FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024

II Calendar No. 335 118TH CONGRESS 2D SESSION S. 1939 To amend title 49, United States Code, to authorize appropriations for the Federal Aviation Administration for fiscal years 2024 through 2028, and for other purposes. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES JUNE 13, 2023 Ms. CANTWELL (for herself, Mr. CRUZ, Ms. DUCKWORTH, and Mr. MORAN) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation FEBRUARY 29, 2024 Reported by Ms. CANTWELL, with an amendment [Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic] A BILL To amend title 49, United States Code, to authorize appro- priations for the Federal Aviation Administration for fiscal years 2024 through 2028, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa- 1 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 2 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. 3 (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as the 4 ‘‘FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023’’. 5 VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:18 Mar 01, 2024 Jkt 049200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6401 E:\BILLS\S1939.RS S1939 ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS 2 •S 1939 RS (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents for 1 this Act is as follows: 2 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. FAA operations. Sec. 104. Extension of expiring authorities. Sec. 105. Authority to subpoena physical evidence. Sec. 106. Research, engineering, and development. Sec. 107. Effective date. TITLE II—FAA OVERSIGHT AND ORGANIZATION Subtitle A—Organization Sec. 201. Future of NextGen. Sec. 202. Airspace Innovation Office. Sec. 203. Commercial Software Options for Improving ASIAS Analytics. Sec. 204. Authority to use electronic service. Subtitle B—Regulatory Reform Sec. 211. Safety and efficiency through digitization of FAA systems. Sec. 212. Report elimination or modification. Sec. 213. Internal regulatory process review. Sec. 214. Review and Updates of Categorical Exclusions. TITLE III—SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS Sec. 301. Independent Study on future state of type certification processes. Sec. 302. Report on international validation program performance. Sec. 303. High risk flight testing. Sec. 304. Recording devices. Sec. 305. Helicopter safety. Sec. 306. Review and incorporation of human readiness levels into agency guid- ance material. Sec. 307. Service difficulty reports. Sec. 308. Accountability and compliance. Sec. 309. Accountability for aircraft registration numbers. Sec. 310. Aircraft registration. Sec. 311. FAA oversight of repair stations located outside the United States. Sec. 312. Alcohol and drug testing and background checks. Sec. 313. Continuous aircraft tracking and transmission for high altitude bal- loons. Sec. 314. International engagement. Sec. 315. Air tour and sport parachuting safety. Sec. 316. International aviation safety assessment program. Sec. 317. Changed product rule reform. Sec. 318. Development of low-cost voluntary ADS-B. Sec. 319. Public aircraft flight time logging eligibility. VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:18 Mar 01, 2024 Jkt 049200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6411 E:\BILLS\S1939.RS S1939 ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS 3 •S 1939 RS Sec. 320. Safety management systems. Sec. 321. Aviation safety information analysis and sharing program. Sec. 322. Consistent and timely pilot checks for air carriers. Sec. 323. Enhancing processes for authorizing aircraft for service in commuter and on demand operations. Sec. 324. Tower marking compliance. Sec. 325. Administrative authority for civil penalties. Sec. 326. Civil penalties for whistleblower protection program violations. Sec. 327. Flight service stations. Sec. 328. Technical assistance agreements. Sec. 329. Restoration of authority. Sec. 330. Tarmac operations monitoring study. Sec. 331. GAO report on cybersecurity of commercial aviation avionics. Sec. 332. Securing aircraft avionics systems. Sec. 333. Maintenance data availability. Sec. 334. Study on airworthiness standards compliance. Sec. 335. Fire protection standards. Sec. 336. Cabin air safety. Sec. 337. Airport air safety. Sec. 338. Aircraft interchange agreement limitations. Sec. 339. Wildfire suppression. Sec. 340. Study on impacts of temperature in aircraft cabins. Sec. 341. Part 135 pilot supplemental oxygen requirement. Sec. 342. Crewmember pumping guidance. Sec. 343. Reauthorization of certain provisions of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act. TITLE IV—MODERNIZING THE NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM Sec. 401. NextGen accountability task force. Sec. 402. Use of advanced surveillance in oceanic airspace. Sec. 403. GPS monitoring pilot program. Sec. 404. Runway safety technologies. Sec. 405. Flight profile optimization. Sec. 406. Stars remote surveillance displays. Sec. 407. Audit of legacy systems. Sec. 408. Aeronautical mobile communications services. Sec. 409. Low altitude routes for vertical flight. Sec. 410. ADS-B out equipage study; Vehicle-to-Vehicle link program. Sec. 411. Extension of enhanced air traffic services pilot program. Sec. 412. NextGen equipage plan. Sec. 413. Performance based navigation report and utilization plan. Sec. 414. Air traffic control facility realignment study. TITLE V—AVIATION WORKFORCE Subtitle A—Civil Aviation Workforce Sec. 501. Aviation workforce development grants. Sec. 502. Women in Aviation Advisory Committee. Sec. 503. Study of high school aviation maintenance training programs. Sec. 504. Military aviation maintenance technicians rule. Sec. 505. Prohibition of remote dispatching. Sec. 506. Employee assault prevention and response plan standards and best practices. Sec. 507. Crewmember self-defense training. VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:18 Mar 01, 2024 Jkt 049200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6411 E:\BILLS\S1939.RS S1939 ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS 4 •S 1939 RS Sec. 508. Improving apron safety. Sec. 509. Aviation Medical Innovation and Modernization Working Group. Sec. 510. Airman Certification Standards. Subtitle B—FAA Workforce Sec. 521. Air traffic control staffing standards. Sec. 522. FAA Workforce review audit. Sec. 523. Direct hire authority utilization. Sec. 524. Staffing model for aviation safety inspectors. Sec. 525. Safety critical staffing. Sec. 526. Instrument landing system installation. Sec. 527. Aviation Certification Fellowship Program. Sec. 528. Contract Tower Program air traffic controller training programs. Sec. 529. Review of FAA and industry cooperative familiarization programs. Sec. 530. Improved access to air traffic control simulation training. Sec. 531. Air Traffic Controller Instructor Pipeline. Sec. 532. Ensuring hiring of air traffic control specialists is based on assess- ment of job-relevant aptitudes. Sec. 533. Federal aviation administration academy and facility expansion plan. TITLE VI—MODERNIZING AIRPORT SYSTEMS Sec. 601. AIP eligibility amendments. Sec. 602. Revised minimum apportionments. Sec. 603. Apportionments for transitioning airports. Sec. 604. Updating United States Government’s share of project costs. Sec. 605. Primary airport designation. Sec. 606. Discretionary fund for terminal development costs. Sec. 607. Alternative-delivery and advance-construction methods pilot program. Sec. 608. Integrated project delivery. Sec. 609. Airport investment partnership program. Sec. 610. Airport accessibility. Sec. 611. General aviation public-private partnership program. Sec. 612. Runway rehabilitation. Sec. 613. Extension of provision relating to airport access roads in remote loca- tions. Sec. 614. Procurement regulations applicable to FAA multimodal projects. Sec. 615. Solar powered taxiway edge lighting systems. Sec. 616. Additional ground based transmitters. Sec. 617. Automated weather observing systems maintenance improvements. Sec. 618. Contract Tower Program. Sec. 619. Remote towers. Sec. 620. Grant assurances. Sec. 621. Civil penalties for grant assurances violations. Sec. 622. Community use of airport land. Sec. 623. Buckeye 940 release of deed restrictions. Sec. 624. Clarifying airport revenue use of local general sales taxes. Sec. 625. AIP handbook review. Sec. 626. PFAS-related resources for airports. Sec. 627. Progress reports on the national transition plan related to a fluorine- free firefighting foam. Sec. 628. Review of airport layout plans. Sec. 629. NEPA purpose and need statements. Sec. 630. Passenger facility charge streamlining. Sec. 631. Use of passenger facility charges for noise barriers. VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:18 Mar 01, 2024 Jkt 049200 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6411 E:\BILLS\S1939.RS S1939 ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS 5 •S 1939 RS Sec. 632. Automated weather observing systems policy. Sec. 633. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act implementation. Sec. 634. Report on airport notifications. Sec. 635. Coastal airports resiliency study. Sec. 636. Survey of power distribution capacity. Sec. 637. Study on competition and airport access. Sec. 638. Regional airport capacity study. Sec. 639. Study on autonomous and electric-powered track systems. Sec. 640. Special rule for reclassification of certain unclassified airports. Sec. 641. General aviation airport runway extension pilot program. TITLE VII—AIR SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS Subtitle A—Consumer Enhancements Sec. 701. Advisory committee for aviation consumer protection. Sec. 702. Unrealistic or deceptive scheduling. Sec. 703. Refunds. Sec. 704. Airline passenger rights transparency act. Sec. 705. Disclosure of ancillary fees. Sec. 706. Access to customer service assistance for all travelers. Sec. 707. Frequent flyer programs and vouchers. Sec. 708. Airline customer service dashboards. Sec. 709. Annual briefings on disruptions of passenger air transportation and periods of mass cancellations of scheduled flights. Sec. 710. Enhancing child safety. Sec. 711. Codification of consumer protection provisions. Sec. 712. GAO study on competition and consolidation in the air carrier indus- try. Sec. 713. GAO study and report on the operational preparedness of air carriers for preparing for changing weather and other events related to changing conditions and natural hazards. Sec. 714. Increase in civil penalties. Sec. 715. Family seating. Sec. 716. Establishment of Office of Aviation Consumer Protection. Subtitle B—Accessibility Sec. 731. Extension of the advisory committee on the air travel needs of pas- sengers with disabilities. Sec. 732. Modernization and improvements to aircraft evacuation. Sec. 733. Improved training standards for assisting passengers who use wheel- chairs. Sec. 734. Training standards for stowage of wheelchairs and scooters. Sec. 735. Mobility Aids On Board Improve Lives and Empower All Act. Sec. 736. Prioritizing Accountability and Accessibility for Aviation Consumers Act of 2023. Sec. 737. Transportation of organs. Sec. 738. Access and Dignity for All People who Travel Act. Sec. 739. Equal Accessibility to Passenger Portals Act. Sec. 740. Store On-board Wheelchairs in Cabin Act. Subtitle C—Air Service Development Sec. 741. Essential air service. Sec. 742. Small community air service development grants. VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:18 Mar 01, 2024 Jkt 049200 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6411 E:\BILLS\S1939.RS S1939 ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS 6 •S 1939 RS Sec. 743. GAO study and report on the alternate Essential Air Service pro- gram. TITLE VIII—NEW ENTRANTS Subtitle A—Unmanned Aircraft Systems Sec. 801. Office of Advanced Aviation Technology and Innovation. Sec. 802. Advanced Aviation Technology and Innovation Steering Committee. Sec. 803. Beyond visual line of sight operations for unmanned aircraft systems. Sec. 804. Extending special authority for certain unmanned aircraft systems. Sec. 805. Environmental Review and Noise Certification. Sec. 806. UTM implementation. Sec. 807. Operations over the high seas. Sec. 808. Extension of the BEYOND program. Sec. 809. Extension of the Know Before You Fly campaign. Sec. 810. Unmanned aircraft system data exchange. Sec. 811. Unmanned aircraft system detection and mitigation enforcement au- thority. Sec. 812. Recreational operations of drone systems. Sec. 813. UAS test ranges. Sec. 814. Authority regarding protection of certain facilities and assets from unmanned aircraft. Sec. 815. Airport safety and airspace hazard mitigation and enforcement. Sec. 816. Special authority for transport of hazardous materials by commercial package delivery unmanned aircraft systems. Subtitle B—Advanced Air Mobility Sec. 821. Sense of Congress on FAA leadership. Sec. 822. Aviation Rulemaking Committee on certification of powered-lift air- craft. Sec. 823. Application of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) categor- ical exclusions for vertiport projects. Sec. 824. Advanced Air Mobility Working Group amendments. Sec. 825. Rules for operation of powered-lift aircraft. Sec. 826. International coordination on powered-lift aircraft. Sec. 827. Advanced air mobility propulsion systems aviation rulemaking com- mittee. TITLE IX—RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATIVE AVIATION TECHNOLOGIES Sec. 901. Advanced materials center of excellence enhancements. Sec. 902. Center of excellence for unmanned aircraft systems. Sec. 903. ASSUREd safe credentialing authority. Sec. 904. FAA and NASA advanced aviation technologies pilot program. Sec. 905. Advancing global leadership on civil supersonic aircraft. Sec. 906. CLEEN engine and airframe technology partnership. Sec. 907. Hypersonic flight testing. Sec. 908. Hypersonic pathway to integration study. Sec. 909. Operating high-speed flights in high altitude Class E airspace. Sec. 910. Electric propulsion aircraft operations study. Sec. 911. Contract weather observers program. Sec. 912. Airfield pavement technology program. Sec. 913. National aviation research plan modification. Sec. 914. FAA and NASA research and development coordination review. VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:18 Mar 01, 2024 Jkt 049200 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6411 E:\BILLS\S1939.RS S1939 ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS 7 •S 1939 RS Sec. 915. Research and development of FAA’s aeronautical information systems modernization activities. Sec. 916. Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment. Sec. 917. Aircraft Noise Advisory Committee. TITLE X—MISCELLANEOUS Sec. 1001. Noise mitigation. TITLE XI—TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS Sec. 1101. Technical corrections. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. 1 In this Act: 2 (1) ADMINISTRATOR.—Unless otherwise speci- 3 fied, the term ‘‘Administrator’’ means the Adminis- 4 trator of the Federal Aviation [Text truncated for display. Full text available on Congress.gov.]