138 STAT. 1025 PUBLIC LAW 118–63—MAY 16, 2024 Public Law 118–63 118th Congress 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 Reauthor- ization 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 In- vestigations. 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. 40 USC 40101 note. FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. May 16, 2024 [H.R. 3935] VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:29 Nov 23, 2024 Jkt 059139 PO 00063 Frm 00001 Fmt 6580 Sfmt 6582 E:\PUBLAW\PUBL063.118 PUBL063 kcroghan on LAP5R21GR3PROD with PUBLAWS 138 STAT. 1026 PUBLIC LAW 118–63—MAY 16, 2024 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 infrastruc- ture. 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 re- stricted 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 Pro- gram. 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. VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:29 Nov 23, 2024 Jkt 059139 PO 00063 Frm 00002 Fmt 6580 Sfmt 6582 E:\PUBLAW\PUBL063.118 PUBL063 kcroghan on LAP5R21GR3PROD with PUBLAWS 138 STAT. 1027 PUBLIC LAW 118–63—MAY 16, 2024 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 cer- tificate. 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 Ad- ministration 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 prac- tices. 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. VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:29 Nov 23, 2024 Jkt 059139 PO 00063 Frm 00003 Fmt 6580 Sfmt 6582 E:\PUBLAW\PUBL063.118 PUBL063 kcroghan on LAP5R21GR3PROD with PUBLAWS 138 STAT. 1028 PUBLIC LAW 118–63—MAY 16, 2024 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 wheel- chairs. 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 pro- gram. 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. VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:29 Nov 23, 2024 Jkt 059139 PO 00063 Frm 00004 Fmt 6580 Sfmt 6582 E:\PUBLAW\PUBL063.118 PUBL063 kcroghan on LAP5R21GR3PROD with PUBLAWS 138 STAT. 1029 PUBLIC LAW 118–63—MAY 16, 2024 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 [Text truncated for display. Full text available on Congress.gov.]