to conduct each such
investigation, including any criminal and enforcement activities
conducted by the relevant State agency''.
(b) Rail Investigations.--Section 1131(a)(1)(C) of title 49, United
States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``(C) a railroad--
``(i) accident in which there is a fatality or
substantial property damage, except--
``(I) a grade crossing accident or
incident, unless selected by the Board; or
``(II) an accident or incident involving a
trespasser, unless selected by the Board; or
``(ii) accident or incident that involves a
passenger train, except in any case in which such
accident or incident resulted in no fatalities or
serious injuries to the passengers or crewmembers of
such train, and--
``(I) was a grade crossing accident or
incident, unless selected by the Board; or
``(II) such accident or incident involved a
trespasser, unless selected by the Board;''.
SEC. 1211. PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF ACCIDENT REPORTS.
Section 1131(e) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``public at reasonable cost.'' and inserting the following:
``public--
``(1) in electronic form at no cost in a publicly
accessible database on a website of the Board; and
``(2) if the electronic form required in paragraph (1) is
not printable, in printed form upon a reasonable request at a
reasonable cost.''.
SEC. 1212. ENSURING ACCOUNTABILITY FOR TIMELINESS OF REPORTS.
Section 1131 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(f) Timeliness of Reports.--If any accident report under
subsection (e) is not completed within 2 years from the date of the
accident, the Board shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report
identifying such accident report and the reasons for which such report
has not been completed. The Board shall report progress toward
completion of the accident report to each such Committees every 90 days
thereafter, until such time as the accident report is completed.''.
SEC. 1213. ENSURING ACCESS TO DATA.
Section 1134 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(g) Recorders and Data.--In investigating an accident under this
chapter, the Board may require from a transportation operator or
equipment manufacturer or the vendors, suppliers, subsidiaries, or
parent companies of such manufacturer, or operator of a product or
service which is subject to an investigation by the Board--
``(1) any recorder or recorded information pertinent to the
accident;
``(2) without undue delay, information the Board determines
necessary to enable the Board to read and interpret any
recording device or recorded information pertinent to the
accident; and
``(3) design specifications or data related to the
operation and performance of the equipment the Board determines
necessary to enable the Board to perform independent physics-
based simulations and analyses of the accident situation.''.
SEC. 1214. PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS.
Section 1135(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``public at reasonable cost.'' and inserting the following:
``public--
``(1) in electronic form at no cost in a publicly
accessible database on a website of the Board; and
``(2) if the electronic form required in paragraph (1) is
not printable, in printed form upon a reasonable request at a
reasonable cost.''.
SEC. 1215. IMPROVING DELIVERY OF FAMILY ASSISTANCE.
(a) Aircraft Accidents.--Section 1136 of title 49, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in the heading by striking ``to families of passengers
involved in aircraft accidents'' and inserting ``to passengers
involved in aircraft accidents and families of such
passengers'';
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) by inserting ``within United States airspace or
airspace delegated to the United States'' after
``aircraft accident'';
(B) by striking ``National Transportation Safety
Board shall'' and inserting ``Board shall''; and
(C) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``emotional care and
support'' and inserting ``emotional care,
psychological care, and family support
services''; and
(ii) by striking ``the families of
passengers involved in the accident'' and
inserting ``passengers involved in the accident
and the families of such passengers'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
striking ``the families of passengers involved in the
accident'' and inserting ``passengers involved in the
accident and the families of such passengers'';
(B) in paragraph (1) by striking ``mental health
and counseling services'' and inserting ``emotional
care, psychological care, and family support
services'';
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by striking ``the families who have
traveled to the location of the accident'' and
inserting ``passengers involved in the accident
and the families of such passengers who have
traveled to the location of the accident'';
(ii) by inserting ``passengers and'' before
``affected families''; and
(iii) by striking ``periodically'' and
inserting ``regularly''; and
(D) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``passengers
and'' before ``families'';
(4) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
``(d) Passenger Lists.--
``(1) Requests for passenger lists by the director of
family services.--
``(A) Requests by director of family support
services.--It shall be the responsibility of the
director of family support services designated for an
accident under subsection (a)(1) to request, as soon as
practicable, from the air carrier or foreign air
carrier involved in the accident a passenger list,
which is based on the best available information at the
time of the request.
``(B) Use of information.--The director of family
support services may not release to any person
information on a list obtained under subparagraph (A),
except that the director may, to the extent the
director considers appropriate, provide information on
the list about a passenger to--
``(i) the family of the passenger; or
``(ii) a local, Tribal, State, or Federal
agency responsible for determining the
whereabouts or welfare of a passenger.
``(C) Limitation.--A local, Tribal, State, or
Federal agency may not release to any person any
information obtained under subparagraph (B)(ii), except
if given express authority from the director of family
support services.
``(D) Rule of construction.--Nothing in
subparagraph (C) shall be construed to preclude a
local, Tribal, State, or Federal agency from releasing
information that is lawfully obtained through other
means independent of releases made by the director of
family support services under subparagraph (B).
``(2) Requests for passenger lists by designated
organization.--
``(A) Requests by designated organization.--The
organization designated for an accident under
subsection (a)(2) may request from the air carrier or
foreign air carrier involved in the accident a
passenger list.
``(B) Use of information.--The designated
organization may not release to any person information
on a passenger list but may provide information on the
list about a passenger to the family of the passenger
to the extent the organization considers
appropriate.'';
(5) in subsection (g)(1) by striking ``the families of
passengers involved in the accident'' and inserting
``passengers involved in the accident and the families of such
passengers'';
(6) in subsection (g)(3)--
(A) in the paragraph heading by striking ``prevent
mental health and counseling'' and inserting ``prevent
certain care and support'';
(B) by striking ``providing mental health and
counseling services'' and inserting ``providing
emotional care, psychological care, and family support
services''; and
(C) by inserting ``passengers and'' before
``families'';
(7) in subsection (h)--
(A) by striking ``National Transportation Safety'';
and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Passenger list.--The term `passenger list' means a
list based on the best available information at the time of a
request, of the name of each passenger aboard the aircraft
involved in the accident.''; and
(8) in subsection (i) by striking ``the families of
passengers involved in an aircraft accident'' and inserting
``passengers involved in the aircraft accident and the families
of such passengers''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 11 of title 49,
United States Code, is further amended by striking the item relating to
section 1136 and inserting the following:
``1136. Assistance to passengers involved in aircraft accidents and
families of such passengers.''.
(c) Rail Accidents.--Section 1139 of title 49, United States Code,
is amended--
(1) in the heading by striking ``to families of passengers
involved in rail passenger accidents'' and inserting ``to
passengers involved in rail passenger accidents and families of
such passengers'';
(2) in subsection (a) by striking ``National Transportation
Safety Board shall'' and inserting ``Board shall'';
(3) in subsection (a)(2)--
(A) by striking ``emotional care and support'' and
inserting ``emotional care, psychological care, and
family support services''; and
(B) by striking ``the families of passengers
involved in the accident'' and inserting ``passengers
involved in the accident and the families of such
passengers'';
(4) in subsection (c)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by
striking ``the families of passengers involved in the
accident'' and inserting ``passengers involved in the
accident and the families of such passengers'';
(B) in paragraph (1) by striking ``mental health
and counseling services'' and inserting ``emotional
care, psychological care, and family support
services'';
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by striking ``the families who have
traveled to the location of the accident'' and
inserting ``passengers involved in the accident
and the families of such passengers who have
traveled to the location of the accident''; and
(ii) by inserting ``passengers and'' before
``affected families''; and
(D) in paragraph (4) by inserting ``passengers
and'' before ``families'';
(5) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
``(d) Passenger Lists.--
``(1) Requests for passenger lists by the director of
family services.--
``(A) Requests by director of family support
services.--It shall be the responsibility of the
director of family support services designated for an
accident under subsection (a)(1) to request, as soon as
practicable, from the rail passenger carrier involved
in the accident a passenger list, which is based on the
best available information at the time of the request.
``(B) Use of information.--The director of family
support services may not release to any person
information on a list obtained under subparagraph (A),
except that the director may, to the extent the
director considers appropriate, provide information on
the list about a passenger to--
``(i) the family of the passenger; or
``(ii) a local, Tribal, State, or Federal
agency responsible for determining the
whereabouts or welfare of a passenger.
``(C) Limitation.--A local, Tribal, State, or
Federal agency may not release to any person any
information obtained under subparagraph (B)(ii), except
if given express authority from the director of family
support services.
``(D) Rule of construction.--Nothing in
subparagraph (C) shall be construed to preclude a
local, Tribal, State, or Federal agency from releasing
information that is lawfully obtained through other
means independent of releases made by the director of
family support services under subparagraph (B).
``(2) Requests for passenger lists by designated
organization.--
``(A) Requests by designated organization.--The
organization designated for an accident under
subsection (a)(2) may request from the rail passenger
carrier involved in the accident a passenger list.
``(B) Use of information.--The designated
organization may not release to any person information
on a passenger list but may provide information on the
list about a passenger to the family of the passenger
to the extent the organization considers
appropriate.'';
(6) in subsection (g)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``the families of
passengers involved in the accident'' and inserting
``passengers involved in the accident and the families
of such passengers''; and
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in the paragraph heading by striking
``prevent mental health and counseling'' and
inserting ``prevent certain care and support'';
(ii) by striking ``providing mental health
and counseling services'' and inserting
``providing emotional care, psychological care,
and family support services''; and
(iii) by inserting ``passengers and''
before ``families''; and
(7) in subsection (h)--
(A) by striking ``National Transportation Safety'';
and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Passenger list.--The term `passenger list' means a
list based on the best available information at the time of the
request, of the name of each passenger aboard the rail
passenger carrier's train involved in the accident. A rail
passenger carrier shall use reasonable efforts, with respect to
its unreserved trains, and passengers not holding reservations
on its other trains, to ascertain the names of passengers
aboard a train involved in an accident.''.
(d) Plans To Address Needs of Families of Passengers Involved in
Rail Passenger Accidents.--Section 24316(a) of title 49, United States
Code, is amended by striking ``a major'' and inserting ``any''.
(e) Information for Families of Individuals Involved in
Accidents.--Section 1140 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in the heading by striking ``for families of
individuals involved in accidents'' and inserting ``individuals
involved in accidents and families of such individuals''; and
(2) by striking ``the families of individuals involved in
the accident'' and inserting ``individuals involved in
accidents and the families of such individuals''.
(f) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 11 of title 49,
United States Code, is further amended by striking the item relating to
section 1139 and inserting the following:
``1139. Assistance to passengers involved in rail passenger accidents
and families of such passengers.''.
SEC. 1216. UPDATING CIVIL PENALTY AUTHORITY.
(a) In General.--Section 1155 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in the heading by striking ``Aviation penalties'' and
inserting ``Penalties''; and
(2) in subsection (a), by striking ``or section 1136(g)
(related to an aircraft accident)'' and inserting ``section
1136(g), or section 1139(g)''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 11 of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section
1155 and inserting the following:
``1155. Penalties.''.
SEC. 1217. ELECTRONIC AVAILABILITY OF PUBLIC DOCKET RECORDS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 24 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the National Transportation Safety Board shall
make all records included in the public docket of an accident or
incident investigation conducted by the Board (or the public docket of
a study, report, or other product issued by the Board) electronically
available in a publicly accessible database on a website of the Board,
regardless of the date on which such public docket or record was
created.
(b) Database.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Board may
utilize the multimodal accident database management system established
pursuant to section 1108 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49
U.S.C. 1119 note) or such other publicly available database as the
Board determines appropriate.
(c) Briefings.--The Board shall provide the appropriate committees
of Congress an annual briefing on the implementation of this section
until requirements of subsection (a) are fulfilled. Such briefings
shall include--
(1) the number of public dockets that have been made
electronically available pursuant to this section; and
(2) the number of public dockets that were unable to be
made electronically available, including all reasons for such
inability.
(d) Definitions.--In this section, the terms ``public docket'' and
``record'' have the same meanings given such terms in section 801.3 of
title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 1218. DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE.
Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act,
the National Transportation Safety Board shall implement a drug testing
program applicable to Board employees, including employees in safety or
security sensitive positions, in accordance with Executive Order No.
12564 (51 Fed. Reg. 32889).
SEC. 1219. ACCESSIBILITY IN WORKPLACE.
(a) In General.--Not later than 12 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the National Transportation Safety Board shall
conduct an assessment of the headquarters and regional offices of the
Board to determine barriers to accessibility to facilities.
(b) Contents.--In conducting the assessment under subsection (a),
the Board shall consider compliance with--
(1) the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151
et seq.) and the corresponding accessibility guidelines
established under part 1191 of title 36, Code of Federal
Regulations; and
(2) the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.
12101 et seq.).
SEC. 1220. MOST WANTED LIST.
(a) Reporting Requirements.--Section 1135 of title 49, United
States Code, is amended by striking subsection (e).
(b) Report on Most Wanted List Methodology.--Section 1106 of the
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254) and the item
relating to such section in the table of contents under section 1(b) of
such Act are repealed.
SEC. 1221. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
(a) Evaluation and Audit of National Transportation Safety Board.--
Section 1138(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking
``expenditures of the National Transportation Safety'' and inserting
``expenditures of the''.
(b) Organization and Administrative.--The analysis for chapter 11
of title 49, United States Code, is further amended--
(1) by striking the items relating to sections 117 and
1117; and
(2) by inserting after the item relating to section 1116
the following:
``1117. Methodology.''.
(c) Surface Transportation Board.--The analysis for subtitle II of
title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item
relating to chapter 11 the following:
``13. Surface Transportation Board.......................... 1301''.
SEC. 1222. AIR SAFETY INVESTIGATORS.
(a) Removal of FAA Medical Certificate Requirement.--Not later than
60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the
Office of Personnel Management, in consultation with the Administrator
and the Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, shall
take such actions as may be necessary to revise the eligibility
requirements for the Air Safety Investigating Series 1815 occupational
series (and any similar occupational series relating to transportation
accident investigating) to remove any requirement that an individual
hold a current medical certificate issued by the Administrator.
(b) Updates to Other Requirements.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director, in coordination with the
Administrator and Chairman, shall take such actions as may be
necessary to update and revise experiential, educational, and
other eligibility requirements for the Air Safety Investigating
Series 1815 occupational series (and any similar occupational
series relating to transportation accident investigating).
(2) Considerations.--In updating the requirements under
paragraph (1), the Director shall consider--
(A) the direct relationship between any requirement
and the duties expected to be performed by the
position;
(B) changes in the skills and tools necessary to
perform transportation accident investigations; and
(C) such other considerations as the Director,
Administrator, or Chairman determines appropriate.
SEC. 1223. REVIEW OF NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD PROCUREMENTS.
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Comptroller General shall, pursuant to section 1138 of title 49,
United States Code, submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a
report regarding the procurement and contracting planning, practices,
and policies of the National Transportation Safety Board, including
such planning, practices, and policies regarding sole-source contracts.
TITLE XIII--REVENUE PROVISIONS
SEC. 1301. EXPENDITURE AUTHORITY FROM AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND.
(a) In General.--Section 9502(d)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking
``May 11, 2024'' and inserting ``October 1, 2028''; and
(2) in subparagraph (A) by striking the semicolon at the
end and inserting ``or the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024;''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 9502(e)(2) of such Code is
amended by striking ``May 11, 2024'' and inserting ``October 1, 2028''.
SEC. 1302. EXTENSION OF TAXES FUNDING AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND.
(a) Fuel Taxes.--Section 4081(d)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and inserting
``September 30, 2028''.
(b) Ticket Taxes.--
(1) Persons.--Section 4261(k)(1)(A)(ii) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024''
and inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
(2) Property.--Section 4271(d)(1)(A)(ii) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024''
and inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
(c) Fractional Ownership Programs.--
(1) Fuel tax.--Section 4043(d) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and inserting
``September 30, 2028''.
(2) Treatment as noncommercial aviation.--Section 4083(b)
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking
``May 11, 2024'' and inserting ``October 1, 2028''.
(3) Exemption from ticket tax.--Section 4261(j) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``May 10,
2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
Attest:
Secretary.
118th CONGRESS
2d Session
H.R. 3935
_______________________________________________________________________
AMENDMENT