[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3935 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]
H.R.3935
One Hundred Eighteenth Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE SECOND SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Wednesday,
the third day of January, two thousand and twenty-four
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.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
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''.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.