CHAPTER 447—SAFETY REGULATION

        

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §§302(a)(3), 342(f), 352(b), 369(c), title IV, §420(b)(2), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1069, 1101, 1112, 1139, 1165, added items 44733 and 44745 to 44748 and struck out former item 44733 "Inspection of repair stations located outside the United States".

2022—Pub. L. 117–328, div. O, title V, §501(e), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5231, added item 44744.

2020—Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §§107(d)(2), 119(b), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2326, 2339, added items 44740 to 44743 and struck out second item 44737 "Special rule for certain aircraft operations".

2018—Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title II, §212(b), title III, §317(b), title IV, §§408(b), 417(b), title V, §581(b)(2), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3249, 3269, 3330, 3334, 3398, added item 44736, two items 44737, and items 44738 and 44739.

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title III, §341(a)(4)(B), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2081, substituted "Structures interfering with air commerce or national security" for "Structures interfering with air commerce" in item 44718.

2012—Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §§303(c)(2), 306(c), 307(c), 308(b), 309(b), 310(b), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 58, 61, 62, 64, 65, substituted "Type certificates, production certificates, airworthiness certificates, and design and production organization certificates" for "Type certificates, production certificates, airworthiness certificates, and design organization certificates" in item 44704 and added items 44730 to 44735.

2007—Pub. L. 110–135, §2(b), Dec. 13, 2007, 121 Stat. 1452, added item 44729.

2003—Pub. L. 108–176, title II, §227(e)(2), title V, §502(b), title VIII, §814(b), Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2532, 2557, 2592, substituted "Type certificates, production certificates, airworthiness certificates, and design organization certificates" for "Type certificates, production certificates, and airworthiness certificates" in item 44704 and added items 44727 and 44728.

2000—Pub. L. 106–181, title V, §§504(c), 505(a)(2), title VI, §603(b), Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 134, 136, 152, substituted "Aeronautical charts and related products and services" for "Aeronautical maps and charts" in item 44721 and added items 44725 and 44726.

1996—Pub. L. 104–264, title VI, §602(a)(2), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3264, added item 44724.

¹ So in original. Does not conform to section catchline.

§44701. General requirements

(a) Promoting Safety.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall promote safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing—

(1) minimum standards required in the interest of safety for appliances and for the design, material, construction, quality of work, cybersecurity, and performance of aircraft, aircraft engines, and propellers;

(2) regulations and minimum standards in the interest of safety for—

(A) inspecting, servicing, and overhauling aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, and appliances;

(B) equipment and facilities for, and the timing and manner of, the inspecting, servicing, and overhauling; and

(C) a qualified private person, instead of an officer or employee of the Administration, to examine and report on the inspecting, servicing, and overhauling;

(3) regulations required in the interest of safety for the reserve supply of aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, appliances, and aircraft fuel and oil, including the reserve supply of fuel and oil carried in flight;

(4) regulations in the interest of safety for the maximum hours or periods of service of airmen and other employees of air carriers; and

(5) regulations and minimum standards for cybersecurity and other practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce and national security.

(b) Prescribing Minimum Safety Standards.—The Administrator may prescribe minimum safety standards for—

(1) an air carrier to whom a certificate is issued under section 44705 of this title; and

(2) operating an airport serving any passenger operation of air carrier aircraft designed for at least 31 passenger seats.

(c) Reducing and Eliminating Accidents.—The Administrator shall carry out this chapter in a way that best tends to reduce or eliminate the possibility or recurrence of accidents in air transportation. However, the Administrator is not required to give preference either to air transportation or to other air commerce in carrying out this chapter.

(d) Considerations and Classification of Regulations and Standards.—When prescribing a regulation or standard under subsection (a) or (b) of this section or any of sections 44702–44716 of this title, the Administrator shall—

(1) consider—

(A) the duty of an air carrier to provide service with the highest possible degree of safety in the public interest; and

(B) differences between air transportation and other air commerce; and

(2) classify a regulation or standard appropriate to the differences between air transportation and other air commerce.

(e) Bilateral Exchanges of Safety Oversight Responsibilities.—

(1) In general.—Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, the Administrator, pursuant to Article 83 bis of the Convention on International Civil Aviation and by a bilateral agreement with the aeronautical authorities of another country, may exchange with that country all or part of their respective functions and duties with respect to registered aircraft under the following articles of the Convention: Article 12 (Rules of the Air); Article 31 (Certificates of Airworthiness); or Article 32a (Licenses of Personnel).

(2) Relinquishment and acceptance of responsibility.—The Administrator relinquishes responsibility with respect to the functions and duties transferred by the Administrator as specified in the bilateral agreement, under the Articles listed in paragraph (1) for United States-registered aircraft described in paragraph (4)(A) transferred abroad and accepts responsibility with respect to the functions and duties under those Articles for aircraft registered abroad and described in paragraph (4)(B) that are transferred to the United States.

(3) Conditions.—The Administrator may predicate, in the agreement, the transfer of functions and duties under this subsection on any conditions the Administrator deems necessary and prudent, except that the Administrator may not transfer responsibilities for United States registered aircraft described in paragraph (4)(A) to a country that the Administrator determines is not in compliance with its obligations under international law for the safety oversight of civil aviation.

(4) Registered aircraft defined.—In this subsection, the term "registered aircraft" means—

(A) aircraft registered in the United States and operated pursuant to an agreement for the lease, charter, or interchange of the aircraft or any similar arrangement by an operator that has its principal place of business or, if it has no such place of business, its permanent residence in another country; and

(B) aircraft registered in a foreign country and operated under an agreement for the lease, charter, or interchange of the aircraft or any similar arrangement by an operator that has its principal place of business or, if it has no such place of business, its permanent residence in the United States.

(5) Foreign airworthiness directives.—

(A) Acceptance.—Subject to subparagraph (D), the Administrator may accept an airworthiness directive, as defined in section 39.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, issued by an aeronautical safety authority of a foreign country, and leverage that authority's regulatory process, if—

(i) the country is the state of design for the product that is the subject of the airworthiness directive;

(ii) the United States has a bilateral safety agreement relating to aircraft certification with the country;

(iii) as part of the bilateral safety agreement with the country, the Administrator has determined that such aeronautical safety authority has an aircraft certification system relating to safety that produces a level of safety equivalent to the level produced by the system of the Federal Aviation Administration;

(iv) the aeronautical safety authority of the country utilizes an open and transparent notice and comment process in the issuance of airworthiness directives; and

(v) the airworthiness directive is necessary to provide for the safe operation of the aircraft subject to the directive.

(B) Alternative approval process.—Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the Administrator may issue a Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness directive instead of accepting an airworthiness directive otherwise eligible for acceptance under such subparagraph, if the Administrator determines that such issuance is necessary for safety or operational reasons due to the complexity or unique features of the Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness directive or the United States aviation system.

(C) Alternative means of compliance.—The Administrator may—

(i) accept an alternative means of compliance, with respect to an airworthiness directive accepted under subparagraph (A), that was approved by the aeronautical safety authority of the foreign country that issued the airworthiness directive; or

(ii) notwithstanding subparagraph (A), and at the request of any person affected by an airworthiness directive accepted under such subparagraph, approve an alternative means of compliance with respect to the airworthiness directive.

(D) Limitation.—The Administrator may not accept an airworthiness directive issued by an aeronautical safety authority of a foreign country if the airworthiness directive addresses matters other than those involving the safe operation of an aircraft.

(f) Exemptions.—The Administrator may grant an exemption from a requirement of a regulation prescribed under subsection (a) or (b) of this section or any of sections 44702–44716 of this title if the Administrator finds the exemption is in the public interest.

(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.

(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.

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1185; Pub. L. 103–429, §6(55), Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4385; Pub. L. 106–181, title VII, §714, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 161; Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title II, §242, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3258; Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §392, title VIII, §822, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1143, 1331.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Pub. L. 103–272

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
44701(a)	49 App.:1421(a).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, §§601(a), (b) (1st sentence related to standards, rules, and regulations, last sentence), (c), 604(a) (related to standards), 72 Stat. 775, 778.
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).	Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(c)(1), 80 Stat. 938; Jan. 12, 1983, Pub. L. 97–449, §7(b), 96 Stat. 2444.
44701(b)	49 App.:1424(a) (related to standards).
	49 App.:1432(a) (related to standards).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, §612(a) (related to standards); added May 21, 1970, Pub. L. 91–258, §51(b)(1), 84 Stat. 234; restated Sept. 3, 1982, Pub. L. 97–248, §525(a), 96 Stat. 697.
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).
44701(c)	49 App.:1421(b) (last sentence).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).
44701(d)	49 App.:1421(b) (1st sentence related to standards, rules, and regulations).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).
44701(e)	49 App.:1421(c).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).

In this section, the word "Administrator" in sections 601(a)–(c) and 604 of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (Public Law 85–726, 72 Stat. 775, 778) is retained on authority of 49:106(g).

In subsection (a), before clause (1), the words "is empowered and it . . . be his duty to" and "and revising from time to time" are omitted as surplus. In clause (1), the words "as may be" are omitted as surplus. In clauses (2)–(5), the words "Reasonable" and "reasonable" are omitted as surplus and the word "rules" is omitted as being synonymous with "regulations". In clause (5), the words "to provide adequately" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (b)(1), the words "the operation of" are omitted as surplus. The words "under section 44705 of this title" are added for clarity.

In subsection (b)(2), the words "scheduled or unscheduled" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (c), the words "carry out" are substituted for "exercise and perform his powers and duties under", and the words "in carrying out" are substituted for "in the administration and enforcement of", for consistency and to eliminate unnecessary words.

In subsection (d), before clause (1), the word "rules" is omitted as being synonymous with "regulations". In clause (1), before subclause (A), the word "full" is omitted as surplus. In clause (1)(A), the word "provide" is substituted for "perform" for consistency in the revised title.

In subsection (e), the words "from time to time" are omitted as surplus. The word "rule" is omitted as being synonymous with "regulation".

Pub. L. 103–429

This amends 49:44701(d) and (e) to correct erroneous cross-references.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 118–63, §392(a)(1), inserted "cybersecurity," after "quality of work,".

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 118–63, §392(a)(2), inserted "cybersecurity and" after "standards for" and substituted "procedures" for "procedure".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 118–63, §392(b), added subsec. (g).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 118–63, §822, added subsec. (h).

2018—Subsec. (e)(5). Pub. L. 115–254 added par. (5).

2000—Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 106–181 added subsec. (e) and redesignated former subsec. (e) as (f).

1994—Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 103–429 substituted "any of sections 44702–44716" for "section 44702–44716".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–181 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1999, see section 3 of Pub. L. 106–181, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–429 effective July 5, 1994, see section 9 of Pub. L. 103–429, set out as a note under section 321 of this title.

Scalability of Safety Management Systems

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §308, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1072, provided that: "In conducting any rulemaking to require, or implementing a regulation requiring, a safety management system, the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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."

National Simulator Program Policies and Guidance

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §325, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1085, provided that:

"(a) Review.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [of the United States] shall conduct a study on the National Simulator Program of the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] a report on the findings of the study conducted under paragraph (1)."

Aircraft Interchange Agreement Limitations

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §329, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1086, provided that:

"(a) Study.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] 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."

Tarmac Operations Monitoring Study

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §338, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1093, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Director of the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, in consultation with relevant offices within the Office of the Secretary [of Transportation] and the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] (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 [May 16, 2024], 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."

Improvements to Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing Program

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §348, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1107, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] 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)."

Part 135 Duty and Rest

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §351, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1111, provided that:

"(a) Part 91 Tail–end Ferry Rulemaking.—Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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."

Ramp Worker Safety Call to Action

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §353, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1112, provided that:

"(a) Call to Action Ramp Worker Safety Review.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] 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."

Modernization and Improvements to Aircraft Evacuation

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §365, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1132, provided that:

"(a) Study.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] 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."

25-Hour Cockpit Voice Recorder

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §366, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1135, provided that:

"(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 [May 16, 2024] 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 [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Federal Aviation Administration] 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."

Staffing Model for Aviation Safety Inspectors; Safety-Critical Staffing

Pub. L. 118–63, title IV, §§430, 431, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1172, 1173, provided that:

"SEC. 430. STAFFING MODEL FOR AVIATION SAFETY INSPECTORS.

"(a) In General.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Federal Aviation Administration] 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."

Deterring Crewmember Interference

Pub. L. 118–63, title IV, §432, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1173, provided that:

"(a) Task Force.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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."

Updating Passenger Information Requirement Regulations

Pub. L. 118–63, title V, §518, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1199, provided that:

"(a) ARAC Tasking.—Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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[s], 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."

Surface Surveillance

Pub. L. 118–63, title VI, §617, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1229, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] 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)."

Ensuring Safe Landings During Off-Airport Operations

Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, §809, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1325, provided that: "The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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."

Letter of Deviation Authority

Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, §814, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1327, provided that:

"(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 [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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."

Consistency of Policy Application in Flight Standards and Aircraft Certification

Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, §821, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1330, provided that:

"(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 [Federal Aviation Administration], 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 [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives], the Secretary [of Transportation], and the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [May 16, 2024], 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."

Part 135 Pilot Supplemental Oxygen Requirement

Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, §834, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1340, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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."

High-Speed Flight Testing

Pub. L. 118–63, title X, §1009, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1389, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration], in consultation with the Administrator of NASA [National Aeronautics and Space Administration], 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 [May 16, 2024]; 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 [Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate] 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."

Letter of Deviation Authority

Pub. L. 117–263, div. E, title LVI, §5604, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3406, provided that: "A flight instructor, registered owner, lessor, or lessee of an aircraft shall not be required to obtain a letter of deviation authority from the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to allow, conduct or receive flight training, checking, and testing in an experimental 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."

Safety Management Systems

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §309, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1073, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall review the final rule of the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] 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."

Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §102(a)–(f), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2309, 2310, provided that:

"(a) Rulemaking Proceeding.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this title [Dec. 27, 2020], the Administrator shall initiate a rulemaking proceeding to require that manufacturers that hold both a type certificate and a production certificate issued pursuant to section 44704 of title 49, United States Code, where the United States is the State of Design and State of Manufacture, have in place a safety management system that is consistent with the standards and recommended practices established by ICAO and contained in annex 19 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (61 Stat. 1180), for such systems.

"(2) Contents of regulations.—The regulations issued under paragraph (1) shall, at a minimum—

"(A) ensure safety management systems are consistent with, and complementary to, existing safety management systems;

"(B) include provisions that would permit operational feedback from operators and pilots qualified on the manufacturers' equipment to ensure that the operational assumptions made during design and certification remain valid;

"(C) include provisions for the Administrator's approval of, and regular oversight of adherence to, a certificate holder's safety management system adopted pursuant to such regulations; and

"(D) require such certificate holder to adopt, not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this title, a safety management system.

"(b) Final Rule Deadline.—Not later than 24 months after initiating the rulemaking under subsection (a), the Administrator shall issue a final rule.

"(c) Surveillance and Audit Requirement.—The final rule issued pursuant to subsection (b) shall include a requirement for the Administrator to implement a systems approach to risk-based surveillance by defining and planning inspections, audits, and monitoring activities on a continuous basis, to ensure that design and production approval holders of aviation products meet and continue to meet safety management system requirements under the rule.

"(d) Engagement With ICAO.—The Administrator shall engage with ICAO and foreign civil aviation authorities to help encourage the adoption of safety management systems for manufacturers on a global basis, consistent with ICAO standards.

"(e) Safety Reporting Program.—The regulations issued under subsection (a) shall require a safety management system to include a confidential employee reporting system through which employees can report hazards, issues, concerns, occurrences, and incidents. A reporting system under this subsection shall include provisions for reporting, without concern for reprisal for reporting, of such items by employees in a manner consistent with confidential employee reporting systems administered by the Administrator. Such regulations shall also require a certificate holder described in subsection (a) to submit a summary of reports received under this subsection to the Administrator at least twice per year.

"(f) Code of Ethics.—The regulations issued under subsection (a) shall require a safety management system to include establishment of a code of ethics applicable to all appropriate employees of a certificate holder, including officers (as determined by the FAA), which clarifies that safety is the organization's highest priority.

[For definitions of terms used in section 102(a)–(f) of div. V of Pub. L. 116–260, set out above, see section 137 of div. V of Pub. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 40101 of this title.]

Certification Oversight Staff

Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §104, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2316, provided that:

"(a) Authorization of Appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator $27,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2023 to recruit and retain engineers, safety inspectors, human factors specialists, chief scientific and technical advisors, software and cybersecurity experts, and other qualified technical experts who perform duties related to the certification of aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, appliances, and new and emerging technologies, and perform other regulatory activities.

"(b) In General.—Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this title [Dec. 27, 2020], and without duplicating any recently completed or ongoing reviews, the Administrator shall initiate a review of—

"(1) the inspectors, human factors specialists, flight test pilots, engineers, managers, and executives in the FAA who are responsible for the certification of the design, manufacture, and operation of aircraft intended for air transportation for purposes of determining whether the FAA has the expertise and capability to adequately understand the safety implications of, and oversee the adoption of, new or innovative technologies, materials, and procedures used by designers and manufacturers of such aircraft; and

"(2) the Senior Technical Experts Program to determine whether the program should be enhanced or expanded to bolster and support the programs of the FAA's Office of Aviation Safety, with particular focus placed on the Aircraft Certification Service and the Flight Standards Service (or any successor organizations), particularly with respect to understanding the safety implications of new or innovative technologies, materials, aircraft operations, and procedures used by designers and manufacturers of such aircraft.

"(c) Deadline for Completion.—Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this title, the Administrator shall complete the review required by subsection (b).

"(d) Briefing.—Not later than 30 days after the completion of the review required by subsection (b), the Administrator shall brief the congressional committees of jurisdiction on the results of the review. The briefing shall include the following:

"(1) An analysis of the Administration's ability to hire safety inspectors, human factors specialists, flight test pilots, engineers, managers, executives, scientists, and technical advisors, who have the requisite expertise to oversee new developments in aerospace design and manufacturing.

"(2) A plan for the Administration to improve the overall expertise of the FAA's personnel who are responsible for the oversight of the design and manufacture of aircraft.

"(e) Consultation Requirement.—In completing the review under subsection (b), the Administrator shall consult and collaborate with appropriate stakeholders, including labor organizations (including those representing aviation workers, FAA aviation safety engineers, human factors specialists, flight test pilots, and FAA aviation safety inspectors), and aerospace manufacturers.

"(f) Recruitment and Retention.—

"(1) Bargaining units.—Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this title, the Administrator shall begin collaboration with the exclusive bargaining representatives of engineers, safety inspectors, systems safety specialists, and other qualified technical experts certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code, to improve recruitment of employees for, and to implement retention incentives for employees holding, positions with respect to the certification of aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, and appliances. If the Administrator and such representatives are unable to reach an agreement collaboratively, the Administrator and such representatives shall negotiate in accordance with section 40122(a) of title 49, United States Code, to improve recruitment and implement retention incentives for employees described in subsection (a) who are covered under a collective bargaining agreement.

"(2) Other employees.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this title, the Administrator shall initiate actions to improve recruitment of, and implement retention incentives for, any individual described in subsection (a) who is not covered under a collective bargaining agreement.

"(3) Rule of construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to vest in any exclusive bargaining representative any management right of the Administrator, as such right existed on the day before the date of enactment of this title.

"(4) Availability of appropriations.—Any action taken by the Administrator under this section shall be subject to the availability of appropriations authorized under subsection (a)."

[For definitions of terms used in section 104 of div. V of Pub. L. 116–260, set out above, see section 137 of div. V of Pub. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 40101 of this title.]

Voluntary Safety Reporting Program

Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §113, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2332, as amended by Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §306(e), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1072, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this title [Dec. 27, 2020], the Administrator shall establish a voluntary safety reporting program for engineers, safety inspectors, systems safety specialists, and other subject matter experts certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code, to confidentially report instances where they have identified safety concerns during certification or oversight processes.

"(b) Safety Reporting Program Requirements.—In establishing the safety reporting program under subsection (a), the Administrator shall ensure the following:

"(1) The FAA maintains a reporting culture that encourages human factors specialists, engineers, flight test pilots, inspectors, and other appropriate FAA employees to voluntarily report safety concerns.

"(2) The safety reporting program is non-punitive, confidential, and protects employees from adverse employment actions related to their participation in the program.

"(3) The safety reporting program identifies exclusionary criteria for the program.

"(4) Collaborative development of the program with bargaining representatives of employees under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code, who are employed in the Aircraft Certification Service or Flight Standards Service of the Administration (or, if unable to reach an agreement collaboratively, the Administrator shall negotiate with the representatives in accordance with section 40122(a) of title 49, United States Code, regarding the development of the program).

"(5) Full and collaborative participation in the program by the bargaining representatives of employees described in paragraph (4).

"(6) The Administrator thoroughly reviews safety reports to determine whether there is a safety issue, including a hazard, defect, noncompliance, nonconformance, or process error.

"(7) The Administrator thoroughly reviews safety reports to determine whether any aircraft certification process contributed to the safety concern being raised.

"(8) The creation of a corrective action process in order to address safety issues that are identified through the program.

"(c) Outcomes.—Results of safety report reviews under this section may be used to—

"(1) improve—

"(A) safety systems, hazard control, and risk reduction;

"(B) certification systems;

"(C) FAA oversight;

"(D) compliance and conformance; and

"(E) any other matter determined necessary by the Administrator; and

"(2) implement lessons learned.

"(d) Report Filing.—The Administrator shall establish requirements for when in the certification process reports may be filed to—

"(1) ensure that identified issues can be addressed in a timely manner; and

"(2) foster open dialogue between applicants and FAA employees throughout the certification process.

"(e) Integration With Other Safety Reporting Programs.—The Administrator shall implement the safety reporting program established under subsection (a) and the reporting requirements established pursuant to subsection (d) in a manner that is consistent with other voluntary safety reporting programs administered by the Administrator.

"(f) Report to Congress.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this title, and annually thereafter through fiscal year 2028, the Administrator shall submit to the congressional committees of jurisdiction a report on the effectiveness of the safety reporting program established under subsection (a)."

[For definitions of terms used in section 113 of div. V of Pub. L. 116–260, set out above, see section 137 of div. V of Pub. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 40101 of this title.]

FAA Safety Oversight and Certification and Performance Metrics

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title II, §§201, 202, 211, 221, 223, 224, 243, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3242, 3246, 3252, 3254, 3255, 3259, as amended by Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §129, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2349; Pub. L. 118–63, title I, §104(e), title VIII, §823, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1035, 1332, provided that:

"SEC. 201. DEFINITIONS.

"In this title [enacting this note and section 44736 of this title and amending this section and sections 40104, 44704, and 45305 of this title], the following definitions apply:

"(1) Administrator.—The term 'Administrator' means the Administrator of the FAA.

"(2) Advisory committee.—The term 'Advisory Committee' means the Safety Oversight and Certification Advisory Committee established under section 202.

"(3) FAA.—The term 'FAA' means the Federal Aviation Administration.

"(4) Secretary.—The term 'Secretary' means the Secretary of Transportation.

"(5) Systems safety approach.—The term 'systems safety approach' means the application of specialized technical and managerial skills to the systematic, forward-looking identification and control of hazards throughout the lifecycle of a project, program, or activity.

"SEC. 202. SAFETY OVERSIGHT AND CERTIFICATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

"(a) Establishment.—Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Secretary shall establish a Safety Oversight and Certification Advisory Committee.

"(b) Duties.—The Advisory Committee shall provide advice to the Secretary on policy-level issues facing the aviation community that are related to FAA safety oversight and certification programs and activities, including, at a minimum, the following:

"(1) Aircraft and flight standards certification processes, including efforts to streamline those processes.

"(2) Implementation and oversight of safety management systems.

"(3) Risk-based oversight efforts.

"(4) Utilization of delegation and designation authorities, including organization designation authorization.

"(5) Regulatory interpretation standardization efforts.

"(6) Training programs.

"(7) Expediting the rulemaking process and giving priority to rules related to safety.

"(8) Enhancing global competitiveness of United States manufactured and United States certificated aerospace and aviation products and services throughout the world.

"(c) Functions.—In carrying out its duties under subsection (b), the Advisory Committee shall:

"(1) Foster industry collaboration in an open and transparent manner.

"(2) Consult with, and ensure participation by—

"(A) the private sector, including representatives of—

"(i) general aviation;

"(ii) commercial aviation;

"(iii) aviation labor;

"(iv) aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul;

"(v) aviation, aerospace, and avionics manufacturing;

"(vi) unmanned aircraft systems operators and manufacturers; and

"(vii) the commercial space transportation industry;

"(B) members of the public; and

"(C) other interested parties.

"(3) Recommend consensus national goals, strategic objectives, and priorities for the most efficient, streamlined, and cost-effective certification and safety oversight processes in order to maintain the safety of the aviation system and, at the same time, allow the FAA to meet future needs and ensure that aviation stakeholders remain competitive in the global marketplace.

"(4) Provide policy guidance recommendations for the FAA's certification and safety oversight efforts.

"(5) On a regular basis, review and provide recommendations on the FAA's certification and safety oversight efforts.

"(6) Periodically review and evaluate registration, certification, and related fees.

"(7) Provide appropriate legislative, regulatory, and guidance recommendations for the air transportation system and the aviation safety regulatory environment.

"[(8), (9). Repealed. Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §129(b), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2349.]

"(10) Provide a venue for tracking progress toward national goals and sustaining joint commitments.

"(11) Recommend recruiting, hiring, training, and continuing education objectives for FAA aviation safety engineers and aviation safety inspectors.

"(12) Provide advice and recommendations to the FAA on how to prioritize safety rulemaking projects.

"(13) Improve the development of FAA regulations by providing information, advice, and recommendations related to aviation issues.

"(14) Facilitate the validation and acceptance of United States manufactured and United States certificated products and services throughout the world.

"(d) Membership.—

"(1) In general.—The Advisory Committee shall be composed of the following members:

"(A) The Administrator (or the Administrator's designee).

"(B) At least 11 individuals, appointed by the Secretary, each of whom represents at least 1 of the following interests:

"(i) Transport aircraft and engine manufacturers.

"(ii) General aviation aircraft and engine manufacturers.

"(iii) Avionics and equipment manufacturers.

"(iv) Aviation labor organizations, including collective bargaining representatives of FAA aviation safety inspectors and aviation safety engineers.

"(v) General aviation operators.

"(vi) Air carriers.

"(vii) Business aviation operators.

"(viii) Unmanned aircraft systems manufacturers and operators.

"(ix) Aviation safety management experts.

"(x) Aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul.

"(xi) Airport owners and operators.

"(2) Nonvoting members.—

"(A) In general.—In addition to the members appointed under paragraph (1), the Advisory Committee shall be composed of nonvoting members appointed by the Secretary from among individuals representing FAA safety oversight program offices.

"(B) Duties.—The nonvoting members may—

"(i) take part in deliberations of the Advisory Committee; and

"(ii) provide input with respect to any final reports or recommendations of the Advisory Committee.

"(C) Limitation.—The nonvoting members may not represent any stakeholder interest other than that of an FAA safety oversight program office.

"(3) Terms.—Each voting member and nonvoting member of the Advisory Committee appointed by the Secretary shall be appointed for a term of 2 years.

"(4) Committee characteristics.—The Advisory Committee shall have the following characteristics:

"(A) Each voting member under paragraph (1)(B) shall be an executive officer of the organization who has decisionmaking authority within the member's organization and can represent and enter into commitments on behalf of such organization.

"(B) The ability to obtain necessary information from experts in the aviation and aerospace communities.

"(C) A membership size that enables the Advisory Committee to have substantive discussions and reach consensus on issues in a timely manner.

"(D) Appropriate expertise, including expertise in certification and risked-based safety oversight processes, operations, policy, technology, labor relations, training, and finance.

"(5) Limitation on statutory construction.—Public Law 104–65 [the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995] (2 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) may not be construed to prohibit or otherwise limit the appointment of any individual as a member of the Advisory Committee.

"(e) Chairperson.—

"(1) In general.—The Chairperson of the Advisory Committee shall be appointed by the Secretary from among those members of the Advisory Committee that are voting members under subsection (d)(1)(B).

"(2) Term.—Each member appointed under paragraph (1) shall serve a term of 2 years as Chairperson.

"(f) Meetings.—

"(1) Frequency.—The Advisory Committee shall meet at least twice each year at the call of the Chairperson.

"(2) Public attendance.—The meetings of the Advisory Committee shall be open and accessible to the public.

"(g) Special Committees.—

"(1) Establishment.—The Advisory Committee may establish special committees composed of private sector representatives, members of the public, labor representatives, and other relevant parties in complying with consultation and participation requirements under this section.

"(2) Rulemaking advice.—A special committee established by the Advisory Committee may—

"(A) provide rulemaking advice and recommendations to the Advisory Committee with respect to aviation-related issues;

"(B) provide the FAA additional opportunities to obtain firsthand information and insight from those parties that are most affected by existing and proposed regulations; and

"(C) assist in expediting the development, revision, or elimination of rules without circumventing public rulemaking processes and procedures.

"(3) Applicable law.—Public Law 92–463 [the Federal Advisory Committee Act, see 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.] shall not apply to a special committee established by the Advisory Committee.

"(h) Sunset.—The Advisory Committee shall terminate on October 1, 2028.

"(i) Termination of Air Traffic Procedures Advisory Committee.—The Air Traffic Procedures Advisory Committee established by the FAA shall terminate on the date of the initial appointment of the members of the Advisory Committee.

"[SECS. 211, 221. Repealed. Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §129(a), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2349.]

"SEC. 223. CENTRALIZED SAFETY GUIDANCE DATABASE.

"(a) Establishment.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Administrator shall establish a centralized safety guidance database that will—

"(1) encompass all of the regulatory guidance documents of the FAA Office of Aviation Safety;

"(2) contain, for each such guidance document, a link to the Code of Federal Regulations provision to which the document relates; and

"(3) be publicly available in a manner that—

"(A) protects from disclosure identifying information regarding an individual or entity; and

"(B) prevents inappropriate disclosure proprietary information.

"(b) Data Entry Timing.—

"(1) Existing documents.—Not later than 14 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall begin entering into the database established under subsection (a) all of the regulatory guidance documents of the Office of Aviation Safety that are in effect and were issued before the date on which the Administrator begins such entry process.

"(2) New documents and changes.—On and after the date on which the Administrator begins the document entry process under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall ensure that all new regulatory guidance documents of the Office of Aviation Safety and any changes to existing documents are included in the database established under subsection (a) as such documents or changes to existing documents are issued.

"(c) Consultation Requirement.—In establishing the database under subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult and collaborate with appropriate stakeholders, including labor organizations (including those representing aviation workers, FAA aviation safety engineers and FAA aviation safety inspectors) and aviation industry stakeholders.

"(d) Regulatory Guidance Documents Defined.—In this section, the term 'regulatory guidance documents' means all forms of written information issued by the FAA that an individual or entity may use to interpret or apply FAA regulations and requirements, including information an individual or entity may use to determine acceptable means of compliance with such regulations and requirements, such as an order, manual, circular, policy statement, legal interpretation memorandum, or rulemaking document.

"SEC. 224. REGULATORY CONSISTENCY COMMUNICATIONS BOARD.

"(a) Establishment.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Administrator shall establish a Regulatory Consistency Communications Board (in this section referred to as the 'Board').

"(b) Consultation Requirement.—In establishing the Board, the Administrator shall consult and collaborate with appropriate stakeholders, including FAA labor organizations (including labor organizations representing FAA aviation safety inspectors) and industry stakeholders.

"(c) Membership.—The Board shall be composed of FAA representatives, appointed by the Administrator, from—

"(1) the Flight Standards Service;

"(2) the Aircraft Certification Service;

"(3) the Office of the Chief Counsel;

"(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.

"(d) Functions.—The Board shall carry out the following functions:

"(1) Establish, at a minimum, processes by which—

"(A) FAA personnel and persons regulated by the FAA may submit regulatory interpretation questions, including anonymously, without fear of retaliation;

"(B) FAA personnel may submit written questions, and receive written responses, as to whether a previous approval or regulatory interpretation issued by FAA personnel in another office or region is correct or incorrect; and

"(C) any other person may submit written regulatory interpretation questions, including anonymously.

"(2) Meet on a regular basis to discuss and resolve questions submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) and the appropriate application of regulations and policy with respect to each question.

"(3) Provide to a person that submitted a question pursuant to subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) a timely written response to the question.

"(4) Establish a process to make resolutions of common regulatory interpretation questions publicly available to FAA personnel, persons regulated by the FAA, and the public without revealing any identifying data of the person that submitted the question and in a manner that protects any proprietary information.

"(5) Ensure the incorporation of resolutions of questions submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) into regulatory guidance documents, as such term is defined in section 223(d).

"(6) Submit recommendations, as needed, to the Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement for consideration.

"(e) Performance Metrics, Timelines, and Goals.—Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Advisory Committee recommends performance objectives and performance metrics for the FAA and the regulated aviation industry under section 202, the Administrator, in collaboration with the Advisory Committee, shall—

"(1) establish performance metrics, timelines, and goals to measure the progress of the Board in resolving regulatory interpretation questions submitted pursuant to subsection (d)(1); and

"(2) implement a process for tracking the progress of the Board in meeting the performance metrics, timelines, and goals established under paragraph (1).

"SEC. 243. FAA LEADERSHIP ABROAD.

"(a) In General.—To promote United States aerospace safety standards, reduce redundant regulatory activity, and facilitate acceptance of FAA design and production approvals abroad, the Administrator shall—

"(1) attain greater expertise in issues related to dispute resolution, intellectual property, and export control laws to better support FAA certification and other aerospace regulatory activities abroad;

"(2) work with United States companies to more accurately track the amount of time it takes foreign authorities, including bilateral partners, to validate United States certificated aeronautical products;

"(3) provide assistance to United States companies that have experienced significantly long foreign validation wait times;

"(4) work with foreign authorities, including bilateral partners, to collect and analyze data to determine the timeliness of the acceptance and validation of FAA design and production approvals by foreign authorities and the acceptance and validation of foreign-certified products by the FAA;

"(5) establish appropriate benchmarks and metrics to measure the success of bilateral aviation safety agreements and to reduce the validation time for United States certificated aeronautical products abroad; and

"(6) work with foreign authorities, including bilateral partners, to improve the timeliness of the acceptance and validation of FAA design and production approvals by foreign authorities and the acceptance and validation of foreign-certified products by the FAA.

"(b) Report.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that—

"(1) describes the FAA's strategic plan for international engagement;

"(2) describes the structure and responsibilities of all FAA offices that have international responsibilities, including the Aircraft Certification Office, and all the activities conducted by those offices related to certification and production;

"(3) describes current and forecasted staffing and travel needs for the FAA's international engagement activities, including the needs of the Aircraft Certification Office in the current and forecasted budgetary environment;

"(4) provides recommendations, if appropriate, to improve the existing structure and personnel and travel policies supporting the FAA's international engagement activities, including the activities of the Aviation Certification Office, to better support the growth of United States aerospace exports; and

"(5) identifies cost-effective policy initiatives, regulatory initiatives, or legislative initiatives needed to improve and enhance the timely acceptance of United States aerospace products abroad.

"(c) International Travel.—The Administrator, or the Administrator's designee, may authorize international travel for any FAA employee, without the approval of any other person or entity, if the Administrator determines that the travel is necessary—

"(1) to promote United States aerospace safety standards; or

"(2) to support expedited acceptance of FAA design and production approvals."

FAA Technical Training

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, §302, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3260, provided that:

"(a) E-learning Training Pilot Program.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration], in collaboration with the exclusive bargaining representatives of covered FAA personnel, shall establish an e-learning training pilot program in accordance with the requirements of this section.

"(b) Curriculum.—The pilot program shall—

"(1) include a recurrent training curriculum for covered FAA personnel to ensure that the covered FAA personnel receive instruction on the latest aviation technologies, processes, and procedures;

"(2) focus on providing specialized technical training for covered FAA personnel, as determined necessary by the Administrator;

"(3) include training courses on applicable regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration; and

"(4) consider the efficacy of instructor-led online training.

"(c) Pilot Program Termination.—The pilot program shall terminate 1 year after the date of establishment of the pilot program.

"(d) E-learning Training Program.—Upon termination of the pilot program, the Administrator shall assess and establish or update an e-learning training program that incorporates lessons learned for covered FAA personnel as a result of the pilot program.

"(e) Definitions.—In this section, the following definitions apply:

"(1) Covered faa personnel.—The term 'covered FAA personnel' means airway transportation systems specialists and aviation safety inspectors of the Federal Aviation Administration.

"(2) E-learning training.—The term 'e-learning training' means learning utilizing electronic technologies to access educational curriculum outside of a traditional classroom."

Safety Critical Staffing

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, §303, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3261, provided that:

"(a) Update of FAA's Safety Critical Staffing Model.—Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall update the safety critical staffing model of the Administration to determine the number of aviation safety inspectors that will be needed to fulfill the safety oversight mission of the Administration.

"(b) Audit by DOT Inspector General.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Administrator has updated the safety critical staffing model under subsection (a), the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation shall conduct an audit of the staffing model.

"(2) Contents.—The audit shall include, at a minimum—

"(A) a review of the assumptions and methodologies used in devising and implementing the staffing model to assess the adequacy of the staffing model in predicting the number of aviation safety inspectors needed—

"(i) to properly fulfill the mission of the Administration; and

"(ii) to meet the future growth of the aviation industry; and

"(B) a determination on whether the staffing model takes into account the Administration's authority to fully utilize designees.

"(3) Report on audit.—

"(A) Report to secretary.—Not later than 30 days after the date of completion of the audit, the Inspector General shall submit to the Secretary a report on the results of the audit.

"(B) Report to congress.—Not later than 60 days after the date of receipt of the report, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] a copy of the report, together with, if appropriate, a description of any actions taken or to be taken to address the results of the audit."

Emergency Medical Equipment on Passenger Aircraft

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §368, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1136, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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."

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, §307, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3263, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall evaluate and revise, as appropriate, regulations in part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, regarding emergency medical equipment, including the contents of first-aid kits, applicable to all certificate holders operating passenger aircraft under that part.

"(b) Consideration.—In carrying out subsection (a), the Administrator shall consider whether the minimum contents of approved emergency medical kits, including approved first-aid kits, include appropriate medications and equipment to meet the emergency medical needs of children and pregnant women."

FAA and NTSB Review of General Aviation Safety

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, §308, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3263, provided that:

"(a) Study Required.—Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration], in coordination with the Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, shall initiate a study of general aviation safety.

"(b) Study Contents.—The study required under subsection (a) shall include—

"(1) a review of all general aviation accidents since 2000, including a review of—

"(A) the number of such accidents;

"(B) the number of injuries and fatalities, including with respect to both occupants of aircraft and individuals on the ground, as a result of such accidents;

"(C) the number of such accidents investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board;

"(D) the number of such accidents investigated by the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration]; and

"(E) a summary of the factual findings and probable cause determinations with respect to such accidents;

"(2) an assessment of the most common probable cause determinations issued for general aviation accidents since 2000;

"(3) an assessment of the most common facts analyzed by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board in the course of investigations of general aviation accidents since 2000, including operational details;

"(4) a review of the safety recommendations of the National Transportation Safety Board related to general aviation accidents since 2000;

"(5) an assessment of the responses of the FAA and the general aviation community to the safety recommendations of the National Transportation Safety Board related to general aviation accidents since 2000;

"(6) an assessment of the most common general aviation safety issues;

"(7) a review of the total costs to the Federal Government to conduct investigations of general aviation accidents over the last 10 years; and

"(8) other matters the Administrator or the Chairman considers appropriate.

"(c) Recommendations and Actions To Address General Aviation Safety.—Based on the results of the study required under subsection (a), the Administrator, in consultation with the Chairman, shall make such recommendations, including with respect to regulations and enforcement activities, as the Administrator considers necessary to—

"(1) address general aviation safety issues identified under the study;

"(2) protect persons and property on the ground; and

"(3) improve the safety of general aviation operators in the United States.

"(d) Authority.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator shall have the authority to undertake actions to address the recommendations made under subsection (c).

"(e) Report.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] a report on the results of the study required under subsection (a), including the recommendations described in subsection (c).

"(f) General Aviation Defined.—In this section, the term 'general aviation' means aircraft operation for personal, recreational, or other noncommercial purposes."

Aviation Rulemaking Committee for Part 135 Pilot Rest and Duty Rules

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, §315, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3267, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall convene an aviation rulemaking committee to review, and develop findings and recommendations regarding, pilot rest and duty rules under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

"(b) Duties.—The Administrator shall—

"(1) not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, submit to the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] a report based on the findings of the aviation rulemaking committee; and

"(2) not later than 1 year after the date of submission of the report under paragraph (1), issue a notice of proposed rulemaking based on any consensus recommendations reached by the aviation rulemaking committee.

"(c) Composition.—The aviation rulemaking committee shall consist of members appointed by the Administrator, including—

"(1) representatives of industry;

"(2) representatives of aviation labor organizations, including collective bargaining units representing pilots who are covered by part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and subpart K of part 91 of such title; and

"(3) aviation safety experts with specific knowledge of flight crewmember education and training requirements under part 135 of such title.

"(d) Considerations.—The Administrator shall direct the aviation rulemaking committee to consider—

"(1) recommendations of prior part 135 rulemaking committees;

"(2) accommodations necessary for small businesses;

"(3) scientific data derived from aviation-related fatigue and sleep research;

"(4) data gathered from aviation safety reporting programs;

"(5) the need to accommodate the diversity of operations conducted under part 135, including the unique duty and rest time requirements of air ambulance pilots; and

"(6) other items, as appropriate."

Voluntary Reports of Operational or Maintenance Issues Related to Aviation Safety

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, §320, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3269, provided that:

"(a) In General.—There shall be a presumption that an individual's voluntary report of an operational or maintenance issue related to aviation safety under an aviation safety action program meets the criteria for acceptance as a valid report under such program.

"(b) Disclaimer Required.—Any dissemination, within the participating organization, of a report that was submitted and accepted under an aviation safety action program pursuant to the presumption under subsection (a), but that has not undergone review by an event review committee, shall be accompanied by a disclaimer stating that the report—

"(1) has not been reviewed by an event review committee tasked with reviewing such reports; and

"(2) may subsequently be determined to be ineligible for inclusion in the aviation safety action program.

"(c) Rejection of Report.—

"(1) In general.—A report described under subsection (a) shall be rejected from an aviation safety action program if, after a review of the report, an event review committee tasked with reviewing such report, or the Federal Aviation Administration member of the event review committee in the case that the review committee does not reach consensus, determines that the report fails to meet the criteria for acceptance under such program.

"(2) Protections.—In any case in which a report of an individual described under subsection (a) is rejected under paragraph (1)—

"(A) the enforcement-related incentive offered to the individual for making such a report shall not apply; and

"(B) the protection from disclosure of the report itself under section 40123 of title 49, United States Code, shall not apply.

"(3) Aviation safety action program defined.—In this section, the term 'aviation safety action program' means a program established in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular 120–66B, issued November 15, 2002 (including any similar successor advisory circular), to allow an individual to voluntarily disclose operational or maintenance issues related to aviation safety."

Flight Attendant Duty Period Limitations and Rest Requirements

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, §335, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3280, provided that:

"(a) Modification of Final Rule.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Secretary of Transportation shall modify the final rule of the Federal Aviation Administration published in the Federal Register on August 19, 1994 (59 Fed. Reg. 42974; relating to flight attendant duty period limitations and rest requirements) in accordance with the requirements of this subsection.

"(2) Contents.—The final rule, as modified under paragraph (1), shall ensure that—

"(A) a flight attendant scheduled to a duty period of 14 hours or less is given a scheduled rest period of at least 10 consecutive hours; and

"(B) the rest period is not reduced under any circumstances.

"(b) Fatigue Risk Management Plan.—

"(1) Submission of plan by part 121 air carriers.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, each air carrier operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (in this section referred to as a 'part 121 air carrier'), shall submit to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration for review and acceptance a fatigue risk management plan for the carrier's flight attendants.

"(2) Contents of plan.—A fatigue risk management plan submitted by a part 121 air carrier under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

"(A) Current flight time and duty period limitations.

"(B) A rest scheme consistent with such limitations that enables the management of flight attendant fatigue, including annual training to increase awareness of—

"(i) fatigue;

"(ii) the effects of fatigue on flight attendants; and

"(iii) fatigue countermeasures.

"(C) Development and use of a methodology that continually assesses the effectiveness of implementation of the plan, including the ability of the plan—

"(i) to improve alertness; and

"(ii) to mitigate performance errors.

"(3) Review.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Administrator shall review and accept or reject each fatigue risk management plan submitted under this subsection. If the Administrator rejects a plan, the Administrator shall provide suggested modifications for resubmission of the plan.

"(4) Plan updates.—

"(A) In general.—A part 121 air carrier shall update its fatigue risk management plan under paragraph (1) every 2 years and submit the update to the Administrator for review and acceptance.

"(B) Review.—Not later than 1 year after the date of submission of a plan update under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall review and accept or reject the update. If the Administrator rejects an update, the Administrator shall provide suggested modifications for resubmission of the update.

"(5) Compliance.—A part 121 air carrier shall comply with the fatigue risk management plan of the air carrier that is accepted by the Administrator under this subsection.

"(6) Civil penalties.—A violation of this subsection by a part 121 air carrier shall be treated as a violation of chapter 447 of title 49, United States Code, for purposes of the application of civil penalties under chapter 463 of that title."

Clarification of Requirements for Living History Flights

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title V, §532, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3366, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Notwithstanding any other law or regulation, in administering sections 61.113(c), 91.9, 91.315, 91.319(a)(1), 91.319(a)(2), 119.5(g), and 119.21(a) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations), the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall allow an aircraft owner or operator to accept monetary or in-kind donations for a flight operated by a living history flight experience provider, if the aircraft owner or operator has—

"(1) volunteered to provide such transportation; and

"(2) notified any individual that will be on the flight, at the time of inquiry about the flight, that the flight operation is for charitable purposes and is not subject to the same requirements as a commercial flight.

"(b) Conditions To Ensure Public Safety.—The Administrator, consistent with current standards of the [Federal Aviation] Administration for such operations, shall impose minimum standards with respect to training and flight hours for operations conducted by an owner or operator of an aircraft providing living history flight experience operations, including mandating that the pilot in command of such aircraft hold a commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating and be current and qualified with respect to all ratings or authorizations applicable to the specific aircraft being flown to ensure the safety of flight operations described in subsection (a).

"(c) Living History Flight Experience Provider Defined.—In this section, the term 'living history flight experience provider' means an aircraft owner, aircraft operator, or organization that provides, arranges, or otherwise fosters living history flight experiences for the purpose of fulfilling its mission."

FAA Civil Aviation Registry Upgrade

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title V, §546, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3376, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall complete covered upgrades of the Administration's Civil Aviation Registry (in this section referred to as the 'Registry').

"(b) Covered Upgrade Defined.—In this section, the term 'covered upgrades' means—

"(1) the digitization of nondigital Registry information, including paper documents, microfilm images, and photographs, from an analog or nondigital format to a digital format;

"(2) the digitalization of Registry manual and paper-based processes, business operations, and functions by leveraging digital technologies and a broader use of digitized data;

"(3) the implementation of systems allowing a member of the public to submit any information or form to the Registry and conduct any transaction with the Registry by electronic or other remote means; and

"(4) allowing more efficient, broader, and remote access to the Registry.

"(c) Applicability.—The requirements of subsection (a) shall apply to the entire Civil Aviation Registry, including the Aircraft Registration Branch and the Airmen Certification Branch.

"(d) Manual Surcharge.—[Enacted section 45306 of this title.]

"(e) Report.—Not later than 1 year after date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until the covered upgrades required under subsection (a) are complete, the Administrator shall submit a report to the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] describing—

"(1) the schedule for the covered upgrades to the Registry;

"(2) the office responsible for the implementation of the such covered upgrades;

"(3) the metrics being used to measure progress in implementing the covered upgrades; and

"(4) the status of the covered upgrades as of the date of the report."

Undeclared Hazardous Materials Public Awareness Campaign

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title V, §583, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3399, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Transportation shall carry out a public awareness campaign to reduce the amount of undeclared hazardous materials traveling through air commerce.

"(b) Campaign Requirements.—The public awareness campaign required under subsection (a) shall do the following:

"(1) Focus on targeting segments of the hazardous materials industry with high rates of undeclared shipments through air commerce and educate air carriers, shippers, manufacturers, and other relevant stakeholders of such segments on properly packaging and classifying such shipments.

"(2) Educate the public on proper ways to declare and ship hazardous materials, examples of everyday items that are considered hazardous materials, and penalties associated with intentional shipments of undeclared hazardous materials.

"(c) Interagency Working Group.—

"(1) Establishment.—Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Secretary of Transportation shall establish an interagency working group to promote collaboration and engagement between the Department of Transportation and other relevant agencies, and develop recommendations and guidance on how best to conduct the public awareness campaign required under subsection (a).

"(2) Duties.—The interagency working group shall consult with relevant stakeholders, including cargo air carriers, passenger air carriers, and labor organizations representing pilots for cargo and passenger air carriers operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

"(d) Update.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall provide to the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] an update on the status of the public awareness campaign required under subsection (a)."

Cockpit Automation Management

Pub. L. 114–190, title II, §2102, July 15, 2016, 130 Stat. 619, provided that: "Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [July 15, 2016], the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall—

"(1) develop a process to verify that air carrier training programs incorporate measures to train pilots on—

"(A) monitoring automation systems; and

"(B) controlling the flightpath of aircraft without autopilot or autoflight systems engaged;

"(2) develop metrics or measurable tasks that air carriers can use to evaluate pilot monitoring proficiency;

"(3) issue guidance to aviation safety inspectors responsible for oversight of the operations of air carriers on tracking and assessing pilots' proficiency in manual flight; and

"(4) issue guidance to air carriers and inspectors regarding standards for compliance with the requirements for enhanced pilot training contained in the final rule published in the Federal Register on November 12, 2013 (78 Fed. Reg. 67800)."

Additional Certification Resources

Pub. L. 114–190, title II, §2109, July 15, 2016, 130 Stat. 623, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and subject to the requirements of subsection (b), the Administrator of the FAA may enter into a reimbursable agreement with an applicant or certificate-holder for the reasonable travel and per diem expenses of the FAA associated with official travel to expedite the acceptance or validation by a foreign authority of an FAA certificate or design approval or the acceptance or validation by the FAA of a foreign authority certificate or design approval.

"(b) Conditions.—The Administrator may enter into an agreement under subsection (a) only if—

"(1) the travel covered under the agreement is deemed necessary, by both the Administrator and the applicant or certificate-holder, to expedite the acceptance or validation of the relevant certificate or approval;

"(2) the travel is conducted at the request of the applicant or certificate-holder;

"(3) travel plans and expenses are approved by the applicant or certificate-holder prior to travel; and

"(4) the agreement requires payment in advance of FAA services and is consistent with the processes under section 106(l)(6) of title 49, United States Code.

"(c) Report.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [July 15, 2016], the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] a report on—

"(1) the number of occasions on which the Administrator entered into reimbursable agreements under this section;

"(2) the number of occasions on which the Administrator declined a request by an applicant or certificate-holder to enter into a reimbursable agreement under this section;

"(3) the amount of reimbursements collected in accordance with agreements under this section; and

"(4) the extent to which reimbursable agreements under this section assisted in reducing the amount of time necessary for validations of certificates and design approvals.

"(d) Definitions.—In this section, the following definitions apply:

"(1) Applicant.—The term 'applicant' means a person that has—

"(A) applied to a foreign authority for the acceptance or validation of an FAA certificate or design approval; or

"(B) applied to the FAA for the acceptance or validation of a foreign authority certificate or design approval.

"(2) Certificate-holder.—The term 'certificate-holder' means a person that holds a certificate issued by the Administrator under part 21 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

"(3) FAA.—The term 'FAA' means the Federal Aviation Administration."

Notices to Air Missions

Pub. L. 118–4, §3, June 3, 2023, 137 Stat. 9, provided that: "Not later than September 30, 2024, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall make the following improvements:

"(1) Complete implementation of a Federal NOTAM System (in this section referred to as a 'FNS').

"(2) Implement a back-up system to the FNS.

"(3) Brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on a plan to enhance the capability to deliver information through the FNS that is machine-readable, filterable, and in the format used by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to promote further global harmonization among neighboring Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) and provide users of the National Airspace System with one consistent format for domestic and international operations."

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, §394(a), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3325, provided that: "Beginning on the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] may not take any enforcement action against any individual for a violation of a NOTAM (as defined in section 3 of the Pilot's Bill of Rights [Pub. L. 112–153] (49 U.S.C. 44701 note)) until the Administrator certifies to the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] that the Administrator has complied with the requirements of section 3 of the Pilot's Bill of Rights, as amended by this section."

Pub. L. 112–153, §3, Aug. 3, 2012, 126 Stat. 1162, as amended by Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, §394(b), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3325, provided that:

"(a) In General.—

"(1) Definition.—In this section, the term 'NOTAM' means Notices to Airmen.

"(2) Improvements.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Fairness for Pilots Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall complete the implementation of a Notice to Airmen Improvement Program (in this section referred to as the 'NOTAM Improvement Program')—

"(A) to improve the system of providing airmen with pertinent and timely information regarding the national airspace system;

"(B) to continue developing and modernizing the NOTAM repository, in a public central location, to maintain and archive all NOTAMs, including the original content and form of the notices, the original date of publication, and any amendments to such notices with the date of each amendment, in a manner that is Internet-accessible, machine-readable, and searchable;

"(C) to apply filters so that pilots can prioritize critical flight safety information from other airspace system information; and

"(D) to specify the times during which temporary flight restrictions are in effect and the duration of a designation of special use airspace in a specific area.

"(b) Goals of Program.—The goals of the NOTAM Improvement Program are—

"(1) to decrease the overwhelming volume of NOTAMs an airman receives when retrieving airman information prior to a flight in the national airspace system;

"(2) make the NOTAMs more specific and relevant to the airman's route and in a format that is more useable to the airman;

"(3) to provide a full set of NOTAM results in addition to specific information requested by airmen;

"(4) to provide a document that is easily searchable; and

"(5) to provide a filtering mechanism similar to that provided by the Department of Defense Notices to Airmen.

"(c) Advice From Private Sector Groups.—The Administrator shall establish a NOTAM Improvement Panel, which shall be comprised of representatives of relevant nonprofit and not-for-profit general aviation pilot groups, to advise the Administrator in carrying out the goals of the NOTAM Improvement Program under this section.

"(d) Designation of Repository as Sole Source for NOTAMs.—

"(1) In general.—The Administrator—

"(A) shall consider the repository for NOTAMs under subsection (a)(2)(B) to be the sole location for airmen to check for NOTAMs; and

"(B) may not consider a NOTAM to be announced or published until the NOTAM is included in the repository for NOTAMs under subsection (a)(2)(B).

"(2) Prohibition on taking action for violations of notams not in repository.—

"(A) In general.—Except as provided in subparagraph (B), beginning on the date that the repository under subsection (a)(2)(B) is final and published, the Administrator may not take any enforcement action against an airman for a violation of a NOTAM during a flight if—

"(i) that NOTAM is not available through the repository before the commencement of the flight; and

"(ii) that NOTAM is not reasonably accessible and identifiable to the airman.

"(B) Exception for national security.—Subparagraph (A) shall not apply in the case of an enforcement action for a violation of a NOTAM that directly relates to national security."

Consistency of Regulatory Interpretation

Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §313, Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 67, provided that:

"(a) Establishment of Advisory Panel.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Feb. 14, 2012], the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall establish an advisory panel comprised of both Government and industry representatives to—

"(1) review the October 2010 report by the Government Accountability Office on certification and approval processes (GAO–11–14); and

"(2) develop recommendations to address the findings in the report and other concerns raised by interested parties, including representatives of the aviation industry.

"(b) Matters To Be Considered.—The advisory panel shall—

"(1) determine the root causes of inconsistent interpretation of regulations by the Administration's Flight Standards Service and Aircraft Certification Service;

"(2) develop recommendations to improve the consistency of interpreting regulations by the Administration's Flight Standards Service and Aircraft Certification Service; and

"(3) develop recommendations to improve communications between the Administration's Flight Standards Service and Aircraft Certification Service and applicants and certificate and approval holders for the identification and resolution of potentially adverse issues in an expeditious and fair manner.

"(c) Report to Congress.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Feb. 14, 2012], the Administrator shall transmit 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 findings of the advisory panel, together with an explanation of how the Administrator will implement the recommendations of the advisory panel and measure the effectiveness of the recommendations."

Flight Standards Evaluation Program

Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §315, Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 68, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Feb. 14, 2012], the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall modify the Flight Standards Evaluation Program—

"(1) to include periodic and random reviews as part of the Administration's oversight of air carriers; and

"(2) to prohibit an individual from participating in a review or audit of an office with responsibility for an air carrier under the program if the individual, at any time in the 5-year period preceding the date of the review or audit, had responsibility for inspecting, or overseeing the inspection of, the operations of that carrier.

"(b) Annual Report to Congress.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Feb. 14, 2012], and annually thereafter, the Administrator 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 on the Flight Standards Evaluation Program, including the Administrator's findings and recommendations with respect to the program.

"(c) Flight Standards Evaluation Program Defined.—In this section, the term 'Flight Standards Evaluation Program' means the program established by the Federal Aviation Administration in FS 1100.1B CHG3, including any subsequent revisions thereto."

Review of Air Transportation Oversight System Database

Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §343, Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 80, provided that:

"(a) Reviews.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall establish a process by which the air transportation oversight system database of the Administration is reviewed by regional teams of employees of the Administration, including at least one employee on each team representing aviation safety inspectors, on a monthly basis to ensure that—

"(1) any trends in regulatory compliance are identified; and

"(2) appropriate corrective actions are taken in accordance with Administration regulations, advisory directives, policies, and procedures.

"(b) Monthly Team Reports.—

"(1) In general.—A regional team of employees conducting a monthly review of the air transportation oversight system database under subsection (a) shall submit to the Administrator, the Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety, and the Director of Flight Standards Service a report each month on the results of the review.

"(2) Contents.—A report submitted under paragraph (1) shall identify—

"(A) any trends in regulatory compliance discovered by the team of employees in conducting the monthly review; and

"(B) any corrective actions taken or proposed to be taken in response to the trends.

"(c) Biannual Reports to Congress.—The Administrator, on a biannual basis, 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 results of the reviews of the air transportation oversight system database conducted under this section, including copies of reports received under subsection (b)."

Duty Periods and Flight Time Limitations Applicable to Flight Crewmembers

Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §345, Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 81, which provided for rulemaking proceedings relating to duty periods and flight time limitations applicable to flight crewmembers, was repealed by Pub. L. 118–63, title II, §218(l), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1056.

Safety Critical Staffing

Pub. L. 112–95, title VI, §606, Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 113, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than October 1, 2012, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall implement, in as cost-effective a manner as possible, the staffing model for aviation safety inspectors developed pursuant to the National Academy of Sciences study entitled 'Staffing Standards for Aviation Safety Inspectors'. In doing so, the Administrator shall consult with interested persons, including the exclusive bargaining representative for aviation safety inspectors certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code.

"(b) Report.—Not later than January 1 of each year beginning after September 30, 2012, 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, the staffing model described in subsection (a)."

Air Transportation of Lithium Cells and Batteries

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, §333, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3274, provided that:

"(a) Harmonization With ICAO Technical Instructions.—

"(1) Adoption of icao instructions.—

"(A) In general.—Pursuant to section 828 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 [Pub. L. 112–95] (49 U.S.C. 44701 note), not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Secretary of Transportation shall conform United States regulations on the air transport of lithium cells and batteries with the lithium cells and battery requirements in the 2015–2016 edition of the International Civil Aviation Organization's (referred to in this subsection as 'ICAO') Technical Instructions (to include all addenda), including the revised standards adopted by ICAO which became effective on April 1, 2016 and any further revisions adopted by ICAO prior to the effective date of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 [probably means Oct. 5, 2018].

"(B) Further proceedings.—Beginning on the date the revised regulations under subparagraph (A) are published in the Federal Register, any lithium cell and battery rulemaking action or update commenced on or after that date shall continue to comply with the requirements under section 828 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note).

"(2) Review of other regulations.—Pursuant to section 828 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note), the Secretary of Transportation may initiate a review of other existing regulations regarding the air transportation, including passenger-carrying and cargo aircraft, of lithium batteries and cells.

"(b) Medical Device Batteries.—

"(1) In general.—For United States applicants, the Secretary of Transportation shall consider and either grant or deny, not later than 45 days after receipt of an application, an application submitted in compliance with part 107 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, for special permits or approvals for air transportation of lithium ion cells or batteries specifically used by medical devices. Not later than 30 days after the date of application, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration shall provide a draft special permit to the Federal Aviation Administration based on the application. The Federal Aviation Administration shall conduct an on-site inspection for issuance of the special permit not later than 20 days after the date of receipt of the draft special permit from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

"(2) Limited exceptions to restrictions on air transportation of medical device batteries.—The Secretary shall issue limited exceptions to the restrictions on transportation of lithium ion and lithium metal batteries to allow the shipment on a passenger aircraft of not more than 2 replacement batteries specifically used for a medical device if—

"(A) the intended destination of the batteries is not serviced daily by cargo aircraft if a battery is required for medically necessary care; and

"(B) with regard to a shipper of lithium ion or lithium metal batteries for medical devices that cannot comply with a charge limitation in place at the time, each battery is—

"(i) individually packed in an inner packaging that completely encloses the battery;

"(ii) placed in a rigid outer packaging; and

"(iii) protected to prevent a short circuit.

"(3) Medial [sic] device defined.—ln [sic] this subsection, the term 'medical device' means an instrument, apparatus, implement, machine, contrivance, implant, or in vitro reagent, including any component, part, or accessory thereof, which is intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, of a person.

"(4) Savings clause.—Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as expanding or constricting any other authority the Secretary of Transportation has under section 828 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note).

"(c) Lithium Battery Safety Working Group.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Secretary of Transportation shall establish a lithium battery safety working group (referred to as the 'working group' in this section) to promote and coordinate efforts related to the promotion of the safe manufacture, use, and transportation of lithium batteries and cells.

"(2) Duties.—The working group shall coordinate and facilitate the transfer of knowledge and expertise among the following Federal agencies:

"(A) The Department of Transportation.

"(B) The Consumer Product Safety Commission.

"(C) The National Institute on Standards and Technology.

"(D) The Food and Drug Administration.

"(3) Members.—The Secretary shall appoint not more than 8 members to the working group with expertise in the safe manufacture, use, or transportation of lithium batteries and cells.

"(4) Subcommittees.—The Secretary, or members of the working group, may—

"(A) establish working group subcommittees to focus on specific issues related to the safe manufacture, use, or transportation of lithium batteries and cells; and

"(B) include in a subcommittee the participation of nonmember stakeholders with expertise in areas that the Secretary or members consider necessary.

"(5) Report.—Not later than 1 year after the date it is established, the working group shall—

"(A) identify and assess—

"(i) additional ways to decrease the risk of fires and explosions from lithium batteries and cells;

"(ii) additional ways to ensure uniform transportation requirements for both bulk and individual batteries; and

"(iii) new or existing technologies that may reduce the fire and explosion risk of lithium batteries and cells; and

"(B) transmit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the assessments conducted under subparagraph (A), including any legislative recommendations to effectuate the safety improvements described in clauses (i) through (iii) of that subparagraph.

"(6) Termination.—The working group, and any working group subcommittees, shall terminate 90 days after the date the report is transmitted under paragraph (5).

"(d) Lithium Battery Air Safety Advisory Committee.—

"(1) Establishment.—Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Secretary shall establish, in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act ([former] 5 U.S.C. App.) [see 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.], a lithium ion and lithium metal battery air safety advisory committee (in this subsection referred to as the 'Committee').

"(2) Duties.—The Committee shall—

"(A) facilitate communication between manufacturers of lithium ion and lithium metal cells and batteries, manufacturers of products incorporating both large and small lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, air carriers, and the Federal Government regarding the safe air transportation of lithium ion and lithium metal cells and batteries and the effectiveness and economic and social impacts of the regulation of such transportation;

"(B) provide the Secretary, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration with timely information about new lithium ion and lithium metal battery technology and transportation safety practices and methodologies;

"(C) provide a forum for the Secretary to provide information on and to discuss the activities of the Department of Transportation relating to lithium ion and lithium metal battery transportation safety, the policies underlying the activities, and positions to be advocated in international forums;

"(D) provide a forum for the Secretary to provide information and receive advice on—

"(i) activities carried out throughout the world to communicate and enforce relevant United States regulations and the ICAO Technical Instructions; and

"(ii) the effectiveness of the activities;

"(E) provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary with respect to lithium ion and lithium metal battery air transportation safety, including how best to implement activities to increase awareness of relevant requirements and their importance to travelers and shippers; and

"(F) review methods to decrease the risk posed by air shipment of undeclared hazardous materials and efforts to educate those who prepare and offer hazardous materials for shipment via air transport.

"(3) Membership.—The Committee shall be composed of the following members:

"(A) Individuals appointed by the Secretary to represent—

"(i) large volume manufacturers of lithium ion and lithium metal cells and batteries;

"(ii) domestic manufacturers of lithium ion and lithium metal batteries or battery packs;

"(iii) manufacturers of consumer products powered by lithium ion and lithium metal batteries;

"(iv) manufacturers of vehicles powered by lithium ion and lithium metal batteries;

"(v) marketers of products powered by lithium ion and lithium metal batteries;

"(vi) cargo air service providers based in the United States;

"(vii) passenger air service providers based in the United States;

"(viii) pilots and employees of air service providers described in clauses (vi) and (vii);

"(ix) shippers of lithium ion and lithium metal batteries for air transportation;

"(x) manufacturers of battery-powered medical devices or batteries used in medical devices; and

"(xi) employees of the Department of Transportation, including employees of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

"(B) Representatives of such other Government departments and agencies as the Secretary determines appropriate.

"(C) Any other individuals the Secretary determines are appropriate to comply with Federal law.

"(4) Report.—

"(A) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the establishment of the Committee, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary and the appropriate committees of Congress a report that—

"(i) describes and evaluates the steps being taken in the private sector and by international regulatory authorities to implement and enforce requirements relating to the safe transportation by air of bulk shipments of lithium ion cells and batteries; and

"(ii) identifies any areas of enforcement or regulatory requirements for which there is consensus that greater attention is needed.

"(B) Independent statements.—Each member of the Committee shall be provided an opportunity to submit an independent statement of views with the report submitted pursuant to subparagraph (A).

"(5) Meetings.—

"(A) In general.—The Committee shall meet at the direction of the Secretary and at least twice a year.

"(B) Preparation for icao meetings.—Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall convene a meeting of the Committee in connection with and in advance of each meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization, or any of its panels or working groups, addressing the safety of air transportation of lithium ion and lithium metal batteries to brief Committee members on positions to be taken by the United States at such meeting and provide Committee members a meaningful opportunity to comment.

"(6) Termination.—The Committee shall terminate on the date that is 6 years after the date on which the Committee is established.

"(7) Termination of future of aviation advisory committee.—The Future of Aviation Advisory Committee shall terminate on the date on which the lithium ion battery air safety advisory committee is established.

"(e) Cooperative Efforts to Ensure Compliance With Safety Regulations.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with appropriate Federal agencies, shall carry out cooperative efforts to ensure that shippers who offer lithium ion and lithium metal batteries for air transport to or from the United States comply with U.S. Hazardous Materials Regulations and ICAO Technical Instructions.

"(2) Cooperative efforts.—The cooperative efforts the Secretary shall carry out pursuant to paragraph (1) include the following:

"(A) Encouraging training programs at locations outside the United States from which substantial cargo shipments of lithium ion or lithium metal batteries originate for manufacturers, freight forwarders, and other shippers and potential shippers of lithium ion and lithium metal batteries.

"(B) Working with Federal, regional, and international transportation agencies to ensure enforcement of U.S. Hazardous Materials Regulations and ICAO Technical Instructions with respect to shippers who offer noncompliant shipments of lithium ion and lithium metal batteries.

"(C) Sharing information, as appropriate, with Federal, regional, and international transportation agencies regarding noncompliant shipments.

"(D) Pursuing a joint effort with the international aviation community to develop a process to obtain assurances that appropriate enforcement actions are taken to reduce the likelihood of noncompliant shipments, especially with respect to jurisdictions in which enforcement activities historically have been limited.

"(E) Providing information in brochures and on the internet in appropriate foreign languages and dialects that describes the actions required to comply with U.S. Hazardous Materials Regulations and ICAO Technical Instructions.

"(F) Developing joint efforts with the international aviation community to promote a better understanding of the requirements of and methods of compliance with U.S. Hazardous Materials Regulations and ICAO Technical Instructions.

"(3) Reporting.—Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for 2 years, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on compliance with the policy set forth in subsection (e) and the cooperative efforts carried out, or planned to be carried out, under this subsection.

"(f) Packaging Improvements.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with interested stakeholders, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress an evaluation of current practices for the packaging of lithium ion batteries and cells for air transportation, including recommendations, if any, to improve the packaging of such batteries and cells for air transportation in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner.

"(g) Department of Transportation Policy on International Representation.—

"(1) In general.—It shall be the policy of the Department of Transportation to support the participation of industry and labor stakeholders in all panels and working groups of the dangerous goods panel of the ICAO and any other international test or standard setting organization that considers proposals on the safety or transportation of lithium ion and lithium metal batteries in which the United States participates.

"(2) Participation.—The Secretary of Transportation shall request that as part of the ICAO deliberations in the dangerous goods panel on these issues, that appropriate experts on issues under consideration be allowed to participate.

"(h) Definitions.—In this section, the following definitions apply:

"(1) ICAO technical instructions.—The term 'ICAO Technical Instructions' has the meaning given that term in section 828(c) of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note).

"(2) U.S. hazardous materials regulations.—The term 'U.S. Hazardous Materials Regulations' means the regulations in parts 100 through 177 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (including amendments adopted after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018])."

Pub. L. 112–95, title VIII, §828, Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 133, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Transportation, including a designee of the Secretary, may not issue or enforce any regulation or other requirement regarding the transportation by aircraft of lithium metal cells or batteries or lithium ion cells or batteries, whether transported separately or packed with or contained in equipment, if the requirement is more stringent than the requirements of the ICAO Technical Instructions.

"(b) Exceptions.—

"(1) Passenger carrying aircraft.—Notwithstanding subsection (a), the Secretary may enforce the prohibition on transporting primary (non-rechargeable) lithium batteries and cells aboard passenger carrying aircraft set forth in special provision A100 under section 172.102(c)(2) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act [Feb. 14, 2012]).

"(2) Credible reports.—Notwithstanding subsection (a), if the Secretary obtains a credible report with respect to a safety incident from a national or international governmental regulatory or investigating body that demonstrates that the presence of lithium metal cells or batteries or lithium ion cells or batteries on an aircraft, whether transported separately or packed with or contained in equipment, in accordance with the requirements of the ICAO Technical Instructions, has substantially contributed to the initiation or propagation of an onboard fire, the Secretary—

"(A) may issue and enforce an emergency regulation, more stringent than the requirements of the ICAO Technical Instructions, that governs the transportation by aircraft of such cells or batteries, if that regulation—

"(i) addresses solely deficiencies referenced in the report; and

"(ii) is effective for not more than 1 year; and

"(B) may adopt and enforce a permanent regulation, more stringent than the requirements of the ICAO Technical Instructions, that governs the transportation by aircraft of such cells or batteries, if—

"(i) the Secretary bases the regulation upon substantial credible evidence that the otherwise permissible presence of such cells or batteries would substantially contribute to the initiation or propagation of an onboard fire;

"(ii) the regulation addresses solely the deficiencies in existing regulations; and

"(iii) the regulation imposes the least disruptive and least expensive variation from existing requirements while adequately addressing identified deficiencies.

"(c) ICAO Technical Instructions Defined.—In this section, the term 'ICAO Technical Instructions' means the International Civil Aviation Organization Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (as amended, including amendments adopted after the date of enactment of this Act [Feb. 14, 2012])."

Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement

Pub. L. 111–216, title II, Aug. 1, 2010, 124 Stat. 2350, as amended by Pub. L. 111–249, §6, Sept. 30, 2010, 124 Stat. 2628; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(315), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4340, provided that:

"SEC. 201. DEFINITIONS.

"(a) [sic] Definitions.—In this title, the following definitions apply:

"(1) Advanced qualification program.—The term 'advanced qualification program' means the program established by the Federal Aviation Administration in Advisory Circular 120–54A, dated June 23, 2006, including any subsequent revisions thereto.

"(2) Air carrier.—The term 'air carrier' has the meaning given that term in section 40102 of title 49, United States Code.

"(3) Aviation safety action program.—The term 'aviation safety action program' means the program established by the Federal Aviation Administration in Advisory Circular 120–66B, dated November 15, 2002, including any subsequent revisions thereto.

"(4) Flight crewmember.—The term 'flight crewmember' has the meaning given the term 'flightcrew member' in part 1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

"(5) Flight operational quality assurance program.—The term 'flight operational quality assurance program' means the program established by the Federal Aviation Administration in Advisory Circular 120–82, dated April 12, 2004, including any subsequent revisions thereto.

"(6) Line operations safety audit.—The term 'line operations safety audit' means the procedure referenced by the Federal Aviation Administration in Advisory Circular 120–90, dated April 27, 2006, including any subsequent revisions thereto.

"(7) Part 121 air carrier.—The term 'part 121 air carrier' means an air carrier that holds a certificate issued under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

"(8) Part 135 air carrier.—The term 'part 135 air carrier' means an air carrier that holds a certificate issued under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

"SEC. 202. SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION RESPONSES TO SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS.

"[Amended section 1135 of this title.]

"SEC. 203. FAA PILOT RECORDS DATABASE.

"[Amended section 44703 of this title.]

"SEC. 204. FAA TASK FORCE ON AIR CARRIER SAFETY AND PILOT TRAINING.

"(a) Establishment.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall establish a special task force to be known as the FAA Task Force on Air Carrier Safety and Pilot Training (in this section referred to as the 'Task Force').

"(b) Composition.—The Task Force shall consist of members appointed by the Administrator and shall include air carrier representatives, labor union representatives, and aviation safety experts with knowledge of foreign and domestic regulatory requirements for flight crewmember education and training.

"(c) Duties.—The duties of the Task Force shall include, at a minimum, evaluating best practices in the air carrier industry and providing recommendations in the following areas:

"(1) Air carrier management responsibilities for flight crewmember education and support.

"(2) Flight crewmember professional standards.

"(3) Flight crewmember training standards and performance.

"(4) Mentoring and information sharing between air carriers.

"(d) Report.—Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 1, 2010], and before the last day of each one-year period thereafter until termination of the Task Force, the Task Force 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 detailing—

"(1) the progress of the Task Force in identifying best practices in the air carrier industry;

"(2) the progress of air carriers and labor unions in implementing the best practices identified by the Task Force;

"(3) recommendations of the Task Force, if any, for legislative or regulatory actions;

"(4) the progress of air carriers and labor unions in implementing training-related, nonregulatory actions recommended by the Administrator; and

"(5) the progress of air carriers in developing specific programs to share safety data and ensure implementation of the most effective safety practices.

"(e) Termination.—The Task Force shall terminate on September 30, 2012.

"(f) Applicability of Chapter 10 of Title 5, United States Code.—Chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code, shall not apply to the Task Force.

"SEC. 205. AVIATION SAFETY INSPECTORS AND OPERATIONAL RESEARCH ANALYSTS.

"(a) Review by DOT Inspector General.—Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 1, 2010], the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation shall conduct a review of the aviation safety inspectors and operational research analysts of the Federal Aviation Administration assigned to part 121 air carriers and submit to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration a report on the results of the review.

"(b) Purposes.—The purpose of the review shall be, at a minimum—

"(1) to review the level of the Administration's oversight of each part 121 air carrier;

"(2) to make recommendations to ensure that each part 121 air carrier is receiving an equivalent level of oversight;

"(3) to assess the number and level of experience of aviation safety inspectors assigned to each part 121 air carrier;

"(4) to evaluate how the Administration is making assignments of aviation safety inspectors to each part 121 air carrier;

"(5) to review various safety inspector oversight programs, including the geographic inspector program;

"(6) to evaluate the adequacy of the number of operational research analysts assigned to each part 121 air carrier;

"(7) to evaluate the surveillance responsibilities of aviation safety inspectors, including en route inspections;

"(8) to evaluate whether inspectors are able to effectively use data sources, such as the Safety Performance Analysis System and the Air Transportation Oversight System, to assist in targeting oversight of each part 121 air carrier;

"(9) to assess the feasibility of establishment by the Administration of a comprehensive repository of information that encompasses multiple Administration data sources and allows access by aviation safety inspectors and operational research analysts to assist in the oversight of each part 121 air carrier; and

"(10) to conduct such other analyses as the Inspector General considers relevant to the review.

"SEC. 206. FLIGHT CREWMEMBER MENTORING, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, AND LEADERSHIP.

"(a) Aviation Rulemaking Committee.—

"(1) In general.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall convene an aviation rulemaking committee to develop procedures for each part 121 air carrier to take the following actions:

"(A) Establish flight crewmember mentoring programs under which the air carrier will pair highly experienced flight crewmembers who will serve as mentor pilots and be paired with newly employed flight crewmembers. Mentor pilots should be provided, at a minimum, specific instruction on techniques for instilling and reinforcing the highest standards of technical performance, airmanship, and professionalism in newly employed flight crewmembers.

"(B) Establish flight crewmember professional development committees made up of air carrier management and labor union or professional association representatives to develop, administer, and oversee formal mentoring programs of the carrier to assist flight crewmembers to reach their maximum potential as safe, seasoned, and proficient flight crewmembers.

"(C) Establish or modify training programs to accommodate substantially different levels and types of flight experience by newly employed flight crewmembers.

"(D) Establish or modify training programs for second-in-command flight crewmembers attempting to qualify as pilot-in-command flight crewmembers for the first time in a specific aircraft type and ensure that such programs include leadership and command training.

"(E) Ensure that recurrent training for pilots in command includes leadership and command training.

"(F) Such other actions as the aviation rulemaking committee determines appropriate to enhance flight crewmember professional development.

"(2) Compliance with sterile cockpit rule.—Leadership and command training described in paragraphs (1)(D) and (1)(E) shall include instruction on compliance with flight crewmember duties under part 121.542 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

"(3) Streamlined program review.—

"(A) In general.—As part of the rulemaking required by subsection (b), the Administrator shall establish a streamlined review process for part 121 air carriers that have in effect, as of the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 1, 2010], the programs described in paragraph (1).

"(B) Expedited approvals.—Under the streamlined review process, the Administrator shall—

"(i) review the programs of such part 121 air carriers to determine whether the programs meet the requirements set forth in the final rule referred to in subsection (b)(2); and

"(ii) expedite the approval of the programs that the Administrator determines meet such requirements.

"(b) Rulemaking.—The Administrator shall issue—

"(1) not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, a notice of proposed rulemaking based on the recommendations of the aviation rulemaking committee convened under subsection (a); and

"(2) not later than 36 months after such date of enactment, a final rule based on such recommendations.

"SEC. 207. FLIGHT CREWMEMBER PAIRING AND CREW RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES.

"(a) Study.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall conduct a study on aviation industry best practices with regard to flight crewmember pairing, crew resource management techniques, and pilot commuting.

"(b) Report.—Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 1, 2010], 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 results of the study.

"SEC. 208. IMPLEMENTATION OF NTSB FLIGHT CREWMEMBER TRAINING RECOMMENDATIONS.

"(a) Rulemaking Proceedings.—

"(1) Stall and upset recognition and recovery training.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall conduct a rulemaking proceeding to require part 121 air carriers to provide flight crewmembers with ground training and flight training or flight simulator training—

"(A) to recognize and avoid a stall of an aircraft or, if not avoided, to recover from the stall; and

"(B) to recognize and avoid an upset of an aircraft or, if not avoided, to execute such techniques as available data indicate are appropriate to recover from the upset in a given make, model, and series of aircraft.

"(2) Remedial training programs.—The Administrator shall conduct a rulemaking proceeding to require part 121 air carriers to establish remedial training programs for flight crewmembers who have demonstrated performance deficiencies or experienced failures in the training environment.

"(3) Deadlines.—The Administrator shall—

"(A) not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 1, 2010], issue a notice of proposed rulemaking under each of paragraphs (1) and (2); and

"(B) not later than 36 months after the date of enactment of this Act, issue a final rule for the rulemaking under each of paragraphs (1) and (2).

"(b) Stick Pusher Training and Weather Event Training.—

"(1) Multidisciplinary panel.—Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall convene a multidisciplinary panel of specialists in aircraft operations, flight crewmember training, human factors, and aviation safety to study and submit to the Administrator a report on methods to increase the familiarity of flight crewmembers with, and improve the response of flight crewmembers to, stick pusher systems, icing conditions, and microburst and windshear weather events.

"(2) Report to congress and ntsb.—Not later than one year after the date on which the Administrator convenes the panel, the Administrator shall—

"(A) submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the National Transportation Safety Board a report based on the findings of the panel; and

"(B) with respect to stick pusher systems, initiate appropriate actions to implement the recommendations of the panel.

"(c) Definitions.—In this section, the following definitions apply:

"(1) Flight training and flight simulator.—The terms 'flight training' and 'flight simulator' have the meanings given those terms in part 61.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation).

"(2) Stall.—The term 'stall' means an aerodynamic loss of lift caused by exceeding the critical angle of attack.

"(3) Stick pusher.—The term 'stick pusher' means a device that, at or near a stall, applies a nose down pitch force to an aircraft's control columns to attempt to decrease the aircraft's angle of attack.

"(4) Upset.—The term 'upset' means an unusual aircraft attitude.

"SEC. 209. FAA RULEMAKING ON TRAINING PROGRAMS.

"(a) Completion of Rulemaking on Training Programs.—Not later than 14 months after the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 1, 2010], the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue a final rule with respect to the notice of proposed rulemaking published in the Federal Register on January 12, 2009 (74 Fed. Reg. 1280; relating to training programs for flight crewmembers and aircraft dispatchers).

"(b) Expert Panel To Review Part 121 and Part 135 Training Hours.—

"(1) Establishment.—Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall convene a multidisciplinary expert panel comprised of, at a minimum, air carrier representatives, training facility representatives, instructional design experts, aircraft manufacturers, safety organization representatives, and labor union representatives.

"(2) Assessment and recommendations.—The panel shall assess and make recommendations concerning—

"(A) the best methods and optimal time needed for flight crewmembers of part 121 air carriers and flight crewmembers of part 135 air carriers to master aircraft systems, maneuvers, procedures, takeoffs and landings, and crew coordination;

"(B) initial and recurrent testing requirements for pilots, including the rigor and consistency of testing programs such as check rides;

"(C) the optimal length of time between training events for such flight crewmembers, including recurrent training events;

"(D) the best methods reliably to evaluate mastery by such flight crewmembers of aircraft systems, maneuvers, procedures, takeoffs and landings, and crew coordination;

"(E) classroom instruction requirements governing curriculum content and hours of instruction;

"(F) the best methods to allow specific academic training courses to be credited toward the total flight hours required to receive an airline transport pilot certificate; and

"(G) crew leadership training.

"(3) Best practices.—In making recommendations under subsection (b)(2), the panel shall consider, if appropriate, best practices in the aviation industry with respect to training protocols, methods, and procedures.

"(4) Report.—Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the National Transportation Safety Board a report based on the findings of the panel.

"SEC. 210. DISCLOSURE OF AIR CARRIERS OPERATING FLIGHTS FOR TICKETS SOLD FOR AIR TRANSPORTATION.

"[Amended section 41712 of this title.]

"SEC. 211. SAFETY INSPECTIONS OF REGIONAL AIR CARRIERS.

"The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall perform, not less frequently than once each year, random, onsite inspections of air carriers that provide air transportation pursuant to a contract with a part 121 air carrier to ensure that such air carriers are complying with all applicable safety standards of the Administration.

"SEC. 212. PILOT FATIGUE.

"(a) Flight and Duty Time Regulations.—

"(1) In general.—In accordance with paragraph (3), the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue regulations, based on the best available scientific information, to specify limitations on the hours of flight and duty time allowed for pilots to address problems relating to pilot fatigue.

"(2) Matters to be addressed.—In conducting the rulemaking proceeding under this subsection, the Administrator shall consider and review the following:

"(A) Time of day of flights in a duty period.

"(B) Number of takeoff and landings in a duty period.

"(C) Number of time zones crossed in a duty period.

"(D) The impact of functioning in multiple time zones or on different daily schedules.

"(E) Research conducted on fatigue, sleep, and circadian rhythms.

"(F) Sleep and rest requirements recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

"(G) International standards regarding flight schedules and duty periods.

"(H) Alternative procedures to facilitate alertness in the cockpit.

"(I) Scheduling and attendance policies and practices, including sick leave.

"(J) The effects of commuting, the means of commuting, and the length of the commute.

"(K) Medical screening and treatment.

"(L) Rest environments.

"(M) Any other matters the Administrator considers appropriate.

"(3) Rulemaking.—The Administrator shall issue—

"(A) not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 1, 2010], a notice of proposed rulemaking under paragraph (1); and

"(B) not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, a final rule under paragraph (1).

"(b) Fatigue Risk Management Plan.—

"(1) Submission of fatigue risk management plan by part 121 air carriers.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, each part 121 air carrier shall submit to the Administrator for review and acceptance a fatigue risk management plan for the carrier's pilots.

"(2) Contents of plan.—A fatigue risk management plan submitted by a part 121 air carrier under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

"(A) Current flight time and duty period limitations.

"(B) A rest scheme consistent with such limitations that enables the management of pilot fatigue, including annual training to increase awareness of—

"(i) fatigue;

"(ii) the effects of fatigue on pilots; and

"(iii) fatigue countermeasures.

"(C) Development and use of a methodology that continually assesses the effectiveness of the program, including the ability of the program—

"(i) to improve alertness; and

"(ii) to mitigate performance errors.

"(3) Review.—Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall review and accept or reject the fatigue risk management plans submitted under this subsection. If the Administrator rejects a plan, the Administrator shall provide suggested modifications for resubmission of the plan.

"(4) Plan updates.—

"(A) In general.—A part 121 air carrier shall update its fatigue risk management plan under paragraph (1) every 2 years and submit the update to the Administrator for review and acceptance.

"(B) Review.—Not later than 12 months after the date of submission of a plan update under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall review and accept or reject the update. If the Administrator rejects an update, the Administrator shall provide suggested modifications for resubmission of the update.

"(5) Compliance.—A part 121 air carrier shall comply with the fatigue risk management plan of the air carrier that is accepted by the Administrator under this subsection.

"(6) Civil penalties.—A violation of this subsection by a part 121 air carrier shall be treated as a violation of chapter 447 of title 49, United States Code, for purposes of the application of civil penalties under chapter 463 of that title.

"(c) Effect of Commuting on Fatigue.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall enter into appropriate arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study of the effects of commuting on pilot fatigue and report its findings to the Administrator.

"(2) Study.—In conducting the study, the National Academy of Sciences shall consider—

"(A) the prevalence of pilot commuting in the commercial air carrier industry, including the number and percentage of pilots who commute;

"(B) information relating to commuting by pilots, including distances traveled, time zones crossed, time spent, and methods used;

"(C) research on the impact of commuting on pilot fatigue, sleep, and circadian rhythms;

"(D) commuting policies of commercial air carriers (including passenger and all-cargo air carriers), including pilot check-in requirements and sick leave and fatigue policies;

"(E) postconference materials from the Federal Aviation Administration's June 2008 symposium titled 'Aviation Fatigue Management Symposium: Partnerships for Solutions';

"(F) Federal Aviation Administration and international policies and guidance regarding commuting; and

"(G) any other matters as the Administrator considers appropriate.

"(3) Preliminary findings.—Not later than 120 days after the date of entering into arrangements under paragraph (1), the National Academy of Sciences shall submit to the Administrator its preliminary findings under the study.

"(4) Report.—Not later than 9 months after the date of entering into arrangements under paragraph (1), the National Academy of Sciences shall submit a report to the Administrator containing its findings under the study and any recommendations for regulatory or administrative actions by the Federal Aviation Administration concerning commuting by pilots.

"(5) Rulemaking.—Following receipt of the report of the National Academy of Sciences under paragraph (4), the Administrator shall—

"(A) consider the findings and recommendations in the report; and

"(B) update, as appropriate based on scientific data, regulations required by subsection (a) on flight and duty time.

"SEC. 213. VOLUNTARY SAFETY PROGRAMS.

"(a) Report.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 1, 2010], the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 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 aviation safety action program, the flight operational quality assurance program, the line operations safety audit, and the advanced qualification program.

"(b) Contents.—The report shall include—

"(1) a list of—

"(A) which air carriers are using one or more of the voluntary safety programs referred to in subsection (a); and

"(B) the voluntary safety programs each air carrier is using;

"(2) if an air carrier is not using one or more of the voluntary safety programs—

"(A) a list of such programs the carrier is not using; and

"(B) the reasons the carrier is not using each such program;

"(3) if an air carrier is using one or more of the voluntary safety programs, an explanation of the benefits and challenges of using each such program;

"(4) a detailed analysis of how the Administration is using data derived from each of the voluntary safety programs as safety analysis and accident or incident prevention tools and a detailed plan on how the Administration intends to expand data analysis of such programs;

"(5) an explanation of—

"(A) where the data derived from the voluntary safety programs is stored;

"(B) how the data derived from such programs is protected and secured; and

"(C) what data analysis processes air carriers are implementing to ensure the effective use of the data derived from such programs;

"(6) a description of the extent to which aviation safety inspectors are able to review data derived from the voluntary safety programs to enhance their oversight responsibilities;

"(7) a description of how the Administration plans to incorporate operational trends identified under the voluntary safety programs into the air transport oversight system and other surveillance databases so that such system and databases are more effectively utilized;

"(8) other plans to strengthen the voluntary safety programs, taking into account reviews of such programs by the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation; and

"(9) such other matters as the Administrator determines are appropriate.

"SEC. 214. ASAP AND FOQA IMPLEMENTATION PLAN.

"(a) Development and Implementation Plan.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall develop and implement a plan to facilitate the establishment of an aviation safety action program and a flight operational quality assurance program by all part 121 air carriers.

"(b) Matters To Be Considered.—In developing the plan under subsection (a), the Administrator shall consider—

"(1) how the Administration can assist part 121 air carriers with smaller fleet sizes to derive a benefit from establishing a flight operational quality assurance program;

"(2) how part 121 air carriers with established aviation safety action and flight operational quality assurance programs can quickly begin to report data into the aviation safety information analysis sharing database; and

"(3) how part 121 air carriers and aviation safety inspectors can better utilize data from such database as accident and incident prevention tools.

"(c) Report.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 1, 2010], 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 copy of the plan developed under subsection (a) and an explanation of how the Administration will implement the plan.

"(d) Deadline for Beginning Implementation of Plan.—Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall begin implementation of the plan developed under subsection (a).

"SEC. 215. SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.

"(a) Rulemaking.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall conduct a rulemaking proceeding to require all part 121 air carriers to implement a safety management system.

"(b) Matters To Consider.—In conducting the rulemaking under subsection (a), the Administrator shall consider, at a minimum, including each of the following as a part of the safety management system:

"(1) An aviation safety action program.

"(2) A flight operational quality assurance program.

"(3) A line operations safety audit.

"(4) An advanced qualification program.

"(c) Deadlines.—The Administrator shall issue—

"(1) not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 1, 2010], a notice of proposed rulemaking under subsection (a); and

"(2) not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, a final rule under subsection (a).

"(d) Safety Management System Defined.—In this section, the term 'safety management system' means the program established by the Federal Aviation Administration in Advisory Circular 120–92, dated June 22, 2006, including any subsequent revisions thereto.

"SEC. 216. FLIGHT CREWMEMBER SCREENING AND QUALIFICATIONS.

"(a) Requirements.—

"(1) Rulemaking proceeding.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall conduct a rulemaking proceeding to require part 121 air carriers to develop and implement means and methods for ensuring that flight crewmembers have proper qualifications and experience.

"(2) Minimum requirements.—

"(A) Prospective flight crewmembers.—Rules issued under paragraph (1) shall ensure that prospective flight crewmembers undergo comprehensive preemployment screening, including an assessment of the skills, aptitudes, airmanship, and suitability of each applicant for a position as a flight crewmember in terms of functioning effectively in the air carrier's operational environment.

"(B) All flight crewmembers.—Rules issued under paragraph (1) shall ensure that, after the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 1, 2010], all flight crewmembers—

"(i) have obtained an airline transport pilot certificate under part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and

"(ii) have appropriate multi-engine aircraft flight experience, as determined by the Administrator.

"(b) Deadlines.—The Administrator shall issue—

"(1) not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, a notice of proposed rulemaking under subsection (a); and

"(2) not later than 24 months after such date of enactment, a final rule under subsection (a).

"(c) Default.—The requirement that each flight crewmember for a part 121 air carrier hold an airline transport pilot certificate under part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, shall begin to apply on the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act even if the Administrator fails to meet a deadline established under this section.

"SEC. 217. AIRLINE TRANSPORT PILOT CERTIFICATION.

"(a) Rulemaking Proceeding.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall conduct a rulemaking proceeding to amend part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to modify requirements for the issuance of an airline transport pilot certificate.

"(b) Minimum Requirements.—To be qualified to receive an airline transport pilot certificate pursuant to subsection (a), an individual shall—

"(1) have sufficient flight hours, as determined by the Administrator, to enable a pilot to function effectively in an air carrier operational environment; and

"(2) have received flight training, academic training, or operational experience that will prepare a pilot, at a minimum, to—

"(A) function effectively in a multipilot environment;

"(B) function effectively in adverse weather conditions, including icing conditions;

"(C) function effectively during high altitude operations;

"(D) adhere to the highest professional standards; and

"(E) function effectively in an air carrier operational environment.

"(c) Flight Hours.—

"(1) Numbers of flight hours.—The total flight hours required by the Administrator under subsection (b)(1) shall be at least 1,500 flight hours.

"(2) Flight hours in difficult operational conditions.—The total flight hours required by the Administrator under subsection (b)(1) shall include sufficient flight hours, as determined by the Administrator, in difficult operational conditions that may be encountered by an air carrier to enable a pilot to operate safely in such conditions.

"(d) Credit Toward Flight Hours.—The Administrator may allow specific academic training courses, beyond those required under subsection (b)(2), to be credited toward the total flight hours required under subsection (c). The Administrator may allow such credit based on a determination by the Administrator that allowing a pilot to take specific academic training courses will enhance safety more than requiring the pilot to fully comply with the flight hours requirement.

"(e) Recommendations of Expert Panel.—In conducting the rulemaking proceeding under this section, the Administrator shall review and consider the assessment and recommendations of the expert panel to review part 121 and part 135 training hours established by section 209(b) of this Act.

"(f) Deadline.—Not later than 36 months after the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 1, 2010], the Administrator shall issue a final rule under subsection (a)."

FAA Inspector Training

Pub. L. 108–176, title V, §506, Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2560, provided that:

"(a) Study.—

"(1) In general.—The Comptroller General shall conduct a study of the training of the aviation safety inspectors of the Federal Aviation Administration (in this section referred to as 'FAA inspectors').

"(2) Contents.—The study shall include—

"(A) an analysis of the type of training provided to FAA inspectors;

"(B) actions that the Federal Aviation Administration has undertaken to ensure that FAA inspectors receive up-to-date training on the latest technologies;

"(C) the extent of FAA inspector training provided by the aviation industry and whether such training is provided without charge or on a quid pro quo basis; and

"(D) the amount of travel that is required of FAA inspectors in receiving training.

"(3) Report.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 2003], the Comptroller General shall transmit 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 results of the study.

"(b) Sense of the House.—It is the sense of the House of Representatives that—

"(1) FAA inspectors should be encouraged to take the most up-to-date initial and recurrent training on the latest aviation technologies;

"(2) FAA inspector training should have a direct relation to an individual's job requirements; and

"(3) if possible, a FAA inspector should be allowed to take training at the location most convenient for the inspector.

"(c) Workload of Inspectors.—

"(1) Study by national academy of sciences.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 2003], the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall make appropriate arrangements for the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study of the assumptions and methods used by the Federal Aviation Administration to estimate staffing standards for FAA inspectors to ensure proper oversight over the aviation industry, including the designee program.

"(2) Contents.—The study shall include the following:

"(A) A suggested method of modifying FAA inspectors staffing models for application to current local conditions or applying some other approach to developing an objective staffing standard.

"(B) The approximate cost and length of time for developing such models.

"(3) Report.—Not later than 12 months after the initiation of the arrangements under subsection (a), the National Academy of Sciences shall transmit to Congress a report on the results of the study."

Air Transportation Oversight System

Pub. L. 106–181, title V, §513, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 144, provided that:

"(a) Report.—Not later than August 1, 2000, the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall transmit 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 progress of the Federal Aviation Administration in implementing the air transportation oversight system, including in detail the training of inspectors under the system, the number of inspectors using the system, air carriers subject to the system, and the budget for the system.

"(b) Required Contents.—At a minimum, the report shall indicate—

"(1) any funding or staffing constraints that would adversely impact the Administration's ability to continue to develop and implement the air transportation oversight system;

"(2) progress in integrating the aviation safety data derived from such system's inspections with existing aviation data of the Administration in the safety performance analysis system of the Administration; and

"(3) the Administration's efforts in collaboration with the aviation industry to develop and validate safety performance measures and appropriate risk weightings for such system.

"(c) Update.—Not later than August 1, 2002, the Administrator shall update the report submitted under this section and transmit the updated report to the committees referred to in subsection (a)."

Regulation of Alaska Guide Pilots

Pub. L. 106–181, title VII, §732, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 168, as amended by Pub. L. 118–63, title II, §218(h), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1056, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Apr. 5, 2000], flight operations conducted by Alaska guide pilots shall be regulated under the general operating and flight rules contained in part 91 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

"(b) Definition of Alaska Guide Pilot.—In this section the term 'Alaska guide pilot' means a pilot who—

"(1) conducts aircraft operations over or within the State of Alaska;

"(2) operates single engine, fixed-wing aircraft on floats, wheels, or skis, providing commercial hunting, fishing, or other guide services and related accommodations in the form of camps or lodges; and

"(3) transports clients by such aircraft incidental to hunting, fishing, or other guide services."

Aviation Medical Assistance

Pub. L. 105–170, Apr. 24, 1998, 112 Stat. 47, provided that:

"SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

"This Act may be cited as the 'Aviation Medical Assistance Act of 1998'.

"SEC. 2. MEDICAL KIT EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING.

"Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Apr. 24, 1998], the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall reevaluate regulations regarding: (1) the equipment required to be carried in medical kits of aircraft operated by air carriers; and (2) the training required of flight attendants in the use of such equipment, and, if the Administrator determines that such regulations should be modified as a result of such reevaluation, shall issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to modify such regulations.

"SEC. 3. REPORTS REGARDING DEATHS ON AIRCRAFT.

"(a) In General.—During the 1-year period beginning on the 90th day following the date of the enactment of this Act [Apr. 24, 1998], a major air carrier shall make a good faith effort to obtain, and shall submit quarterly reports to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration on, the following:

"(1) The number of persons who died on aircraft of the air carrier, including any person who was declared dead after being removed from such an aircraft as a result of a medical incident that occurred on such aircraft.

"(2) The age of each such person.

"(3) Any information concerning cause of death that is available at the time such person died on the aircraft or is removed from the aircraft or that subsequently becomes known to the air carrier.

"(4) Whether or not the aircraft was diverted as a result of the death or incident.

"(5) Such other information as the Administrator may request as necessary to aid in a decision as to whether or not to require automatic external defibrillators in airports or on aircraft operated by air carriers, or both.

"(b) Format.—The Administrator may specify a format for reports to be submitted under this section.

"SEC. 4. DECISION ON AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS.

"(a) In General.—Not later than 120 days after the last day of the 1-year period described in section 3, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall make a decision on whether or not to require automatic external defibrillators on passenger aircraft operated by air carriers and whether or not to require automatic external defibrillators at airports.

"(b) Form of Decision.—A decision under this section shall be in the form of a notice of proposed rulemaking requiring automatic external defibrillators in airports or on passenger aircraft operated by air carriers, or both, or a recommendation to Congress for legislation requiring such defibrillators or a notice in the Federal Register that such defibrillators should not be required in airports or on such aircraft. If a decision under this section is in the form of a notice of proposed rulemaking, the Administrator shall make a final decision not later than the 120th day following the date on which comments are due on the notice of proposed rulemaking.

"(c) Contents.—If the Administrator decides that automatic external defibrillators should be required—

"(1) on passenger aircraft operated by air carriers, the proposed rulemaking or recommendation shall include—

"(A) the size of the aircraft on which such defibrillators should be required;

"(B) the class flights (whether interstate, overseas, or foreign air transportation or any combination thereof) on which such defibrillators should be required;

"(C) the training that should be required for air carrier personnel in the use of such defibrillators; and

"(D) the associated equipment and medication that should be required to be carried in the aircraft medical kit; and

"(2) at airports, the proposed rulemaking or recommendation shall include—

"(A) the size of the airport at which such defibrillators should be required;

"(B) the training that should be required for airport personnel in the use of such defibrillators; and

"(C) the associated equipment and medication that should be required at the airport.

"(d) Limitation.—The Administrator may not require automatic external defibrillators on helicopters and on aircraft with a maximum payload capacity (as defined in section 119.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) of 7,500 pounds or less.

"(e) Special Rule.—If the Administrator decides that automatic external defibrillators should be required at airports, the proposed rulemaking or recommendation shall provide that the airports are responsible for providing the defibrillators.

"SEC. 5. LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY.

"(a) Liability of Air Carriers.—An air carrier shall not be liable for damages in any action brought in a Federal or State court arising out of the performance of the air carrier in obtaining or attempting to obtain the assistance of a passenger in an in-flight medical emergency, or out of the acts or omissions of the passenger rendering the assistance, if the passenger is not an employee or agent of the carrier and the carrier in good faith believes that the passenger is a medically qualified individual.

"(b) Liability of Individuals.—An individual shall not be liable for damages in any action brought in a Federal or State court arising out of the acts or omissions of the individual in providing or attempting to provide assistance in the case of an in-flight medical emergency unless the individual, while rendering such assistance, is guilty of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

"SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS.

"In this Act—

"(1) the terms 'air carrier', 'aircraft', 'airport', 'interstate air transportation', 'overseas air transportation', and 'foreign air transportation' have the meanings such terms have under section 40102 of title 49, United States Code;

"(2) the term 'major air carrier' means an air carrier certificated under section 41102 of title 49, United States Code, that accounted for at least 1 percent of domestic scheduled-passenger revenues in the 12 months ending March 31 of the most recent year preceding the date of the enactment of this Act [Apr. 24, 1998], as reported to the Department of Transportation pursuant to part 241 of title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations; and

"(3) the term 'medically qualified individual' includes any person who is licensed, certified, or otherwise qualified to provide medical care in a State, including a physician, nurse, physician assistant, paramedic, and emergency medical technician."

Definitions

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, §301, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3260, provided that: "In this title [see Tables for classification], the following definitions apply:

"(1) Administrator.—The term 'Administrator' means the Administrator of the FAA.

"(2) FAA.—The term 'FAA' means the Federal Aviation Administration."

§44702. Issuance of certificates

(a) General Authority and Applications.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may issue airman certificates, design organization certificates, type certificates, production certificates, airworthiness certificates, air carrier operating certificates, airport operating certificates, air agency certificates, and air navigation facility certificates under this chapter. An application for a certificate must—

(1) be under oath when the Administrator requires; and

(2) be in the form, contain information, and be filed and served in the way the Administrator prescribes.

(b) Considerations.—When issuing a certificate under this chapter, the Administrator shall—

(1) consider—

(A) the duty of an air carrier to provide service with the highest possible degree of safety in the public interest; and

(B) differences between air transportation and other air commerce; and

(2) classify a certificate according to the differences between air transportation and other air commerce.

(c) Prior Certification.—The Administrator may authorize an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance for which a certificate has been issued authorizing the use of the aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance in air transportation to be used in air commerce without another certificate being issued.

(d) Delegation.—(1) Subject to regulations, supervision, and review the Administrator may prescribe, the Administrator may delegate to a qualified private person, or to an employee under the supervision of that person, a matter related to—

(A) the examination, testing, and inspection necessary to issue a certificate under this chapter; and

(B) issuing the certificate.

(2) The Administrator may rescind a delegation under this subsection at any time for any reason the Administrator considers appropriate.

(3) A person affected by an action of a private person under this subsection may apply for reconsideration of the action by the Administrator. On the Administrator's own initiative, the Administrator may reconsider the action of a private person at any time. If the Administrator decides on reconsideration that the action is unreasonable or unwarranted, the Administrator shall change, modify, or reverse the action. If the Administrator decides the action is warranted, the Administrator shall affirm the action.

(4)(A) With respect to a critical system design feature of a transport category airplane, the Administrator may not delegate any finding of compliance with applicable airworthiness standards or review of any system safety assessment required for the issuance of a certificate, including a type certificate, or amended or supplemental type certificate, under section 44704, until the Administrator has reviewed and validated any underlying assumptions related to human factors.

(B) The requirement under subparagraph (A) shall not apply if the Administrator determines the matter involved is a routine task.

(C) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term critical system design feature includes any feature (including a novel or unusual design feature) for which the failure of such feature, either independently or in combination with other failures, could result in catastrophic or hazardous failure conditions, as those terms are defined by the Administrator.

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1186; Pub. L. 108–176, title II, §227(a), Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2531; Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §106, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2320.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
44702(a)	49 App.:1422(a) (1st–10th words).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, §§314 (less (a) (last sentence related to fees)), 601(b) (1st sentence related to issuing certificates, 2d sentence), 602(a) (1st–8th words), 603(a)(1), (b), (c) (as §603(a)(1), (b), (c) relate to issuing certificates), 604(a) (related to issuing certificates), 606 (last sentence), 607 (last sentence), 608, 72 Stat. 754, 775, 776, 777, 778, 779.
	49 App.:1423(a)(1), (b), (c) (as 49 App.:1423(a)(1), (b), (c) relate to issuing certificates).
	49 App.:1424(a) (related to issuing certificates).
	49 App.:1426 (last sentence).
	49 App.:1427 (last sentence).
	49 App.:1428.
	49 App.:1432(a) (related to issuing certificates).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, §612(a) (related to issuing certificates); added May 21, 1970, Pub. L. 91–258, §51(b)(1), 84 Stat. 234; restated Sept. 3, 1982, Pub. L. 97–248, §525(a), 96 Stat. 697.
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).	Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(c)(1), 80 Stat. 938; Jan. 12, 1983, Pub. L. 97–449, §7(b), 96 Stat. 2444.
44702(b)	49 App.:1421(b) (1st sentence related to issuing certificates).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).
44702(c)	49 App.:1421(b) (2d sentence).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).
44702(d)	49 App.:1355 (less (a) (last sentence related to fees)).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).

In this section, the word "Administrator" in sections 601(b), 602(a), 603(a)(1), 604(a), 606 (last sentence), 607 (last sentence), and 608 of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (Public Law 85–726, 72 Stat. 775, 776, 778, 779) is retained on authority of 49:106(g).

In subsection (a), the reference to a type certificate and production certificate is added for clarity.

In subsection (b)(1), before subclause (A), the word "full" is omitted as surplus. In clause (1)(A), the word "provide" is substituted for "perform" for consistency in the revised title.

In subsection (d)(1), before clause (A), the words "In exercising the powers and duties vested in him by this chapter" and "properly" are omitted as surplus. The words "or employees" are omitted because of 1:1. The word "matter" is substituted for "work, business, or function" to eliminate unnecessary words. In clause (B), the words "in accordance with standards established by him" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (d)(2), the words "made by him" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (d)(3), the words "exercising delegated authority" and "with respect to the authority granted under subsection (a) of this section" are omitted as surplus. The words "at any time" are substituted for "either before or after it has become effective", and the words "If the Administrator decides on reconsideration that the action is unreasonable or unwarranted" are substituted for "If, upon reconsideration by the Secretary of Transportation, it shall appear that the action in question is in any respect unjust or unwarranted", to eliminate unnecessary words. The words "the action" are substituted for "the same accordingly", and the words "If the Administrator decides the action is warranted, the Administrator shall affirm the action" are substituted for "otherwise, such action shall be affirmed", for clarity. The text of 49 App.:1355(b) (proviso) is omitted as unnecessary because of 5:559 (last sentence).

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2020—Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 116–260 added par. (4).

2003—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–176 inserted "design organization certificates," after "airman certificates," in introductory provisions.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2003 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–176, title II, §227(a), Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2531, provided that the amendment made by section 227(a) is effective on the last day of the 7-year period beginning on Dec. 12, 2003.

Development of Analytical Tools and Certification Methods

Pub. L. 108–176, title VII, §706, Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2582, provided that: "The Federal Aviation Administration shall conduct research to promote the development of analytical tools to improve existing certification methods and to reduce the overall costs for the certification of new products."

§44703. Airman certificates

(a) General.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue an airman certificate to an individual when the Administrator finds, after investigation, that the individual is qualified for, and physically able to perform the duties related to, the position to be authorized by the certificate.

(b) Contents.—(1) An airman certificate shall—

(A) be numbered and recorded by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration;

(B) contain the name, address, and description of the individual to whom the certificate is issued;

(C) contain terms the Administrator decides are necessary to ensure safety in air commerce, including terms on the duration of the certificate, periodic or special examinations, and tests of physical fitness;

(D) specify the capacity in which the holder of the certificate may serve as an airman with respect to an aircraft; and

(E) designate the class the certificate covers.

(2) A certificate issued to a pilot serving in scheduled air transportation shall have the designation "airline transport pilot" of the appropriate class.

(c) Public Information.—

(1) In general.—Subject to paragraph (2) and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the information contained in the records of contents of any airman certificate issued under this section that is limited to an airman's name, address, and ratings held shall be made available to the public after the 120th day following the date of the enactment of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century.

(2) Opportunity to withhold information.—Before making any information concerning an airman available to the public under paragraph (1), the airman shall be given an opportunity to elect that the information not be made available to the public.

(3) Development and implementation of program.—Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century, the Administrator shall develop and implement, in cooperation with representatives of the aviation industry, a one-time written notification to airmen to set forth the implications of making information concerning an airman available to the public under paragraph (1) and to carry out paragraph (2). The Administrator shall also provide such written notification to each individual who becomes an airman after such date of enactment.

(d) Appeals.—(1) An individual whose application for the issuance or renewal of an airman certificate has been denied may appeal the denial to the National Transportation Safety Board, except if the individual holds a certificate that—

(A) is suspended at the time of denial; or

(B) was revoked within one year from the date of the denial.

(2) The Board shall conduct a hearing on the appeal at a place convenient to the place of residence or employment of the applicant. The Board is not bound by findings of fact of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. At the end of the hearing, the Board shall decide whether the individual meets the applicable regulations and standards. The Administrator is bound by that decision.

(3) A person who is substantially affected by an order of the Board under this subsection, or the Administrator if the Administrator decides that an order of the Board will have a significant adverse impact on carrying out this subtitle, may seek judicial review of the order under section 46110. The Administrator shall be made a party to the judicial review proceedings. The findings of fact of the Board in any such case are conclusive if supported by substantial evidence.

(e) Restrictions and Prohibitions.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may—

(1) restrict or prohibit issuing an airman certificate to an alien; or

(2) make issuing the certificate to an alien dependent on a reciprocal agreement with the government of a foreign country.

(f) Controlled Substance Violations.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may not issue an airman certificate to an individual whose certificate is revoked under section 44710 of this title except—

(1) when the Administrator decides that issuing the certificate will facilitate law enforcement efforts; and

(2) as provided in section 44710(e)(2) of this title.

(g) Modifications in System.—(1) The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall make modifications in the system for issuing airman certificates necessary to make the system more effective in serving the needs of airmen and officials responsible for enforcing laws related to the regulation of controlled substances (as defined in section 102 of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (21 U.S.C. 802)) and related to combating acts of terrorism. The modifications shall ensure positive and verifiable identification of each individual applying for or holding a certificate and shall address at least each of the following deficiencies in, and abuses of, the existing system:

(A) the use of fictitious names and addresses by applicants for those certificates.

(B) the use of stolen or fraudulent identification in applying for those certificates.

(C) the use by an applicant of a post office box or "mail drop" as a return address to evade identification of the applicant's address.

(D) the use of counterfeit and stolen airman certificates by pilots.

(E) the absence of information about physical characteristics of holders of those certificates.

(2) The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall prescribe regulations to carry out paragraph (1) of this subsection and provide a written explanation of how the regulations address each of the deficiencies and abuses described in paragraph (1). In prescribing the regulations, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall consult with the Administrator of Drug Enforcement, the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, other law enforcement officials of the United States Government, representatives of State and local law enforcement officials, representatives of the general aviation aircraft industry, representatives of users of general aviation aircraft, and other interested persons.

(3) For purposes of this section, the term "acts of terrorism" means an activity that involves a violent act or an act dangerous to human life that is a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State, or that would be a criminal violation if committed within the jurisdiction of the United States or of any State, and appears to be intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion or to affect the conduct of a government by assassination or kidnaping.

(4) The Administrator is authorized and directed to work with State and local authorities, and other Federal agencies, to assist in the identification of individuals applying for or holding airmen certificates.

(h) Records of Employment of Pilot Applicants.—

(1) In general.—Subject to paragraph (14), before allowing an individual to begin service as a pilot, an air carrier shall request and receive the following information:

(A) FAA records.—From the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, records pertaining to the individual that are maintained by the Administrator concerning—

(i) current airman certificates (including airman medical certificates) and associated type ratings, including any limitations to those certificates and ratings; and

(ii) summaries of legal enforcement actions resulting in a finding by the Administrator of a violation of this title or a regulation prescribed or order issued under this title that was not subsequently overturned.

(B) Air carrier and other records.—From any air carrier or other person (except a branch of the United States Armed Forces, the National Guard, or a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces) that has employed the individual as a pilot of a civil or public aircraft at any time during the 5-year period preceding the date of the employment application of the individual, or from the trustee in bankruptcy for such air carrier or person—

(i) records pertaining to the individual that are maintained by an air carrier (other than records relating to flight time, duty time, or rest time) under regulations set forth in—

(I) section 121.683 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;

(II) paragraph (A) of section VI, appendix I, part 121 of such title;

(III) paragraph (A) of section IV, appendix J, part 121 of such title;

(IV) section 125.401 of such title; and

(V) section 135.63(a)(4) of such title; and

(ii) other records pertaining to the individual's performance as a pilot that are maintained by the air carrier or person concerning—

(I) the training, qualifications, proficiency, or professional competence of the individual, including comments and evaluations made by a check airman designated in accordance with section 121.411, 125.295, or 135.337 of such title;

(II) any disciplinary action taken with respect to the individual that was not subsequently overturned; and

(III) any release from employment or resignation, termination, or disqualification with respect to employment.

(C) National driver register records.—In accordance with section 30305(b)(8) of this title, from the chief driver licensing official of a State, information concerning the motor vehicle driving record of the individual.

(2) Written consent; release from liability.—An air carrier making a request for records under paragraph (1)—

(A) shall be required to obtain written consent to the release of those records from the individual that is the subject of the records requested; and

(B) may, notwithstanding any other provision of law or agreement to the contrary, require the individual who is the subject of the records to request to execute a release from liability for any claim arising from the furnishing of such records to or the use of such records by such air carrier (other than a claim arising from furnishing information known to be false and maintained in violation of a criminal statute).

(3) 5-year reporting period.—A person shall not furnish a record in response to a request made under paragraph (1) if the record was entered more than 5 years before the date of the request, unless the information concerns a revocation or suspension of an airman certificate or motor vehicle license that is in effect on the date of the request.

(4) Requirement to maintain records.—The Administrator and air carriers shall maintain pilot records described in paragraphs (1)(A) and (1)(B) for a period of at least 5 years.

(5) Receipt of consent; provision of information.—A person shall not furnish a record in response to a request made under paragraph (1) without first obtaining a copy of the written consent of the individual who is the subject of the records requested; except that, for purposes of paragraph (15), the Administrator may allow an individual designated by the Administrator to accept and maintain written consent on behalf of the Administrator for records requested under paragraph (1)(A). A person who receives a request for records under this subsection shall furnish a copy of all of such requested records maintained by the person not later than 30 days after receiving the request.

(6) Right to receive notice and copy of any record furnished.—A person who receives a request for records under paragraph (1) shall provide to the individual who is the subject of the records—

(A) on or before the 20th day following the date of receipt of the request, written notice of the request and of the individual's right to receive a copy of such records; and

(B) in accordance with paragraph (10), a copy of such records, if requested by the individual.

(7) Reasonable charges for processing requests and furnishing copies.—A person who receives a request under paragraph (1) or (6) may establish a reasonable charge for the cost of processing the request and furnishing copies of the requested records.

(8) Standard forms.—The Administrator shall promulgate—

(A) standard forms that may be used by an air carrier to request records under paragraph (1); and

(B) standard forms that may be used by an air carrier to—

(i) obtain the written consent of the individual who is the subject of a request under paragraph (1); and

(ii) inform the individual of—

(I) the request; and

(II) the individual right of that individual to receive a copy of any records furnished in response to the request.

(9) Right to correct inaccuracies.—An air carrier that maintains or requests and receives the records of an individual under paragraph (1) shall provide the individual with a reasonable opportunity to submit written comments to correct any inaccuracies contained in the records before making a final hiring decision with respect to the individual.

(10) Right of pilot to review certain records.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law or agreement, an air carrier shall, upon written request from a pilot who is or has been employed by such carrier, make available, within a reasonable time, but not later than 30 days after the date of the request, to the pilot for review, any and all employment records referred to in paragraph (1)(B)(i) or (ii) pertaining to the employment of the pilot.

(11) Privacy protections.—An air carrier that receives the records of an individual under paragraph (1) may use such records only to assess the qualifications of the individual in deciding whether or not to hire the individual as a pilot. The air carrier shall take such actions as may be necessary to protect the privacy of the pilot and the confidentiality of the records, including ensuring that information contained in the records is not divulged to any individual that is not directly involved in the hiring decision.

(12) Periodic review.—Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of the Pilot Records Improvement Act of 1996, and at least once every 3 years thereafter, the Administrator shall transmit to Congress a statement that contains, taking into account recent developments in the aviation industry—

(A) recommendations by the Administrator concerning proposed changes to Federal Aviation Administration records, air carrier records, and other records required to be furnished under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1); or

(B) reasons why the Administrator does not recommend any proposed changes to the records referred to in subparagraph (A).

(13) Regulations.—The Administrator shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary—

(A) to protect—

(i) the personal privacy of any individual whose records are requested under paragraph (1) and disseminated under paragraph (15); and

(ii) the confidentiality of those records;

(B) to preclude the further dissemination of records received under paragraph (1) by the person who requested those records; and

(C) to ensure prompt compliance with any request made under paragraph (1).

(14) Special rules with respect to certain pilots.—

(A) Pilots of certain small aircraft.—Notwithstanding paragraph (1), an air carrier, before receiving information requested about an individual under paragraph (1), may allow the individual to begin service for a period not to exceed 90 days as a pilot of an aircraft with a maximum payload capacity (as defined in section 119.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) of 7,500 pounds or less, or a helicopter, on a flight that is not a scheduled operation (as defined in such section). Before the end of the 90-day period, the air carrier shall obtain and evaluate such information. The contract between the carrier and the individual shall contain a term that provides that the continuation of the individual's employment, after the last day of the 90-day period, depends on a satisfactory evaluation.

(B) Good faith exception.—Notwithstanding paragraph (1), an air carrier, without obtaining information about an individual under paragraph (1)(B) from an air carrier or other person that no longer exists or from a foreign government or entity that employed the individual, may allow the individual to begin service as a pilot if the air carrier required to request the information has made a documented good faith attempt to obtain such information.

(15) Electronic access to faa records.—For the purpose of increasing timely and efficient access to Federal Aviation Administration records described in paragraph (1), the Administrator may allow, under terms established by the Administrator, an individual designated by the air carrier to have electronic access to a specified database containing information about such records. The terms shall limit such access to instances in which information in the database is required by the designated individual in making a hiring decision concerning a pilot applicant and shall require that the designated individual provide assurances satisfactory to the Administrator that information obtained using such access will not be used for any purpose other than making the hiring decision.

(16) Applicability.—This subsection shall cease to be effective on the date specified in regulations issued under subsection (i).

(i) FAA Pilot Records Database.—

(1) In general.—Before allowing an individual to begin service as a pilot, an air carrier shall access and evaluate, in accordance with the requirements of this subsection, information pertaining to the individual from the pilot records database established under paragraph (2).

(2) Pilot records database.—Not later than April 30, 2017, the Administrator shall establish and make available for use an electronic database (in this subsection referred to as the "database") containing the following records:

(A) FAA records.—From the Administrator—

(i) records that are maintained by the Administrator concerning current airman certificates, including airman medical certificates and associated type ratings and information on any limitations to those certificates and ratings;

(ii) records that are maintained by the Administrator concerning any failed attempt of an individual to pass a practical test required to obtain a certificate or type rating under part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and

(iii) summaries of legal enforcement actions resulting in a finding by the Administrator of a violation of this title or a regulation prescribed or order issued under this title that was not subsequently overturned.

(B) Air carrier and other records.—From any air carrier or other person (except a branch of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, or a reserve component of the Armed Forces) that has employed an individual as a pilot of a civil or public aircraft, or from the trustee in bankruptcy for the air carrier or person—

(i) records pertaining to the individual that are maintained by the air carrier (other than records relating to flight time, duty time, or rest time) or person, including records under regulations set forth in—

(I) section 121.683 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;

(II) section 121.111(a) of such title;

(III) section 121.219(a) of such title;

(IV) section 125.401 of such title; and

(V) section 135.63(a)(4) of such title; and

(ii) other records pertaining to the individual's performance as a pilot that are maintained by the air carrier or person concerning—

(I) the training, qualifications, proficiency, or professional competence of the individual, including comments and evaluations made by a check airman designated in accordance with section 121.411, 125.295, or 135.337 of such title;

(II) any disciplinary action taken with respect to the individual that was not subsequently overturned; and

(III) any release from employment or resignation, termination, or disqualification with respect to employment.

(C) National driver register records.—In accordance with section 30305(b)(8) of this title, from the chief driver licensing official of a State, information concerning the motor vehicle driving record of the individual.

(3) Written consent; release from liability.—An air carrier—

(A) shall obtain the written consent of an individual before accessing records pertaining to the individual under paragraph (1); and

(B) may, notwithstanding any other provision of law or agreement to the contrary, require an individual with respect to whom the carrier is accessing records under paragraph (1) to execute a release from liability for any claim arising from accessing the records or the use of such records by the air carrier in accordance with this section (other than a claim arising from furnishing information known to be false and maintained in violation of a criminal statute).

(4) Reporting.—

(A) Reporting by administrator.—The Administrator shall enter data described in paragraph (2)(A) into the database promptly to ensure that an individual's records are current.

(B) Reporting by air carriers and other persons.—

(i) In general.—Air carriers and other persons shall report data described in paragraphs (2)(B) and (2)(C) to the Administrator promptly for entry into the database.

(ii) Data to be reported.—Air carriers and other persons shall report, at a minimum, under clause (i) the following data described in paragraph (2)(B):

(I) Records that are generated by the air carrier or other person after the date of enactment of this paragraph.

(II) Records that the air carrier or other person is maintaining, on such date of enactment, pursuant to subsection (h)(4).

(5) Requirement to maintain records.—The Administrator—

(A) shall maintain all records entered into the database under paragraph (2) pertaining to an individual until the date of receipt of notification that the individual is deceased; and

(B) may remove the individual's records from the database after that date.

(6) Receipt of consent.—The Administrator shall not permit an air carrier to access records pertaining to an individual from the database under paragraph (1) without the air carrier first demonstrating to the satisfaction of the Administrator that the air carrier has obtained the written consent of the individual.

(7) Right of pilot to review certain records and correct inaccuracies.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law or agreement, the Administrator, upon receipt of written request from an individual—

(A) shall make available, not later than 30 days after the date of the request, to the individual for review all records referred to in paragraph (2) pertaining to the individual; and

(B) shall provide the individual with a reasonable opportunity to submit written comments to correct any inaccuracies contained in the records.

(8) Reasonable charges for processing requests and furnishing copies.—

(A) In general.—The Administrator may establish a reasonable charge for the cost of processing a request under paragraph (1) or (7) and for the cost of furnishing copies of requested records under paragraph (7).

(B) Crediting appropriations.—Funds received by the Administrator pursuant to this paragraph shall—

(i) be credited to the appropriation current when the amount is received;

(ii) be merged with and available for the purposes of such appropriation; and

(iii) remain available until expended.

(9) Privacy protections.—

(A) Use of records.—An air carrier that accesses records pertaining to an individual under paragraph (1) may use the records only to assess the qualifications of the individual in deciding whether or not to hire the individual as a pilot. The air carrier shall take such actions as may be necessary to protect the privacy of the individual and the confidentiality of the records accessed, including ensuring that information contained in the records is not divulged to any individual that is not directly involved in the hiring decision.

(B) Disclosure of information.—

(i) In general.—Except as provided by clause (ii), information collected by the Administrator under paragraph (2) shall be exempt from the disclosure requirements of section 552(b)(3)(B) of title 5.

(ii) Exceptions.—Clause (i) shall not apply to—

(I) deidentified, summarized information to explain the need for changes in policies and regulations;

(II) information to correct a condition that compromises safety;

(III) information to carry out a criminal investigation or prosecution;

(IV) information to comply with section 44905, regarding information about threats to civil aviation; and

(V) such information as the Administrator determines necessary, if withholding the information would not be consistent with the safety responsibilities of the Federal Aviation Administration.

(10) Periodic review.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this paragraph, and at least once every 3 years thereafter, the Administrator shall transmit to Congress a statement that contains, taking into account recent developments in the aviation industry—

(A) recommendations by the Administrator concerning proposed changes to Federal Aviation Administration records, air carrier records, and other records required to be included in the database under paragraph (2); or

(B) reasons why the Administrator does not recommend any proposed changes to the records referred to in subparagraph (A).

(11) Regulations for protection and security of records.—The Administrator shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary—

(A) to protect and secure—

(i) the personal privacy of any individual whose records are accessed under paragraph (1); and

(ii) the confidentiality of those records; and

(B) to preclude the further dissemination of records received under paragraph (1) by the person who accessed the records.

(12) Good faith exception.—Notwithstanding paragraph (1), an air carrier may allow an individual to begin service as a pilot, without first obtaining information described in paragraph (2)(B) from the database pertaining to the individual, if—

(A) the air carrier has made a documented good faith attempt to access the information from the database; and

(B) the air carrier has received written notice from the Administrator that the information is not contained in the database because the individual was employed by an air carrier or other person that no longer exists or by a foreign government or other entity that has not provided the information to the database.

(13) Limitations on electronic access to records.—

(A) Access by individuals designated by air carriers.—For the purpose of increasing timely and efficient access to records described in paragraph (2), the Administrator may allow, under terms established by the Administrator, an individual designated by an air carrier to have electronic access to the database.

(B) Terms.—The terms established by the Administrator under subparagraph (A) for allowing a designated individual to have electronic access to the database shall limit such access to instances in which information in the database is required by the designated individual in making a hiring decision concerning a pilot applicant and shall require that the designated individual provide assurances satisfactory to the Administrator that—

(i) the designated individual has received the written consent of the pilot applicant to access the information; and

(ii) information obtained using such access will not be used for any purpose other than making the hiring decision.

(14) Authorized expenditures.—Of amounts appropriated under section 106(k)(1), a total of $6,000,000 for fiscal years 2010 through 2013 may be used to carry out this subsection.

(15) Regulations.—

(A) In general.—The Administrator shall issue regulations to carry out this subsection.

(B) Effective date.—The regulations shall specify the date on which the requirements of this subsection take effect and the date on which the requirements of subsection (h) cease to be effective.

(C) Exceptions.—Notwithstanding subparagraph (B)—

(i) the Administrator shall begin to establish the database under paragraph (2) not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this paragraph;

(ii) the Administrator shall maintain records in accordance with paragraph (5) beginning on the date of enactment of this paragraph; and

(iii) air carriers and other persons shall maintain records to be reported to the database under paragraph (4)(B) in the period beginning on such date of enactment and ending on the date that is 5 years after the requirements of subsection (h) cease to be effective pursuant to subparagraph (B).

(16) Special rule.—During the one-year period beginning on the date on which the requirements of this section become effective pursuant to paragraph (15)(B), paragraph (7)(A) shall be applied by substituting "45 days" for "30 days".

(j) Limitations on Liability; Preemption of State Law.—

(1) Limitation on liability.—No action or proceeding may be brought by or on behalf of an individual who has applied for or is seeking a position with an air carrier as a pilot and who has signed a release from liability, as provided for under subsection (h)(2) or (i)(3), against—

(A) the air carrier requesting the records of that individual under subsection (h)(1) or accessing the records of that individual under subsection (i)(1);

(B) a person who has complied with such request;

(C) a person who has entered information contained in the individual's records; or

(D) an agent or employee of a person described in subparagraph (A) or (B);

in the nature of an action for defamation, invasion of privacy, negligence, interference with contract, or otherwise, or under any Federal or State law with respect to the furnishing or use of such records in accordance with subsection (h) or (i).

(2) Preemption.—No State or political subdivision thereof may enact, prescribe, issue, continue in effect, or enforce any law (including any regulation, standard, or other provision having the force and effect of law) that prohibits, penalizes, or imposes liability for furnishing or using records in accordance with subsection (h) or (i).

(3) Provision of knowingly false information.—Paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not apply with respect to a person who furnishes information in response to a request made under subsection (h)(1) or who furnished information to the database established under subsection (i)(2), that—

(A) the person knows is false; and

(B) was maintained in violation of a criminal statute of the United States.

(4) Prohibition on actions and proceedings against air carriers.—

(A) Hiring decisions.—An air carrier may refuse to hire an individual as a pilot if the individual did not provide written consent for the air carrier to receive records under subsection (h)(2)(A) or (i)(3)(A) or did not execute the release from liability requested under subsection (h)(2)(B) or (i)(3)(B).

(B) Actions and proceedings.—No action or proceeding may be brought against an air carrier by or on behalf of an individual who has applied for or is seeking a position as a pilot with the air carrier if the air carrier refused to hire the individual after the individual did not provide written consent for the air carrier to receive records under subsection (h)(2)(A) or (i)(3)(A) or did not execute a release from liability requested under subsection (h)(2)(B) or (i)(3)(B).

(k) Limitation on Statutory Construction.—Nothing in subsection (h) or (i) shall be construed as precluding the availability of the records of a pilot in an investigation or other proceeding concerning an accident or incident conducted by the Administrator, the National Transportation Safety Board, or a court.

(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.

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1186; Pub. L. 106–181, title VII, §715, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 162; Pub. L. 107–71, title I, §§129, 138(b), 140(a), Nov. 19, 2001, 115 Stat. 633, 640, 641; Pub. L. 111–216, title II, §203, Aug. 1, 2010, 124 Stat. 2352; Pub. L. 111–249, §6(3), (4), Sept. 30, 2010, 124 Stat. 2629; Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §§301(a), 310(c), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 56, 65; Pub. L. 112–153, §2(c)(1), Aug. 3, 2012, 126 Stat. 1160; Pub. L. 114–125, title VIII, §802(d)(2), Feb. 24, 2016, 130 Stat. 210; Pub. L. 114–190, title II, §2101, July 15, 2016, 130 Stat. 619; Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, §813, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1327.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
44703(a)	49 App.:1422(b)(1) (1st sentence, 2d sentence words before 6th comma).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, §602(b)(1), 72 Stat. 776; Oct. 19, 1984, Pub. L. 98–499, §3, 98 Stat. 2313; Aug. 26, 1992, Pub. L. 102–345, §4, 106 Stat. 926.
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).	Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(c)(1), 80 Stat. 938; Jan. 12, 1983, Pub. L. 97–449, §7(b), 96 Stat. 2444.
44703(b)	49 App.:1422(a) (11th–last words).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, §602(a) (9th–last words), (c), 72 Stat. 776.
	49 App.:1422(b)(1) (2d sentence words after 6th comma), (c).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).
44703(c)(1)	49 App.:1422(b)(1) (3d sentence).
44703(c)(2)	49 App.:1422(b)(1) (4th, 5th sentences, last sentence words before proviso).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).
44703(d)	49 App.:1422(b)(1) (last sentence proviso).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).
44703(e)	49 App.:1422(b)(2)(A), (B).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, §602(b)(2)(A), (B); added Oct. 19, 1984, Pub. L. 98–499, §3, 98 Stat. 2313; restated Nov. 18, 1988, Pub. L. 100–690, §7204(a), 102 Stat. 4425.
44703(f)(1)	49 App.:1422(d).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, §602(d); added Nov. 18, 1988, Pub. L. 100–690, §7205(a), 102 Stat. 4426.
44703(f)(2)	49 App.:1401 (note).	Nov. 18, 1988, Pub. L. 100–690, §7207(a) (1st sentence), (b), 102 Stat. 4427.

In subsections (a)–(d), the word "Administrator" in section 602(a), (b)(1), and (c) of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (Public Law 85–726, 72 Stat. 776) is retained on authority of 49:106(g).

In subsection (a), the text of 49 App.:1422(b) (1st sentence) is omitted as surplus. The words "is qualified" are substituted for "possesses proper qualifications" to eliminate unnecessary words. The words "to be authorized by the certificate" are substituted for "for which the airman certificate is sought" for clarity.

In subsection (b)(1)(C), the words "conditions, and limitations" are omitted as being included in "terms".

In subsection (b)(1)(E), the word "designate" is substituted for "be entitled with the designation of" to eliminate unnecessary words.

In subsection (c)(1), before clause (A), the words "may appeal . . . to" are substituted for "may file with . . . a petition for review of the Secretary of Transportation's action" for consistency with section 1109 of the revised title. The words "the individual holds a certificate that" are substituted for "persons whose certificates" for clarity.

In subsection (c)(2), the words "conduct a hearing on the appeal" are substituted for "thereupon assign such petition for hearing" for consistency. The words "In the conduct of such hearing and in determining whether the airman meets the pertinent rules, regulations, or standards" are omitted as surplus. The word "Administrator" is substituted for "Federal Aviation Administration" because of 49:106(b) and (g). The words "meets the applicable regulations" are substituted for "meets the pertinent rules, regulations" because "rules" and "regulations" are synonymous and for consistency in the revised title.

In subsection (d), before clause (1), the words "in his discretion" are omitted as surplus. In clause (2), the words "the terms of" and "entered into" are omitted as surplus. The words "government of a foreign country" are substituted for "foreign governments" for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code.

In subsection (f)(1), before clause (A), the words "established under this chapter" and "to pilots" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (f)(2), the words "Not later than September 18, 1989" and "final" are omitted as obsolete. The words "Administrator of Drug Enforcement" are substituted for "Drug Enforcement Administration of the Department of Justice" because of section 5(a) of Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1973 (eff. July 1, 1973, 87 Stat. 1092). The words "Commissioner of Customs" are substituted for "United States Customs Service" because of 19:2071.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of the enactment of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), (3), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 106–181, which was approved Apr. 5, 2000.

The date of the enactment of the Pilot Records Improvement Act of 1996, referred to in subsec. (h)(12), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 104–264, which was approved Oct. 9, 1996.

The date of enactment of this paragraph, referred to in subsec. (i)(4)(B)(ii), (10), (15)(C), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 111–216, which was approved Aug. 1, 2010.

Codification

The text of section 44936(f) to (h) of this title, which was transferred to the end of this section, redesignated as subsecs. (h) to (j), respectively, and amended by Pub. L. 107–71, §§138(b), 140(a), was based on Pub. L. 104–264, title V, §502(a), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3259; amended Pub. L. 105–102, §2(25), Nov. 20, 1997, 111 Stat. 2205; Pub. L. 105–142, §1, Dec. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 2650; Pub. L. 106–181, title V, §508(b), Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 140.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 118–63 added subsec. (l).

2016—Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 114–190 substituted "Not later than April 30, 2017, the Administrator shall establish and make available for use" for "The Administrator shall establish".

2012—Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 112–153 struck out "but is bound by all validly adopted interpretations of laws and regulations the Administrator carries out unless the Board finds an interpretation is arbitrary, capricious, or otherwise not according to law" after "Federal Aviation Administration".

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 112–95, §301(a), added par. (3).

Subsec. (i)(9)(B)(i). Pub. L. 112–95, §310(c), substituted "section 552(b)(3)(B) of title 5" for "section 552 of title 5".

2010—Subsec. (h)(16). Pub. L. 111–216, §203(a), added par. (16).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 111–216, §203(b)(2), added subsec. (i). Former subsec. (i) redesignated (j).

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 111–216, §203(c)(1)(A), as amended by Pub. L. 111–249, §6(3), substituted "Limitations" for "Limitation" in heading.

Pub. L. 111–216, §203(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (i) as (j). Former subsec. (j) redesignated (k).

Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 111–216, §203(c)(1)(B)(i), (iii), as amended by Pub. L. 111–249, §6(3), substituted "subsection (h)(2) or (i)(3)" for "paragraph (2)" in introductory provisions and "subsection (h) or (i)" for "subsection (h)" in concluding provisions.

Subsec. (j)(1)(A). Pub. L. 111–216, §203(c)(1)(B)(ii), as amended by Pub. L. 111–249, §6(3), inserted "or accessing the records of that individual under subsection (i)(1)" before semicolon.

Subsec. (j)(2). Pub. L. 111–216, §203(c)(1)(C), as amended by Pub. L. 111–249, §6(3), substituted "subsection (h) or (i)" for "subsection (h)".

Subsec. (j)(3). Pub. L. 111–216, §203(c)(1)(D), as amended by Pub. L. 111–249, §6(3), inserted "or who furnished information to the database established under subsection (i)(2)" after "subsection (h)(1)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (j)(4). Pub. L. 111–216, §203(c)(1)(E), as amended by Pub. L. 111–249, §6(3), added par. (4).

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 111–216, §203(c)(2), as amended by Pub. L. 111–249, §6(4), substituted "subsection (h) or (i)" for "subsection (h)".

Pub. L. 111–216, §203(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (j) as (k).

2001—Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 107–71, §129(1), in first sentence, substituted "needs of airmen" for "needs of pilots" and inserted "and related to combating acts of terrorism" before period at end.

Subsec. (g)(3), (4). Pub. L. 107–71, §129(2), added pars. (3) and (4).

Subsecs. (h) to (j). Pub. L. 107–71, §§138(b), 140(a), amended section identically, redesignating subsecs. (f) to (h) of section 44936 of this title as subsecs. (h) to (j), respectively, of this section, and substituting "subsection (h)" for "subsection (f)" wherever appearing in subsecs. (i) and (j). See Codification note above.

2000—Subsecs. (c) to (g). Pub. L. 106–181 added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsecs. (c) to (f) as (d) to (g), respectively.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection" substituted for "Commissioner of Customs" in subsec. (g)(2) on authority of section 802(d)(2) of Pub. L. 114–125, set out as a note under section 211 of Title 6, Domestic Security.

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–249, §6, Sept. 30, 2010, 124 Stat. 2628, provided that the amendments made by section 6 of Pub. L. 111–249 are effective as of Aug. 1, 2010, and as if included in Pub. L. 111–216 as enacted.

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–181 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1999, see section 3 of Pub. L. 106–181, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.

Termination Date

Subsec. (h) of this section ceases to be effective beginning on Sept. 9, 2024, see 14 C.F.R. §111.5(b).

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the United States Customs Service of the Department of the Treasury, including functions of the Secretary of the Treasury relating thereto, to the Secretary of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 203(1), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6. For establishment of U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the Department of Homeland Security, treated as if included in Pub. L. 107–296 as of Nov. 25, 2002, see section 211 of Title 6, as amended generally by Pub. L. 114–125, and section 802(b) of Pub. L. 114–125, set out as a note under section 211 of Title 6.

Deemed References to Chapters 509 and 511 of Title 51

General references to "this title" deemed to refer also to chapters 509 and 511 of Title 51, National and Commercial Space Programs, see section 4(d)(8) of Pub. L. 111–314, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Enhanced Qualification Program for Restricted Airline Transport Pilot Certificate

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §372, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1139, provided that:

"(a) Program.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Pub. L. 111–216] (49 U.S.C. 44701 note) (as in effect on the date of enactment of this section [May 16, 2024]).

"(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."

Civil Airmen Statistics

Pub. L. 118–63, title IV, §402, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1148, provided that:

"(a) Publication Frequency.—The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [May 16, 2024], 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."

Airman's Medical Bill of Rights

Pub. L. 118–63, title IV, §407, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1153, provided that:

"(a) In General.—

"(1) Development.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Federal Aviation Administration] 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."

Improved Designee Misconduct Reporting Process

Pub. L. 118–63, title IV, §408, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1154, provided that:

"(a) Improved Designee Misconduct Reporting Process.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Federal Aviation Administration].

"(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 [Pub. L. 118–63], 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 [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] 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)."

Aeromedical Innovation and Modernization Working Group

Pub. L. 118–63, title IV, §411, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1156, provided that:

"(a) Establishment.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Federal Aviation Administration]; 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 [of Transportation] and the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] 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."

Medical Portal Modernization Task Group

Pub. L. 118–63, title IV, §413, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1159, provided that:

"(a) Establishment.—Not later than 120 days after the working group pursuant to section 411 [of Pub. L. 118–63, set out as a note above] 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 [Federal Aviation Administration].

"(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 [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] 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."

Military Aviation Maintenance Technicians Rule

Pub. L. 118–63, title IV, §426, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1168, provided that:

"(a) Streamlined Certification for Eligible Military Maintenance Technicians.—

"(1) Rulemaking.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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."

Timely Resolution of Investigations

Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, §805, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1323, provided that:

"(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 [Pub. L. 112–153] (49 U.S.C. 44703 note), the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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."

All Makes and Models Authorization

Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, §806, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1323, provided that:

"(a) In General.—

"(1) Unlimited letter of authorization.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] 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)."

BasicMed for Examiners Administering Tests or Proficiency Checks

Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, §815, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1328, provided that:

"(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 [Pub. L. 114–190] (49 U.S.C. 44703 note).

"(b) Rulemaking.—Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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."

Designee Locator Tool Improvements

Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, §816, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1328, provided that:

"Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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."

National Coordination and Oversight of Designated Pilot Examiners

Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, §833, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1339, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [May 16, 2024], and biennially thereafter through fiscal year 2028, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] 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."

Applicability of Medical Certification Standards to Operators of Air Balloons

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, §318, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3269, provided that:

"(a) Short Title.—This section may be cited as the 'Commercial Balloon Pilot Safety Act of 2018'.

"(b) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall revise section 61.3(c) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (relating to second-class medical certificates), to apply to an operator of an air balloon to the same extent such regulations apply to a pilot flight crewmember of other aircraft.

"(c) Air Balloon Defined.—In this section, the term 'air balloon' has the meaning given the term 'balloon' in section 1.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any corresponding similar regulation or ruling)."

Designated Pilot Examiner Reforms

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, §319, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3269, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall assign to the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the 'Committee') the task of reviewing all regulations and policies related to designated pilot examiners appointed under section 183.23 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. The Committee shall focus on the processes and requirements by which the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] selects, trains, and deploys individuals as designated pilot examiners, and provide recommendations with respect to the regulatory and policy changes necessary to ensure an adequate number of designated pilot examiners are deployed and available to perform their duties. The Committee also shall make recommendations with respect to the regulatory and policy changes if necessary to allow a designated pilot examiner perform a daily limit of 3 new check rides with no limit for partial check rides and to serve as a designed pilot examiner without regard to any individual managing office.

"(b) Action Based on Recommendations.—Not later than 1 year after receiving recommendations under subsection (a), the Administrator shall take such action as the Administrator considers appropriate with respect to those recommendations."

Public Aircraft Eligible for Logging Flight Times

Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, §826, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1332, provided that:

"(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 [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall make such regulatory changes as are necessary to conform to the requirements of this section."

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title V, §517, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3359, provided that: "The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall issue regulations modifying section 61.51(j)(4) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, so as to include aircraft under the direct operational control of forestry and fire protection agencies as public aircraft eligible for logging flight times."

Portability of Repairman Certificates

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title V, §582, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3399, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall assign to the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee the task of making recommendations with respect to the regulatory and policy changes, as appropriate, to allow a repairman certificate issued under section 65.101 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to be portable from one employing certificate holder to another.

"(b) Action Based on Recommendations.—Not later than 1 year after receiving recommendations under subsection (a), the Administrator may take such action as the Administrator considers appropriate with respect to those recommendations."

Medical Certification of Certain Small Aircraft Pilots

Pub. L. 114–190, title II, §2307, July 15, 2016, 130 Stat. 641, as amended by Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, §828(a), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1336, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [July 15, 2016], the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue or revise regulations to ensure that an individual may operate as pilot in command of a covered aircraft if—

"(1) the individual possesses a valid driver's license issued by a State, territory, or possession of the United States and complies with all medical requirements or restrictions associated with that license;

"(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;

"(3) the most recent medical certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration to the individual—

"(A) indicates whether the certificate is first, second, or third class;

"(B) may include authorization for special issuance;

"(C) may be expired;

"(D) cannot have been revoked or suspended; and

"(E) cannot have been withdrawn;

"(4) the most recent application for airman medical certification submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration by the individual cannot have been completed and denied;

"(5) the individual has completed a medical education course described in subsection (c) during the 24 calendar months before acting as pilot in command of a covered aircraft and demonstrates proof of completion of the course;

"(6) the individual, when serving as a pilot in command, is under the care and treatment of a physician if the individual has been diagnosed with any medical condition that may impact the ability of the individual to fly;

"(7) the individual has received a comprehensive medical examination from a State-licensed physician during the previous 48 calendar months and—

"(A) prior to the examination, the individual—

"(i) completed the individual's section of the checklist described in subsection (b); and

"(ii) provided the completed checklist to the physician performing the examination; and

"(B) the physician conducted the comprehensive medical examination in accordance with the checklist described in subsection (b), checking each item specified during the examination and addressing, as medically appropriate, every medical condition listed, and any medications the individual is taking; and

"(8) the individual is operating in accordance with the following conditions:

"(A) The covered aircraft is carrying not more than 6 passengers.

"(B) The individual is operating the covered aircraft under visual flight rules or instrument flight rules.

"(C) The flight, including each portion of that flight, is not carried out—

"(i) for compensation or hire, including that no passenger or property on the flight is being carried for compensation or hire;

"(ii) at an altitude that is more than 18,000 feet above mean sea level;

"(iii) outside the United States, unless authorized by the country in which the flight is conducted; or

"(iv) at an indicated air speed exceeding 250 knots.

"(b) Comprehensive Medical Examination.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [July 15, 2016], the Administrator shall develop a checklist for an individual to complete and provide to the physician performing the comprehensive medical examination required in subsection (a)(7).

"(2) Requirements.—The checklist shall contain—

"(A) a section, for the individual to complete that contains—

"(i) boxes 3 through 13 and boxes 16 through 19 of the Federal Aviation Administration Form 8500–8 (3–99) (or any successor form); and

"(ii) a signature line for the individual to affirm that—

     "(I) the answers provided by the individual on that checklist, including the individual's answers regarding medical history, are true and complete;

     "(II) the individual understands that he or she is prohibited under Federal Aviation Administration regulations from acting as pilot in command, or any other capacity as a required flight crew member, if he or she knows or has reason to know of any medical deficiency or medically disqualifying condition that would make the individual unable to operate the aircraft in a safe manner; and

     "(III) the individual is aware of the regulations pertaining to the prohibition on operations during medical deficiency and has no medically disqualifying conditions in accordance with applicable law;

"(B) a section with instructions for the individual to provide the completed checklist to the physician performing the comprehensive medical examination required in subsection (a)(7); and

"(C) a section, for the physician to complete, that instructs the physician—

"(i) to perform a clinical examination of—

     "(I) head, face, neck, and scalp;

     "(II) nose, sinuses, mouth, and throat;

     "(III) ears, general (internal and external canals), and eardrums (perforation);

     "(IV) eyes (general), ophthalmoscopic, pupils (equality and reaction), and ocular motility (associated parallel movement, nystagmus);

     "(V) lungs and chest (not including breast examination);

     "(VI) heart (precordial activity, rhythm, sounds, and murmurs);

     "(VII) vascular system (pulse, amplitude, and character, and arms, legs, and others);

     "(VIII) abdomen and viscera (including hernia);

     "(IX) anus (not including digital examination);

     "(X) skin;

     "(XI) G–U system (not including pelvic examination);

     "(XII) upper and lower extremities (strength and range of motion);

     "(XIII) spine and other musculoskeletal;

     "(XIV) identifying body marks, scars, and tattoos (size and location);

     "(XV) lymphatics;

     "(XVI) neurologic (tendon reflexes, equilibrium, senses, cranial nerves, and coordination, etc.);

     "(XVII) psychiatric (appearance, behavior, mood, communication, and memory);

     "(XVIII) general systemic;

     "(XIX) hearing;

     "(XX) vision (distant, near, and intermediate vision, field of vision, color vision, and ocular alignment);

     "(XXI) blood pressure and pulse; and

     "(XXII) anything else the physician, in his or her medical judgment, considers necessary;

"(ii) to exercise medical discretion to address, as medically appropriate, any medical conditions identified, and to exercise medical discretion in determining whether any medical tests are warranted as part of the comprehensive medical examination;

"(iii) to discuss all drugs the individual reports taking (prescription and nonprescription) and their potential to interfere with the safe operation of an aircraft or motor vehicle;

"(iv) to sign the checklist, stating: 'I certify that I discussed all items on this checklist with the individual during my examination, discussed any medications the individual is taking that could interfere with their ability to safely operate an aircraft or motor vehicle, and performed an examination that included all of the items on this checklist. I certify that I am not aware of any medical condition that, as presently treated, could interfere with the individual's ability to safely operate an aircraft.'; and

"(v) to provide the date the comprehensive medical examination was completed, and the physician's full name, address, telephone number, and State medical license number.

"(3) Logbook.—The completed checklist shall be retained in the individual's logbook and made available on request.

"(c) Medical Education Course Requirements.—The medical education course described in this subsection shall—

"(1) be available on the Internet free of charge;

"(2) be developed and periodically updated in coordination with representatives of relevant nonprofit and not-for-profit general aviation stakeholder groups;

"(3) educate pilots on conducting medical self-assessments;

"(4) advise pilots on identifying warning signs of potential serious medical conditions;

"(5) identify risk mitigation strategies for medical conditions;

"(6) increase awareness of the impacts of potentially impairing over-the-counter and prescription drug medications;

"(7) encourage regular medical examinations and consultations with primary care physicians;

"(8) inform pilots of the regulations pertaining to the prohibition on operations during medical deficiency and medically disqualifying conditions;

"(9) provide the checklist developed by the Federal Aviation Administration in accordance with subsection (b); and

"(10) upon successful completion of the course, electronically provide to the individual and transmit to the Federal Aviation Administration—

"(A) a certification of completion of the medical education course, which shall be printed and retained in the individual's logbook and made available upon request, and shall contain the individual's name, address, and airman certificate number;

"(B) subject to subsection (d), a release authorizing the National Driver Register through a designated State Department of Motor Vehicles to furnish to the Federal Aviation Administration information pertaining to the individual's driving record;

"(C) a certification by the individual that the individual is under the care and treatment of a physician if the individual has been diagnosed with any medical condition that may impact the ability of the individual to fly, as required under subsection (a)(6);

"(D) a form that includes—

"(i) the name, address, telephone number, and airman certificate number of the individual;

"(ii) the name, address, telephone number, and State medical license number of the physician performing the comprehensive medical examination required in subsection (a)(7);

"(iii) the date of the comprehensive medical examination required in subsection (a)(7); and

"(iv) a certification by the individual that the checklist described in subsection (b) was followed and signed by the physician in the comprehensive medical examination required in subsection (a)(7); and

"(E) a statement, which shall be printed, and signed by the individual certifying that the individual understands the existing prohibition on operations during medical deficiency by stating: 'I understand that I cannot act as pilot in command, or any other capacity as a required flight crew member, if I know or have reason to know of any medical condition that would make me unable to operate the aircraft in a safe manner.'.

"(d) National Driver Register.—The authorization under subsection (c)(10)(B) shall be an authorization for a single access to the information contained in the National Driver Register.

"(e) Special Issuance Process.—

"(1) In general.—An individual who has qualified for the third-class medical certificate exemption under subsection (a) and is seeking to serve as a pilot in command of a covered aircraft shall be required to have completed the process for obtaining an Authorization for Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate for each of the following:

"(A) A mental health disorder, limited to an established medical history or clinical diagnosis of—

"(i) personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt acts;

"(ii) psychosis, defined as a case in which an individual—

     "(I) has manifested delusions, hallucinations, grossly bizarre or disorganized behavior, or other commonly accepted symptoms of psychosis; or

     "(II) may reasonably be expected to manifest delusions, hallucinations, grossly bizarre or disorganized behavior, or other commonly accepted symptoms of psychosis;

"(iii) bipolar disorder; or

"(iv) substance dependence within the previous 2 years, as defined in section 67.307(a)(4) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

"(B) A neurological disorder, limited to an established medical history or clinical diagnosis of any of the following:

"(i) Epilepsy.

"(ii) Disturbance of consciousness without satisfactory medical explanation of the cause.

"(iii) A transient loss of control of nervous system functions without satisfactory medical explanation of the cause.

"(C) A cardiovascular condition, limited to a one-time special issuance for each diagnosis of the following:

"(i) Myocardial infraction [sic].

"(ii) Coronary heart disease that has required treatment.

"(iii) Cardiac valve replacement.

"(iv) Heart replacement.

"(2) Special rule for cardiovascular conditions.—In the case of an individual with a cardiovascular condition, the process for obtaining an Authorization for Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate shall be satisfied with the successful completion of an appropriate clinical evaluation without a mandatory wait period.

"(3) Special rule for mental health conditions.—

"(A) In general.—In the case of an individual with a clinically diagnosed mental health condition, the third-class medical certificate exemption under subsection (a) shall not apply if—

"(i) in the judgment of the individual's State-licensed medical specialist, the condition—

     "(I) renders the individual unable to safely perform the duties or exercise the airman privileges described in subsection (a)(8); or

     "(II) may reasonably be expected to make the individual unable to perform the duties or exercise the privileges described in subsection (a)(8); or

"(ii) the individual's driver's license is revoked by the issuing agency as a result of a clinically diagnosed mental health condition.

"(B) Certification.—Subject to subparagraph (A), an individual clinically diagnosed with a mental health condition shall certify every 2 years, in conjunction with the certification under subsection (c)(10)(C), that the individual is under the care of a State-licensed medical specialist for that mental health condition.

"(4) Special rule for neurological conditions.—

"(A) In general.—In the case of an individual with a clinically diagnosed neurological condition, the third-class medical certificate exemption under subsection (a) shall not apply if—

"(i) in the judgment of the individual's State-licensed medical specialist, the condition—

     "(I) renders the individual unable to safely perform the duties or exercise the airman privileges described in subsection (a)(8); or

     "(II) may reasonably be expected to make the individual unable to perform the duties or exercise the privileges described in subsection (a)(8); or

"(ii) the individual's driver's license is revoked by the issuing agency as a result of a clinically diagnosed neurological condition.

"(B) Certification.—Subject to subparagraph (A), an individual clinically diagnosed with a neurological condition shall certify every 2 years, in conjunction with the certification under subsection (c)(10)(C), that the individual is under the care of a State-licensed medical specialist for that neurological condition.

"(f) Identification of Additional Medical Conditions for CACI Program.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [July 15, 2016], the Administrator shall review and identify additional medical conditions that could be added to the program known as the Conditions AMEs Can Issue (CACI) program.

"(2) Consultations.—In carrying out paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consult with aviation, medical, and union stakeholders.

"(3) Report required.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] a report listing the medical conditions that have been added to the CACI program under paragraph (1).

"(g) Expedited Authorization for Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate.—

"(1) In general.—The Administrator shall implement procedures to expedite the process for obtaining an Authorization for Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate under section 67.401 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

"(2) Consultations.—In carrying out paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consult with aviation, medical, and union stakeholders.

"(3) Report required.—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 describing how the procedures implemented under paragraph (1) will streamline the process for obtaining an Authorization for Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate and reduce the amount of time needed to review and decide special issuance cases.

"(h) Report Required.—Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 [May 16, 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.

"(i) Prohibition on Enforcement Actions.—Beginning on the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator may not take an enforcement action for not holding a valid third-class medical certificate against a pilot of a covered aircraft for a flight if the pilot and the flight meet, through a good faith effort, the applicable requirements under subsection (a), except paragraph (5) of that subsection, unless the Administrator has published final regulations in the Federal Register under that subsection.

"(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.

"(k) Operations Covered.—The provisions and requirements covered in this section do not apply to pilots who elect to operate under the medical requirements under subsection (b) or subsection (c) of section 61.23 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

"(l) Authority To Require Additional Information.—

"(1) In general.—If the Administrator receives credible or urgent information, including from the National Driver Register or the Administrator's Safety Hotline, that reflects on an individual's ability to safely operate a covered aircraft under the third-class medical certificate exemption in subsection (a), the Administrator may require the individual to provide additional information or history so that the Administrator may determine whether the individual is safe to continue operating a covered aircraft.

"(2) Use of information.—The Administrator may use credible or urgent information received under paragraph (1) to request an individual to provide additional information or to take actions under section 44709(b) of title 49, United States Code."

[Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, §828(b), (c), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1336, provided that:

["(b) Rulemaking.—The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [amending section 2307 of Pub. L. 114–190, set out above].

["(c) Applicability.—Beginning on the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator shall apply parts 61 and 68, Code of Federal Regulations, in a manner reflecting the amendments made by this section."]

Federal Aviation Administration Enforcement Proceedings and Elimination of Deference

Pub. L. 112–153, §2, Aug. 3, 2012, 126 Stat. 1159, as amended by Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, §392, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3323; Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, §807, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1324, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Any 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, shall be conducted, to the extent practicable, in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure [28 U.S.C. App.] and the Federal Rules of Evidence [28 U.S.C. App.].

"(b) Access to Information.—

"(1) In general.—Except as provided under paragraph (3), the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (referred to in this section as the 'Administrator') shall provide timely, written notification to an individual who is the subject of an investigation relating to the approval, denial, suspension, modification, or revocation of an airman certificate under chapter 447 of title 49, United States Code.

"(2) Information required.—The notification required under paragraph (1) shall inform the individual—

"(A) of the nature of the investigation and the specific activity on which the investigation is based;

"(B) that an oral or written response to a Letter of Investigation from the Administrator is not required;

"(C) that no action or adverse inference can be taken against the individual for declining to respond to a Letter of Investigation from the Administrator;

"(D) that any response to a Letter of Investigation from the Administrator or to an inquiry made by a representative of the Administrator by the individual may be used as evidence against the individual;

"(E) that the releasable portions of the Administrator's investigative report will be available to the individual; and

"(F) that the individual is entitled to access or otherwise obtain air traffic data described in paragraph (4).

"(3) Exception.—The Administrator may delay notification under paragraph (1) if the Administrator determines that such notification may threaten the integrity of the investigation.

"(4) Access to air traffic data.—

"(A) FAA air traffic data.—The Administrator shall provide an individual described in paragraph (1) with timely access to any air traffic data in the possession of the Federal Aviation Administration that would facilitate the individual's ability to productively participate in a proceeding relating to an investigation described in such paragraph.

"(B) Air traffic data defined.—As used in subparagraph (A), the term 'air traffic data' includes—

"(i) relevant air traffic communication tapes;

"(ii) radar information;

"(iii) air traffic controller statements;

"(iv) flight data;

"(v) investigative reports; and

"(vi) any other air traffic or flight data in the Federal Aviation Administration's possession that would facilitate the individual's ability to productively participate in the proceeding.

"(C) Government contractor air traffic data.—

"(i) In general.—Any individual described in paragraph (1) is entitled to obtain any air traffic data that would facilitate the individual's ability to productively participate in a proceeding relating to an investigation described in such paragraph from a government contractor that provides operational services to the Federal Aviation Administration, including control towers and flight service stations.

"(ii) Required information from individual.—The individual may obtain the information described in clause (i) by submitting a request to the Administrator that—

     "(I) describes the facility at which such information is located; and

     "(II) identifies the date on which such information was generated.

"(iii) Provision of information to individual.—If the Administrator receives a request under this subparagraph, the Administrator shall—

     "(I) request the contractor to provide the requested information; and

     "(II) upon receiving such information, transmitting the information to the requesting individual in a timely manner.

"(5) Timing.—Except when the Administrator determines that an emergency exists under section 44709(e)(2) or 46105(c) [of title 49, United States Code], the Administrator may not proceed against an individual that is the subject of an investigation described in paragraph (1) during the 30-day period beginning on the date on which the air traffic data required under paragraph (4) is made available to the individual.

"(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 [May 16, 2024]) to take emergency action relating to an airman certificate.

"(c) Amendments to Title 49.—

"(1) Airman certificates.—[Amended this section.]

"(2) Amendments, modifications, suspensions, and revocations of certificates.—[Amended section 44709 of this title.]

"(3) Revocation of airman certificates for controlled substance violations.—[Amended section 44710 of this title.]

"(d) Appeal From Certificate Actions.—

"(1) In general.—Upon a decision by the National Transportation Safety Board upholding an order or a final decision by the Administrator denying an airman certificate under section 44703(d) of title 49, United States Code, or imposing a punitive civil action or an emergency order of revocation under subsections (d) and (e) of section 44709 of such title, an individual substantially affected by an order of the Board may, at the individual's election, file an appeal in the United States district court in which the individual resides or in which the action in question occurred, or in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. If the individual substantially affected by an order of the Board elects not to file an appeal in a United States district court, the individual may file an appeal in an appropriate United States court of appeals.

"(2) Emergency order pending judicial review.—Subsequent to a decision by the Board to uphold an Administrator's emergency order under section 44709(e)(2) of title 49, United States Code, and absent a stay of the enforcement of that order by the Board, the emergency order of amendment, modification, suspension, or revocation of a certificate shall remain in effect, pending the exhaustion of an appeal to a Federal district court as provided in this Act [amending this section and sections 44709 and 44710 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 40101 and 44701 of this title].

"(e) Standard of Review.—

"(1) In general.—In an appeal filed under subsection (d) in a United States district court, the district court shall give full independent review of a denial, suspension, or revocation ordered by the Administrator, including substantive independent and expedited review of any decision by the Administrator to make such order effective immediately.

"(2) Evidence.—A United States district court's review under paragraph (1) shall include in evidence any record of the proceeding before the Administrator and any record of the proceeding before the National Transportation Safety Board, including hearing testimony, transcripts, exhibits, decisions, and briefs submitted by the parties.

"(f) Release of Investigative Reports.—

"(1) In general.—

"(A) Emergency orders.—In any proceeding conducted under part 821 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, relating to the amendment, modification, suspension, or revocation of an airman certificate, in which the Administrator issues an emergency order under subsections (d) and (e) of section 44709, section 44710, or section 46105(c) of title 49, United States Code, or another order that takes effect immediately, the Administrator shall provide, upon request, to the individual holding the airman certificate the releasable portion of the investigative report at the time the Administrator issues the order. If the complete Report of Investigation is not available at the time of the request, the Administrator shall issue all portions of the report that are available at the time and shall provide the full report not later than 5 days after its completion.

"(B) Other orders.—In any nonemergency proceeding conducted under part 821 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, relating to the amendment, modification, suspension, or revocation of an airman certificate, in which the Administrator notifies the certificate holder of a proposed certificate action under subsections (b) and (c) of section 44709 or section 44710 of title 49, United States Code, the Administrator shall, upon the written request of the covered certificate holder and at any time after that notification, provide to the covered certificate holder the releasable portion of the investigative report.

"(2) Motion for dismissal.—If the Administrator does not provide the releasable portions of the investigative report to the individual holding the airman certificate subject to the proceeding referred to in paragraph (1) by the time required by that paragraph, the individual may move to dismiss the complaint of the Administrator or for other relief and, unless the Administrator establishes good cause for the failure to provide the investigative report or for a lack of timeliness, the administrative law judge shall order such relief as the judge considers appropriate.

"(3) Releasable portion of investigative report.—For purposes of paragraph (1), the releasable portion of an investigative report is all information in the report, except for the following:

"(A) Information that is privileged.

"(B) Information that constitutes work product or reflects internal deliberative process.

"(C) Information that would disclose the identity of a confidential source.

"(D) Information the disclosure of which is prohibited by any other provision of law.

"(E) Information that is not relevant to the subject matter of the proceeding.

"(F) Information the Administrator can demonstrate is withheld for good cause.

"(G) Sensitive security information, as defined in section 15.5 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or any corresponding similar ruling or regulation).

"(4) Rule of construction.—Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent the Administrator from releasing to an individual subject to an investigation described in subsection (b)(1)—

"(A) information in addition to the information included in the releasable portion of the investigative report; or

"(B) a copy of the investigative report before the Administrator issues a complaint."

Medical Certification

Pub. L. 112–153, §4, Aug. 3, 2012, 126 Stat. 1162, provided that:

"(a) Assessment.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 3, 2012], the Comptroller General of the United States shall initiate an assessment of the Federal Aviation Administration's medical certification process and the associated medical standards and forms.

"(2) Report.—The Comptroller General shall submit a report to Congress based on the assessment required under paragraph (1) that examines—

"(A) revisions to the medical application form that would provide greater clarity and guidance to applicants;

"(B) the alignment of medical qualification policies with present-day qualified medical judgment and practices, as applied to an individual's medically relevant circumstances; and

"(C) steps that could be taken to promote the public's understanding of the medical requirements that determine an airman's medical certificate eligibility.

"(b) Goals of the Federal Aviation Administration's Medical Certification Process.—The goals of the Federal Aviation Administration's medical certification process are—

"(1) to provide questions in the medical application form that—

"(A) are appropriate without being overly broad;

"(B) are subject to a minimum amount of misinterpretation and mistaken responses;

"(C) allow for consistent treatment and responses during the medical application process; and

"(D) avoid unnecessary allegations that an individual has intentionally falsified answers on the form;

"(2) to provide questions that elicit information that is relevant to making a determination of an individual's medical qualifications within the standards identified in the Administrator's regulations;

"(3) to give medical standards greater meaning by ensuring the information requested aligns with present-day medical judgment and practices; and

"(4) to ensure that—

"(A) the application of such medical standards provides an appropriate and fair evaluation of an individual's qualifications; and

"(B) the individual understands the basis for determining medical qualifications.

"(c) Advice From Private Sector Groups.—The Administrator shall establish a panel, which shall be comprised of representatives of relevant nonprofit and not-for-profit general aviation pilot groups, aviation medical examiners, and other qualified medical experts, to advise the Administrator in carrying out the goals of the assessment required under this section.

"(d) Federal Aviation Administration Response.—Not later than 1 year after the issuance of the report by the Comptroller General pursuant to subsection (a)(2), the Administrator shall take appropriate actions to respond to such report."

Reexamination of an Airman Certificate

Pub. L. 112–153, §5, as added by Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, §801, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1320, provided that:

"(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 [Pub. L. 112–153, set out as a note above]."

Improved Pilot Licenses

Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §321, Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 71, which related to the issuance by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration of improved pilot licenses and required reports to Congress, was repealed by Pub. L. 118–63, title II, §218(j)(2), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1056.

Pub. L. 108–458, title IV, §4022, Dec. 17, 2004, 118 Stat. 3723, which related to the issuance of improved pilot licenses, was repealed by Pub. L. 118–63, title II, §218(j)(1), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1056.

Crediting of Law Enforcement Flight Time

Pub. L. 106–424, §14, Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1888, provided that: "In determining whether an individual meets the aeronautical experience requirements imposed under section 44703 of title 49, United States Code, for an airman certificate or rating, the Secretary of Transportation shall take into account any time spent by that individual operating a public aircraft as defined in section 40102 of title 49, United States Code, if that aircraft is—

"(1) identifiable by category and class; and

"(2) used in law enforcement activities."

§44704. Type certificates, production certificates, airworthiness certificates, and design and production organization certificates

(a) Type Certificates.—

(1) Issuance, investigations, and tests.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue a type certificate for an aircraft, aircraft engine, or propeller, or for an appliance specified under paragraph (2)(A) of this subsection when the Administrator finds that the aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance is properly designed and manufactured, performs properly, and meets the regulations and minimum standards prescribed under section 44701(a) of this title. On receiving an application for a type certificate, the Administrator shall investigate the application and may conduct a hearing. The Administrator shall make, or require the applicant to make, tests the Administrator considers necessary in the interest of safety.

(2) Specifications.—The Administrator may—

(A) specify in regulations those appliances that reasonably require a type certificate in the interest of safety;

(B) include in a type certificate terms required in the interest of safety; and

(C) record on the certificate a numerical specification of the essential factors related to the performance of the aircraft, aircraft engine, or propeller for which the certificate is issued.

(3) Special rules for new aircraft and appliances.—Except as provided in paragraph (4), if the holder of a type certificate agrees to permit another person to use the certificate to manufacture a new aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance, the holder shall provide the other person with written evidence, in a form acceptable to the Administrator, of that agreement. Such other person may manufacture a new aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance based on a type certificate only if such other person is the holder of the type certificate or has permission from the holder.

(4) Limitation for aircraft manufactured before august 5, 2004.—Paragraph (3) shall not apply to a person who began the manufacture of an aircraft before August 5, 2004, and who demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Administrator that such manufacture began before August 5, 2004, if the name of the holder of the type certificate for the aircraft does not appear on the airworthiness certificate or identification plate of the aircraft. The holder of the type certificate for the aircraft shall not be responsible for the continued airworthiness of the aircraft. A person may invoke the exception provided by this paragraph with regard to the manufacture of only one aircraft.

(5) Release of data.—

(A) In general.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator may make available upon request, to a person seeking to maintain the airworthiness or develop product improvements of an aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance, engineering data in the possession of the Administration relating to a type certificate or a supplemental type certificate for such aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance, without the consent of the owner of record, if the Administrator determines that—

(i) the certificate containing the requested data has been inactive for 3 or more years, except that the Administrator may reduce this time if required to address an unsafe condition associated with the product;

(ii) after using due diligence, the Administrator is unable to find the owner of record, or the owner of record's heir, of the type certificate or supplemental type certificate; and

(iii) making such data available will enhance aviation safety.

(B) Engineering data defined.—In this section, the term "engineering data" as used with respect to an aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance means type design drawing and specifications for the entire aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance or change to the aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance, including the original design data, and any associated supplier data for individual parts or components approved as part of the particular certificate for the aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance.

(C) Requirement to maintain data.—The Administrator shall maintain engineering data in the possession of the Administration relating to a type certificate or a supplemental type certificate that has been inactive for 3 or more years.

(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) Supplemental Type Certificates.—

(1) Issuance.—The Administrator may issue a type certificate designated as a supplemental type certificate for a change to an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance.

(2) Contents.—A supplemental type certificate issued under paragraph (1) shall consist of the change to the aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance with respect to the previously issued type certificate for the aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance.

(3) Requirement.—If the holder of a supplemental type certificate agrees to permit another person to use the certificate to modify an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance, the holder shall provide the other person with written evidence, in a form acceptable to the Administrator, of that agreement. A person may change an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance based on a supplemental type certificate only if the person requesting the change is the holder of the supplemental type certificate or has permission from the holder to make the change.

(c) Production Certificates.—The Administrator shall issue a production certificate authorizing the production of a duplicate of an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance for which a type certificate has been issued when the Administrator finds the duplicate will conform to the certificate. On receiving an application, the Administrator shall inspect, and may require testing of, a duplicate to ensure that it conforms to the requirements of the certificate. The Administrator may include in a production certificate terms required in the interest of safety.

(d) Airworthiness Certificates.—(1) The registered owner of an aircraft may apply to the Administrator for an airworthiness certificate for the aircraft. The Administrator shall issue an airworthiness certificate when the Administrator finds that the aircraft conforms to its type certificate and, after inspection, is in condition for safe operation. The Administrator shall register each airworthiness certificate and may include appropriate information in the certificate. The certificate number or other individual designation the Administrator requires shall be displayed on the aircraft. The Administrator may include in an airworthiness certificate terms required in the interest of safety.

(2) A person applying for the issuance or renewal of an airworthiness certificate for an aircraft for which ownership has not been recorded under section 44107 or 44110 of this title must submit with the application information related to the ownership of the aircraft the Administrator decides is necessary to identify each person having a property interest in the aircraft and the kind and extent of the interest.

(3) Nonconformity with approved type design.—

(A) In general.—Consistent with the requirements of paragraph (1), a holder of a production certificate for an aircraft may not present a nonconforming aircraft, either directly or through the registered owner of such aircraft or a person described in paragraph (2), to the Administrator for issuance of an initial airworthiness certificate.

(B) Civil penalty.—Notwithstanding section 46301, a production certificate holder who knowingly violates subparagraph (A) shall be liable to the Administrator for a civil penalty of not more than $1,000,000 for each nonconforming aircraft.

(C) Penalty considerations.—In determining the amount of a civil penalty under subparagraph (B), the Administrator shall consider—

(i) the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation, including the length of time the nonconformity was known by the holder of a production certificate but not disclosed; and

(ii) with respect to the violator, the degree of culpability, any history of prior violations, and the size of the business concern.

(D) Nonconforming aircraft defined.—In this paragraph, the term "nonconforming aircraft" means an aircraft that does not conform to the approved type design for such aircraft type.

(e) Disclosure of Safety Critical Information.—

(1) In general.—Notwithstanding a delegation described in section 44702(d), the Administrator shall require an applicant for, or holder of, a type certificate for a transport category airplane covered under part 25 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to submit safety critical information with respect to such airplane to the Administrator in such form, manner, or time as the Administrator may require. Such safety critical information shall include—

(A) any design and operational details, intended functions, and failure modes of any system that, without being commanded by the flight crew, commands the operation of any safety critical function or feature required for control of an airplane during flight or that otherwise changes the flight path or airspeed of an airplane;

(B) the design and operational details, intended functions, failure modes, and mode annunciations of autopilot and autothrottle systems, if applicable;

(C) any failure or operating condition that the applicant or holder anticipates or has concluded would result in an outcome with a severity level of hazardous or catastrophic, as defined in the appropriate Administration airworthiness requirements and guidance applicable to transport category airplanes defining risk severity;

(D) any adverse handling quality that fails to meet the requirements of applicable regulations without the addition of a software system to augment the flight controls of the airplane to produce compliant handling qualities; and

(E) a system safety assessment with respect to a system described in subparagraph (A) or (B) or with respect to any component or other system for which failure or erroneous operation of such component or system could result in an outcome with a severity level of hazardous or catastrophic, as defined in the appropriate Administration airworthiness requirements and guidance applicable to transport category airplanes defining risk severity.

(2) Ongoing communications.—

(A) Newly discovered information.—The Administrator shall require that an applicant for, or holder of, a type certificate disclose to the Administrator, in such form, manner, or time as the Administrator may require, any newly discovered information or design or analysis change that would materially alter any submission to the Administrator under paragraph (1).

(B) System development changes.—The Administrator shall establish multiple milestones throughout the certification process at which a proposed airplane system will be assessed to determine whether any change to such system during the certification process is such that such system should be considered novel or unusual by the Administrator.

(3) Flight manuals.—The Administrator shall ensure that an airplane flight manual and a flight crew operating manual (as appropriate or applicable) for an airplane contains a description of the operation of a system described in paragraph (1)(A) and flight crew procedures for responding to a failure or aberrant operation of such system.

(4) Civil penalty.—

(A) Amount.—Notwithstanding section 46301, an applicant for, or holder of, a type certificate that knowingly violates paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection shall be liable to the Administrator for a civil penalty of not more than $1,000,000 for each violation.

(B) Penalty considerations.—In determining the amount of a civil penalty under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall consider—

(i) the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation, including the length of time that such safety critical information was known but not disclosed; and

(ii) with respect to the violator, the degree of culpability, any history of prior violations, and the size of the business concern.

(5) Revocation and civil penalty for individuals.—

(A) In general.—The Administrator shall revoke any airline transport pilot certificate issued under section 44703 held by any individual who, while acting on behalf of an applicant for, or holder of, a type certificate, knowingly makes a false statement with respect to any of the matters described in subparagraphs (A) through (E) of paragraph (1).

(B) Authority to impose civil penalty.—The Administrator may impose a civil penalty under section 46301 for each violation described in subparagraph (A).

(6) Rule of construction.—Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to affect or otherwise inhibit the authority of the Administrator to deny an application by an applicant for a type certificate or to revoke or amend a type certificate of a holder of such certificate.

(7) Definition of type certificate.—In this subsection, the term "type certificate"—

(A) means a type certificate issued under subsection (a) or an amendment to such certificate; and

(B) does not include a supplemental type certificate issued under subsection (b).

(f) Hearing Requirement.—The Administrator may find that a person has violated subsection (d)(3) or paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (e) and impose a civil penalty under the applicable subsection only after notice and an opportunity for a hearing. The Administrator shall provide a person—

(1) written notice of the violation and the amount of penalty; and

(2) the opportunity for a hearing under subpart G of part 13 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

(g) Certification Dispute Resolution.—

(1) Dispute resolution process and appeals.—

(A) In general.—Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator shall issue an order establishing—

(i) an effective, timely, and milestone-based issue resolution process for type certification activities under subsection (a); and

(ii) a process by which a decision, finding of compliance or noncompliance, or other act of the Administration, with respect to compliance with design requirements, may be appealed by a covered person directly involved with the certification activities in dispute on the basis that such decision, finding, or act is erroneous or inconsistent with this chapter, regulations, or guidance materials promulgated by the Administrator, or other requirements.

(B) Escalation.—The order issued under subparagraph (A) shall provide processes for—

(i) resolution of technical issues at pre-established stages of the certification process, as agreed to by the Administrator and the type certificate applicant;

(ii) automatic elevation to appropriate management personnel of the Administration and the type certificate applicant of any major certification process milestone that is not completed or resolved within a specific period of time agreed to by the Administrator and the type certificate applicant;

(iii) resolution of a major certification process milestone elevated pursuant to clause (ii) within a specific period of time agreed to by the Administrator and the type certificate applicant;

(iv) initial review by appropriate Administration employees of any appeal described in subparagraph (A)(ii); and

(v) subsequent review of any further appeal by appropriate management personnel of the Administration and the Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety.

(C) Disposition.—

(i) Written decision.—The Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety shall issue a written decision that states the grounds for the decision of the Associate Administrator on—

(I) each appeal submitted under subparagraph (A)(ii); and

(II) An appeal to the Associate Administrator submitted under subparagraph (B)(v).

(ii) Report to congress.—Not later than December 31 of each calendar year through calendar year 2028, 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 summarizing each appeal resolved under this subsection.

(D) Final review.—

(i) In general.—A written decision of the Associate Administrator under subparagraph (C) may be appealed to the Administrator for a final review and determination.

(ii) Decline to review.—The Administrator may decline to review an appeal initiated pursuant to clause (i).

(iii) Judicial review.—No decision under this paragraph (including a decision to decline to review an appeal) shall be subject to judicial review.

(2) Prohibited contacts.—

(A) Prohibition generally.—During the course of an appeal under this subsection, no covered official may engage in an ex parte communication (as defined in section 551 of title 5) with an individual representing or acting on behalf of an applicant for, or holder of, a certificate under this section in relation to such appeal unless such communication is disclosed pursuant to subparagraph (B).

(B) Disclosure.—If, during the course of an appeal under this subsection, a covered official engages in, receives, or is otherwise made aware of an ex parte communication, the covered official shall disclose such communication in the public record at the time of the issuance of the written decision under paragraph (1)(C), including the time and date of the communication, subject of communication, and all persons engaged in such communication.

(3) Definitions.—In this subsection:

(A) Covered person.—The term "covered person" means either—

(i) an employee of the Administration whose responsibilities relate to the certification of aircraft, engines, propellers, or appliances; or

(ii) an applicant for, or holder of, a type certificate or amended type certificate issued under this section.

(B) Covered official.—The term "covered official" means the following officials:

(i) The Executive Director or any Deputy Director of the Aircraft Certification Service.

(ii) The Deputy Executive Director for Regulatory Operations of the Aircraft Certification Service.

(iii) The Director or Deputy Director of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division of the Aircraft Certification Service.

(iv) The Director or Deputy Director of the System Oversight Division of the Aircraft Certification Service.

(v) The Director or Deputy Director of the Policy and Innovation Division of the Aircraft Certification Service.

(vi) The Executive Director or any Deputy Executive Director of the Flight Standards Service.

(vii) The Associate Administrator or Deputy Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety.

(viii) The Deputy Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.

(ix) The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.

(x) Any similarly situated or successor FAA management position to those described in clauses (i) through (ix), as determined by the Administrator.

(C) Major certification process milestone.—The term "major certification process milestone" means a milestone related to the type certification basis, type certification plan, type inspection authorization, issue paper, or other major type certification activity agreed to by the Administrator and the type certificate applicant.

(4) Rule of construction.—Nothing in this subsection shall apply to the communication of a good-faith complaint by any individual alleging—

(A) gross misconduct;

(B) a violation of title 18; or

(C) a violation of any of the provisions of part 2635 or 6001 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations.

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1188; Pub. L. 104–264, title IV, §403, Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3256; Pub. L. 108–176, title II, §227(b)(2), (e)(1), title VIII, §811, Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2531, 2532, 2590; Pub. L. 109–59, title IV, §4405, Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1776; Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §§302, 303(a), (c)(1), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 56, 57; Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title II, §214, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3250; Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §§105(a), (b), 110, 120, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2317, 2328, 2343; Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §§306(c), 343(a), title XI, §1101(k), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1072, 1101, 1414.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
44704(a)(1)	49 App.:1423(a)(2) (1st–4th sentences).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, §§503(h), 603(a)(1) (related to regulations for appliances), (2), (b) (related to basis for issuing, and contents of, certificates), (c) (related to basis for issuing, and contents of, certificates), 72 Stat. 774, 776.
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).	Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(c)(1), 80 Stat. 938; Jan. 12, 1983, Pub. L. 97–449, §7(b), 96 Stat. 2444.
44704(a)(2)	49 App.:1423(a)(1) (related to regulations for appliances), (2) (5th, last sentences).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).
44704(b)	49 App.:1423(b) (related to basis for issuing, and contents of, certificates).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).
44704(c)(1)	49 App.:1423(c) (related to basis for issuing, and contents of, certificates).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).
44704(c)(2)	49 App.:1403(h).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).

In subsections (a)–(c)(1), the word "Administrator" in section 603 of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (Public Law 85–726, 72 Stat. 776) is retained on authority of 49:106(g).

In subsection (a)(1), the text of 49 App.:1423(a)(2) (1st sentence 1st–16th words) and the words "in regulations" are omitted as surplus. The words "properly designed and manufactured, performs properly" are substituted for "of proper design, material, specification, construction, and performance for safe operation" to eliminate unnecessary words. The word "rules" is omitted as being synonymous with "regulations". The words "under section 44701(a) of this title" and "for a type certificate" are added for clarity. The words "including flight tests and tests of raw materials or any part or appurtenance of such aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (a)(2)(A), the words "issuance of" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (a)(2)(B), the words "the duration thereof and such other" are omitted as surplus. The words "conditions, and limitations" are omitted as being included in "terms".

In subsection (a)(2)(C), the words "issued for aircraft, aircraft engines, or propellers" and "all of" are omitted as surplus. The word "specification" is substituted for "determination" for clarity.

In subsection (b), the word "satisfactorily" is omitted as surplus. The words "shall inspect, and may require testing of, a duplicate to ensure that it conforms to the requirements of the certificate" are substituted for "shall make such inspection and may require such tests of any aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance manufactured under a production certificate as may be necessary to assure manufacture of each unit in conformity with the type certificate or any amendment or modification thereof" to eliminate unnecessary words. The words "the duration thereof and such other . . . conditions, and limitations" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (c)(1), the words "may apply to" are substituted for "may file with . . . an application" to eliminate unnecessary words. The words "in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation" are omitted because of 49:322(a). The words "the duration of such certificate, the type of service for which the aircraft may be used, and such other . . . conditions, and limitations" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (c)(2), the words "having a property interest" are substituted for "who are holders of property interests" to eliminate unnecessary words.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of enactment of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (g)(1)(A), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 116–260, which was approved Dec. 27, 2020.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 118–63, §343(a), added par. (6).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 118–63, §1101(k), substituted "subsection (d)(3)" for "subsection (a)(6)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (g)(1)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 118–63, §306(c), substituted "calendar year 2028" for "calendar year 2025".

2020—Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 116–260, §110(b), struck out par. (6) which related to type certification resolution process.

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 116–260, §120, added par. (3).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 116–260, §105(a), added subsec. (e) and struck out former subsec. (e) which related to design and production organization certificates.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 116–260, §105(b), added subsec. (f).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 116–260, §110(a), added subsec. (g).

2018—Pub. L. 115–254, §214(b), substituted "airworthiness certificates," for "airworthiness certificates,," in section catchline.

Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 115–254, §214(a), added par. (6).

2012—Pub. L. 112–95, §303(c)(1), substituted ", and design and production organization certificates" for "and design organization certificates" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 112–95, §302, added par. (5).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 112–95, §303(a), amended subsec. (e) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (e) related to design organization certificates.

2005—Subsec. (a)(1) to (3). Pub. L. 109–59, §4405(1)–(3), (5), (6), inserted par. headings, realigned margins, and substituted "Except as provided in paragraph (4), if" for "If" in par. (3).

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 109–59, §4405(4), added par. (4).

2003—Pub. L. 108–176, §227(e)(1), added section catchline and struck out former section catchline which read as follows: "Type certificates, production certificates, and airworthiness certificates".

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 108–176, §811, added par. (3).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 108–176, §227(b)(2), added subsec. (e).

1996—Subsecs. (b) to (d). Pub. L. 104–264 added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsecs. (b) and (c) as (c) and (d), respectively.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2003 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 108–176 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 2003, except as otherwise specifically provided, see section 3 of Pub. L. 108–176, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Except as otherwise specifically provided, amendment by Pub. L. 104–264 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1996, and not to be construed as affecting funds made available for a fiscal year ending before Oct. 1, 1996, see section 3 of Pub. L. 104–264, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.

Use of Advanced Tools and High-Risk Flight Testing in Certifying Aerospace Products

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §311, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1074, provided that:

"(a) Assessment.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] 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 [Federal Aviation Administration].

"(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."

Transport Airplane and Propulsion Certification Modernization

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §312, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1076, provided that: "Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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)."

Instructions for Continued Airworthiness Aviation Rulemaking Committee

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §349, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1109, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [May 16, 2024], submit to the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] 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."

Wildfire Suppression

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §360, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1120, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], 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 [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Federal Aviation Administration] 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."

Required Submission of Outline of System Changes at the Beginning of the Certification Process

Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §105(c), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2319, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this title [Dec. 27, 2020], the Administrator shall initiate a process to revise procedures to require an applicant for an amendment to a type certificate for a transport category aircraft to disclose to the Administrator, in a single document submitted at the beginning of the process for amending such certificate, all new systems and intended changes to existing systems then known to such applicant. The Administrator shall finalize the revision of such procedures not later than 18 months after initiating such process.

"(2) Application.—Compliance with the procedures revised pursuant to paragraph (1) shall not preclude an applicant from making additional changes to aircraft systems as the design and application process proceeds.

"(3) Savings provision.—Nothing in this subsection may be construed to limit the obligations of an applicant for an amended type certificate for a transport category airplane under section 44704(e) of title 49, United States Code, as amended in this title."

[For definitions of "Administrator" and "type certificate" as used in section 105(c) of div. V of Pub. L. 116–260, set out above, see section 137 of div. V of Pub. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 40101 of this title.]

Integrated Project Teams

Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §108, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2326, as amended by Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §306(b), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1072, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Upon receipt of an application for a type certificate for a transport category airplane, the Administrator shall convene an interdisciplinary integrated project team responsible for coordinating review and providing advice and recommendations, as appropriate, to the Administrator on such application.

"(b) Membership.—In convening an interdisciplinary integrated project team under subsection (a), the Administrator shall appoint employees of the Administration or other Federal agencies, such as the Air Force, Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (with the concurrence of the head of such other Federal agency), with specialized expertise and experience in the fields of engineering, systems design, human factors, and pilot training, including, at a minimum—

"(1) not less than 1 designee of the Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety whose duty station is in the Administration's headquarters;

"(2) representatives of the Aircraft Certification Service of the Administration;

"(3) representatives of the Flight Standards Service of the Administration;

"(4) experts in the fields of human factors, aerodynamics, flight controls, software, and systems design; and

"(5) any other subject matter expert whom the Administrator determines appropriate.

"(c) Availability.—In order to carry out its duties with respect to the areas specified in subsection (d), a project team shall be available to the Administrator, upon request, at any time during the certification process.

"(d) Duties.—A project team shall advise the Administrator and make written recommendations to the Administrator, to be retained in the certification project file, including recommendations for any plans, analyses, assessments, and reports required to support and document the certification project, in the following areas associated with a new technology or novel design:

"(1) Initial review of design proposals proposed by the applicant and the establishment of the certification basis.

"(2) Identification of new technology, novel design, or safety critical design features or systems that are potentially catastrophic, either alone or in combination with another failure.

"(3) Determination of compliance findings, system safety assessments, and safety critical functions the Administration should retain in terms of new technology, novel design, or safety critical design features or systems.

"(4) Evaluation of the Administration's expertise or experience necessary to support the project.

"(5) Review and evaluation of an applicant's request for exceptions or exemptions from compliance with airworthiness standards codified in title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of application for the change.

"(6) Conduct of design reviews, procedure evaluations, and training evaluations.

"(7) Review of the applicant's final design documentation and other data to evaluate compliance with all relevant Administration regulations.

"(e) Documentation of FAA Response.—The Administrator shall provide a written response to each recommendation of each project team and shall retain such response in the certification project file.

"(f) Report.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section [Dec. 27, 2020], and annually thereafter through fiscal year 2028, the Administrator shall submit to the congressional committees of jurisdiction a report on the establishment of each integrated project team in accordance with this section during such fiscal year, including the role and composition of each such project team."

[For definitions of terms used in section 108 of div. V of Pub. L. 116–260, set out above, see section 137 of div. V of Pub. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 40101 of this title.]

Employment Restrictions: Disqualification Based on Prior Employment

Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §111(a), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2330, provided that: "An employee of the [Federal Aviation] Administration with supervisory responsibility may not direct, conduct, or otherwise participate in oversight of a holder of a certificate issued under section 44704 of title 49, United States Code, that previously employed such employee in the preceding 1-year period."

System Safety Assessments and Other Requirements

Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §115, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2333, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this title [Dec. 27, 2020], the Administrator shall issue such regulations as are necessary to amend part 25 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and any associated advisory circular, guidance, or policy of the Administration, in accordance with this section.

"(b) System Safety Assessments and Other Requirements.—In developing regulations under subsection (a), the Administrator shall—

"(1) require an applicant for an amended type certificate for a transport airplane to—

"(A) perform a system safety assessment with respect to each proposed design change that the Administrator determines is significant, with such assessment considering the airplane-level effects of individual errors, malfunctions, or failures and realistic pilot response times to such errors, malfunctions, or failures;

"(B) update such assessment to account for each subsequent proposed design change that the Administrator determines is significant;

"(C) provide appropriate employees of the Administration with the data and assumptions underlying each assessment and amended assessment; and

"(D) provide for document traceability and clarity of explanations for changes to aircraft type designs and system safety assessment certification documents; and

"(2) work with other civil aviation authorities representing states of design to ensure such regulations remain harmonized internationally.

"(c) Guidance.—Guidance or an advisory circular issued under subsection (a) shall, at minimum—

"(1) emphasize the importance of clear documentation of the technical details and failure modes and effects of a design change described in subsection (b)(1); and

"(2) ensure appropriate review of any change that results in a functional hazard assessment classification of major or greater, as such term is defined in FAA Advisory Circular 25.1309-1A (or any successor or replacement document).

"(d) FAA Review.—Appropriate employees of the Aircraft Certification Service and the Flight Standards Service of the Administration shall review each system safety assessment required under subsection (b)(1)(A), updated assessment required under subsection (b)(1)(B), and supporting data and assumptions required under subsection (b)(1)(C), to ensure that each such assessment sufficiently addresses the considerations listed in subsection (b)(1)(A)."

[For definitions of terms used in section 115 of div. V of Pub. L. 116–260, set out above, see section 137 of div. V of Pub. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 40101 of this title.]

Flight Crew Alerting

Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §116, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2334, as amended by Pub. L. 117–328, div. O, title V, §501(b), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5231, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this title [Dec. 27, 2020], the Administrator shall implement National Transportation Safety Board recommendations A–19–11 and A–19–12 (as contained in the safety recommendation report adopted on September 9, 2019).

"(b) Prohibition.—Beginning on December 27, 2022, the Administrator may not issue a type certificate for a transport category aircraft unless, in the case of a transport category aircraft other than a transport airplane, the type certificate applicant provides a means acceptable to the Administrator to assist the flight crew in prioritizing corrective actions and responding to systems failures (including by cockpit or flight manual procedures).

"(c) Existing Airplane Designs.—It is the sense of Congress that the FAA shall ensure that any system safety assessment with respect to the Boeing 737-7, 737-8, 737-9, and 737-10 airplanes, as described in National Transportation Safety Board recommendation A-19-10, is conducted in accordance with such recommendation."

[For definitions of terms used in section 116 of div. V of Pub. L. 116–260, set out above, see section 137 of div. V of Pub. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 40101 of this title.]

Changed Product Rule

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §344, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1101, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] a briefing on the implementation by the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I] (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."

Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §117, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2335, as amended by Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §306(f), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1072, provided that:

"(a) Review and Reevaluation of Amended Type Certificates.—

"(1) International leadership.—The Administrator shall exercise leadership in the creation of international policies and standards relating to the issuance of amended type certificates within the Certification Management Team.

"(2) Reevaluation of amended type certificates.—In carrying out this subsection, the Administrator shall—

"(A) encourage Certification Management Team members to examine and address any relevant covered recommendations (as defined in section 121(c) [134 Stat. 2344]) relating to the issuance of amended type certificates;

"(B) reevaluate existing assumptions and practices inherent in the amended type certificate process and assess whether such assumptions and practices are valid; and

"(C) ensure, to the greatest extent practicable, that Federal regulations relating to the issuance of amended type certificates are harmonized with the regulations of other international states of design.

"(b) Amended Type Certificate Report and Rulemaking.—

"(1) Briefings.—Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this title [Dec. 27, 2020], and annually thereafter through fiscal year 2028, the Administrator shall brief the congressional committees of jurisdiction on the work and status of the development of such recommendations by the Certification Management Team.

"(2) Initiation of action.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this title, the Administrator shall take action to revise and improve the process of issuing amended type certificates in accordance with this section. Such action shall include, at minimum—

"(A) initiation of a rulemaking proceeding; and

"(B) development or revision of guidance and training materials.

"(3) Contents.—In taking actions required under paragraph (2), the Administrator shall do the following:

"(A) Ensure that proposed changes to an aircraft are evaluated from an integrated whole aircraft system perspective that examines the integration of proposed changes with existing systems and associated impacts.

"(B) Define key terms used for the changed product process under sections 21.19 and 21.101 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

"(C) Consider—

"(i) the findings and work of the Certification Management Team and other similar international harmonization efforts;

"(ii) any relevant covered recommendations (as defined in section 121(c) [134 Stat. 2344]); and

"(iii) whether a fixed time beyond which a type certificate may not be amended would improve aviation safety.

"(D) Establish the extent to which the following design characteristics should preclude the issuance of an amended type certificate:

"(i) A new or revised flight control system.

"(ii) Any substantial changes to aerodynamic stability resulting from a physical change that may require a new or modified software system or control law in order to produce positive and acceptable stability and handling qualities.

"(iii) A flight control system or augmented software to maintain aerodynamic stability in any portion of the flight envelope that was not required for a previously certified derivative.

"(iv) A change in structural components (other than a stretch or shrink of the fuselage) that results in a change in structural load paths or the magnitude of structural loads attributed to flight maneuvers or cabin pressurization.

"(v) A novel or unusual system, component, or other feature whose failure would present a hazardous or catastrophic risk.

"(E) Develop objective criteria for helping to determine what constitutes a substantial change and a significant change.

"(F) Implement mandatory aircraft-level reviews throughout the certification process to validate the certification basis and assumptions.

"(G) Require maintenance of relevant records of agreements between the FAA and an applicant that affect certification documentation and deliverables.

"(H) Ensure appropriate documentation of any exception or exemption from airworthiness requirements codified in title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of application for the change.

"(4) Guidance materials.—The Administrator shall consider the following when developing orders and regulatory guidance, including advisory circulars, where appropriate:

"(A) Early FAA involvement and feedback paths in the aircraft certification process to ensure the FAA is aware of changes to design assumptions and product design impacting a changed product assessment.

"(B) Presentation to the FAA of new technology, novel design, or safety critical features or systems, initially and throughout the certification process, when development and certification prompt design or compliance method revision.

"(C) Examples of key terms used for the changed product process under sections 21.19 and 21.101 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

"(D) Type certificate data sheet improvements to accurately state which regulations and amendment level the aircraft complies to and when compliance is limited to a subset of the aircraft.

"(E) Policies to guide applicants on proper visibility, clarity, and consistency of key design and compliance information that is submitted for certification, particularly with new design features.

"(F) The creation, validation, and implementation of analytical tools appropriate for the analysis of complex system for the FAA and applicants.

"(G) Early coordination processes with the FAA for the functional hazard assessments validation and preliminary system safety assessments review.

"(5) Training materials.—The Administrator shall—

"(A) develop training materials for establishing the certification basis for changed aeronautical products pursuant to section 21.101 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, applications for a new type certificate pursuant to section 21.19 of such title, and the regulatory guidance developed as a result of the rulemaking conducted pursuant to paragraph (2); and

"(B) procedures for disseminating such materials to implementing personnel of the FAA, designees, and applicants.

"(6) Certification management team defined.—In this section, the term 'Certification Management Team' means the team framework under which the FAA, the European Aviation Safety Agency, the Transport Canada Civil Aviation, and the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil, manage the technical, policy, certification, manufacturing, export, and continued airworthiness issues common among the 4 authorities.

"(7) Deadline.—The Administrator shall finalize the actions initiated under paragraph (2) not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this title.

"(c) International Leadership.—The Administrator shall exercise leadership within the ICAO and among other civil aviation regulators representing states of aircraft design to advocate for the adoption of an amended changed product rule on a global basis, consistent with ICAO standards."

[For definitions of terms used in section 117 of div. V of Pub. L. 116–260, set out above, see section 137 of div. V of Pub. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 40101 of this title.]

Expert Safety Review

Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §119(c), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2339, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this title [Dec. 27, 2020], the Administrator shall initiate an expert safety review of assumptions relied upon by the Administration and manufacturers of transport category aircraft in the design and certification of such aircraft.

"(2) Contents.—The expert safety review required under paragraph (1) shall include—

"(A) a review of Administration regulations, guidance, and directives related to pilot response assumptions relied upon by the FAA and manufacturers of transport category aircraft in the design and certification of such aircraft, and human factors and human system integration, particularly those related to pilot and aircraft interfaces;

"(B) a focused review of the assumptions relied on regarding the time for pilot responses to non-normal conditions in designing such aircraft's systems and instrumentation, including responses to safety-significant failure conditions and failure scenarios that trigger multiple, and possibly conflicting, warnings and alerts;

"(C) a review of human factors assumptions with applicable operational data, human factors research and the input of human factors experts and FAA operational data, and as appropriate, recommendations for modifications to existing assumptions;

"(D) a review of revisions made to the airman certification standards for certificates over the last 4 years, including any possible effects on pilot competency in basic manual flying skills;

"(E) consideration of the global nature of the aviation marketplace, varying levels of pilot competency, and differences in pilot training programs worldwide;

"(F) a process for aviation stakeholders, including pilots, airlines, inspectors, engineers, test pilots, human factors experts, and other aviation safety experts, to provide and discuss any observations, feedback, and best practices;

"(G) a review of processes currently in place to ensure that when carrying out the certification of a new aircraft type, or an amended type, the cumulative effects that new technologies, and the interaction between new technologies and unchanged systems for an amended type certificate, may have on pilot interactions with aircraft systems are properly assessed through system safety assessments or otherwise; and

"(H) a review of processes currently in place to account for any necessary adjustments to system safety assessments, pilot procedures and training requirements, or design requirements when there are changes to the assumptions relied upon by the Administration and manufacturers of transport category aircraft in the design and certification of such aircraft.

"(3) Report and recommendations.—Not later than 30 days after the conclusion of the expert safety review pursuant to paragraph (1), the Administrator shall submit to the congressional committees of jurisdiction a report on the results of the review, including any recommendations for actions or best practices to ensure the FAA and the manufacturers of transport category aircraft have accounted for pilot response assumptions to be relied upon in the design and certification of transport category aircraft and tools or methods identified to better integrate human factors throughout the process for such certification.

"(4) International engagement.—The Administrator shall notify other international regulators that certify transport category aircraft type designs of the expert panel report and encourage them to review the report and evaluate their regulations and processes in light of the recommendations included in the report.

"(5) Termination.—The expert safety review shall end upon submission of the report required pursuant to paragraph (3).

"(6) Regulations.—The Administrator shall issue or update such regulations as are necessary to implement the recommendations of the expert safety review that the Administrator determines are necessary to improve aviation safety."

[For definitions of terms used in section 119(c) of div. V of Pub. L. 116–260, set out above, see section 137 of div. V of Pub. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 40101 of this title.]

Human Factors Research

Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §126, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2347, provided that:

"(a) Human Factors.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this title [Dec. 27, 2020], the Administrator, in consultation with aircraft manufacturers, operators, and pilots, and in coordination with the head of such other Federal agency that the Administrator determines appropriate, shall develop research requirements to address the integration of human factors in the design and certification of aircraft that are intended for use in air transportation.

"(b) Requirements.—In developing such research requirements, the Administrator shall—

"(1) establish goals for research in areas of study relevant to advancing technology, improving design engineering and certification practices, and facilitating better understanding of human factors concepts in the context of the growing development and reliance on automated or complex flight deck systems in aircraft operations, including the development of tools to validate pilot recognition and response assumptions and diagnostic tools to improve the clarity of failure indications presented to pilots;

"(2) take into consideration and leverage any existing or planned research that is conducted by, or conducted in partnership with, the FAA; and

"(3) focus on—

"(A) preventing a recurrence of the types of accidents that have involved transport category airplanes designed and manufactured in the United States; and

"(B) increasingly complex aircraft systems and designs.

"(c) Implementation.—In implementing the research requirements developed under this section, the Administrator shall work with appropriate organizations and authorities with expertise including, to the maximum extent practicable, the Center of Excellence for Technical Training and Human Performance and the Center of Excellence developed or expanded pursuant to section 127 [set out as a note under section 44513 of this title].

"(d) Authorization of Appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator $7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2023, out of funds made available under section 48102(a) of title 49, United States Code, to carry out this section."

[For definitions of terms used in section 126 of div. V of Pub. L. 116–260, set out above, see section 137 of div. V of Pub. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 40101 of this title.]

Pilot Operational Evaluations

Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §128, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2349, provided that:

"(a) Pilot Operational Evaluations.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this title [Dec. 27, 2020], the Administrator shall revise existing policies for manufacturers of transport airplanes to ensure that pilot operational evaluations for airplane types that are submitted for certification utilize pilots from air carriers that are expected to operate such airplanes.

"(b) Requirement.—Such manufacturer shall ensure, to the satisfaction of the Administrator, that the air carrier and foreign air carrier pilots used for such evaluations include pilots of varying levels of experience."

[For definitions of terms used in section 128 of div. V of Pub. L. 116–260, set out above, see section 137 of div. V of Pub. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 40101 of this title.]

Securing Aircraft Avionics Systems

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title V, §506, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3354, as amended by Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §394, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1145, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall revise, as appropriate, existing Federal Aviation Administration regulations regarding airworthiness certification—

"(1) to address cybersecurity for avionics systems, including software components;

"(2) to require that aircraft avionics systems used for flight guidance or aircraft control be secured against unauthorized access via passenger in-flight entertainment systems through such means as the Administrator determines appropriate to protect the avionics systems from unauthorized external and internal access; and

"(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.

"(b) Consideration.—In carrying out subsection (a), the Administrator shall consider the recommendations of the Aircraft Systems Information Security Protection Working Group under section 2111 of the FAA Extension Safety and Security Act of 2016 (Public Law 114–190; 130 Stat. 615 [625]) [49 U.S.C. 44903 note]."

Small Airplane Revitalization

Pub. L. 113–53, Nov. 27, 2013, 127 Stat. 584, provided that:

"SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

"This Act may be cited as the 'Small Airplane Revitalization Act of 2013'.

"SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

"Congress makes the following findings:

"(1) A healthy small aircraft industry is integral to economic growth and to maintaining an effective transportation infrastructure for communities and countries around the world.

"(2) Small airplanes comprise nearly 90 percent of general aviation aircraft certified by the Federal Aviation Administration.

"(3) General aviation provides for the cultivation of a workforce of engineers, manufacturing and maintenance professionals, and pilots who secure the economic success and defense of the United States.

"(4) General aviation contributes to well-paying jobs in the manufacturing and technology sectors in the United States and products produced by those sectors are exported in great numbers.

"(5) Technology developed and proven in general aviation aids in the success and safety of all sectors of aviation and scientific competence.

"(6) The average small airplane in the United States is now 40 years old and the regulatory barriers to bringing new designs to the market are resulting in a lack of innovation and investment in small airplane design.

"(7) Since 2003, the United States lost 10,000 active private pilots per year on average, partially due to a lack of cost-effective, new small airplanes.

"(8) General aviation safety can be improved by modernizing and revamping the regulations relating to small airplanes to clear the path for technology adoption and cost-effective means to retrofit the existing fleet with new safety technologies.

"SEC. 3. SAFETY AND REGULATORY IMPROVEMENTS FOR GENERAL AVIATION.

"(a) In General.—Not later than December 15, 2015, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue a final rule—

"(1) to advance the safety and continued development of small airplanes by reorganizing the certification requirements for such airplanes under part 23 to streamline the approval of safety advancements; and

"(2) that meets the objectives described in subsection (b).

"(b) Objectives Described.—The objectives described in this subsection are based on the recommendations of the Part 23 Reorganization Aviation Rulemaking Committee:

"(1) The establishment of a regulatory regime for small airplanes that will improve safety and reduce the regulatory cost burden for the Federal Aviation Administration and the aviation industry.

"(2) The establishment of broad, outcome-driven safety objectives that will spur innovation and technology adoption.

"(3) The replacement of current, prescriptive requirements under part 23 with performance-based regulations.

"(4) The use of consensus standards accepted by the Federal Aviation Administration to clarify how the safety objectives of part 23 may be met using specific designs and technologies.

"(c) Consensus-Based Standards.—In prescribing regulations under this section, the Administrator shall use consensus standards, as described in section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1996 [1995] (15 U.S.C. 272 note), to the extent practicable while continuing traditional methods for meeting part 23.

"(d) Safety Cooperation.—The Administrator shall lead the effort to improve general aviation safety by working with leading aviation regulators to assist them in adopting a complementary regulatory approach for small airplanes.

"(e) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) Consensus standards.—

"(A) In general.—The term 'consensus standards' means standards developed by an organization described in subparagraph (B) that may include provisions requiring that owners of relevant intellectual property have agreed to make that intellectual property available on a nondiscriminatory, royalty-free, or reasonable royalty basis to all interested persons.

"(B) Organizations described.—An organization described in this subparagraph is a domestic or international organization that—

"(i) plans, develops, establishes, or coordinates, through a process based on consensus and using agreed-upon procedures, voluntary standards; and

"(ii) operates in a transparent manner, considers a balanced set of interests with respect to such standards, and provides for due process and an appeals process with respect to such standards.

"(2) Part 23.—The term 'part 23' means part 23 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

"(3) Part 23 reorganization aviation rulemaking committee.—The term 'Part 23 Reorganization Aviation Rulemaking Committee' means the aviation rulemaking committee established by the Federal Aviation Administration in August 2011 to consider the reorganization of the regulations under part 23.

"(4) Small airplane.—The term 'small airplane' means an airplane which is certified to part 23 standards."

Applicability

Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §303(b), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 57, provided that: "Before January 1, 2013, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may continue to issue certificates under section 44704(e) of title 49, United States Code, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act [Feb. 14, 2012]."

Aircraft Certification Process Review and Reform

Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §312, Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 66, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, in consultation with representatives of the aviation industry, shall conduct an assessment of the certification and approval process under section 44704 of title 49, United States Code.

"(b) Contents.—In conducting the assessment, the Administrator shall consider—

"(1) the expected number of applications for product certifications and approvals the Administrator will receive under section 44704 of such title in the 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year periods following the date of enactment of this Act [Feb. 14, 2012];

"(2) process reforms and improvements necessary to allow the Administrator to review and approve the applications in a fair and timely fashion;

"(3) the status of recommendations made in previous reports on the Administration's certification process;

"(4) methods for enhancing the effective use of delegation systems, including organizational designation authorization;

"(5) methods for training the Administration's field office employees in the safety management system and auditing; and

"(6) the status of updating airworthiness requirements, including implementing recommendations in the Administration's report entitled 'Part 23—Small Airplane Certification Process Study' (OK–09–3468, dated July 2009).

"(c) Recommendations.—In conducting the assessment, the Administrator shall make recommendations to improve efficiency and reduce costs through streamlining and reengineering the certification process under section 44704 of such title to ensure that the Administrator can conduct certifications and approvals under such section in a manner that supports and enables the development of new products and technologies and the global competitiveness of the United States aviation industry.

"(d) Report to Congress.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Feb. 14, 2012], 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 results of the assessment, together with an explanation of how the Administrator will implement recommendations made under subsection (c) and measure the effectiveness of the recommendations.

"(e) Implementation of Recommendations.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Feb. 14, 2012], the Administrator shall begin to implement the recommendations made under subsection (c)."

Historical Aircraft Documents

Pub. L. 112–95, title VIII, §816, Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 126, provided that:

"(a) Preservation of Documents.—

"(1) In general.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall take such actions as the Administrator determines necessary to preserve original aircraft type certificate engineering and technical data in the possession of the Federal Aviation Administration related to—

"(A) approved aircraft type certificate numbers ATC 1 through ATC 713; and

"(B) Group-2 approved aircraft type certificate numbers 2–1 through 2–544.

"(2) Revision of order.—Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Feb. 14, 2012], the Administrator shall revise FAA Order 1350.15C, Item Number 8110. Such revision shall prohibit the destruction of the historical aircraft documents identified in paragraph (1).

"(3) Consultation.—The Administrator may carry out paragraph (1) in consultation with the Archivist of the United States and the Administrator of General Services.

"(b) Availability of Documents.—

"(1) Freedom of information act requests.—The Administrator shall make the documents to be preserved under subsection (a)(1) available to a person—

"(A) upon receipt of a request made by the person pursuant to section 552 of title 5, United States Code; and

"(B) subject to a prohibition on use of the documents for commercial purposes.

"(2) Trade secrets, commercial, and financial information.—Section 552(b)(4) of such title shall not apply to requests for documents to be made available pursuant to paragraph (1).

"(c) Holder of Type Certificate.—

"(1) Rights of holder.—Nothing in this section shall affect the rights of a holder or owner of a type certificate identified in subsection (a)(1), nor require the holder or owner to provide, surrender, or preserve any original or duplicate engineering or technical data to or for the Federal Aviation Administration, a person, or the public.

"(2) Liability.—There shall be no liability on the part of, and no cause of action of any nature shall arise against, a holder of a type certificate, its authorized representative, its agents, or its employees, or any firm, person, corporation, or insurer related to the type certificate data and documents identified in subsection (a)(1).

"(3) Airworthiness.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the holder of a type certificate identified in subsection (a)(1) shall only be responsible for Federal Aviation Administration regulation requirements related to type certificate data and documents identified in subsection (a)(1) for aircraft having a standard airworthiness certificate issued prior to the date the documents are released to a person by the Federal Aviation Administration under subsection (b)(1)."

Plan for Development and Oversight of System for Certification of Design Organizations

Pub. L. 108–176, title II, §227(b)(1), Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2531, provided that, not later than 4 years after Dec. 12, 2003, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration was to transmit to Congress a plan for the development and oversight of a certification system of design organizations to ensure compliance with the requirements and minimum standards of section 44701(a) of this title.

§44705. Air carrier operating certificates

The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue an air carrier operating certificate to a person desiring to operate as an air carrier when the Administrator finds, after investigation, that the person properly and adequately is equipped and able to operate safely under this part and regulations and standards prescribed under this part. An air carrier operating certificate shall—

(1) contain terms necessary to ensure safety in air transportation; and

(2) specify the places to and from which, and the airways of the United States over which, a person may operate as an air carrier.

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1189.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
44705	49 App.:1424(b).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, §604(b), 72 Stat. 778.
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).	Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(c)(1), 80 Stat. 938; Jan. 12, 1983, Pub. L. 97–449, §7(b), 96 Stat. 2444.

In this section, the word "Administrator" in section 604(b) of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (Public Law 85–726, 72 Stat. 778) is retained on authority of 49:106(g). Before clause (1), the words "may file with the Secretary of Transportation an application for an air carrier operating certificate" and "the requirements of" are omitted as surplus. The word "rules" is omitted as being synonymous with "regulations". In clause (1), the words "conditions, and limitations . . . reasonably" are omitted as surplus. In clause (2), the word "places" is substituted for "points" for consistency in the revised title. The words "under an air carrier operating certificate" are omitted as surplus.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Commercial Air Tour and Sport Parachuting Safety

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §363, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1126, provided that:

"(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 [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [May 16, 2024], 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 [Federal Aviation Administration], 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 [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] 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 [Federal Aviation Administration] 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)."

§44706. Airport operating certificates

(a) General.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue an airport operating certificate to a person desiring to operate an airport—

(1) that serves an air carrier operating aircraft designed for at least 31 passenger seats;

(2) that is not located in the State of Alaska and serves any scheduled passenger operation of an air carrier operating aircraft designed for more than 9 passenger seats but less than 31 passenger seats; and

(3) that the Administrator requires to have a certificate;

if the Administrator finds, after investigation, that the person properly and adequately is equipped and able to operate safely under this part and regulations and standards prescribed under this part.

(b) Terms.—An airport operating certificate issued under this section shall contain terms necessary to ensure safety in air transportation. Unless the Administrator decides that it is not in the public interest, the terms shall include conditions related to—

(1) operating and maintaining adequate safety equipment, including firefighting and rescue equipment capable of rapid access to any part of the airport used for landing, takeoff, or surface maneuvering of an aircraft; and

(2) friction treatment for primary and secondary runways that the Secretary of Transportation decides is necessary.

(c) Exemptions.—The Administrator may exempt from the requirements of this section, related to firefighting and rescue equipment, an operator of an airport described in subsection (a) of this section having less than .25 percent of the total number of passenger boardings each year at all airports described in subsection (a) when the Administrator decides that the requirements are or would be unreasonably costly, burdensome, or impractical.

(d) Commuter Airports.—In developing the terms required by subsection (b) for airports covered by subsection (a)(2), the Administrator shall identify and consider a reasonable number of regulatory alternatives and select from such alternatives the least costly, most cost-effective or the least burdensome alternative that will provide comparable safety at airports described in subsections (a)(1) and (a)(2).

(e) Effective Date.—Any regulation establishing the terms required by subsection (b) for airports covered by subsection (a)(2) shall not take effect until such regulation, and a report on the economic impact of the regulation on air service to the airports covered by the rule, has been submitted to Congress and 120 days have elapsed following the date of such submission.

(f) Limitation on Statutory Construction.—Nothing in this title may be construed as requiring a person to obtain an airport operating certificate if such person does not desire to operate an airport described in subsection (a).

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1189; Pub. L. 104–264, title IV, §404, Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3256.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
44706(a)	49 App.:1432(b) (1st, 2d sentences).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, §612(b); added May 21, 1970, Pub. L. 91–258, §51(b)(1), 84 Stat. 234; Nov. 27, 1971, Pub. L. 92–174, §5(b), 85 Stat. 492; Sept. 3, 1982, Pub. L. 97–248, §§524(f), 525(b), 96 Stat. 697.
44706(b)	49 App.:1432(b) (3d, last sentences).
44706(c)	49 App.:1432(c).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, §612(c); added July 12, 1976, Pub. L. 94–353, §19(a), 90 Stat. 883; Sept. 3, 1982, Pub. L. 97–248, §525(c), 96 Stat. 697.

In subsection (a), before clause (1), the words "may file with the Administrator an application for an airport operating certificate" are omitted as surplus. In clause (3), the words "the requirements of" are omitted as surplus. The word "rules" is omitted as being synonymous with "regulations".

In subsection (b), before clause (1), the words "conditions, and limitations . . . reasonably" are omitted as surplus. In clause (2), the words "grooving or other" are omitted as surplus.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–264, §404(a), added par. (2), redesignated former par. (2) as (3), substituted "if" for "(3) when" in former par. (3) and adjusted the margins of that par. to make it a flush provision following par. (3).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–264, §404(b), added subsec. (d).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 104–264, §404(c), added subsec. (e).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 104–264, §404(d), added subsec. (f).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Except as otherwise specifically provided, amendment by Pub. L. 104–264 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1996, and not to be construed as affecting funds made available for a fiscal year ending before Oct. 1, 1996, see section 3 of Pub. L. 104–264, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.

Deemed References to Chapters 509 and 511 of Title 51

General references to "this title" deemed to refer also to chapters 509 and 511 of Title 51, National and Commercial Space Programs, see section 4(d)(8) of Pub. L. 111–314, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

PFAS-Related Resources for Airports

Pub. L. 118–63, title VII, §767, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1291, provided that:

"(a) PFAS Replacement Program for Airports.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Secretary [of Transportation], 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 [Federal Aviation Administration]-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 [of Transportation] 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)."

Maintaining Safe Fire and Rescue Staffing Levels

Pub. L. 118–63, title VII, §769, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1295, provided that:

"(a) Update to Regulation.—The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [May 16, 2024], 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 [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] a report containing the results of the review."

Firefighting Foam and Fluorinated Chemicals

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, §332(a), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3273, provided that: "Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration], using the latest version of National Fire Protection Association 403, 'Standard for Aircraft Rescue and Fire-Fighting Services at Airports', and in coordination with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, aircraft manufacturers and airports, shall not require the use of fluorinated chemicals to meet the performance standards referenced in chapter 6 of AC No: 150/5210–6D and acceptable under [section] 139.319(l) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations."

Improvement of Runway Safety Areas

Pub. L. 109–115, div. A, title I, Nov. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2401, provided in part: "That not later than December 31, 2015, the owner or operator of an airport certificated under 49 U.S.C. 44706 shall improve the airport's runway safety areas to comply with the Federal Aviation Administration design standards required by 14 CFR part 139: Provided further, That the Federal Aviation Administration shall report annually to the Congress on the agency's progress toward improving the runway safety areas at 49 U.S.C. 44706 airports."

Small Airport Certification

Pub. L. 106–181, title V, §518, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 145, provided that, not later than 60 days after Apr. 5, 2000, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration would issue a notice of proposed rulemaking on implementing subsec. (a)(2) of this section relating to issuance of airport operating certificates for small scheduled passenger air carrier operations, and not later than 1 year after the last day of the period for public comment provided for in the notice of proposed rulemaking, the Administrator would issue a final rule on implementing this program.

§44707. Examining and rating air agencies

The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may examine and rate the following air agencies:

(1) civilian schools giving instruction in flying or repairing, altering, and maintaining aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, and appliances, on the adequacy of instruction, the suitability and airworthiness of equipment, and the competency of instructors.

(2) repair stations and shops that repair, alter, and maintain aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, and appliances, on the adequacy and suitability of the equipment, facilities, and materials for, and methods of, repair and overhaul, and the competency of the individuals doing the work or giving instruction in the work.

(3) other air agencies the Administrator decides are necessary in the public interest.

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1190.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
44707	49 App.:1427 (1st sentence).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, §607 (1st sentence), 72 Stat. 779.
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).	Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(c)(1), 80 Stat. 938; Jan. 12, 1983, Pub. L. 97–449, §7(b), 96 Stat. 2444.

In this section, the word "Administrator" in section 607 (1st sentence) of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (Public Law 85–726, 72 Stat. 779) is retained on authority of 49:106(g). In clauses (1) and (2), the word "overhaul" is omitted as surplus. In clause (1), the words "course of" are omitted as surplus. In clause (3), the words "in his opinion" are omitted as surplus.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Aircraft Repair and Maintenance Advisory Panel

Pub. L. 106–181, title VII, §734, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 170, provided that:

"(a) Establishment of Panel.—The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration]—

"(1) shall establish an aircraft repair and maintenance advisory panel to review issues related to the use and oversight of aircraft and aviation component repair and maintenance facilities (in this section referred to as 'aircraft repair facilities') located within, or outside of, the United States; and

"(2) may seek the advice of the panel on any issue related to methods to increase safety by improving the oversight of aircraft repair facilities.

"(b) Membership.—The panel shall consist of—

"(1) nine members appointed by the Administrator as follows:

"(A) three representatives of labor organizations representing aviation mechanics;

"(B) one representative of cargo air carriers;

"(C) one representative of passenger air carriers;

"(D) one representative of aircraft repair facilities;

"(E) one representative of aircraft manufacturers;

"(F) one representative of on-demand passenger air carriers and corporate aircraft operations; and

"(G) one representative of regional passenger air carriers;

"(2) one representative from the Department of Commerce, designated by the Secretary of Commerce;

"(3) one representative from the Department of State, designated by the Secretary of State; and

"(4) one representative from the Federal Aviation Administration, designated by the Administrator.

"(c) Responsibilities.—The panel shall—

"(1) determine the amount and type of work that is being performed by aircraft repair facilities located within, and outside of, the United States; and

"(2) provide advice and counsel to the Secretary [of Transportation] with respect to the aircraft and aviation component repair work performed by aircraft repair facilities and air carriers, staffing needs, and any balance of trade or safety issues associated with that work.

"(d) DOT To Request Information From Air Carriers and Repair Facilities.—

"(1) Collection of information.—The Secretary, by regulation, shall require air carriers, foreign air carriers, domestic repair facilities, and foreign repair facilities to submit such information as the Secretary may require in order to assess balance of trade and safety issues with respect to work performed on aircraft used by air carriers, foreign air carriers, United States corporate operators, and foreign corporate operators.

"(2) Drug and alcohol testing information.—Included in the information the Secretary requires under paragraph (1) shall be information on the existence and administration of employee drug and alcohol testing programs in place at the foreign repair facilities, if applicable. The Secretary, if necessary, shall work with the International Civil Aviation Organization to increase the number and improve the administration of employee drug and alcohol testing programs at the foreign repair facilities.

"(3) Description of work done.—Included in the information the Secretary requires under paragraph (1) shall be information on the amount and type of work performed on aircraft registered in and outside of the United States.

"(e) DOT To Facilitate Collection of Information About Aircraft Maintenance.—The Secretary shall facilitate the collection of information from the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Administration, and other appropriate agencies regarding maintenance performed by aircraft repair facilities.

"(f) DOT To Make Information Available to Public.—The Secretary shall make any relevant information received under subsection (d) available to the public, consistent with the authority to withhold trade secrets or commercial, financial, and other proprietary information under section 552 of title 5, United States Code.

"(g) Termination.—The panel established under subsection (a) shall terminate on the earlier of—

"(1) the date that is 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Apr. 5, 2000]; or

"(2) December 31, 2001.

"(h) Definitions.—The definitions contained in section 40102 of title 49, United States Code, shall apply to this section."

§44708. Inspecting and rating air navigation facilities

The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may inspect, classify, and rate an air navigation facility available for the use of civil aircraft on the suitability of the facility for that use.

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1190.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
44708	49 App.:1426 (1st sentence).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, §606 (1st sentence), 72 Stat. 779.
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).	Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(c)(1), 80 Stat. 938; Jan. 12, 1983, Pub. L. 97–449, §7(b), 96 Stat. 2444.

The word "Administrator" in section 606 (1st sentence) of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (Public Law 85–726, 72 Stat. 779) is retained on authority of 49:106(g).

§44709. Amendments, modifications, suspensions, and revocations of certificates

(a) Reinspection and Reexamination.—

(1) In general.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may reinspect at any time a civil aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, design organization, production certificate holder, air navigation facility, or air agency, or reexamine an airman holding a certificate issued under section 44703 of this title.

(2) Notification of reexamination of airman.—Before taking any action to reexamine an airman under paragraph (1) the Administrator shall provide to the airman—

(A) a reasonable basis, described in detail, for requesting the reexamination; and

(B) any information gathered by the Federal Aviation Administration, that the Administrator determines is appropriate to provide, such as the scope and nature of the requested reexamination, that formed the basis for that justification.

(b) Actions of the Administrator.—The Administrator may issue an order amending, modifying, suspending, or revoking—

(1) any part of a certificate issued under this chapter if—

(A) the Administrator decides after conducting a reinspection, reexamination, or other investigation that safety in air commerce or air transportation and the public interest require that action; or

(B) the holder of the certificate has violated an aircraft noise or sonic boom standard or regulation prescribed under section 44715(a) of this title; and

(2) an airman certificate when the holder of the certificate is convicted of violating section 13(a) of the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742j–1(a)).

(c) Advice to Certificate Holders and Opportunity To Answer.—Before acting under subsection (b) of this section, the Administrator shall advise the holder of the certificate of the charges or other reasons on which the Administrator relies for the proposed action. Except in an emergency, the Administrator shall provide the holder an opportunity to answer the charges and be heard why the certificate should not be amended, modified, suspended, or revoked.

(d) Appeals.—(1) A person adversely affected by an order of the Administrator under this section may appeal the order to the National Transportation Safety Board. After notice and an opportunity for a hearing, the Board may amend, modify, or reverse the order when the Board finds—

(A) if the order was issued under subsection (b)(1)(A) of this section, that safety in air commerce or air transportation and the public interest do not require affirmation of the order; or

(B) if the order was issued under subsection (b)(1)(B) of this section—

(i) that control or abatement of aircraft noise or sonic boom and the public health and welfare do not require affirmation of the order; or

(ii) the order, as it is related to a violation of aircraft noise or sonic boom standards and regulations, is not consistent with safety in air commerce or air transportation.

(2) The Board may modify a suspension or revocation of a certificate to imposition of a civil penalty.

(3) When conducting a hearing under this subsection, the Board is not bound by findings of fact of the Administrator.

(e) Effectiveness of Orders Pending Appeal.—

(1) In general.—When a person files an appeal with the Board under subsection (d), the order of the Administrator is stayed.

(2) Exception.—Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the order of the Administrator is effective immediately if the Administrator advises the Board that an emergency exists and safety in air commerce or air transportation requires the order to be effective immediately.

(3) Review of emergency order.—A person affected by the immediate effectiveness of the Administrator's order under paragraph (2) may petition for a review by the Board, under procedures promulgated by the Board, of the Administrator's determination that an emergency exists. Any such review shall be requested not later than 48 hours after the order is received by the person. If the Board finds that an emergency does not exist that requires the immediate application of the order in the interest of safety in air commerce or air transportation, the order shall be stayed, notwithstanding paragraph (2). The Board shall dispose of a review request under this paragraph not later than 5 days after the date on which the request is filed.

(4) Final disposition.—The Board shall make a final disposition of an appeal under subsection (d) not later than 60 days after the date on which the appeal is filed.

(f) Judicial Review.—A person substantially affected by an order of the Board under this section, or the Administrator when the Administrator decides that an order of the Board under this section will have a significant adverse impact on carrying out this part, may obtain judicial review of the order under section 46110 of this title. The Administrator shall be made a party to the judicial review proceedings. Findings of fact of the Board are conclusive if supported by substantial evidence.

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1190; Pub. L. 106–181, title VII, §716, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 162; Pub. L. 108–176, title II, §227(c), Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2532; Pub. L. 112–153, §2(c)(2), Aug. 3, 2012, 126 Stat. 1161; Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, §393(a), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3325.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
44709(a)	49 App.:1429(a) (1st sentence).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, §609(a) (1st–7th sentences, 8th–last sentences less Administrator under title VII), 72 Stat. 779; Nov. 18, 1971, Pub. L. 92–159, §2(a), 85 Stat. 481; Nov. 27, 1971, Pub. L. 92–174, §6, 85 Stat. 492; Aug. 26, 1992, Pub. L. 102–345, §3(a)(1), 106 Stat. 925.
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).	Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(c)(1), 80 Stat. 938; Jan. 12, 1983, Pub. L. 97–449, §7(b), 96 Stat. 2444.
44709(b)	49 App.:1429(a) (2d sentence).
	49 App.:1429(b).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, §609(b); added Nov. 18, 1971, Pub. L. 92–159, §2(a), 85 Stat. 481.
	49 App.:1431(e) (words before 4th comma).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, §611(e); added July 21, 1968, Pub. L. 90–411, §1, 82 Stat. 395; restated Oct. 27, 1972, Pub. L. 92–574, §7(b), 86 Stat. 1241.
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).
44709(c)	49 App.:1429(a) (3d sentence).
	49 App.:1431(e) (words between 4th and 5th commas).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).
44709(d)(1)	49 App.:1429(a) (4th sentence).
	49 App.:1431(e) (words after 4th comma).
44709(d)(2)	49 App.:1429(a) (6th sentence).
44709(d)(3)	49 App.:1429(a) (5th sentence).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).
44709(e)	49 App.:1429(a) (7th sentence).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).
44709(f)	49 App.:1429(a) (8th–last sentences less Administrator under subch. VII).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).

In this section, the word "Administrator" in section 609(a) of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (Public Law 85–726, 72 Stat. 779) is retained on authority of 49:106(g). The words "modifying", "modify", and "modified" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (a), the words "airman holding a certificate issued under section 44703 of this title" are substituted for "civil airman" for clarity.

In subsection (b)(1), before subclause (A), the words "certificate issued under this chapter" are substituted for "type certificate, production certificate, airworthiness certificate, airman certificate, air carrier operating certificate, air navigation facility certificate (including airport operating certificate), or air agency certificate" to eliminate unnecessary words.

In subsection (b)(2), the words "in his discretion" and "regarding the use or operation of an aircraft" in 49 App.:1429(b) are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (c), the words "cases of" in 49 App.:1429(a) are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (d)(1), before clause (A), the word "adversely" is substituted for "whose certificate is" in 49 App.:1429(a), and the words "an opportunity for a" are added, for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. The words "of the FAA" in 49 App.:1431(e) are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (d)(2), the words "consistent with this subsection" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (d)(3), the word "Administrator" is substituted for "Federal Aviation Administration" because of 49:106(b) and (g).

In subsection (e), before clause (1), the words "the effectiveness of" are omitted as surplus.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–254 designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted heading, and added par. (2).

2012—Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 112–153 struck out "but is bound by all validly adopted interpretations of laws and regulations the Administrator carries out and of written agency policy guidance available to the public related to sanctions to be imposed under this section unless the Board finds an interpretation is arbitrary, capricious, or otherwise not according to law" after "Administrator".

2003—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–176 inserted "design organization, production certificate holder," after "appliance,".

2000—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 106–181 amended heading and text of subsec. (e) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "When a person files an appeal with the Board under subsection (d) of the section, the order of the Administrator is stayed. However, if the Administrator advises the Board that an emergency exists and safety in air commerce or air transportation requires the order to be effective immediately—

"(1) the order is effective; and

"(2) the Board shall make a final disposition of the appeal not later than 60 days after the Administrator so advises the Board."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2003 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 108–176 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 2003, except as otherwise specifically provided, see section 3 of Pub. L. 108–176, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–181 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1999, see section 3 of Pub. L. 106–181, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.

Risk Model for Production Facility Inspections

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §314, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1077, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], and periodically thereafter, the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall—

"(1) conduct a review of the risk-based model used by certification management offices of the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] 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."

§44710. Revocations of airman certificates for controlled substance violations

(a) Definition.—In this section, "controlled substance" has the same meaning given that term in section 102 of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (21 U.S.C. 802).

(b) Revocation.—(1) The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue an order revoking an airman certificate issued an individual under section 44703 of this title after the individual is convicted, under a law of the United States or a State related to a controlled substance (except a law related to simple possession of a controlled substance), of an offense punishable by death or imprisonment for more than one year if the Administrator finds that—

(A) an aircraft was used to commit, or facilitate the commission of, the offense; and

(B) the individual served as an airman, or was on the aircraft, in connection with committing, or facilitating the commission of, the offense.

(2) The Administrator shall issue an order revoking an airman certificate issued an individual under section 44703 of this title if the Administrator finds that—

(A) the individual knowingly carried out an activity punishable, under a law of the United States or a State related to a controlled substance (except a law related to simple possession of a controlled substance), by death or imprisonment for more than one year;

(B) an aircraft was used to carry out or facilitate the activity; and

(C) the individual served as an airman, or was on the aircraft, in connection with carrying out, or facilitating the carrying out of, the activity.

(3) The Administrator has no authority under paragraph (1) of this subsection to review whether an airman violated a law of the United States or a State related to a controlled substance.

(c) Advice to Holders and Opportunity To Answer.—Before the Administrator revokes a certificate under subsection (b) of this section, the Administrator must—

(1) advise the holder of the certificate of the charges or reasons on which the Administrator relies for the proposed revocation; and

(2) provide the holder of the certificate an opportunity to answer the charges and be heard why the certificate should not be revoked.

(d) Appeals.—(1) An individual whose certificate is revoked by the Administrator under subsection (b) of this section may appeal the revocation order to the National Transportation Safety Board. The Board shall affirm or reverse the order after providing notice and an opportunity for a hearing on the record. When conducting the hearing, the Board is not bound by findings of fact of the Administrator.

(2) When an individual files an appeal with the Board under this subsection, the order of the Administrator revoking the certificate is stayed. However, if the Administrator advises the Board that safety in air transportation or air commerce requires the immediate effectiveness of the order—

(A) the order remains effective; and

(B) the Board shall make a final disposition of the appeal not later than 60 days after the Administrator so advises the Board.

(3) An individual substantially affected by an order of the Board under this subsection, or the Administrator when the Administrator decides that an order of the Board will have a significant adverse effect on carrying out this part, may obtain judicial review of the order under section 46110 of this title. The Administrator shall be made a party to the judicial review proceedings. Findings of fact of the Board are conclusive if supported by substantial evidence.

(e) Acquittal.—(1) The Administrator may not revoke, and the Board may not affirm a revocation of, an airman certificate under subsection (b)(2) of this section on the basis of an activity described in subsection (b)(2)(A) if the holder of the certificate is acquitted of all charges related to a controlled substance in an indictment or information arising from the activity.

(2) If the Administrator has revoked an airman certificate under this section because of an activity described in subsection (b)(2)(A) of this section, the Administrator shall reissue a certificate to the individual if—

(A) the individual otherwise satisfies the requirements for a certificate under section 44703 of this title; and

(B)(i) the individual subsequently is acquitted of all charges related to a controlled substance in an indictment or information arising from the activity; or

(ii) the conviction on which a revocation under subsection (b)(1) of this section is based is reversed.

(f) Waivers.—The Administrator may waive the requirement of subsection (b) of this section that an airman certificate of an individual be revoked if—

(1) a law enforcement official of the United States Government or of a State requests a waiver; and

(2) the Administrator decides that the waiver will facilitate law enforcement efforts.

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1191; Pub. L. 112–153, §2(c)(3), Aug. 3, 2012, 126 Stat. 1161.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
44710(a)	49 App.:1429(c)(4).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, §609(c)(1), (2), (4); added Oct. 19, 1984, Pub. L. 98–499, §2(a), 98 Stat. 2312, 2313.
44710(b)(1)	49 App.:1429(c)(1) (1st sentence).
44710(b)(2)	49 App.:1429(c)(2) (1st sentence).
44710(b)(3)	49 App.:1429(c)(1) (last sentence).
44710(c)	49 App.:1429(c)(3) (1st sentence).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, §609(c)(3); added Oct. 19, 1984, Pub. L. 98–499, §2(a), 98 Stat. 2312; Aug. 26, 1992, Pub. L. 102–345, §3(b), 106 Stat. 926.
44710(d)	49 App.:1429(c)(3) (2d–last sentences).
44710(e)(1)	49 App.:1429(c)(2) (last sentence).
44710(e)(2)	49 App.:1422(b)(2)(C).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, §602(b)(2)(C); added Oct. 19, 1984, Pub. L. 98–499, §3, 98 Stat. 2313.
44710(f)	49 App.:1429(c)(5).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, §609(c)(5); added Nov. 18, 1988, Pub. L. 100–690, §7204(b), 102 Stat. 4425.

In subsection (b)(1) and (2), before each clause (A), the words "of any person" are omitted as surplus. The words "issued . . . under section 44703 of this title" are added for clarity.

In subsection (b)(1), the word "offense" is substituted for "crime" for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code.

In subsection (b)(2)(C), the words "in connection with carrying out, or facilitating the carrying out of, the activity" are substituted for "in connection with such activity or the facilitation of such activity" for consistency with the source provisions restated in paragraph (1)(B) of this subsection.

In subsection (d)(1), the word "Administrator" is substituted for "Federal Aviation Administration" because of 49:106(b) and (g).

In subsection (e)(1), the words "on appeal" and "contained" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (e)(2)(B)(i), the word "contained" is omitted as surplus.

In subsection (e)(2)(B)(ii), the words "judgment of" are omitted as surplus.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2012—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 112–153 struck out "but shall be bound by all validly adopted interpretations of laws and regulations the Administrator carries out and of written agency policy guidance available to the public related to sanctions to be imposed under this section unless the Board finds an interpretation is arbitrary, capricious, or otherwise not according to law" after "findings of fact of the Administrator".

§44711. Prohibitions and exemption

(a) Prohibitions.—A person may not—

(1) operate a civil aircraft in air commerce without an airworthiness certificate in effect or in violation of a term of the certificate;

(2) serve in any capacity as an airman with respect to a civil aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance used, or intended for use, in air commerce—

(A) without an airman certificate authorizing the airman to serve in the capacity for which the certificate was issued; or

(B) in violation of a term of the certificate or a regulation prescribed or order issued under section 44701(a) or (b) or any of sections 44702–44716 of this title;

(3) employ for service related to civil aircraft used in air commerce an airman who does not have an airman certificate authorizing the airman to serve in the capacity for which the airman is employed;

(4) operate as an air carrier without an air carrier operating certificate or in violation of a term of the certificate;

(5) operate aircraft in air commerce in violation of a regulation prescribed or certificate issued under section 44701(a) or (b) or any of sections 44702–44716 of this title;

(6) operate a seaplane or other aircraft of United States registry on the high seas in violation of a regulation under section 3 of the International Navigational Rules Act of 1977 (33 U.S.C. 1602);

(7) violate a term of an air agency, design organization certificate, or production certificate or a regulation prescribed or order issued under section 44701(a) or (b) or any of sections 44702–44716 of this title related to the holder of the certificate;

(8) operate an airport without an airport operating certificate required under section 44706 of this title or in violation of a term of the certificate;

(9) manufacture, deliver, sell, or offer for sale any aviation fuel or additive in violation of a regulation prescribed under section 44714 of this title;

(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

(11) violate section 44732 or any regulation issued thereunder.

(b) Exemption.—On terms the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration prescribes as being in the public interest, the Administrator may exempt a foreign aircraft and airmen serving on the aircraft from subsection (a) of this section. However, an exemption from observing air traffic regulations may not be granted.

(c) Prohibition on Employment of Convicted Counterfeit Part Traffickers.—No person subject to this chapter may knowingly employ anyone to perform a function related to the procurement, sale, production, or repair of a part or material, or the installation of a part into a civil aircraft, who has been convicted in a court of law of a violation of any Federal law relating to the installation, production, repair, or sale of a counterfeit or fraudulently-represented aviation part or material.

(d) Post-employment Restrictions for Inspectors and Engineers.—

(1) Prohibition.—A person holding a certificate issued under part 21 or 119 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, may not knowingly employ, or make a contractual arrangement that permits, an individual to act as an agent or representative of such person in any matter before the Administration if the individual, in the preceding 2-year period—

(A) served as, or was responsible for oversight of—

(i) a flight standards inspector of the Administration; or

(ii) an employee of the Administration with responsibility for certification functions with respect to a holder of a certificate issued under section 44704(a); and

(B) had responsibility to inspect, or oversee inspection of, the operations of such person.

(2) Written and oral communications.—For purposes of paragraph (1), an individual shall be considered to be acting as an agent or representative of a certificate holder in a matter before the Administration if the individual makes any written or oral communication on behalf of the certificate holder to the Administration (or any of its officers or employees) in connection with a particular matter, whether or not involving a specific party and without regard to whether the individual has participated in, or had responsibility for, the particular matter while serving as an individual covered under paragraph (1).

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1193; Pub. L. 103–429, §6(56), Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4385; Pub. L. 106–181, title V, §505(b), Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 136; Pub. L. 108–176, title II, §227(d), Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2532; Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §§307(b), 342(a), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 61, 79; Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §111(b), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2330; Pub. L. 118–63, title IV, §420(a)(1), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1164.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Pub. L. 103–272

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
44711(a)(1)	49 App.:1430(a)(1).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, §610(a)(1)–(5), (b), 72 Stat. 780.
44711(a)(2)	49 App.:1430(a)(2).
44711(a)(3)	49 App.:1430(a)(3).
44711(a)(4)	49 App.:1430(a)(4).
44711(a)(5)	49 App.:1430(a)(5).
44711(a)(6)	49 App.:1430(a)(6).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, §610(a)(6), 72 Stat. 780; May 21, 1970, Pub. L. 91–258, §51(b)(3)(A), 84 Stat. 235.
44711(a)(7)	49 App.:1430(a)(7).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, §610(a)(7), 72 Stat. 780; May 21, 1970, Pub. L. 91–258, §51(b)(3)(B), 84 Stat. 235; Dec. 31, 1970, Pub. L. 91–604, §11(b)(2), 84 Stat. 1705.
44711(a)(8)	49 App.:1430(a)(8).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, §610(a)(8); added May 21, 1970, Pub. L. 91–258, §51(b)(3)(C), 84 Stat. 235; Dec. 31, 1970, Pub. L. 91–604, §11(b)(2), 84 Stat. 1705; restated Sept. 3, 1982, Pub. L. 97–248, §525(d), 96 Stat. 697.
44711(a)(9)	49 App.:1430(a)(9).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, §610(a)(9); added Dec. 31, 1970, Pub. L. 91–604, §11(b)(2), 84 Stat. 1705; Nov. 9, 1977, Pub. L. 95–163, §15(b)(2), 91 Stat. 1283.
44711(b)	49 App.:1430(b).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).	Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(c)(1), 80 Stat. 938; Jan. 12, 1983, Pub. L. 97–449, §7(b), 96 Stat. 2444.

In subsection (a)(1) and (7), the words "condition, or limitation" are omitted as being included in "term".

In subsection (a)(1), the words "without . . . in effect" are substituted for "for which there is not currently in effect an" to eliminate unnecessary words.

In subsection (a)(2), (5), and (7), the word "rule" is omitted as being synonymous with "regulations".

In subsection (a)(2)(B), the word "prescribed" is added for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code.

In subsection (a)(5) and (7), the words "prescribed . . . issued" are added for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the Code.

In subsection (a)(5), the words "of the Secretary of Transportation" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (a)(6), the words "proclaimed by the President" are omitted as surplus. The words "section 3 of the International Navigational Rules Act of 1977 (33 U.S.C. 1602)" are substituted for "section 143 of title 33" because the section was part of the Act of October 11, 1951 (ch. 495, 65 Stat. 406), that was repealed by section 3 of the Act of September 24, 1963 (Public Law 88–131, 77 Stat. 194), and replaced by 33:ch. 21. Chapter 21 was repealed by section 10 of the International Navigational Rules Act of 1977 (Public Law 95–75, 91 Stat. 311) and replaced by 33:1601–1608.

In subsection (a)(7), the words "holding . . . such certificate" are omitted because of the restatement.

In subsection (a)(8), the words "by the Administrator" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (b), the word "Administrator" in section 610(b) of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (Public Law 85–726, 72 Stat. 780) is retained on authority of 49:106(g). The words "to the extent, and . . . and conditions" and "by such airmen" are omitted as surplus.

Pub. L. 103–429

This amends 49:44711(a)(2)(B), (5), and (7) and 46310(b) to correct erroneous cross-references.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (a)(10), (11). Pub. L. 118–63 added par. (10) and redesignated former par. (10) as (11).

2020—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 116–260 amended subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (d) related to postemployment restrictions for flight standards inspectors.

2012—Subsec. (a)(10). Pub. L. 112–95, §307(b), added par. (10).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 112–95, §342(a), added subsec. (d).

2003—Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 108–176 substituted "agency, design organization certificate," for "agency".

2000—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 106–181 added subsec. (c).

1994—Subsec. (a)(2)(B), (5), (7). Pub. L. 103–429 inserted "any of sections" before "44702–44716".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §342(b), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 80, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall not apply to an individual employed by a certificate holder as of the date of enactment of this Act [Feb. 14, 2012]."

Effective Date of 2003 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 108–176 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 2003, except as otherwise specifically provided, see section 3 of Pub. L. 108–176, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–181 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1999, see section 3 of Pub. L. 106–181, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–429 effective July 5, 1994, see section 9 of Pub. L. 103–429, set out as a note under section 321 of this title.

Regulations

Pub. L. 118–63, title IV, §420(a)(2), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1164, provided that: "Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall issue regulations requiring persons to comply with section 44711(a)(10) of title 49, United States Code (as added by paragraph (1))."

§44712. Emergency locator transmitters

(a) Installation.—An emergency locator transmitter must be installed on a fixed-wing powered civil aircraft for use in air commerce.

(b) Nonapplication.—Prior to January 1, 2002, subsection (a) does not apply to—

(1) turbojet-powered aircraft;

(2) aircraft when used in scheduled flights by scheduled air carriers holding certificates issued by the Secretary of Transportation under subpart II of this part;

(3) aircraft when used in training operations conducted entirely within a 50 mile radius of the airport from which the training operations begin;

(4) aircraft when used in flight operations related to design and testing, the manufacture, preparation, and delivery of the aircraft, or the aerial application of a substance for an agricultural purpose;

(5) aircraft holding certificates from the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration for research and development;

(6) aircraft when used for showing compliance with regulations, crew training, exhibition, air racing, or market surveys; and

(7) aircraft equipped to carry only one individual.

(c) Nonapplication Beginning on January 1, 2002.—

(1) In general.—Subject to paragraph (2), on and after January 1, 2002, subsection (a) does not apply to—

(A) aircraft when used in scheduled flights by scheduled air carriers holding certificates issued by the Secretary of Transportation under subpart II of this part;

(B) aircraft when used in training operations conducted entirely within a 50-mile radius of the airport from which the training operations begin;

(C) aircraft when used in flight operations related to the design and testing, manufacture, preparation, and delivery of aircraft;

(D) aircraft when used in research and development if the aircraft holds a certificate from the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to carry out such research and development;

(E) aircraft when used in showing compliance with regulations, crew training, exhibition, air racing, or market surveys;

(F) aircraft when used in the aerial application of a substance for an agricultural purpose;

(G) aircraft with a maximum payload capacity of more than 18,000 pounds when used in air transportation; or

(H) aircraft equipped to carry only one individual.

(2) Delay in implementation.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may continue to implement subsection (b) rather than subsection (c) for a period not to exceed 2 years after January 1, 2002, if the Administrator finds such action is necessary to promote—

(A) a safe and orderly transition to the operation of civil aircraft equipped with an emergency locator; or

(B) other safety objectives.

(d) Compliance.—An aircraft meets the requirement of subsection (a) if it is equipped with an emergency locator transmitter that transmits on the 121.5/243 megahertz frequency or the 406 megahertz frequency or with other equipment approved by the Secretary for meeting the requirement of subsection (a).

(e) Removal.—The Administrator shall prescribe regulations specifying the conditions under which an aircraft subject to subsection (a) of this section may operate when its emergency locator transmitter has been removed for inspection, repair, alteration, or replacement.

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1194; Pub. L. 106–181, title V, §501(a), Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 131.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
44712(a)	49 App.:1421(d)(1).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, §601(d)(1); added Dec. 29, 1970, Pub. L. 91–596, §31, 84 Stat. 1619; restated Jan. 2, 1974, Pub. L. 93–239, §4, 87 Stat. 1048; Nov. 9, 1977, Pub. L. 95–163, §15(a)(1), 91 Stat. 1283.
44712(b)	49 App.:1421(d)(2).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, §601(d)(2); added Dec. 29, 1970, Pub. L. 91–596, §31, 84 Stat. 1619; restated Jan. 2, 1974, Pub. L. 93–239, §4, 87 Stat. 1048.
	49 App.:1551(b)(1)(E).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, §1601(b)(1)(E); added Oct. 4, 1984, Pub. L. 98–443, §3(e), 98 Stat. 1704.
44712(c)	49 App.:1421(d)(3).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, §601(d)(3); added Nov. 9, 1977, Pub. L. 95–163, §15(a)(2), 91 Stat. 1283.

In subsection (a), the words "Except with respect to aircraft described in paragraph (2) of this subsection and except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection" are omitted as surplus. The words "minimum standards pursuant to this section shall include a requirement that", the text of 49 App.:1421(d)(1)(A), and the words "after three years and six months following such date" are omitted as executed.

In subsection (b), the word "used" is substituted for "engaged" for consistency. In clause (3), the word "training" is substituted for "local flight" for consistency. In clause (4), the words "chemicals and other" are omitted as surplus. In clause (5), the word "purposes" is omitted as surplus.

In subsection (c), the words "prescribe regulations" are substituted for "shall issue regulations . . . as he prescribes in such regulations" to eliminate unnecessary words. The words "such limitations and" and "from such aircraft" are omitted as surplus.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2000—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 106–181, §501(a)(1), substituted "Prior to January 1, 2002, subsection (a)" for "Subsection (a) of this section" in introductory provisions.

Subsecs. (c) to (e). Pub. L. 106–181, §501(a)(2), (3), added subsecs. (c) and (d) and redesignated former subsec. (c) as (e).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–181 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1999, see section 3 of Pub. L. 106–181, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.

Regulations

Pub. L. 106–181, title V, §501(b), Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 132, provided that: "The Secretary [of Transportation] shall issue regulations to carry out section 44712(c) of title 49, United States Code, as amended by this section, not later than January 1, 2001."

Emergency Locator Transmitters on General Aviation Aircraft

Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §347, Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 82, provided that:

"(a) Inspection.—As part of the annual inspection of general aviation aircraft, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall require a detailed inspection of each emergency locator transmitter (in this section referred to as an 'ELT') installed in general aviation aircraft operating in the United States to ensure that the ELT is mounted and retained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

"(b) Mounting and Retention.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Feb. 14, 2012], the Administrator shall determine if the ELT mounting requirements and retention tests specified by Technical Standard Orders C91a and C126 are adequate to assess retention capabilities in ELT designs.

"(2) Revision.—Based on the determination under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall make any necessary revisions to the requirements and retention tests referred to in paragraph (1) to ensure that ELTs are properly retained in the event of an aircraft accident.

"(c) Report.—Upon the completion of any revisions under subsection (b)(2), the Administrator shall submit a report on the implementation of this section to—

"(1) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and

"(2) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives."

§44713. Inspection and maintenance

(a) General Equipment Requirements.—An air carrier shall make, or cause to be made, any inspection, repair, or maintenance of equipment used in air transportation as required by this part or regulations prescribed or orders issued by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration under this part. A person operating, inspecting, repairing, or maintaining the equipment shall comply with those requirements, regulations, and orders.

(b) Duties of Inspectors.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall employ inspectors who shall—

(1) inspect aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, and appliances designed for use in air transportation, during manufacture and when in use by an air carrier in air transportation, to enable the Administrator to decide whether the aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, or appliances are in safe condition and maintained properly; and

(2) advise and cooperate with the air carrier during that inspection and maintenance.

(c) Unsafe Aircraft, Engines, Propellers, and Appliances.—When an inspector decides that an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance is not in condition for safe operation, the inspector shall notify the air carrier in the form and way prescribed by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. For 5 days after the carrier is notified, the aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance may not be used in air transportation or in a way that endangers air transportation unless the Administrator or the inspector decides the aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance is in condition for safe operation.

(d) Modifications in System.—(1) The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall make modifications in the system for processing forms for major repairs or alterations to fuel tanks and fuel systems of aircraft not used to provide air transportation that are necessary to make the system more effective in serving the needs of users of the system, including officials responsible for enforcing laws related to the regulation of controlled substances (as defined in section 102 of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (21 U.S.C. 802)). The modifications shall address at least each of the following deficiencies in, and abuses of, the existing system:

(A) the lack of a special identification feature to allow the forms to be distinguished easily from other major repair and alteration forms.

(B) the excessive period of time required to receive the forms at the Airmen and Aircraft Registry of the Administration.

(C) the backlog of forms waiting for processing at the Registry.

(D) the lack of ready access by law enforcement officials to information contained on the forms.

(2) The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall prescribe regulations to carry out paragraph (1) of this subsection and provide a written explanation of how the regulations address each of the deficiencies and abuses described in paragraph (1). In prescribing the regulations, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall consult with the Administrator of Drug Enforcement, the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, other law enforcement officials of the United States Government, representatives of State and local law enforcement officials, representatives of the general aviation aircraft industry, representatives of users of general aviation aircraft, and other interested persons.

(e) Automated Surveillance Targeting Systems.—

(1) In general.—The Administrator shall give high priority to developing and deploying a fully enhanced safety performance analysis system that includes automated surveillance to assist the Administrator in prioritizing and targeting surveillance and inspection activities of the Federal Aviation Administration.

(2) Deadlines for deployment.—

(A) Initial phase.—The initial phase of the operational deployment of the system developed under this subsection shall begin not later than December 31, 1997.

(B) Final phase.—The final phase of field deployment of the system developed under this subsection shall begin not later than December 31, 1999. By that date, all principal operations and maintenance inspectors of the Administration, and appropriate supervisors and analysts of the Administration shall have been provided access to the necessary information and resources to carry out the system.

(3) Integration of information.—In developing the system under this section, the Administration shall consider the near-term integration of accident and incident data into the safety performance analysis system under this subsection.

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1194; Pub. L. 104–264, title IV, §407(b), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3258; Pub. L. 114–125, title VIII, §802(d)(2), Feb. 24, 2016, 130 Stat. 210.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
44713(a)	49 App.:1425(a).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, §605(a), (b), 72 Stat. 778.
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).	Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(c)(1), 80 Stat. 938; Jan. 12, 1983, Pub. L. 97–449, §7(b), 96 Stat. 2444.
44713(b)	49 App.:1425(b) (1st sentence).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).
44713(c)	49 App.:1425(b) (last sentence).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).
44713(d)(1)	49 App.:1303 (note).	Nov. 18, 1988, Pub. L. 100–690, §7214, 102 Stat. 4434.
	49 App.:1425(c).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, §605(c); added Nov. 18, 1988, Pub. L. 100–690, §7206(a), 102 Stat. 4426.
44713(d)(2)	49 App.:1401 (note).	Nov. 18, 1988, Pub. L. 100–690, §7207(a) (1st sentence), (b), 102 Stat. 4427.

In subsections (a)–(c), the word "Administrator" in section 605(a) and (b) of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (Public Law 85–726, 72 Stat. 778) is retained on authority of 49:106(g).

In subsection (a), the word "overhaul" is omitted as being included in "repair". The word "prescribed" is added for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. The words "A person operating, inspecting, overhauling, or maintaining the equipment shall comply with those requirements, regulations, and orders" are substituted for 49 App.:1425(a) (last sentence) to eliminate unnecessary words.

In subsection (b), before clause (1), the words "be charged with the duty . . . of" are omitted as surplus. In clause (1), the words "in use" are substituted for "used by an air carrier in air transportation" to eliminate unnecessary words. The words "as may be necessary" and "for operation in air transportation" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (c), the words "in the performance of his duty", "used or intended to be used by any air carrier in air transportation", and "a period of" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (d)(1), before clause (A), the words "not used to provide air transportation" are substituted for section 7214 of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 (Public Law 100–690, 102 Stat. 4434) because of the restatement.

In subsection (d)(2), the words "Not later than September 18, 1989" and "final" are omitted as obsolete. The words "Administrator of Drug Enforcement" are substituted for "Drug Enforcement Administration of the Department of Justice" because of section 5(a) of Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1973 (eff. July 1, 1973, 87 Stat. 1092). The words "Commissioner of Customs" are substituted for "United States Customs Service" because of 19:2071.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1996—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 104–264 added subsec. (e).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection" substituted for "Commissioner of Customs" in subsec. (d)(2) on authority of section 802(d)(2) of Pub. L. 114–125, set out as a note under section 211 of Title 6, Domestic Security.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Except as otherwise specifically provided, amendment by Pub. L. 104–264 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1996, and not to be construed as affecting funds made available for a fiscal year ending before Oct. 1, 1996, see section 3 of Pub. L. 104–264, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the United States Customs Service of the Department of the Treasury, including functions of the Secretary of the Treasury relating thereto, to the Secretary of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 203(1), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6. For establishment of U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the Department of Homeland Security, treated as if included in Pub. L. 107–296 as of Nov. 25, 2002, see section 211 of Title 6, as amended generally by Pub. L. 114–125, and section 802(b) of Pub. L. 114–125, set out as a note under section 211 of Title 6.

Maintenance Providers

Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §319, Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 69, provided that:

"(a) Regulations.—Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Feb. 14, 2012], the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue regulations requiring that covered work on an aircraft used to provide air transportation under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, be performed by persons in accordance with subsection (b).

"(b) Persons Authorized To Perform Certain Work.—A person may perform covered work on aircraft used to provide air transportation under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, only if the person is employed by—

"(1) a part 121 air carrier;

"(2) a part 145 repair station or a person authorized under section 43.17 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation); or

"(3) subject to subsection (c), a person that—

"(A) provides contract maintenance workers, services, or maintenance functions to a part 121 air carrier or part 145 repair station; and

"(B) meets the requirements of the part 121 air carrier or the part 145 repair station, as appropriate.

"(c) Terms and Conditions.—Covered work performed by a person who is employed by a person described in subsection (b)(3) shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:

"(1) The applicable part 121 air carrier shall be directly in charge of the covered work being performed.

"(2) The covered work shall be carried out in accordance with the part 121 air carrier's maintenance manual.

"(3) The person shall carry out the covered work under the supervision and control of the part 121 air carrier directly in charge of the covered work being performed on its aircraft.

"(d) Definitions.—In this section, the following definitions apply:

"(1) Covered work.—The term 'covered work' means any of the following:

"(A) Essential maintenance that could result in a failure, malfunction, or defect endangering the safe operation of an aircraft if not performed properly or if improper parts or materials are used.

"(B) Regularly scheduled maintenance.

"(C) A required inspection item (as defined by the Administrator).

"(2) Part 121 air carrier.—The term 'part 121 air carrier' means an air carrier that holds a certificate issued under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

"(3) Part 145 repair station.—The term 'part 145 repair station' means a repair station that holds a certificate issued under part 145 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

"(4) Person.—The term 'person' means an individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, or association that performs maintenance, preventative maintenance, or alterations."

§44714. Aviation fuel standards

The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall prescribe—

(1) standards for the composition or chemical or physical properties of an aircraft fuel or fuel additive to control or eliminate aircraft emissions the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency decides under section 231 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7571) endanger the public health or welfare; and

(2) regulations providing for carrying out and enforcing those standards.

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1195.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
44714	49 App.:1421(e).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, §601(e); added Dec. 31, 1970, Pub. L. 91–604, §11(b)(1), 84 Stat. 1705; Nov. 9, 1977, Pub. L. 95–163, §15(b)(1), 91 Stat. 1283.

In this section, before clause (1), the words "and from time to time revise" are omitted as surplus. In clause (1), the words "establishing" and "the purpose of" are omitted as surplus.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Low Lead Aviation Fuel in Alaska

Pub. L. 118–63, title VII, §771(a), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1296, provided that:

"(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)."

Eagle Initiative

Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, §827, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1333, provided that:

"(a) EAGLE Initiative.—

"(1) In general.—The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [May 16, 2024], the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] 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."

Limitations for Certain Cargo Aircraft

Pub. L. 118–63, title XI, §1105, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1416, provided that:

"(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 [Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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."

Aviation Fuel

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title V, §565, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3385, provided that:

"(a) Use of Unleaded Aviation Gasoline.—The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall allow the use of an unleaded aviation gasoline in an aircraft as a replacement for a leaded gasoline if the Administrator—

"(1) determines that the unleaded aviation gasoline qualifies as a replacement for an approved leaded gasoline;

"(2) identifies the aircraft and engines that are eligible to use the qualified replacement unleaded gasoline; and

"(3) adopts a process (other than the traditional means of certification) to allow eligible aircraft and engines to operate using qualified replacement unleaded gasoline in a manner that ensures safety.

"(b) Timing.—The Administrator shall adopt the process described in subsection (a)(3) not later than 180 days after the later of—

"(1) the date on which the [Federal Aviation] Administration completes the Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative; or

"(2) the date on which the American Society for Testing and Materials publishes a production specification for an unleaded aviation gasoline.

"(c) Type Certification.—Existing regulatory mechanisms by which an unleaded aviation gasoline can be approved for use in an engine or aircraft by Type or Supplemental Type Certificate for individual aircraft and engine types or by Approved Model List Supplemental Type Certificate providing coverage for a broad range of applicable types of aircraft or engines identified in the application shall continue to be fully available as a means of approving and bringing an unleaded aviation gasoline into general use in the United States. Such approvals shall be issued when the Administrator finds that the aircraft or engine performs properly and meets the applicable regulations and minimum standards under the normal certification process."

§44715. Controlling aircraft noise and sonic boom

(a) Standards and Regulations.—(1)(A) To relieve and protect the public health and welfare from aircraft noise and sonic boom, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, as he deems necessary, shall prescribe—

(i) standards to measure aircraft noise and sonic boom; and

(ii) regulations to control and abate aircraft noise and sonic boom.

(B) The Administrator, as the Administrator deems appropriate, shall provide for the participation of a representative of the Environmental Protection Agency on such advisory committees or associated working groups that advise the Administrator on matters related to the environmental effects of aircraft and aircraft engines.

(2) The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may prescribe standards and regulations under this subsection only after consulting with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. The standards and regulations shall be applied when issuing, amending, modifying, suspending, or revoking a certificate authorized under this chapter.

(3) An original type certificate may be issued under section 44704(a) of this title for an aircraft for which substantial noise abatement can be achieved only after the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration prescribes standards and regulations under this section that apply to that aircraft.

(b) Considerations and Consultation.—When prescribing a standard or regulation under this section, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall—

(1) consider relevant information related to aircraft noise and sonic boom;

(2) consult with appropriate departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States Government and State and interstate authorities;

(3) consider whether the standard or regulation is consistent with the highest degree of safety in air transportation or air commerce in the public interest;

(4) consider whether the standard or regulation is economically reasonable, technologically practicable, and appropriate for the applicable aircraft, aircraft engine, appliance, or certificate; and

(5) consider the extent to which the standard or regulation will carry out the purposes of this section.

(c) Proposed Regulations of Administrator of Environmental Protection Agency.—The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall submit to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration proposed regulations to control and abate aircraft noise and sonic boom (including control and abatement through the use of the authority of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration) that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency considers necessary to protect the public health and welfare. The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall consider those proposed regulations and shall publish them in a notice of proposed regulations not later than 30 days after they are received. Not later than 60 days after publication, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall begin a hearing at which interested persons are given an opportunity for oral and written presentations. Not later than 90 days after the hearing is completed and after consulting with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall—

(1) prescribe regulations as provided by this section—

(A) substantially the same as the proposed regulations submitted by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; or

(B) that amend the proposed regulations; or

(2) publish in the Federal Register—

(A) a notice that no regulation is being prescribed in response to the proposed regulations of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency;

(B) a detailed analysis of, and response to, all information the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency submitted with the proposed regulations; and

(C) a detailed explanation of why no regulation is being prescribed.

(d) Consultation and Reports.—(1) If the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency believes that the action of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration under subsection (c)(1)(B) or (2) of this section does not protect the public health and welfare from aircraft noise or sonic boom, consistent with the considerations in subsection (b) of this section, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall consult with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and may request a report on the advisability of prescribing the regulation as originally proposed. The request, including a detailed statement of the information on which the request is based, shall be published in the Federal Register.

(2) The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall report to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency within the time, if any, specified in the request. However, the time specified must be at least 90 days after the date of the request. The report shall—

(A) be accompanied by a detailed statement of the findings of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and the reasons for the findings;

(B) identify any statement related to an action under subsection (c) of this section filed under section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C));

(C) specify whether and where that statement is available for public inspection; and

(D) be published in the Federal Register unless the request proposes specific action by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and the report indicates that action will be taken.

(e) Supplemental Reports.—The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency may request the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to file a supplemental report if the report under subsection (d) of this section indicates that the proposed regulations under subsection (c) of this section, for which a statement under section 102(2)(C) of the Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)) is not required, should not be prescribed. The supplemental report shall be published in the Federal Register within the time the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency specifies. However, the time specified must be at least 90 days after the date of the request. The supplemental report shall contain a comparison of the environmental effects, including those that cannot be avoided, of the action of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and the proposed regulations of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

(f) Exemptions.—An exemption from a standard or regulation prescribed under this section may be granted only if, before granting the exemption, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration consults with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. However, if the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration finds that safety in air transportation or air commerce requires an exemption before the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency can be consulted, the exemption may be granted. The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall consult with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency as soon as practicable after the exemption is granted.

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1196; Pub. L. 104–264, title IV, §406(a), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3257.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
44715(a)(1), (2)	49 App.:1431(a), (b)(1) (1st sentence).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, §611(a), (b), (d); added July 21, 1968, Pub. L. 90–411, §1, 82 Stat. 395; restated Oct. 27, 1972, Pub. L. 92–574, §7(b), 86 Stat. 1239, 1241.
44715(a)(3)	49 App.:1431(b)(2).
44715(b)	49 App.:1431(d).
44715(c)	49 App.:1431(c)(1).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, §611(c); added July 21, 1968, Pub. L. 90–411, §1, 82 Stat. 395; restated Oct. 27, 1972, Pub. L. 92–574, §7(b), 86 Stat. 1240; Nov. 8, 1978, Pub. L. 95–609, §3, 92 Stat. 3080.
44715(d)	49 App.:1431(c)(2).
44715(e)	49 App.:1431(c)(3).
44715(f)	49 App.:1431(b)(1) (last sentence).

In subsection (a)(1), before clause (A), the text of 49 App.:1431(a) is omitted because the revised section identifies the appropriate Administrator each time the Administrator is mentioned. The words "present and future" and "and amend" are omitted as surplus. In clause (B), the words "as the FAA may find necessary to provide" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (a)(2), the word "only" is added for clarity.

Subsection (a)(3) is substituted for 49 App.:1431(b)(2) to eliminate unnecessary words.

In subsection (b), before clause (1), the words "and amending" are omitted as surplus. In clause (1), the words "available . . . including the results of research, development, testing, and evaluation activities conducted pursuant to this chapter and the Department of Transportation Act" are omitted as surplus. In clause (2), the words "departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States Government and State and interstate authorities" are substituted for "Federal, State, and interstate agencies" for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. The words "as he deems" are omitted as surplus. In clauses (3) and (4), the word "proposed" is omitted as surplus. In clause (4), the word "applicable" is substituted for "particular type of . . . to which it will apply" to eliminate unnecessary words. In clause (5), the words "contribute to" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (c), before clause (1), the words "Not earlier than the date of submission of the report required by section 4906 of title 42" are omitted as executed. The words "regulatory . . . over air commerce or transportation or over aircraft or airport operations" and "submitted by the EPA under this paragraph" are omitted as surplus. The word "regulations" is substituted for "rulemaking" for consistency in the revised title. The words "after they are received" are substituted for "of the date of its submission to the FAA" to eliminate unnecessary words. The words "of data, views, and arguments" are omitted as surplus. In clause (1), the words "in accordance with subsection (b) of this section" are omitted because of the restatement. In clause (2)(B), the words "documentation or other" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (d)(1), the words "listed" and "the FAA to review, and . . . to EPA . . . by EPA" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (d)(2), before clause (A), the words "shall complete the review requested and" are omitted as surplus. In clause (B), the words "of the FAA" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (e), the words "actually taken . . . in response to EPA's proposed regulations" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (f), the words "under any provision of this chapter" and "that . . . be granted" are omitted as surplus. The words "the exemption may be granted" are added for clarity.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1996—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 104–264, which in directing the general amendment of par. (1) inserted an additional subsec. (a) designation and heading identical to the existing subsec. heading as well as restating the text of par. (1), was executed by restating the text only to reflect the probable intent of Congress. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "To relieve and protect the public health and welfare from aircraft noise and sonic boom, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall prescribe—

"(A) standards to measure aircraft noise and sonic boom; and

"(B) regulations to control and abate aircraft noise and sonic boom."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Except as otherwise specifically provided, amendment by Pub. L. 104–264 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1996, and not to be construed as affecting funds made available for a fiscal year ending before Oct. 1, 1996, see section 3 of Pub. L. 104–264, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.

Hawaii Air Noise and Safety Task Force

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §364, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1131, provided that:

"(a) Participation.—To the extent acceptable to the State of Hawaii, the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Federal Aviation Administration], 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."

§44716. Collision avoidance systems

(a) Development and Certification.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall—

(1) complete the development of the collision avoidance system known as TCAS–II so that TCAS–II can operate under visual and instrument flight rules and can be upgraded to the performance standards applicable to the collision avoidance system known as TCAS–III;

(2) develop and carry out a schedule for developing and certifying TCAS–II that will result in certification not later than June 30, 1989; and

(3) submit to Congress monthly reports on the progress being made in developing and certifying TCAS–II.

(b) Installation and Operation.—The Administrator shall require by regulation that, not later than 30 months after the date certification is made under subsection (a)(2) of this section, TCAS–II be installed and operated on each civil aircraft that has a maximum passenger capacity of at least 31 seats and is used to provide air transportation of passengers, including intrastate air transportation of passengers. The Administrator may extend the deadline in this subsection for not more than 2 years if the Administrator finds the extension is necessary to promote—

(1) a safe and orderly transition to the operation of a fleet of civil aircraft described in this subsection equipped with TCAS–II; or

(2) other safety objectives.

(c) Operational Evaluation.—Not later than December 30, 1990, the Administrator shall establish a one-year program to collect and assess safety and operational information from civil aircraft equipped with TCAS–II for the operational evaluation of TCAS–II. The Administrator shall encourage foreign air carriers that operate civil aircraft equipped with TCAS–II to participate in the program.

(d) Amending Schedule for Windshear Equipment.—The Administrator shall consider the feasibility and desirability of amending the schedule for installing airborne low-altitude windshear equipment to make the schedule compatible with the schedule for installing TCAS–II.

(e) Deadline for Development and Certification.—(1) The Administrator shall complete developing and certifying TCAS–III as soon as possible.

(2) Necessary amounts may be appropriated from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund established under section 9502 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 9502) to carry out this subsection.

(f) Installing and Using Transponders.—The Administrator shall prescribe regulations requiring that, not later than December 30, 1990, operating transponders with automatic altitude reporting capability be installed and used for aircraft operating in designated terminal airspace where radar service is provided for separation of aircraft. The Administrator may provide for access to that airspace (except terminal control areas and airport radar service areas) by nonequipped aircraft if the Administrator finds the access will not interfere with the normal traffic flow.

(g) Cargo Collision Avoidance Systems.—

(1) In general.—The Administrator shall require by regulation that, no later than December 31, 2002, collision avoidance equipment be installed on each cargo aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight in excess of 15,000 kilograms.

(2) Extension of deadline.—The Administrator may extend the deadline established by paragraph (1) by not more than 2 years if the Administrator finds that the extension is needed to promote—

(A) a safe and orderly transition to the operation of a fleet of cargo aircraft equipped with collision avoidance equipment; or

(B) other safety or public interest objectives.

(3) Collision avoidance equipment defined.—In this subsection, the term "collision avoidance equipment" means equipment that provides protection from mid-air collisions using technology that provides—

(A) cockpit-based collision detection and conflict resolution guidance, including display of traffic; and

(B) a margin of safety of at least the same level as provided by the collision avoidance system known as TCAS–II.

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1198; Pub. L. 106–181, title V, §502, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 132.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
44716(a)	49 App.:1421(f)(1).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, §601(f); added Dec. 30, 1987, Pub. L. 100–223, §203(b), 101 Stat. 1518; Dec. 15, 1989, Pub. L. 101–236, §2, 103 Stat. 2060.
44716(b)	49 App.:1421(f)(2), (4).
44716(c)	49 App.:1421(f)(3).
44716(d)	49 App.:1421(f)(5).
44716(e)	49 App.:1421 (note).	Dec. 30, 1987, Pub. L. 100–223, §203(d), 101 Stat. 1519.
44716(f)	49 App.:1421(f)(6).

In subsection (c), the words "In conducting the program" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (e)(1), the word "research" is omitted as included in "developing".

In subsection (e)(2), the words "established under section 9502 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 9502)" are added for consistency in the revised title.

In subsection (f), the words "Not later than 6 months after December 30, 1987, the Administrator shall promulgate a final rule" and "Such final rule" are omitted as executed.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2000—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 106–181 added subsec. (g).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–181 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1999, see section 3 of Pub. L. 106–181, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of reporting provisions in subsec. (a)(3) of this section, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and the 8th item on page 138 of House Document No. 103–7.

§44717. Aging aircraft

(a) Inspections and Reviews.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall prescribe regulations that ensure the continuing airworthiness of aging aircraft. The regulations prescribed under subsection (a) of this section—

(1) at least shall require the Administrator to make inspections, and review the maintenance and other records, of each aircraft an air carrier uses to provide air transportation that the Administrator decides may be necessary to enable the Administrator to decide whether the aircraft is in safe condition and maintained properly for operation in air transportation;

(2) at least shall require an air carrier to demonstrate to the Administrator, as part of the inspection, that maintenance of the aircraft's age-sensitive parts and components has been adequate and timely enough to ensure the highest degree of safety;

(3) shall require the air carrier to make available to the Administrator the aircraft and any records about the aircraft that the Administrator requires to carry out a review; and

(4) shall establish procedures to be followed in carrying out an inspection.

(b) When and How Inspections and Reviews Shall Be Carried Out.—(1) Inspections and reviews required under subsection (a)(1) of this section shall be carried out as part of each heavy maintenance check of the aircraft conducted after the 14th year in which the aircraft has been in service.

(2) Inspections under subsection (a)(1) of this section shall be carried out as provided under section 44701(a)(2)(B) and (C) of this title.

(c) Aircraft Maintenance Safety Programs.—The Administrator shall establish—

(1) a program to verify that air carriers are maintaining their aircraft according to maintenance programs approved by the Administrator;

(2) a program—

(A) to provide inspectors and engineers of the Administration with training necessary to conduct auditing inspections of aircraft operated by air carriers for corrosion and metal fatigue; and

(B) to enhance participation of those inspectors and engineers in those inspections; and

(3) a program to ensure that air carriers demonstrate to the Administrator their commitment and technical competence to ensure the airworthiness of aircraft that the carriers operate.

(d) Foreign Air Transportation.—(1) The Administrator shall take all possible steps to encourage governments of foreign countries and relevant international organizations to develop standards and requirements for inspections and reviews that—

(A) will ensure the continuing airworthiness of aging aircraft used by foreign air carriers to provide foreign air transportation to and from the United States; and

(B) will provide passengers of those foreign air carriers with the same level of safety that will be provided passengers of air carriers by carrying out this section.

(2) Not later than September 30, 1994, the Administrator shall report to Congress on carrying out this subsection.

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1199.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
44717(a)	49 App.:1421 (note).	Oct. 28, 1991, Pub. L. 102–143, §§402(a), (b)(1), (c)–(e), 405, 105 Stat. 951, 952.
44717(b)	49 App.:1421 (note).	Oct. 28, 1991, Pub. L. 102–143, §402(b)(2), (3), 105 Stat. 951.
44717(c)	49 App.:1421 (note).	Oct. 28, 1991, Pub. L. 102–143, §403, 105 Stat. 952.
44717(d)	49 App.:1421 (note).	Oct. 28, 1991, Pub. L. 102–143, §404, 105 Stat. 952.

In subsections (a) and (c), before clause (1), the words "Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this title" are omitted as obsolete.

In subsection (a), before clause (1), the text of section 405 of the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1992 (Public Law 102–143, 105 Stat. 952) is omitted as surplus because the complete name of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration is used the first time the term appears in a section. The word "regulations" is substituted for "rule" because the terms are synonymous. In clauses (2)–(4), the words "required by the rule" are omitted as surplus. In clause (2), the words "structure, skin, and other" are omitted as surplus. In clause (3), the words "inspection, maintenance, and other" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (c)(1), the word "Administrator" is substituted for "Federal Aviation Administration" for consistency in the revised title.

In subsection (d)(1), before clause (A), the words "governments of foreign countries" are substituted for "foreign governments" for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code.

§44718. Structures interfering with air commerce or national security

(a) Notice.—By regulation or by order when necessary, the Secretary of Transportation shall require a person to give adequate public notice, in the form and way the Secretary prescribes, of the construction, alteration, establishment, or expansion, or the proposed construction, alteration, establishment, or expansion, of a structure or sanitary landfill when the notice will promote—

(1) safety in air commerce;

(2) the efficient use and preservation of the navigable airspace and of airport traffic capacity at public-use airports; or

(3) the interests of national security, as determined by the Secretary of Defense.

(b) Studies.—

(1) In general.—Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, if the Secretary decides that constructing or altering a structure may result in an obstruction of the navigable airspace, an interference with air or space navigation facilities and equipment or the navigable airspace, or, after consultation with the Secretary of Defense, an adverse impact on military operations and readiness, the Secretary of Transportation shall conduct an aeronautical study to decide the extent of any adverse impact on the safe and efficient use of the airspace, facilities, or equipment. In conducting the study, the Secretary shall—

(A) consider factors relevant to the efficient and effective use of the navigable airspace, including—

(i) the impact on arrival, departure, and en route procedures for aircraft operating under visual flight rules;

(ii) the impact on arrival, departure, and en route procedures for aircraft operating under instrument flight rules;

(iii) the impact on existing public-use airports and aeronautical facilities;

(iv) the impact on planned public-use airports and aeronautical facilities;

(v) the cumulative impact resulting from the proposed construction or alteration of a structure when combined with the impact of other existing or proposed structures;

(vi) the impact on launch and reentry for launch and reentry vehicles arriving or departing from a launch site or reentry site licensed by the Secretary of Transportation; and

(vii) other factors relevant to the efficient and effective use of navigable airspace; and

(B) include the finding made by the Secretary of Defense under subsection (f).

(2) Report.—On completing the study, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue a report disclosing the extent of the—

(A) adverse impact on the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace that the Secretary finds will result from constructing or altering the structure; and

(B) unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States, as determined by the Secretary of Defense under subsection (f).

(3) Severability.—A determination by the Secretary of Transportation on hazard to air navigation under this section shall remain independent of a determination of unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States by the Secretary of Defense under subsection (f).

(c) Broadcast Applications and Tower Studies.—In carrying out laws related to a broadcast application and conducting an aeronautical study related to broadcast towers, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Communications Commission shall take action necessary to coordinate efficiently—

(1) the receipt and consideration of, and action on, the application; and

(2) the completion of any associated aeronautical study.

(d) Limitation on Construction of Landfills.—

(1) In general.—No person shall construct or establish a municipal solid waste landfill (as defined in section 258.2 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of the enactment of this subsection) that receives putrescible waste (as defined in section 257.3–8 of such title) within 6 miles of a public airport that has received grants under chapter 471 and is primarily served by general aviation aircraft and regularly scheduled flights of aircraft designed for 60 passengers or less unless the State aviation agency of the State in which the airport is located requests that the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration exempt the landfill from the application of this subsection and the Administrator determines that such exemption would have no adverse impact on aviation safety.

(2) Limitation on applicability.—Paragraph (1) shall not apply in the State of Alaska and shall not apply to the construction, establishment, expansion, or modification of, or to any other activity undertaken with respect to, a municipal solid waste landfill if the construction or establishment of the landfill was commenced on or before the date of the enactment of this subsection.

(e) Review of Aeronautical Studies.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall develop procedures to allow the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security to review and comment on an aeronautical study conducted pursuant to subsection (b) prior to the completion of the study.

(f) National Security Finding.—As part of an aeronautical study conducted under subsection (b) and in accordance with section 183a(e) of title 10, the Secretary of Defense shall—

(1) make a finding on whether the construction, alteration, establishment, or expansion of a structure or sanitary landfill included in the study would result in an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States; and

(2) transmit the finding to the Secretary of Transportation for inclusion in the report required under subsection (b)(2).

(g) Special Rule for Identified Geographic Areas.—In the case of a proposed structure to be located within a geographic area identified under section 183a(d)(2)(B) of title 10, the Secretary of Transportation may not issue a determination pursuant to this section until the Secretary of Defense issues a finding under section 183a(e) of title 10, the Secretary of Defense advises the Secretary of Transportation that no finding under section 183a(e) of title 10 will be forthcoming, or 180 days have lapsed since the project was filed with the Secretary of Transportation pursuant to this section, whichever occurs first.

(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.

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1200; Pub. L. 104–264, title XII, §1220(a), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3286; Pub. L. 106–181, title V, §503(b), Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 133; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title III, §332, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1369; Pub. L. 114–248, §1(a), Nov. 28, 2016, 130 Stat. 998; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title III, §341(a)(1)–(4)(A), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2079–2081; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title III, §311(b)(2), (3), (e), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1347, 1348; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title X, §1081(e)(2), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1986; Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title V, §539(h), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3371; Pub. L. 118–63, title XI, §1101(m), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1414.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
44718(a)	49 App.:1501(a).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, §1101, 72 Stat. 797; restated Dec. 30, 1987, Pub. L. 100–223, §206 (less (b)), 101 Stat. 1521; Oct. 31, 1992, Pub. L. 102–581, §203(a), 106 Stat. 4890.
44718(b)	49 App.:1501(b).
44718(c)	49 App.:1501(c).

In subsection (a), before clause (1), the words "(hereinafter in this section referred to as the 'Secretary')" and "where necessary" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (b)(1), before clause (A), the word "thoroughly" is omitted as surplus.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of the enactment of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (d), probably means the date of enactment of Pub. L. 106–181, which amended subsec. (d) generally, and which was approved Apr. 5, 2000.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 118–63 amended subsec. (h) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (h) defined "adverse impact on military operations and readiness" and "unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States".

2018—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 115–254, §539(h)(1), substituted "air or space navigation facilities and equipment" for "air navigation facilities and equipment" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(1)(A)(vi), (vii). Pub. L. 115–254, §539(h)(2), added cl. (vi) and redesignated former cl. (vi) as (vii).

Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 115–232, §1081(e)(2)(A), substituted "section 183a(h)(1) of title 10" for "section 183a(g) of title 10".

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 115–232, §1081(e)(2)(B), substituted "section 183a(h)(7) of title 10" for "section 183a(g) of title 10".

2017—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 115–91, §311(b)(2), inserted "and in accordance with section 183a(e) of title 10" after "conducted under subsection (b)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 115–91, §311(e)(2), added subsec. (g). Former subsec. (g) redesignated (h).

Pub. L. 115–91, §311(b)(3), substituted "183a(g) of title 10" for "211.3 of title 32, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on January 6, 2014" in pars. (1) and (2).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 115–91, §311(e)(1), redesignated subsec. (g) as (h).

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, §341(a)(4)(A), inserted "or national security" after "air commerce" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 114–328, §341(a)(1), added par. (3).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–328, §341(a)(2), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) related to studies by Secretary to determine obstruction of airspace by newly contructed or altered structures.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 114–248, §1(a)(1), substituted "air or space navigation facilities and equipment" for "air navigation facilities and equipment" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(1)(F). Pub. L. 114–248, §1(a)(2)–(4), added subpar. (F).

Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 114–328, §341(a)(3), added subsecs. (f) and (g).

2011—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 112–81 added subsec. (e).

2000—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 106–181 amended heading and text of subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "For the purposes of enhancing aviation safety, in a case in which 2 landfills have been proposed to be constructed or established within 6 miles of a commercial service airport with fewer than 50,000 enplanements per year, no person shall construct or establish either landfill if an official of the Federal Aviation Administration has stated in writing within the 3-year period ending on the date of the enactment of this subsection that 1 of the landfills would be incompatible with aircraft operations at the airport, unless the landfill is already active on such date of enactment or the airport operator agrees to the construction or establishment of the landfill."

1996—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–264 added subsec. (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–181 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1999, see section 3 of Pub. L. 106–181, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Except as otherwise specifically provided, amendment by Pub. L. 104–264 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1996, and not to be construed as affecting funds made available for a fiscal year ending before Oct. 1, 1996, see section 3 of Pub. L. 104–264, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.

Tower Marking Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §355, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1114, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to implement section 2110 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 [Pub. L. 114–190] (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 [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives 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."

Rulemaking

Pub. L. 114–248, §1(b), Nov. 28, 2016, 130 Stat. 998, provided that: "Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 28, 2016], the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall initiate a rulemaking to implement the amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section]."

Protection of Safe and Efficient Use of Airspace at Airports

Pub. L. 118–63, title VII, §744, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1281, provided that:

"(a) Airspace Review Process Requirements.—The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Federal Aviation Administration]-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 [May 16, 2024], the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] 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."

Tower Marking

Pub. L. 114–190, title II, §2110, July 15, 2016, 130 Stat. 623, as amended by Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title V, §576, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3391, provided that:

"(a) Application.—

"(1) In general.—Except as provided by paragraph (2), not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 [Oct. 5, 2018] or the date of availability of the database developed by the Administrator pursuant to subsection (c), whichever is later, all covered towers shall be either—

"(A) clearly marked consistent with applicable guidance in the advisory circular of the FAA issued December 4, 2015 (AC 70/7460-IL); or

"(B) included in the database described in subsection (c).

"(2) Meteorological evaluation tower.—A covered tower that is a meteorological evaluation tower shall be subject to the requirements of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1).

"(b) Definitions.—

"(1) In general.—In this section, the following definitions apply:

"(A) Covered tower.—

"(i) In general.—The term 'covered tower' means a structure that—

     "(I) is a meteorological evaluation tower, a self-standing tower, or [a] tower supported by guy wires and ground anchors;

     "(II) is 10 feet or less in diameter at the above-ground base, excluding concrete footing;

     "(III) at the highest point of the structure is at least 50 feet above ground level;

     "(IV) at the highest point of the structure is not more than 200 feet above ground level;

     "(V) has accessory facilities on which an antenna, sensor, camera, meteorological instrument, or other equipment is mounted; and

     "(VI) is located on land that is—

"(aa) in a rural area; and

"(bb) used for agricultural purposes or immediately adjacent to such land.

"(ii) Exclusions.—The term 'covered tower' does not include any structure that—

     "(I) is adjacent to a house, barn, electric utility station, or other building;

     "(II) is within the curtilage of a farmstead or adjacent to another building or visible structure;

     "(III) supports electric utility transmission or distribution lines;

     "(IV) is a wind-powered electrical generator with a rotor blade radius that exceeds 6 feet;

     "(V) is a street light erected or maintained by a Federal, State, local, or tribal entity;

     "(VI) is designed and constructed to resemble a tree or visible structure other than a tower;

     "(VII) is an advertising billboard;

     "(VIII) is located within the right-of-way of a rail carrier, including within the boundaries of a rail yard, and is used for a railroad purpose;

     "(IX)(aa) is registered with the Federal Communications Commission under the Antenna Structure Registration program set forth under part 17 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations; and

     "(bb) is determined by the Administrator to pose no hazard to air navigation; or

     "(X) has already mitigated any hazard to aviation safety in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration guidance or as otherwise approved by the Administrator.

"(B) Rural area.—The term 'rural area' has the meaning given the term in section 609(a)(5) of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 918c(a)(5)).

"(C) Agricultural purposes.—The term 'agricultural purposes' means farming in all its branches and the cultivation and tillage of the soil, the production, cultivation, growing, and harvesting of any agricultural or horticultural commodities performed by a farmer or on a farm, or on pasture land or rangeland.

"(2) Other definitions.—The Administrator shall define such other terms as may be necessary to carry out this section.

"(c) Database.—The Administrator shall—

"(1) develop a new database, or if appropriate use an existing database that meets the requirements under this section, that contains the location and height of each covered tower that, pursuant to subsection (a), the owner or operator of such tower elects not to mark (unless the Administrator has determined that there is a significant safety risk requiring that the tower be marked), except that meteorological evaluation towers shall be marked and contained in the database;

"(2) keep the database current to the extent practicable;

"(3) ensure that any proprietary information in the database is protected from disclosure in accordance with law;

"(4) ensure that, by virtue of accessing the database, users agree and acknowledge that information in the database—

"(A) may only be used for aviation safety purposes; and

"(B) may not be disclosed for purposes other than aviation safety, regardless of whether or not the information is marked or labeled as proprietary or with a similar designation;

"(5) ensure that the tower information in the database is de-identified and that the information only includes the location and height of covered towers and whether the tower has guy wires;

"(6) ensure that information in the dataset is encrypted at rest and in transit and is protected from unauthorized access and acquisition;

"(7) ensure that towers excluded from the definition of covered tower under subsection (d)(1)(B)(ii)(VIII) must be registered by its owner in the database;

"(8) ensure that a tower to be included in the database pursuant to subsection (c)(1) and constructed after the date on which the database is fully operational is submitted by its owner to the FAA for inclusion in the database before its construction;

"(9) ensure that pilots who intend to conduct low-altitude operations in locations described in subsection (b)(1)(A)(i)(VI) consult the relevant parts of the database before conducting such operations; and

"(10) make the database available for use not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 [Oct. 5, 2018].

"(d) Exclusion and Waiver Authorities.—As part of a rulemaking conducted pursuant to this section, the Administrator—

"(1) may exclude a class, category, or type of tower that is determined by the Administrator, after public notice and comment, to not pose a hazard to aviation safety;

"(2) shall establish a process to waive specific covered towers from the marking requirements under this section as required under the rulemaking if the Administrator later determines such tower or towers do not pose a hazard to aviation safety;

"(3) shall consider, in establishing exclusions and granting waivers under this subsection, factors that may sufficiently mitigate risks to aviation safety, such as the length of time the tower has been in existence or alternative marking methods or technologies that maintains a tower's level of conspicuousness to a degree which adequately maintains the safety of the airspace; and

"(4) shall consider excluding towers located in a State that has enacted tower marking requirements according to the Federal Aviation Administration's recommended guidance for the voluntary marking of meteorological evaluation towers erected in remote and rural areas that are less than 200 feet above ground level to enhance the conspicuity of the towers for low level agricultural operations in the vicinity of those towers.

"(e) Periodic Review.—The Administrator shall, in consultation with the Federal Communications Commission, periodically review any regulations or guidance regarding the marking of covered towers issued pursuant to this section and update them as necessary, consistent with this section, and in the interest of safety of low-altitude aircraft operations.

"(f) FCC Regulations.—The Federal Communications Commission shall amend section 17.7 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, to require a notification to the Federal Aviation Administration for any construction or alteration of an antenna structure, as defined in section 17.2(a) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, that is a covered tower as defined by this section."

Study of Effects of New Construction of Obstructions on Military Installations and Operations

Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title III, §358, Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4198, as amended by Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title III, §331, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1369; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1076(b)(1), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title III, §314, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 790, related to study of effects of new construction of obstructions on military installations and operations, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title III, §311(b)(1), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1347. See section 183a of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Landfills Interfering With Air Commerce

Pub. L. 106–181, title V, §503(a), Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 133, provided that: "Congress finds that—

"(1) collisions between aircraft and birds have resulted in fatal accidents;

"(2) bird strikes pose a special danger to smaller aircraft;

"(3) landfills near airports pose a potential hazard to aircraft operating there because they attract birds;

"(4) even if the landfill is not located in the approach path of the airport's runway, it still poses a hazard because of the birds' ability to fly away from the landfill and into the path of oncoming planes;

"(5) while certain mileage limits have the potential to be arbitrary, keeping landfills at least 6 miles away from an airport, especially an airport served by small planes, is an appropriate minimum requirement for aviation safety; and

"(6) closure of existing landfills (due to concerns about aviation safety) should be avoided because of the likely disruption to those who use and depend on such landfills."

§44719. Standards for navigational aids

The Secretary of Transportation shall prescribe regulations on standards for installing navigational aids, including airport control towers. For each type of facility, the regulations shall consider at a minimum traffic density (number of aircraft operations without consideration of aircraft size), terrain and other obstacles to navigation, weather characteristics, passengers served, and potential aircraft operating efficiencies.

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1201.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
44719	49 App.:1348 (note).	Dec. 30, 1987, Pub. L. 100–223, §308, 101 Stat. 1526.

The words "Not later than December 31, 1988" are omitted as obsolete.

§44720. Meteorological services

(a) Recommendations.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall make recommendations to the Secretary of Commerce on providing meteorological services necessary for the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in air commerce. In providing the services, the Secretary shall cooperate with the Administrator and give complete consideration to those recommendations.

(b) Promoting Safety and Efficiency.—To promote safety and efficiency in air navigation to the highest possible degree, the Secretary shall—

(1) observe, measure, investigate, and study atmospheric phenomena, and maintain meteorological stations and offices, that are necessary or best suited for finding out in advance information about probable weather conditions;

(2) provide reports to the Administrator, to persons engaged in civil aeronautics that are designated by the the Administrator, and to other persons designated by the Secretary in a way and with a frequency that best will result in safety in, and facilitating, air navigation;

(3) cooperate with persons engaged in air commerce in meteorological services, maintain reciprocal arrangements with those persons in carrying out this clause, and collect and distribute weather reports available from aircraft in flight;

(4) maintain and coordinate international exchanges of meteorological information required for the safety and efficiency of air navigation;

(5) in cooperation with other departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States Government, meteorological services of foreign countries, and persons engaged in air commerce, participate in developing an international basic meteorological reporting network, including the establishment, operation, and maintenance of reporting stations on the high seas, in polar regions, and in foreign countries;

(6) coordinate meteorological requirements in the United States to maintain standard observations, to promote efficient use of facilities, and to avoid duplication of services unless the duplication tends to promote the safety and efficiency of air navigation; and

(7) promote and develop meteorological science and foster and support research projects in meteorology through the use of private and governmental research facilities and provide for publishing the results of the projects unless publication would not be in the public interest.

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1201; Pub. L. 118–63, title XI, §1101(n), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1414.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
44720(a)	49 App.:1351.	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, §§310, 803, 72 Stat. 751, 783.
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).	Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(c)(1), 80 Stat. 938; Jan. 12, 1983, Pub. L. 97–449, §7(b), 96 Stat. 2444.
44720(b)	49 App.:1463.
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).

In subsection (b), the title "Secretary" [of Commerce] is substituted for "Chief of the Weather Bureau" in section 803 of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (Public Law 85–726, 72 Stat. 783) because of sections 1 and 2 of Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1965 (eff. July 13, 1965, 79 Stat. 1318). Before clause (1), the words "In order" and "in addition to any other functions or duties pertaining to weather information for other purposes" are omitted as surplus. In clause (2), the words "forecasts, warnings, and advices" are omitted as being included in "reports". In clause (3), the words "or employees thereof" and "establish and" are omitted as surplus. The words "with those persons" are added for clarity. In clause (5), the words "departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States Government" are substituted for "governmental agencies of the United States" for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 118–63 substituted "the Administrator, to persons" for "the Administrator to persons" and "the Administrator, and to" for "the Administrator and to".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

ASOS/AWOS Service Report Dashboard

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §332, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1089, provided that:

"(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 [Federal Aviation Administration]; and

"(2) the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration."

Providing Non-Federal Weather Observer Training to Airport Personnel

Pub. L. 118–63, title IV, §419, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1163, provided that: "The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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."

Improved Safety in Rural Areas

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, §322, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3270, as amended by Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §339(a), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1093, provided that: "The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall permit an air carrier operating pursuant to part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to operate to a destination with a published approach, in a noncontiguous State under instrument flight rules and conduct an instrument approach without a destination Meteorological Aerodrome Report (METAR) if a current Area Forecast, supplemented by noncertified local weather observations (such as weather cameras and human observations) is available, and an alternate airport that has a weather report is specified. The operator shall have approved procedures for departure and en route weather evaluation."

[Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §339, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1093, provided that, effective 12 months after May 16, 2024, section 322 of Pub. L. 115–254, set out above, is amended to read as follows:

["(a) In General.—The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Federal Aviation Administration] 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."]

[Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §339(b), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1094, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending section 322 of Pub. L. 115–254, set out above] shall take effect on the date that is 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024]."]

Terminal Aerodrome Forecast

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title V, §516, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3358, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall permit a covered air carrier to operate to or from a location in a noncontiguous State without a Terminal Aerodrome Forecast or Meteorological Aerodrome Report if—

"(1) such location is determined to be under visual meteorological conditions;

"(2) a current Area Forecast, supplemented by other local weather observations or reports, is available; and

"(3) an alternate airport that has an available Terminal Aerodrome Forecast and weather report is specified.

"(b) Procedures.—A covered air carrier shall—

"(1) have approved procedures for dispatch or release and enroute weather evaluation; and

"(2) operate under instrument flight rules enroute to the destination.

"(c) Limitation.—Without a written finding of necessity, based on objective and historical evidence of imminent threat to safety, the Administrator shall not promulgate any operation specification, policy, or guidance document pursuant to this section that is more restrictive than, or requires procedures that are not expressly stated in, the regulations.

"(d) Covered Air Carrier Defined.—In this section, the term 'covered air carrier' means an air carrier operating in a noncontiguous State under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations."

Automated Weather Observing Systems Policy

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title V, §553, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3379, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall—

"(1) update automated weather observing systems standards to maximize the use of new technologies that promote the reduction of equipment or maintenance cost for non-Federal automated weather observing systems, including the use of remote monitoring and maintenance, unless demonstrated to be ineffective;

"(2) review, and if necessary update, existing policies in accordance with the standards developed under paragraph (1); and

"(3) establish a process under which appropriate onsite airport personnel or an aviation official may, with appropriate manufacturer training or alternative training as determined by the Administrator, be permitted to conduct the minimum triannual preventative maintenance checks under the advisory circular for non-Federal automated weather observing systems (AC 150/5220–16E) and any other similar, successor checks.

"(b) Permission.—Permission to conduct the minimum triannual preventative maintenance checks described under subsection (a)(3) and any similar, successor checks shall not be withheld but for specific cause.

"(c) Standards.—In updating the standards under subsection (a)(1), the Administrator shall—

"(1) ensure the standards are performance-based;

"(2) use risk analysis to determine the accuracy of the automated weather observing systems outputs required for pilots to perform safe aircraft operations; and

"(3) provide a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether the benefits outweigh the cost for any requirement not directly related to safety.

"(d) AIP Eligibility of AWOS Equipment.—

"(1) In general.—Notwithstanding any other law, the Administrator is authorized to and shall waive any positive benefit-cost ratio requirement for automated weather-observing system equipment under subchapter I of chapter 471, of title 49, United States Code, if—

"(A) the airport sponsor or State, as applicable, certifies that a grant for such automated weather observing systems equipment under that chapter will assist an applicable airport to respond to regional emergency needs, including medical, firefighting, and search and rescue needs;

"(B) the Secretary determines, after consultation with the airport sponsor or State, as applicable, that the placement of automated weather-observing equipment at the airport will not cause unacceptable radio frequency congestion; and

"(C) the other requirements under that chapter are met.

"(2) Applicability to low population density states.—This subsection is applicable only to airports located in states with a population density, based on the most recent decennial census, of 50 or fewer persons per square mile.

"(e) Report.—Not later than September 30, 2025, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] a report on the implementation of the requirements under this section."

Automated Surface Observation System Stations

Pub. L. 106–181, title VII, §728, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 168, provided that: "The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall not terminate human weather observers for Automated Surface Observation System stations until—

"(1) the Administrator determines that the system provides consistent reporting of changing meteorological conditions and notifies Congress in writing of that determination; and

"(2) 60 days have passed since the report was transmitted to Congress."

§44721. Aeronautical charts and related products and services

(a) Publication.—

(1) In general.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may arrange for the publication of aeronautical maps and charts necessary for the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in air navigation, using the facilities and assistance of departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States Government as far as practicable.

(2) Navigation routes.—In carrying out paragraph (1), the Administrator shall update and arrange for the publication of clearly defined routes for navigating through a complex terminal airspace area and to and from an airport located in such an area, if the Administrator decides that publication of the routes would promote safety in air navigation. The routes shall be developed in consultation with pilots and other users of affected airports and shall be for the optional use of pilots operating under visual flight rules.

(b) Indemnification.—The Government shall make an agreement to indemnify any person that publishes a map or chart for use in aeronautics from any part of a claim arising out of the depiction by the person on the map or chart of a defective or deficient flight procedure or airway if the flight procedure or airway was—

(1) prescribed by the Administrator;

(2) depicted accurately on the map or chart; and

(3) not obviously defective or deficient.

(c) Authority of Office of Aeronautical Charting and Cartography.—Effective October 1, 2000, the Administrator is vested with and shall exercise the functions, powers, and duties of the Secretary of Commerce and other officers of the Department of Commerce that relate to the Office of Aeronautical Charting and Cartography to provide aeronautical charts and related products and services for the safe and efficient navigation of air commerce, under the following authorities:

(1) Sections 1 through 9 of the Act entitled "An Act to define the functions and duties of the Coast and Geodetic Survey, and for other purposes", approved August 6, 1947 (33 U.S.C. 883a–883h).

(2) Section 6082 of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (33 U.S.C. 883j).

(d) Authority.—In order that full public benefit may be derived from the dissemination of data resulting from activities under this section and of related data from other sources, the Administrator may—

(1) develop, process, disseminate and publish digital and analog data, information, compilations, and reports;

(2) compile, print, and disseminate aeronautical charts and related products and services of the United States and its territories and possessions;

(3) compile, print, and disseminate aeronautical charts and related products and services covering international airspace as are required primarily by United States civil aviation; and

(4) compile, print, and disseminate nonaeronautical navigational, transportation or public-safety-related products and services when in the best interests of the Government.

(e) Contracts, Cooperative Agreements, Grants, and Other Agreements.—

(1) Contracts.—The Administrator is authorized to contract with qualified organizations for the performance of any part of the authorized functions of the Office of Aeronautical Charting and Cartography when the Administrator deems such procedure to be in the public interest and will not compromise public safety.

(2) Cooperative agreements, grants, and other agreements.—The Administrator is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements, grants, reimbursable agreements, memoranda of understanding and other agreements, with a State, subdivision of a State, Federal agency, public or private organization, or individual, to carry out the purposes of this section.

(f) Special Services and Products.—

(1) In general.—The Administrator is authorized, at the request of a State, subdivision of a State, Federal agency, public or private organization, or individual, to conduct special services, including making special studies, or developing special publications or products on matters relating to navigation, transportation, or public safety.

(2) Fees.—The Administrator shall assess a fee for any special service provided under paragraph (1). A fee shall be not more than the actual or estimated full cost of the service. A fee may be reduced or waived for research organizations, educational organizations, or non-profit organizations, when the Administrator determines that reduction or waiver of the fee is in the best interest of the Government by furthering public safety.

(g) Sale and Dissemination of Aeronautical Products.—

(1) In general.—Aeronautical products created or maintained under the authority of this section shall be sold at prices established annually by the Administrator consistent with the following:

(A) Maximum price.—Subject to subparagraph (B), the price of an aeronautical product sold to the public shall be not more than necessary to recover all costs attributable to: (i) data base management and processing; (ii) compilation; (iii) printing or other types of reproduction; and (iv) dissemination of the product.

(B) Adjustment of price.—The Administrator shall adjust the price of an aeronautical product and service sold to the public as necessary to avoid any adverse impact on aviation safety attributable to the price specified under this paragraph.

(C) Costs attributable to acquisition of aeronautical data.—A price established under this paragraph may not include costs attributable to the acquisition of aeronautical data.

(D) Continuation of prices.—The price of any product created under subsection (d) may correspond to the price of a comparable product produced by a department of the United States Government as that price was in effect on September 30, 2000, and may remain in effect until modified by regulation under section 9701 of title 31, United States Code.

(2) Publication of prices.—The Administrator shall publish annually the prices at which aeronautical products are sold to the public.

(3) Distribution.—The Administrator may distribute aeronautical products and provide aeronautical services—

(A) without charge to each foreign government or international organization with which the Administrator or a Federal department or agency has an agreement for exchange of these products or services without cost;

(B) at prices the Administrator establishes, to the departments and officers of the United States requiring them for official use; and

(C) at reduced or no charge where, in the judgment of the Administrator, furnishing the aeronautical product or service to a recipient is a reasonable exchange for voluntary contribution of information by the recipient to the activities under this section.

(4) Fees.—The fees provided for in this subsection are for the purpose of reimbursing the Government for the costs of creating, printing and disseminating aeronautical products and services under this section. The collection of fees authorized by this section does not alter or expand any duty or liability of the Government under existing law for the performance of functions for which fees are collected, nor does the collection of fees constitute an express or implied undertaking by the Government to perform any activity in a certain manner.

(5) Crediting amounts received.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, amounts received for the sale of products created and services performed under this section shall be fully credited to the account of the Federal Aviation Administration that funded the provision of the products or services and shall remain available until expended.

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1202; Pub. L. 106–181, title VI, §603(a), Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 150; Pub. L. 106–424, §17(a), Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1888; Pub. L. 118–63, title XI, §1101(o), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1414.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
44721(a)(1)	49 App.:1348(b) (1st sentence cl. (3)).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, §307(b) (1st sentence cl. (3)), 72 Stat. 750.
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).	Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(c)(1), 80 Stat. 938; Jan. 12, 1983, Pub. L. 97–449, §7(b), 96 Stat. 2444.
44721(a)(2)	49 App.:1348(b) (3d, last sentences).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 749, §307(b) (3d, last sentences); added Oct. 31, 1992, Pub. L. 102–581, §125, 106 Stat. 4885.
44721(b)	49 App.:1519.	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, §1118; added Dec. 19, 1985, Pub. L. 99–190, §328(a), 99 Stat. 1289.

In subsection (a)(1), the word "Administrator" in section 307(b) of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (Public Law 85–726, 72 Stat. 750) is retained on authority of 49:106(g). The words "within the limits of available appropriations made by the Congress" are omitted as surplus. The words "departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States Government" are substituted for "existing agencies of the Government" for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code.

In subsection (b), before clause (1), the words "Notwithstanding the provisions of section 1341 of title 31 or any other provision of law" are omitted as surplus.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Sections 1 through 9 of the Act entitled "An Act to define the functions and duties of the Coast and Geodetic Survey, and for other purposes", approved August 6, 1947, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), are classified to sections 883a to 883i of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters. Section 883g of Title 33 was repealed by Pub. L. 88–611, §4(a)(2), Oct. 2, 1964, 78 Stat. 991.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 118–63 struck out comma after "August 6, 1947".

2000—Pub. L. 106–181 amended section catchline and text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:

"(a) Publication.—(1) The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may arrange for the publication of aeronautical maps and charts necessary for the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in air navigation, using the facilities and assistance of departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States Government as far as practicable.

"(2) In carrying out paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Administrator shall update and arrange for the publication of clearly defined routes for navigating through a complex terminal airspace area and to and from an airport located in such an area, if the Administrator decides that publication of the routes would promote safety in air navigation. The routes shall be developed in consultation with pilots and other users of affected airports and shall be for the optional use of pilots operating under visual flight rules.

"(b) Indemnification.—The Government shall make an agreement to indemnify any person that publishes a map or chart for use in aeronautics from any part of a claim arising out of the depiction by the person on the map or chart of a defective or deficient flight procedure or airway if the flight procedure or airway was—

"(1) prescribed by the Administrator;

"(2) depicted accurately on the map or chart; and

"(3) not obviously defective or deficient."

Subsec. (c)(3), (4). Pub. L. 106–424, §17(a)(1), struck out pars. (3) and (4) which read as follows:

"(3) Section 1307 of title 44, United States Code.

"(4) The provision of title II of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1995 under the heading 'National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration' relating to aeronautical charts (44 U.S.C. 1307 note)."

Subsec. (g)(1)(D). Pub. L. 106–424, §17(a)(2), added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (g)(5). Pub. L. 106–424, §17(a)(3), added par. (5).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2000 Amendments

Pub. L. 106–424, §17(b), Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1889, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] take effect on October 1, 2000."

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–181 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1999, see section 3 of Pub. L. 106–181, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.

Savings Provision

Pub. L. 106–181, title VI, §604, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 152, provided that:

"(a) Continued Effectiveness of Directives.—All orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, contracts, certificates, licenses, privileges, and financial assistance that—

"(1) have been issued, made, granted, or allowed to become effective by the President of the United States, the Secretary of Commerce, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, any Federal agency or official thereof, or by a court of competent jurisdiction, in the performance of functions which are transferred by this title [amending this section, sections 883b and 883e of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters, and section 1307 of Title 44, Public Printing and Documents, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section]; and

"(2) are in effect on the date of transfer,

shall continue in effect according to their terms until modified, terminated, superseded, set aside, or revoked in accordance with law by the President of the United States, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, a court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law.

"(b) Continued Effectiveness of Pending Actions.—

"(1) In general.—The provisions of this title shall not affect any proceedings, including notices of proposed rulemaking, or any application for any license, permit, certificate, or financial assistance pending on the date of transfer before the Department of Commerce or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or any officer of such Department or Administration, with respect to functions transferred by this title, but such proceedings or applications, to the extent that they relate to functions transferred, shall be continued in accord with transition guidelines promulgated by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration under the authority of this section. Orders issued in any such proceedings shall continue in effect until modified, terminated, superseded, or revoked by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, by a court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law. Nothing in this subsection prohibits the discontinuance or modification of any such proceeding under the same terms and conditions and to the same extent that such proceeding could have been discontinued or modified if this title had not been enacted.

"(2) Transition guidelines.—The Secretary of Commerce, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration are authorized to issue transition guidelines providing for the orderly transfer of proceedings and otherwise to accomplish the orderly transfer of functions, personnel and property under this title.

"(c) Continued Effectiveness of Judicial Actions.—No cause of action by or against the Department of Commerce or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with respect to functions transferred by this title, or by or against any officer thereof in the official's capacity, shall abate by reason of the enactment of this title. Causes of action and actions with respect to a function or office transferred by this title, or other proceedings may be asserted by or against the United States or an official of the Federal Aviation Administration, as may be appropriate, and, in an action pending when this title takes effect, the court may at any time, on its own motion or that of any party, enter an order that will give effect to the provisions of this subsection.

"(d) Substitution or Addition of Parties to Judicial Actions.—If, on the date of transfer, the Department of Commerce or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or any officer of the Department or Administration in an official capacity, is a party to an action, and under this title any function relating to the action of the Department, Administration, or officer is transferred to the Federal Aviation Administration, then such action shall be continued with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration substituted or added as a party.

"(e) Continued Jurisdiction Over Actions Transferred.—Orders and actions of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration in the exercise of functions transferred by this title shall be subject to judicial review to the same extent and in the same manner as if such orders and actions had been by the Department of Commerce or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or any office or officer of such Department or Administration, in the exercise of such functions immediately preceding their transfer.

"(f) Liabilities and Obligations.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall assume all liabilities and obligations (tangible and incorporeal, present and executory) associated with the functions transferred under this title on the date of transfer, including leases, permits, licenses, contracts, agreements, claims, tariffs, accounts receivable, accounts payable, financial assistance, and litigation relating to such obligations, regardless whether judgment has been entered, damages awarded, or appeal taken."

Transfer of Functions

Pub. L. 106–181, title VI, §601, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 149, provided that: "Effective October 1, 2000, there are transferred to the Federal Aviation Administration and vested in the Administrator the functions, powers, and duties of the Secretary of Commerce and other officers of the Department of Commerce that relate to the Office of Aeronautical Charting and Cartography and are set forth in section 44721 of title 49, United States Code."

Transfer of Office, Personnel, and Funds

Pub. L. 106–181, title VI, §602, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 149, provided that:

"(a) Transfer of Office.—Effective October 1, 2000, the Office of Aeronautical Charting and Cartography of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce, is transferred to the Federal Aviation Administration.

"(b) Other Transfers.—Effective October 1, 2000, the personnel employed in connection with, and the assets, liabilities, contracts, property, equipment, facilities, records, and unexpended balance of appropriations, and other funds employed, held, used, arising from, available to, or to be made available in connection with the function and offices, or portions of offices, transferred by this title [amending this section, sections 883b and 883e of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters, and section 1307 of Title 44, Public Printing and Documents, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section], including all Senior Executive Service positions, subject to section 1531 of title 31, United States Code, are transferred to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration for appropriate allocation. Personnel employed in connection with functions transferred by this title transfer under any applicable law and regulation relating to transfer of functions. Unexpended funds transferred under this section shall be used only for the purposes for which the funds were originally authorized and appropriated, except that funds may be used for expenses associated with the transfer authorized by this title."

Procurement of Private Enterprise Mapping, Charting, and Geographic Information Systems

Pub. L. 106–181, title VI, §607, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 154, provided that: "The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall consider procuring mapping, charting, and geographic information systems necessary to carry out the duties of the Administrator under title 49, United States Code, from private enterprises, if the Administrator determines that such procurement furthers the mission of the Federal Aviation Administration and is cost effective."

§44722. Aircraft operations in winter conditions

The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall prescribe regulations requiring procedures to improve safety of aircraft operations during winter conditions. In deciding on the procedures to be required, the Administrator shall consider at least aircraft and air traffic control modifications, the availability of different types of deicing fluids (considering their efficacy and environmental limitations), the types of deicing equipment available, and the feasibility and desirability of establishing timeframes within which deicing must occur under certain types of inclement weather.

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1202.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
44722	49:1421 (note).	Oct. 31, 1992, Pub. L. 102–581, §124, 106 Stat. 4885.

The words "Before November 1, 1992" are omitted as obsolete. The words "prescribe regulations requiring" are substituted for "require, by regulation", and the words "other factors the Administrator considers appropriate" are substituted for "among other things", for consistency in the revised title.

§44723. Annual report

Not later than January 1 of each year, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to Congress a comprehensive report on the safety enforcement activities of the Federal Aviation Administration during the fiscal year ending the prior September 30th. The report shall include—

(1) a comparison of end-of-year staffing levels by operations, maintenance, and avionics inspector categories to staffing goals and a statement on how staffing standards were applied to make allocations between air carrier and general aviation operations, maintenance, and avionics inspectors;

(2) schedules showing the range of inspector experience by various inspector work force categories, and the number of inspectors in each of the categories who are considered fully qualified;

(3) schedules showing the number and percentage of inspectors who have received mandatory training by individual course, and the number of inspectors by work force categories, who have received all mandatory training;

(4) a description of the criteria used to set annual work programs, an explanation of how these criteria differ from criteria used in the prior fiscal year and how the annual work programs ensure compliance with appropriate regulations and safe operating practices;

(5) a comparison of actual inspections performed during the fiscal year to the annual work programs by field location and, for any field location completing less than 80 percent of its planned number of inspections, an explanation of why annual work program plans were not met;

(6) a statement of the adequacy of Administration internal management controls available to ensure that field managers comply with Administration policies and procedures, including those on inspector priorities, district office coordination, minimum inspection standards, and inspection followup;

(7) the status of efforts made by the Administration to update inspector guidance documents and regulations to include technological, management, and structural changes taking place in the aviation industry, including a listing of the backlog of all proposed regulatory amendments;

(8) a list of the specific operational measures of effectiveness used to evaluate—

(A) the progress in meeting program objectives;

(B) the quality of program delivery; and

(C) the nature of emerging safety problems;

(9) a schedule showing the number of civil penalty cases closed during the 2 prior fiscal years, including the total initial and final penalties imposed, the total number of dollars collected, the range of dollar amounts collected, the average case processing time, and the range of case processing time;

(10) a schedule showing the number of enforcement actions taken (except civil penalties) during the 2 prior fiscal years, including the total number of violations cited, and the number of cited violation cases closed by certificate suspensions, certificate revocations, warnings, and no action taken; and

(11) schedules showing the safety record of the aviation industry during the fiscal year for air carriers and general aviation, including—

(A) the number of inspections performed when deficiencies were identified compared with inspections when no deficiencies were found;

(B) the frequency of safety deficiencies for each air carrier; and

(C) an analysis based on data of the general status of air carrier and general aviation compliance with aviation regulations.

(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1202.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
44723	49:308 (note).	Dec. 22, 1987, Pub. L. 100–202, §317(a), 101 Stat. 1329–380.
		Sept. 30, 1988, Pub. L. 100–457, §317(a), 102 Stat. 2148.

In clauses (4) and (7), the word "regulations" is substituted for "Federal regulations" for consistency in the revised title.

In clause (5), the words "by field location" are substituted for "disaggregated to the field locations" for clarity.

In clause (8), before subclause (A), the words " 'best proxies' standing between the ultimate goal of accident prevention and ongoing program activities" are omitted as surplus.

In clause (9), the words "penalties imposed" are substituted for "assessments" for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code.

In clause (11)(C), the words "aviation regulations" are substituted for "Federal Aviation Regulations" for consistency in the revised title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of reporting provisions in this section, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance. See, also, the 22nd item on page 132 and the 10th item on page 135 of House Document No. 103–7.

§44724. Manipulation of flight controls

(a) Prohibition.—No pilot in command of an aircraft may allow an individual who does not hold—

(1) a valid private pilots certificate issued by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration under part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and

(2) the appropriate medical certificate issued by the Administrator under part 67 of such title,

to manipulate the controls of an aircraft if the pilot knows or should have known that the individual is attempting to set a record or engage in an aeronautical competition or aeronautical feat, as defined by the Administrator.

(b) Revocation of Airmen Certificates.—The Administrator shall issue an order revoking a certificate issued to an airman under section 44703 of this title if the Administrator finds that while acting as a pilot in command of an aircraft, the airman has permitted another individual to manipulate the controls of the aircraft in violation of subsection (a).

(c) Pilot in Command Defined.—In this section, the term "pilot in command" has the meaning given such term by section 1.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

(Added Pub. L. 104–264, title VI, §602(a)(1), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3263.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Except as otherwise specifically provided, section applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1996, and not to be construed as affecting funds made available for a fiscal year ending before Oct. 1, 1996, see section 3 of Pub. L. 104–264, set out as an Effective Date of 1996 Amendment note under section 106 of this title.

§44725. Life-limited aircraft parts

(a) In General.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall conduct a rulemaking proceeding to require the safe disposition of life-limited parts removed from an aircraft. The rulemaking proceeding shall ensure that the disposition deter installation on an aircraft of a life-limited part that has reached or exceeded its life limits.

(b) Safe Disposition.—For the purposes of this section, safe disposition includes any of the following methods:

(1) The part may be segregated under circumstances that preclude its installation on an aircraft.

(2) The part may be permanently marked to indicate its used life status.

(3) The part may be destroyed in any manner calculated to prevent reinstallation in an aircraft.

(4) The part may be marked, if practicable, to include the recordation of hours, cycles, or other airworthiness information. If the parts are marked with cycles or hours of usage, that information must be updated every time the part is removed from service or when the part is retired from service.

(5) Any other method approved by the Administrator.

(c) Deadlines.—In conducting the rulemaking proceeding under subsection (a), the Administrator shall—

(1) not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, issue a notice of proposed rulemaking; and

(2) not later than 180 days after the close of the comment period on the proposed rule, issue a final rule.

(d) Prior-Removed Life-Limited Parts.—No rule issued under subsection (a) shall require the marking of parts removed from aircraft before the effective date of the rules issued under subsection (a), nor shall any such rule forbid the installation of an otherwise airworthy life-limited part.

(Added Pub. L. 106–181, title V, §504(a), Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 134.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of the enactment of this section, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 106–181, which was approved Apr. 5, 2000.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1999, see section 3 of Pub. L. 106–181, set out as an Effective Date of 2000 Amendments note under section 106 of this title.

§44726. Denial and revocation of certificate for counterfeit parts violations

(a) Denial of Certificate.—

(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection and subsection (e)(2), the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may not issue a certificate under this chapter to any person—

(A) convicted in a court of law of a violation of a law of the United States relating to the installation, production, repair, or sale of a counterfeit or fraudulently-represented aviation part or material;

(B) whose certificate is revoked under subsection (b); or

(C) subject to a controlling or ownership interest of an individual described in subparagraph (A) or (B).

(2) Exception.—Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Administrator may issue a certificate under this chapter to a person described in paragraph (1) if issuance of the certificate will facilitate law enforcement efforts.

(b) Revocation of Certificate.—

(1) In general.—Except as provided in subsections (f) and (g), the Administrator shall issue an order revoking a certificate issued under this chapter if the Administrator finds that the holder of the certificate or an individual who has a controlling or ownership interest in the holder—

(A) was convicted in a court of law of a violation of a law of the United States relating to the installation, production, repair, or sale of a counterfeit or fraudulently-represented aviation part or material; or

(B) knowingly, and with the intent to defraud, carried out or facilitated an activity punishable under a law described in paragraph (1)(A).

(2) No authority to review violation.—In carrying out paragraph (1), the Administrator may not review whether a person violated a law described in paragraph (1)(A).

(c) Notice Requirement.—Before the Administrator revokes a certificate under subsection (b), the Administrator shall—

(1) advise the holder of the certificate of the reason for the revocation; and

(2) provide the holder of the certificate an opportunity to be heard on why the certificate should not be revoked.

(d) Appeal.—The provisions of section 44710(d) apply to the appeal of a revocation order under subsection (b). For the purpose of applying that section to the appeal, "person" shall be substituted for "individual" each place it appears.

(e) Acquittal or Reversal.—

(1) In general.—The Administrator may not revoke, and the National Transportation Safety Board may not affirm a revocation of, a certificate under subsection (b)(1)(B) if the holder of the certificate or the individual referred to in subsection (b)(1) is acquitted of all charges directly related to the violation.

(2) Reissuance.—The Administrator may reissue a certificate revoked under subsection (b) of this section to the former holder if—

(A) the former holder otherwise satisfies the requirements of this chapter for the certificate; and

(B)(i) the former holder or the individual referred to in subsection (b)(1), is acquitted of all charges related to the violation on which the revocation was based; or

(ii) the conviction of the former holder or such individual of the violation on which the revocation was based is reversed.

(f) Waiver.—The Administrator may waive revocation of a certificate under subsection (b) if—

(1) a law enforcement official of the United States Government requests a waiver; and

(2) the waiver will facilitate law enforcement efforts.

(g) Amendment of Certificate.—If the holder of a certificate issued under this chapter is other than an individual and the Administrator finds that—

(1) an individual who had a controlling or ownership interest in the holder committed a violation of a law for the violation of which a certificate may be revoked under this section or knowingly, and with intent to defraud, carried out or facilitated an activity punishable under such a law; and

(2) the holder satisfies the requirements for the certificate without regard to that individual,

then the Administrator may amend the certificate to impose a limitation that the certificate will not be valid if that individual has a controlling or ownership interest in the holder. A decision by the Administrator under this subsection is not reviewable by the Board.

(Added Pub. L. 106–181, title V, §505(a)(1), Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 134; amended Pub. L. 108–176, title V, §501, Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2556.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2003—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 108–176 struck out "or" at end of subpar. (A), added subpar. (B), and redesignated former subpar. (B) as (C) and substituted "described in subparagraph (A) or (B)" for "convicted of such a violation".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2003 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 108–176 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 2003, except as otherwise specifically provided, see section 3 of Pub. L. 108–176, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.

Effective Date

Section applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1999, see section 3 of Pub. L. 106–181, set out as an Effective Date of 2000 Amendments note under section 106 of this title.

§44727. Runway safety areas

(a) Airports in Alaska.—An airport owner or operator in the State of Alaska shall not be required to reduce the length of a runway or declare the length of a runway to be less than the actual pavement length in order to meet standards of the Federal Aviation Administration applicable to runway safety areas.

(b) Study.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary shall conduct a study of runways at airports in States other than Alaska to determine which airports are affected by standards of the Federal Aviation Administration applicable to runway safety areas and to assess how operations at those airports would be affected if the owner or operator of the airport is required to reduce the length of a runway or declare the length of a runway to be less than the actual pavement length in order to meet such standards.

(2) Report.—Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall transmit 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 containing the results of the study.

(Added Pub. L. 108–176, title V, §502(a), Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2557.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of enactment of this section, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 108–176, which was approved Dec. 12, 2003.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 2003, except as otherwise specifically provided, see section 3 of Pub. L. 108–176, set out as an Effective Date of 2003 Amendment note under section 106 of this title.

§44728. Flight attendant certification

(a) Certificate Required.—

(1) In general.—No person may serve as a flight attendant aboard an aircraft of an air carrier unless that person holds a certificate of demonstrated proficiency from the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. Upon the request of the Administrator or an authorized representative of the National Transportation Safety Board or another Federal agency, a person who holds such a certificate shall present the certificate for inspection within a reasonable period of time after the date of the request.

(2) Special rule for current flight attendants.—An individual serving as a flight attendant on the effective date of this section may continue to serve aboard an aircraft as a flight attendant until completion by that individual of the required recurrent or requalification training and subsequent certification under this section.

(3) Treatment of flight attendant after notification.—On the date that the Administrator is notified by an air carrier that an individual has the demonstrated proficiency to be a flight attendant, the individual shall be treated for purposes of this section as holding a certificate issued under the section.

(b) Issuance of Certificate.—The Administrator shall issue a certificate of demonstrated proficiency under this section to an individual after the Administrator is notified by the air carrier that the individual has successfully completed all the training requirements for flight attendants approved by the Administrator.

(c) Designation of Person To Determine Successful Completion of Training.—In accordance with part 183 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, the director of operations of an air carrier is designated to determine that an individual has successfully completed the training requirements approved by the Administrator for such individual to serve as a flight attendant.

(d) Specifications Relating to Certificates.—Each certificate issued under this section shall—

(1) be numbered and recorded by the Administrator;

(2) contain the name, address, and description of the individual to whom the certificate is issued;

(3) be similar in size and appearance to certificates issued to airmen;

(4) contain the airplane group for which the certificate is issued; and

(5) be issued not later than 120 days after the Administrator receives notification from the air carrier of demonstrated proficiency and, in the case of an individual serving as flight attendant on the effective date of this section, not later than 1 year after such effective date.

(e) Approval of Training Programs.—Air carrier flight attendant training programs shall be subject to approval by the Administrator. All flight attendant training programs approved by the Administrator in the 1-year period ending on the date of enactment of this section shall be treated as providing a demonstrated proficiency for purposes of meeting the certification requirements of this section.

(f) Minimum Language Skills.—

(1) In general.—No person may serve as a flight attendant aboard an aircraft of an air carrier, unless that person has demonstrated to an individual qualified to determine proficiency the ability to read, speak, and write English well enough to—

(A) read material written in English and comprehend the information;

(B) speak and understand English sufficiently to provide direction to, and understand and answer questions from, English-speaking individuals;

(C) write incident reports and statements and log entries and statements; and

(D) carry out written and oral instructions regarding the proper performance of their duties.

(2) Foreign flights.—The requirements of paragraph (1) do not apply to a flight attendant serving solely between points outside the United States.

(g) Flight Attendant Defined.—In this section, the term "flight attendant" means an individual working as a flight attendant in the cabin of an aircraft that has 20 or more seats and is being used by an air carrier to provide air transportation.

(Added Pub. L. 108–176, title VIII, §814(a), Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2590; amended Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §304(a), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 58; Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title V, §539(i), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3371; Pub. L. 118–63, title XI, §1101(p), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1414.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

For effective date of this section, referred to in subsecs. (a)(2) and (d)(5), see Effective Date note below.

The date of enactment of this section, referred to in subsec. (e), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 108–176, which was approved Dec. 12, 2003.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 118–63 substituted "Regulations," for "Regulation,".

2018—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–254, §539(i)(1), substituted "title 14" for "chapter 14".

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 115–254, §539(i)(2), substituted "be" for "is".

2012—Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 112–95 added subsec. (f) and redesignated former subsec. (f) as (g).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 108–176, title VIII, §814(c), Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2592, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [enacting this section and amending the analysis to this chapter] shall take effect on the 365th day following the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 2003]."

Facilitation

Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §304(b), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 58, provided that: "The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall work with air carriers to facilitate compliance with the requirements of section 44728(f) of title 49, United States Code (as amended by this section)."

§44729. Age standards for pilots

(a) In General.—Subject to the limitation in subsection (c), a pilot may serve in multicrew covered operations described in subsection (b)(1) until attaining 65 years of age. Air carriers that employ pilots who serve in covered operations described in subsection (b)(2) may elect to implement an age restriction to prohibit employed pilots from serving in such covered operations after attaining 70 years of age by delivering written notice to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. Such election—

(1) shall take effect 1 year after the date of delivery of written notice of the election; and

(2) may not be terminated after the date on which such election takes effect by the air carrier.

(b) Covered Operations Defined.—In this section, the term "covered operations" means—

(1) operations under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; or

(2) operations by a person that—

(A) holds an air carrier certificate issued pursuant to part 119 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to conduct operations under part 135 of such title;

(B) holds management specifications under subpart K of title 91 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and

(C) performed an aggregate total of at least 75,000 turbojet operations in calendar year 2019 or any subsequent year.

(c) Limitation for International Flights.—

(1) Applicability of icao standard.—A pilot who has attained 60 years of age may serve as pilot-in-command in covered operations between the United States and another country only if there is another pilot in the flight deck crew who has not yet attained 60 years of age.

(2) Sunset of limitation.—Paragraph (1) shall cease to be effective on such date as the Convention on International Civil Aviation provides that a pilot who has attained 60 years of age may serve as pilot-in-command in international commercial operations without regard to whether there is another pilot in the flight deck crew who has not attained age 60.

(d) Sunset of Age 60 Retirement Rule.—On and after the date of enactment of this section, section 121.383(c) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, shall cease to be effective.

(e) Applicability.—

(1) Nonretroactivity.—No person who has attained 60 years of age before the date of enactment of this section may serve as a pilot for an air carrier engaged in covered operations unless—

(A) such person is in the employment of that air carrier in such operations on such date of enactment as a required flight deck crew member; or

(B) such person is newly hired by an air carrier as a pilot on or after such date of enactment without credit for prior seniority or prior longevity for benefits or other terms related to length of service prior to the date of rehire under any labor agreement or employment policies of the air carrier.

(2) Protection for compliance.—An action taken in conformance with this section, taken in conformance with a regulation issued to carry out this section, or taken prior to the date of enactment of this section in conformance with section 121.383(c) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect before such date of enactment), may not serve as a basis for liability or relief in a proceeding, brought under any employment law or regulation, before any court or agency of the United States or of any State or locality.

(f) Amendments to Labor Agreements and Benefit Plans.—Any amendment to a labor agreement or benefit plan of an air carrier that is required to conform with the requirements of this section or a regulation issued to carry out this section, and is applicable to pilots represented for collective bargaining, shall be made by agreement of the air carrier and the designated bargaining representative of the pilots of the air carrier.

(g) Medical Standards and Records.—

(1) Medical examinations and standards.—Except as provided by paragraph (2), a person serving as a pilot for an air carrier engaged in covered operations shall not be subject to different medical standards, or different, greater, or more frequent medical examinations, on account of age unless the Secretary determines (based on data received or studies published after the date of enactment of this section) that different medical standards, or different, greater, or more frequent medical examinations, are needed to ensure an adequate level of safety in flight.

(2) Duration of first-class medical certificate.—No person who has attained 60 years of age may serve as a pilot of an air carrier engaged in covered operations unless the person has a first-class medical certificate. Such a certificate shall expire on the last day of the 6-month period following the date of examination shown on the certificate.

(h) Safety.—

(1) Training.—Each air carrier engaged in covered operations shall continue to use pilot training and qualification programs approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, with specific emphasis on initial and recurrent training and qualification of pilots who have attained 60 years of age, to ensure continued acceptable levels of pilot skill and judgment.

(2) GAO report.—Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Comptroller 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 report concerning the effect, if any, on aviation safety of the modification to pilot age standards made by subsection (a).

(Added Pub. L. 110–135, §2(a), Dec. 13, 2007, 121 Stat. 1450; amended Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §305, Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 58; Pub. L. 117–328, div. Q, §107(a), (b), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5257, 5258.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of enactment of this section and such date of enactment, referred to in subsecs. (d), (e), (g)(1) and (h)(2), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–135, which was approved Dec. 13, 2007.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 117–328, §107(a), substituted "covered operations described in subsection (b)(1) until attaining 65 years of age. Air carriers that employ pilots who serve in covered operations described in subsection (b)(2) may elect to implement an age restriction to prohibit employed pilots from serving in such covered operations after attaining 70 years of age by delivering written notice to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. Such election—" and pars. (1) and (2) for "covered operations until attaining 65 years of age."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–328, §107(b), substituted "means—" and pars. (1) and (2) for "means operations under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations."

2012—Subsec. (h)(2), (3). Pub. L. 112–95 redesignated par. (3) as (2) and struck out former par. (2). Prior to amendment, text of par. (2) read as follows: "Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this section, and every 6 months thereafter, an air carrier engaged in covered operations shall evaluate the performance of each pilot of the air carrier who has attained 60 years of age through a line check of such pilot. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, an air carrier shall not be required to conduct for a 6-month period a line check under this paragraph of a pilot serving as second-in-command if the pilot has undergone a regularly scheduled simulator evaluation during that period."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Protection for Compliance

Pub. L. 117–328, div. Q, §107(c), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5258, provided that: "An action or election taken in conformance with the amendments made by this section [amending this section], or taken in conformance with a regulation issued to carry out the amendments made by this section, may not serve as a basis for liability or relief in a proceeding brought under any employment law or regulation before any court or agency of the United States or of any State or locality."

§44730. Helicopter air ambulance operations

(a) Compliance Regulations.—

(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), a part 135 certificate holder providing air ambulance services shall comply, whenever medical personnel are onboard the aircraft, with regulations pertaining to weather minimums and flight and duty time under part 135.

(2) Exception.—If a certificate holder described in paragraph (1) is operating, or carrying out training, under instrument flight rules, the weather reporting requirement at the destination shall not apply if authorized by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.

(b) Final Rule.—Not later than June 1, 2012, the Administrator shall issue a final rule, with respect to the notice of proposed rulemaking published in the Federal Register on October 12, 2010 (75 Fed. Reg. 62640), to improve the safety of flight crewmembers, medical personnel, and passengers onboard helicopters providing air ambulance services under part 135.

(c) Matters To Be Addressed.—In conducting the rulemaking proceeding under subsection (b), the Administrator shall consider, or address through other means, the following:

(1) Flight request and dispatch procedures, including performance-based flight dispatch procedures.

(2) Pilot training standards, including establishment of training standards in—

(A) preventing controlled flight into terrain; and

(B) recovery from inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions.

(3) Safety-enhancing technology and equipment, including—

(A) helicopter terrain awareness and warning systems;

(B) radar altimeters; and

(C) devices that perform the function of flight data recorders and cockpit voice recorders, to the extent feasible.

(4) Such other matters as the Administrator considers appropriate.

(d) Minimum Requirements.—In issuing a final rule under subsection (b), the Administrator, at a minimum, shall consider, or address through other means, the following:

(1) Flight risk evaluation program.—The Administrator shall ensure that a part 135 certificate holder providing helicopter air ambulance services—

(A) establishes a flight risk evaluation program, based on FAA Notice 8000.301 issued by the Administration on August 1, 2005, including any updates thereto;

(B) as part of the flight risk evaluation program, develops a checklist for use by pilots in determining whether a flight request should be accepted; and

(C) requires the pilots of the certificate holder to use the checklist.

(2) Operational control center.—The Administrator shall ensure that a part 135 certificate holder providing helicopter air ambulance services using 10 or more helicopters has an operational control center that meets such requirements as the Administrator may prescribe.

(e) Subsequent Actions.—

(1) In general.—Upon completion of the rulemaking required under subsection (b), the Administrator shall address through a follow-on rulemaking, or through such other means that the Administrator considers appropriate, the following:

(A) Pilot training standards, including—

(i) mandatory training requirements, including a minimum time for completing the training requirements;

(ii) training subject areas, such as communications procedures and appropriate technology use; and

(iii) establishment of training standards in—

(I) crew resource management;

(II) flight risk evaluation;

(III) operational control of the pilot in command; and

(IV) use of flight simulation training devices and line-oriented flight training.

(B) Use of safety equipment that should be worn or used by flight crewmembers and medical personnel on a flight, including the possible use of shoulder harnesses, helmets, seatbelts, and fire resistant clothing to enhance crash survivability.

(2) Limitation on construction.—Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require the Administrator to propose or finalize any rule that would derogate or supersede the rule required to be finalized under subsection (b).

(f) Definitions.—In this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) Part 135.—The term "part 135" means part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

(2) Part 135 certificate holder.—The term "part 135 certificate holder" means a person holding an operating certificate issued under part 119 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, that is authorized to conduct civil helicopter air ambulance operations under part 135.

(Added Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §306(a), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 58; amended Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §301(a), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1066.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 118–63, §301(a)(1), struck out "not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section," after "paragraph (2),".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 118–63, §301(a)(2), substituted "consider, or address through other means, the following" for "address the following" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 118–63, §301(a)(3), substituted "consider, or address through other means, the following" for "provide for the following" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 118–63, §301(a)(4)(A), substituted "Subsequent Actions" for "Subsequent Rulemaking" in heading.

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 118–63, §301(a)(4)(B), substituted "shall address through a follow-on rulemaking, or through such other means that the Administrator considers appropriate, the following:" for "shall conduct a follow-on rulemaking to address the following:" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (e)(2), (3). Pub. L. 118–63, §301(a)(4)(C), (D), redesignated par. (3) as (2) and struck out former par. (2). Prior to amendment, text of par. (2) read as follows: "Not later than 180 days after the date of issuance of a final rule under subsection (b), the Administrator shall initiate the rulemaking under this subsection."

§44731. Collection of data on helicopter air ambulance operations

(a) In General.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall require a part 135 certificate holder providing helicopter air ambulance services to submit to the Administrator, annually, a report containing, at a minimum, the following data:

(1) The number of helicopters that the certificate holder uses to provide helicopter air ambulance services and the base locations of the helicopters.

(2) The number of hours flown by the helicopters operated by the certificate holder.

(3) The number of patients transported and the number of patient transport requests for a helicopter providing air ambulance services that were accepted or declined by the certificate holder and the type of each such flight request (such as scene response, interfacility transport, or organ transport).

(4) The number of accidents, if any, involving helicopters operated by the certificate holder while providing air ambulance services and a description of the accidents.

(5) The number of hours flown under instrument flight rules by helicopters operated by the certificate holder.

(6) The number of hours flown at night by helicopters operated by the certificate holder.

(7) The number of incidents, if any, in which a helicopter was not directly dispatched and arrived to transport patients but was not utilized for patient transport.

(b) Reporting Period.—Data contained in a report submitted by a part 135 certificate holder under subsection (a) shall relate to such reporting period as the Administrator determines appropriate.

(c) Database.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall develop a method to collect and store the data collected under subsection (a), including a method to protect the confidentiality of any trade secret or proprietary information provided in response to this section.

(d) Implementation.—In carrying out this section, the Administrator, in collaboration with part 135 certificate holders providing helicopter air ambulance services, shall—

(1) propose and develop a method to collect and store the data submitted under subsection (a), including a method to protect the confidentiality of any trade secret or proprietary information submitted;

(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.

(e) Definitions.—In this section, the terms "part 135" and "part 135 certificate holder" have the meanings given such terms in section 44730.

(Added Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §306(a), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 60; amended Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, §314(d), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3266; Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §301(c), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1066.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of enactment of this section, referred to in subsec. (c), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 112–95, which was approved Feb. 14, 2012.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 118–63, §301(c)(1), (3), redesignated subsec. (e) as (d) and struck out former subsec. (d). Prior to amendment text of subsec. (d) read as follows: "The Administrator shall submit annually 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 containing a summary of the data collected under subsection (a). The report shall include the number of accidents experienced by helicopter air ambulance operations, the number of fatal accidents experienced by helicopter air ambulance operations, and the rate, per 100,000 flight hours, of accidents and fatal accidents experienced by operators providing helicopter air ambulance services."

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 118–63, §301(c)(3), redesignated subsec. (f) as (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (d).

Subsec. (e)(2), (3). Pub. L. 118–63, §301(c)(2), added pars. (2) and (3) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "ensure that the database under subsection (c) and the report under subsection (d) include data and analysis that will best inform efforts to improve the safety of helicopter air ambulance operations."

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 118–63, §301(c)(3), redesignated subsec. (f) as (e).

2018—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–254, §314(d)(1)(A), substituted "annually" for "not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 115–254, §314(d)(1)(B), substituted "hours flown by the helicopters operated by the certificate holder" for "flights and hours flown, by registration number, during which helicopters operated by the certificate holder were providing helicopter air ambulance services".

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 115–254, §314(d)(1)(C), substituted "of patients transported and the number of patient transport" for "of flight", inserted "or" after "interfacility transport,", and struck out ", or ferry or repositioning flight" after "organ transport".

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 115–254, §314(d)(1)(D), struck out "flights and" after "The number of" and "while providing air ambulance services" before period at end.

Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 115–254, §314(d)(1)(E), amended par. (6) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (6) read as follows: "The time of day of each flight flown by helicopters operated by the certificate holder while providing air ambulance services."

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–254, §314(d)(2), substituted "The Administrator shall submit annually" for "Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit" and inserted at end "The report shall include the number of accidents experienced by helicopter air ambulance operations, the number of fatal accidents experienced by helicopter air ambulance operations, and the rate, per 100,000 flight hours, of accidents and fatal accidents experienced by operators providing helicopter air ambulance services."

Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 115–254, §314(d)(3), (4), added subsec. (e) and redesignated former subsec. (e) as (f).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Helicopter Air Ambulance Operations Data and Reports

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, §314(a)–(c), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3265, 3266, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration], in collaboration with helicopter air ambulance industry stakeholders, shall assess the availability of information to the general public related to the location of heliports and helipads used by helicopters providing air ambulance services, including helipads and helipads outside of those listed as part of any existing databases of Airport Master Record (5010) forms.

"(b) Requirements.—Based on the assessment under subsection (a), the Administrator shall—

"(1) update, as necessary, any existing guidance on what information is included in the current databases of Airport Master Record (5010) forms to include information related to heliports and helipads used by helicopters providing air ambulance services; or

"(2) develop, as appropriate and in collaboration with helicopter air ambulance industry stakeholders, a new database of heliports and helipads used by helicopters providing air ambulance services.

"(c) Reports.—

"(1) Assessment report.—Not later than 30 days after the date the assessment under subsection (a) is complete, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] a report on the assessment, including any recommendations on how to make information related to the location of heliports and helipads used by helicopters providing air ambulance services available to the general public.

"(2) Implementation report.—Not later than 30 days after completing action under paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) of subsection (b), the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on such action."

§44732. Prohibition on personal use of electronic devices on flight deck

(a) In General.—It is unlawful for a flight crewmember of an aircraft used to provide air transportation under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to use a personal wireless communications device or laptop computer while at the flight crewmember's duty station on the flight deck of such an aircraft while the aircraft is being operated.

(b) Exceptions.—Subsection (a) shall not apply to the use of a personal wireless communications device or laptop computer for a purpose directly related to operation of the aircraft, or for emergency, safety-related, or employment-related communications, in accordance with procedures established by the air carrier and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.

(c) Enforcement.—In addition to the penalties provided under section 46301 applicable to any violation of this section, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may enforce compliance with this section under section 44709 by amending, modifying, suspending, or revoking a certificate under this chapter.

(d) Personal Wireless Communications Device Defined.—In this section, the term "personal wireless communications device" means a device through which personal wireless services (as defined in section 332(c)(7)(C)(i) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 332(c)(7)(C)(i))) are transmitted.

(Added Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §307(a), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 61.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Regulations

Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §307(d), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 62, provided that: "Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Feb. 14, 2012], the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall initiate a rulemaking procedure for regulations to carry out section 44732 of title 49, United States Code (as added by this section), and shall issue a final rule thereunder not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act."

§44733. Oversight of repair stations located outside the United States

(a) In General.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall establish and implement a safety assessment system for all part 145 repair stations based on the type, scope, and complexity of work being performed. The system shall—

(1) ensure that repair stations located outside the United States are subject to appropriate inspections based on identified risks and consistent with existing United States requirements;

(2) consider inspection results and findings submitted by foreign civil aviation authorities operating under a maintenance safety or maintenance implementation agreement with the United States; and

(3) require all maintenance safety or maintenance implementation agreements to provide an opportunity for the Administration to conduct independent inspections of part 145 repair stations when safety concerns warrant such inspections.

(b) Notice to Congress of Negotiations.—The Administrator shall notify the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives not later than 30 days after initiating formal negotiations with foreign aviation authorities or other appropriate foreign government agencies on a new maintenance safety or maintenance implementation agreement.

(c) Annual Report.—The Administrator shall publish an annual report on the Administration's oversight of part 145 repair stations and implementation of the safety assessment system required under subsection (a). The report shall—

(1) describe in detail any improvements in the Administration's ability to identify and track where part 121 air carrier repair work is performed;

(2) include a staffing model to determine the best placement of inspectors and the number of inspectors needed;

(3) describe the training provided to inspectors; and

(4) include an assessment of the quality of monitoring and surveillance by the Administration of work performed by its inspectors and the inspectors of foreign authorities operating under a maintenance safety or maintenance implementation agreement.

(d) Alcohol and Controlled Substances Testing Program Requirements.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Transportation, acting jointly, shall request the governments of foreign countries that are members of the International Civil Aviation Organization to establish international standards for alcohol and controlled substances testing of persons that perform safety-sensitive maintenance functions on commercial air carrier aircraft.

(2) Application to part 121 aircraft work.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall promulgate a proposed rule requiring that all part 145 repair station employees responsible for safety-sensitive maintenance functions on part 121 air carrier aircraft are subject to an alcohol and controlled substances testing program determined acceptable by the Administrator and consistent with the applicable laws of the country in which the repair station is located.

(e) Annual Inspections.—The Administrator shall ensure that part 145 repair stations located outside the United States are inspected annually, without prior notice to such repair stations, by Federal Aviation Administration safety inspectors, without regard to where the station is located, in a manner consistent with United States obligations under international agreements and the applicable laws of the country in which the repair station is located. 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.

(f) Risk-Based Oversight.—

(1) In general.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016, the Administrator shall take measures to ensure that the safety assessment system established under subsection (a)—

(A) places particular consideration on inspections of part 145 repair stations located outside the United States that conduct scheduled heavy maintenance work on part 121 air carrier aircraft; and

(B) accounts for the frequency and seriousness of any corrective actions that part 121 air carriers must implement to aircraft following such work at such repair stations.

(2) International agreements.—The Administrator shall take the measures required under paragraph (1)—

(A) in accordance with United States obligations under applicable international agreements; and

(B) in a manner consistent with the applicable laws of the country in which a repair station is located.

(3) Access to data.—The Administrator may access and review such information or data in the possession of a part 121 air carrier as the Administrator may require in carrying out paragraph (1)(B).

(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.

(j) Definitions.—In this section, the following definitions apply:

(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.

(2) Heavy maintenance work.—The term "heavy maintenance work" means a C-check, a D-check, or equivalent maintenance operation with respect to the airframe of a transport-category aircraft (including on-wing aircraft engines).

(3) Part 121 air carrier.—The term "part 121 air carrier" means an air carrier that holds a certificate issued under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

(4) Part 145 repair station.—The term "part 145 repair station" means a repair station that holds a certificate issued under part 145 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

(Added Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §308(a), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 62; amended Pub. L. 114–190, title II, §2112(a), July 15, 2016, 130 Stat. 627; Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §302(a)(1), (2), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1067, 1069.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of enactment of this section, referred to in subsec. (d)(2), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 112–95, which was approved Feb. 14, 2012.

The date of enactment of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016, referred to in subsec. (f)(1), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 114–190, which was approved July 15, 2016.

The date of enactment of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (i), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 118–63, which was approved May 16, 2024.

Amendments

2024—Pub. L. 118–63, §302(a)(1)(A), substituted "Oversight" for "Inspection" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 118–63, §302(a)(1)(B), substituted "The Administrator" for "Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 118–63, §302(a)(2)(B), substituted "part 145 repair stations" for "covered part 145 repair stations".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 118–63, §302(a)(1)(C), inserted ", without prior notice to such repair stations," after "annually" and "and the applicable laws of the country in which the repair station is located" after "international agreements" and substituted "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." for "The Administrator may carry out inspections in addition to the annual inspection required under this subsection based on identified risks."

Subsecs. (g) to (i). Pub. L. 118–63, §302(a)(1)(E), added subsecs. (g) to (i). Former subsec. (g) redesignated (j).

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 118–63, §302(a)(1)(D), redesignated subsec. (g) as (j).

Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 118–63, §302(a)(2)(A)(iii), added par. (1). Former par. (1) redesignated (2).

Pub. L. 118–63, §302(a)(2)(A)(i), substituted "aircraft (including on-wing aircraft engines)" for "aircraft".

Subsec. (j)(2) to (4). Pub. L. 118–63, §302(a)(2)(A)(ii), redesignated pars. (1) to (3) as (2) to (4), respectively.

2016—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 114–190, §2112(a)(2), added subsec. (f). Former subsec. (f) redesignated (g).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 114–190, §2112(a)(3), added par. (1) and redesignated former pars. (1) and (2) as (2) and (3), respectively.

Pub. L. 114–190, §2112(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (f) as (g).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Rulemaking on Security Threat Assessment

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §302(b)(2), (3), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1069, provided that:

"(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 [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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."

Alcohol and Controlled Substances Testing

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §302(b)(1), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1069, provided that: "Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall issue a final rule carrying out the requirements of section 2112(b) of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 [Pub. L. 114–190] (49 U.S.C. 44733 note)."

Pub. L. 114–190, title II, §2112(b), July 15, 2016, 130 Stat. 628, provided that: "The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall ensure that—

"(1) not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [July 15, 2016], a notice of proposed rulemaking required pursuant to section 44733(d)(2) is published in the Federal Register; and

"(2) not later than 1 year after the date on which the notice of proposed rulemaking is published in the Federal Register, the rulemaking is finalized."

Background Investigations

Pub. L. 114–190, title II, §2112(c), July 15, 2016, 130 Stat. 628, provided that: "Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [July 15, 2016], the Administrator shall ensure that each employee of a repair station certificated under part 145 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, who performs a safety-sensitive function on an air carrier aircraft has undergone a pre-employment background investigation sufficient to determine whether the individual presents a threat to aviation safety, in a manner that is—

"(1) determined acceptable by the Administrator;

"(2) consistent with the applicable laws of the country in which the repair station is located; and

"(3) consistent with the United States obligations under international agreements."

§44734. Training of flight attendants

(a) Training Required.—In addition to other training required under this chapter, each air carrier shall provide to flight attendants employed or contracted by such air carrier initial and annual training regarding—

(1) serving alcohol to passengers;

(2) recognizing intoxicated passengers;

(3) dealing with disruptive passengers; and

(4) recognizing and responding to potential human trafficking victims.

(b) Situational Training.—In carrying out the training required under subsection (a), each air carrier shall provide to flight attendants situational training on the proper method for dealing with intoxicated passengers who act in a belligerent manner.

(c) Definitions.—In this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) Air carrier.—The term "air carrier" means a person, including a commercial enterprise, that has been issued an air carrier operating certificate under section 44705.

(2) Flight attendant.—The term "flight attendant" has the meaning given that term in section 44728(g).

(Added Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §309(a), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 64; amended Pub. L. 114–190, title II, §2113, July 15, 2016, 130 Stat. 628.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 114–190 added par. (4).

§44735. Limitation on disclosure of safety information

(a) In General.—Except as provided by subsection (c), a report, data, or other information described in subsection (b) shall not be disclosed to the public by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration pursuant to section 552(b)(3)(B) of title 5—

(1) if the report, data, or other information is submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration voluntarily and is not required to be submitted to the Administrator under any other provision of law;

(2) if the report, data, or other information is submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration pursuant to section 102(e) of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act; or

(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.

(b) Applicability.—The limitation established by subsection (a) shall apply to the following:

(1) Reports, data, or other information developed under the Aviation Safety Action Program.

(2) Reports, data, or other information produced or collected under the Flight Operational Quality Assurance Program.

(3) Reports, data, or other information developed under the Line Operations Safety Audit Program.

(4) Reports, data, or other information produced or collected for purposes of developing and implementing a safety management system acceptable to the Administrator.

(5) Reports, analyses, and directed studies, based in whole or in part on reports, data, or other information described in paragraphs (1) through (4), including those prepared under the Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing Program (or any successor program).

(c) Exception for De-identified Information.—

(1) In general.—The limitation established by subsection (a) shall not apply to a report, data, or other information if the information contained in the report, data, or other information has been de-identified.

(2) De-identified defined.—In this subsection, the term "de-identified" means the process by which all information that is likely to establish the identity of the specific persons or entities submitting reports, data, or other information is removed from the reports, data, or other information.

(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.

(Added Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §310(a), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 64; amended Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §102(g), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2311; Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §305, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1071.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 102(e) of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), is section 102(e) of title I of Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2310, which is set out in a note under section 44701 of this title.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 118–63, §305(1), added par. (3).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 118–63, §305(2), added subsec. (d).

2020—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–260 inserted "—" after "title 5", designated remaining existing provisions as par. (1), and added par. (2).

§44736. Organization designation authorizations

(a) Delegations of Functions.—

(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (3), when overseeing an ODA holder, the Administrator of the FAA shall—

(A) require, based on an application submitted by the ODA holder and approved by the Administrator (or the Administrator's designee), a procedures manual that addresses all procedures and limitations regarding the functions to be performed by the ODA holder; and

(B) conduct regular oversight activities by inspecting the ODA holder's delegated functions and taking action based on validated inspection findings.

(2) Duties of oda holders.—An ODA holder shall—

(A) perform each specified function delegated to the ODA holder in accordance with the approved procedures manual for the delegation;

(B) make the procedures manual available to each member of the appropriate ODA unit; and

(C) cooperate fully with oversight activities conducted by the Administrator in connection with the delegation.

(3) Existing oda holders.—With regard to an ODA holder operating under a procedures manual approved by the Administrator before the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, the Administrator shall conduct regular oversight activities by inspecting the ODA holder's delegated functions and taking action based on validated inspection findings.

(b) ODA Office.—

(1) Establishment.—The Administrator of the FAA shall identify, within the FAA Office of Aviation Safety, a centralized policy office to be known as the Organization Designation Authorization Office or the ODA Office.

(2) Purpose.—The purpose of the ODA Office shall be to provide oversight and ensure the consistency of the FAA's audit functions under the ODA program across the FAA.

(3) Functions.—The ODA Office shall—

(A)(i) require, as appropriate, an ODA holder to establish a corrective action plan to regain authority for any retained limitations;

(ii) require, as appropriate, an ODA holder to notify the ODA Office when all corrective actions have been accomplished; and

(iii) when appropriate, make a reassessment to determine if subsequent performance in carrying out any retained limitation warrants continued retention and, if such reassessment determines performance meets objectives, lift such limitation immediately;

(B) develop a more consistent approach to audit priorities, procedures, and training under the ODA program;

(C) review, in a timely fashion, a random sample of limitations on delegated authorities under the ODA program to determine if the limitations are appropriate;

(D) ensure national consistency in the interpretation and application of the requirements of the ODA program, including any limitations, and in the performance of the ODA program;

(E) at the request of an ODA holder, review and, when appropriate, approve new limitations to ODA functions;

(F) ensure the ODA holders procedures manual contains procedures and policies based on best practices established by the Administrator; and

(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.

(c) Definitions.—In this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) FAA.—The term "FAA" means the Federal Aviation Administration.

(2) ODA holder.—The term "ODA holder" means an entity authorized to perform functions pursuant to a delegation made by the Administrator of the FAA under section 44702(d).

(3) ODA unit.—The term "ODA unit" means a group of 2 or more individuals who perform, under the supervision of an ODA holder, authorized functions under an ODA.

(4) Organization.—The term "organization" means a firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, joint-stock association, or governmental entity.

(5) Organization designation authorization; oda.—The term "Organization Designation Authorization" or "ODA" means an authorization by the FAA under section 44702(d) for an organization composed of 1 or more ODA units to perform approved functions on behalf of the FAA.

(d) Audits.—

(1) In general.—The Administrator shall perform a periodic audit of each ODA unit and its procedures.

(2) Duration.—An audit required under paragraph (1) shall be performed with respect to an ODA holder once every 7 years (or more frequently as determined appropriate by the Administrator).

(3) Records.—The ODA holder shall maintain, for a period to be determined by the Administrator, a record of—

(A) each audit conducted under this subsection; and

(B) any corrective actions resulting from each such audit.

(e) Federal Aviation Safety Advisors.—

(1) In general.—In the case of an ODA holder, the Administrator shall assign FAA aviation safety personnel with appropriate expertise to be advisors to the ODA unit members that are authorized to make findings of compliance on behalf of the Administrator. The advisors shall—

(A) communicate with assigned unit members on an ongoing basis to ensure that the assigned unit members are knowledgeable of relevant FAA policies and acceptable methods of compliance; and

(B) monitor the performance of the assigned unit members to ensure consistency with such policies.

(2) Applicability.—Paragraph (1) shall only apply to an ODA holder that is—

(A) a manufacturer that holds both a type and a production certificate for—

(i) transport category airplanes with a maximum takeoff gross weight greater than 150,000 pounds; or

(ii) airplanes produced and delivered to operators operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, for air carrier service under such part 121; or

(B) a manufacturer of engines for an airplane described in subparagraph (A).

(f) Communication With the FAA.—Neither the Administrator nor an ODA holder may prohibit—

(1) an ODA unit member from communicating with, or seeking the advice of, the Administrator or FAA staff; or

(2) the Administrator or FAA staff from communicating with an ODA unit member.

(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).

(Added Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title II, §212(a), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3247; amended Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §§107(b)(1), (c), 125(b), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2324, 2325, 2347; Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §§303, 304(a), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1069, 1070.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 and the date of enactment of this section, referred to in subsecs. (a)(3) and (b)(1), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 115–254, which was approved Oct. 5, 2018.

The date of enactment of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (g)(1), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 118–63, which was approved May 16, 2024.

Section 102(f) of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act, referred to in subsec. (g)(1)(B), is section 102(f) of title I of div. V of Pub. L. 116–260, which is set out in a note under section 44701 of this title.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 118–63, §303(1), substituted "The" for "Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this section, the".

Subsec. (b)(3)(G). Pub. L. 118–63, §303(2), added subpar. (G).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 118–63, §304(a), added subsec. (g).

2020—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 116–260, §107(c)(1)(A), redesignated subpar. (C) as (B) and struck out former subpars. (B) and (D) which read as follows:

"(B) delegate fully to the ODA holder each of the functions to be performed as specified in the procedures manual, unless the Administrator determines, after the date of the delegation and as a result of an inspection or other investigation, that the public interest and safety of air commerce requires a limitation with respect to 1 or more of the functions;

"(D) for each function that is limited under subparagraph (B), work with the ODA holder to develop the ODA holder's capability to execute that function safely and effectively and return to full authority status."

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 116–260, §107(c)(1)(B), substituted "shall conduct regular oversight activities by inspecting the ODA holder's delegated functions and taking action based on validated inspection findings." for "shall—" and subpars. (A) to (D) which read as follows:

"(A) at the request of the ODA holder and in an expeditious manner, approve revisions to the ODA holder's procedures manual;

"(B) delegate fully to the ODA holder each of the functions to be performed as specified in the procedures manual, unless the Administrator determines, after the date of the delegation and as a result of an inspection or other investigation, that the public interest and safety of air commerce requires a limitation with respect to one or more of the functions;

"(C) conduct regular oversight activities by inspecting the ODA holder's delegated functions and taking action based on validated inspection findings; and

"(D) for each function that is limited under subparagraph (B), work with the ODA holder to develop the ODA holder's capability to execute that function safely and effectively and return to full authority status."

Subsec. (b)(3)(A). Pub. L. 116–260, §107(c)(2)(A), redesignated cls. (ii) to (iv) as (i) to (iii), respectively, in cls. (i) and (ii), inserted ", as appropriate," after "require", in cl. (iii), inserted "when appropriate," before "make a reassessment", and struck out former cl. (i) which read as follows: "at the request of an ODA holder, eliminate all limitations specified in a procedures manual in place on the day before the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 that are low and medium risk as determined by a risk analysis using criteria established by the ODA Office and disclosed to the ODA holder, except where an ODA holder's performance warrants the retention of a specific limitation due to documented concerns about inadequate current performance in carrying out that authorized function;".

Subsec. (b)(3)(B) to (E). Pub. L. 116–260, §107(c)(2)(B), (D), redesignated subpars. (C) to (F) as (B) to (E), respectively, and struck out former subpar. (B) which read as follows: "improve FAA and ODA holder performance and ensure full utilization of the authorities delegated under the ODA program;".

Subsec. (b)(3)(F). Pub. L. 116–260, §125(b), added subpar. (F). Former subpar. (F) redesignated (E).

Pub. L. 116–260, §107(c)(2)(C), (D), inserted ", when appropriate," before "approve" and then redesignated subpar. (F) as (E).

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 116–260, §107(b)(1), added subsecs. (d) and (e).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

ODA Unit Member Annual Ethics Training Deadline

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §304(b), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1071, provided that: "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 [of the Federal Aviation Administration] pursuant to such section."

Expert Review of Organization Designation Authorizations for Transport Airplanes

Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §103, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2311, provided that:

"(a) Expert Review.—

"(1) Establishment.—Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this title [Dec. 27, 2020], the Administrator shall convene an expert panel (in this section referred to as the 'review panel') to review and make findings and recommendations on the matters listed in paragraph (2).

"(2) Contents of review.—With respect to each holder of an organization designation authorization for the design and production of transport airplanes, the review panel shall review the following:

"(A) The extent to which the holder's safety management processes promote or foster a safety culture consistent with the principles of the International Civil Aviation Organization Safety Management Manual, Fourth Edition (International Civil Aviation Organization Doc. No. 9859) or any similar successor document.

"(B) The effectiveness of measures instituted by the holder to instill, among employees and contractors of such holder that support organization designation authorization functions, a commitment to safety above all other priorities.

"(C) The holder's capability, based on the holder's organizational structures, requirements applicable to officers and employees of such holder, and safety culture, of making reasonable and appropriate decisions regarding functions delegated to the holder pursuant to the organization designation authorization.

"(D) Any other matter determined by the Administrator for which inclusion in the review would be consistent with the public interest in aviation safety.

"(3) Composition of review panel.—The review panel shall consist of—

"(A) 2 representatives of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;

"(B) 2 employees of the Administration's Aircraft Certification Service with experience conducting oversight of persons not involved in the design or production of transport airplanes;

"(C) 1 employee of the Administration's Aircraft Certification Service with experience conducting oversight of persons involved in the design or production of transport airplanes;

"(D) 2 employees of the Administration's Flight Standards Service with experience in oversight of safety management systems;

"(E) 1 appropriately qualified representative, designated by the applicable represented organization, of each of—

"(i) a labor union representing airline pilots involved in both passenger and all-cargo operations;

"(ii) a labor union, not selected under clause (i), representing airline pilots with expertise in the matters described in paragraph (2);

"(iii) a labor union representing employees engaged in the assembly of transport airplanes;

"(iv) the certified bargaining representative under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code, for field engineers engaged in the audit or oversight of an organization designation authorization within the Aircraft Certification Service of the Administration;

"(v) the certified bargaining representative for safety inspectors of the Administration; and

"(vi) a labor union representing employees engaged in the design of transport airplanes;

"(F) 2 independent experts who have not served as a political appointee in the Administration and—

"(i) who hold either a baccalaureate or postgraduate degree in the field of aerospace engineering or a related discipline; and

"(ii) who have a minimum of 20 years of relevant applied experience;

"(G) 4 air carrier employees whose job responsibilities include administration of a safety management system;

"(H) 4 individuals representing 4 different holders of organization designation authorizations, with preference given to individuals representing holders of organization designation authorizations for the design or production of aircraft other than transport airplanes or for the design or production of aircraft engines, propellers, or appliances; and

"(I) 1 individual holding a law degree and who has expertise in the legal duties of a holder of an organization designation authorization and the interaction with the FAA, except that such individual may not, within the 10-year period preceding the individual's appointment, have been employed by, or provided legal services to, the holder of an organization designation authorization referenced in paragraph (2).

"(4) Recommendations.—The review panel shall make recommendations to the Administrator regarding suggested actions to address any deficiencies found after review of the matters listed in paragraph (2).

"(5) Report.—

"(A) Submission.—Not later than 270 days after the date of the first meeting of the review panel, the review panel shall transmit to the Administrator and the congressional committees of jurisdiction a report containing the findings and recommendations of the review panel regarding the matters listed in paragraph (2), except that such report shall include—

"(i) only such findings endorsed by 10 or more individual members of the review panel; and

"(ii) only such recommendations described in paragraph (4) endorsed by 18 or more of the individual members of the review panel.

"(B) Dissenting views.—In submitting the report required under this paragraph, the review panel shall append to such report the dissenting views of any individual member or group of members of the review panel regarding the findings or recommendations of the review panel.

"(C) Publication.—Not later than 5 days after receiving the report under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall publish such report, including any dissenting views appended to the report, on the website of the Administration.

"(D) Termination.—The review panel shall terminate upon submission of the report under subparagraph (A).

"(6) Administrative provisions.—

"(A) Access to information.—The review panel shall have authority to perform the following actions if a majority of the total number of review panel members consider each action necessary and appropriate:

"(i) Entering onto the premises of a holder of an organization designation authorization referenced in paragraph (2) for access to and inspection of records or other purposes.

"(ii) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, accessing and inspecting unredacted records directly necessary for the completion of the panel's work under this section that are in the possession of such holder of an organization designation authorization or the Administration.

"(iii) Interviewing employees of such holder of an organization designation authorization or the Administration as necessary for the panel to complete its work.

"(B) Disclosure of financial interests.—Each individual serving on the review panel shall disclose to the Administrator any financial interest held by such individual, or a spouse or dependent of such individual, in a business enterprise engaged in the design or production of transport airplanes, aircraft engines designed for transport airplanes, or major systems, components, or parts thereof.

"(C) Protection of proprietary information; trade secrets.—

"(i) Marking.—The custodian of a record accessed under subparagraph (A) may mark such record as proprietary or containing a trade secret. A marking under this subparagraph shall not be dispositive with respect to whether such record contains any information subject to legal protections from public disclosure.

"(ii) Nondisclosure for non-federal government participants.—

     "(I) Non-federal government participants.—Prior to participating on the review panel, each individual serving on the review panel representing a non-Federal entity, including a labor union, shall execute an agreement with the Administrator in which the individual 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 panel under subparagraph (A).

     "(II) Federal employee participants.—Federal employees serving on the review panel as representatives of the Federal Government and who are required to protect proprietary information and trade secrets under section 1905 of title 18, United States Code, shall not be required to execute agreements under this subparagraph.

"(iii) Protection of voluntarily submitted safety information.—Information subject to protection from disclosure by the Administration in accordance with sections 40123 and 44735 of title 49, United States Code, is deemed voluntarily submitted to the Administration under such sections when shared with the review panel and retains its protection from disclosure (including protection under section 552(b)(3) of title 5, United States Code). The custodian of a record subject to such protection may mark such record as subject to statutory protections. A marking under this subparagraph shall not be dispositive with respect to whether such record contains any information subject to legal protections from public disclosure. Members of the review panel will protect voluntarily submitted safety information and other otherwise exempt information to the extent permitted under applicable law.

"(iv) Protection of proprietary information and trade secrets.—Members of the review panel will protect proprietary information, trade secrets, and other otherwise exempt information to the extent permitted under applicable law.

"(v) Resolving classification of information.—If the review panel and a holder of an organization designation authorization subject to review under this section disagree as to the proper classification of information described in this subparagraph, then an employee of the Administration who is not a political appointee shall determine the proper classification of such information and whether such information will be withheld, in part or in full, from release to the public.

"(D) Applicable law.—Public Law 92–463 [Federal Advisory Committee Act, see 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.] shall not apply to the panel established under this subsection.

"(E) Financial interest defined.—In this paragraph, the term 'financial interest'—

"(i) excludes securities held in an index fund; and

"(ii) includes—

     "(I) any current or contingent ownership, equity, or security interest;

     "(II) an indebtedness or compensated employment relationship; or

     "(III) any right to purchase or acquire any such interest, including a stock option or commodity future.

"(b) FAA Authority.—

"(1) In general.—After reviewing the findings of the review panel submitted under subsection (a)(5), the Administrator may limit, suspend, or terminate an organization designation authorization subject to review under this section.

"(2) Reinstatement.—The Administrator may condition reinstatement of a limited, suspended, or terminated organization designation authorization on the holder's implementation of any corrective actions determined necessary by the Administrator.

"(3) Rule of construction.—Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit the Administrator's authority to take any action with respect to an organization designation authorization, including limitation, suspension, or termination of such authorization.

"(c) Organization Designation Authorization Process Improvements.—Not later than 1 year after receipt of the recommendations submitted under subsection (a)(5), the Administrator shall report to the congressional committees of jurisdiction on—

"(1) whether the Administrator has concluded that such holder is able to safely and reliably perform all delegated functions in accordance with all applicable provisions of chapter 447 of title 49, United States Code, title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and other orders or requirements of the Administrator, and, if not, the Administrator shall outline—

"(A) the risk mitigations or other corrective actions, including the implementation timelines of such mitigations or actions, the Administrator has established for or required of such holder as prerequisites for a conclusion by the Administrator under this paragraph; or

"(B) the status of any ongoing investigatory actions;

"(2) the status of implementation of each of the recommendations of the review panel, if any, with which the Administrator concurs;

"(3) the status of procedures under which the Administrator will conduct focused oversight of such holder's processes for performing delegated functions with respect to the design of new and derivative transport airplanes and the production of such airplanes; and

"(4) the Administrator's efforts, to the maximum extent practicable and subject to appropriations, to increase the number of engineers, inspectors, and other qualified technical experts, as necessary to fulfill the requirements of this section, in—

"(A) each office of the Administration responsible for dedicated oversight of such holder; and

"(B) the System Oversight Division, or any successor division, of the Aircraft Certification Service.

"(d) Non-concurrence With Recommendations.—Not later than 6 months after receipt of the recommendations submitted under subsection (a)(5), with respect to each recommendation of the review panel with which the Administrator does not concur, if any, the Administrator shall publish on the website of the Administration and submit to the congressional committees of jurisdiction a detailed explanation as to why, including if the Administrator believes implementation of such recommendation would not improve aviation safety."

[For definitions of terms used in section 103 of div. V of Pub. L. 116–260, set out above, see section 137 of div. V of Pub. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 40101 of this title.]

ODA Review

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title II, §213, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3249, as amended by Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §125(a), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2346, provided that:

"(a) Establishment of Expert Review Panel.—

"(1) Expert panel.—Not later than 120 days after the dateof enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018], the Administrator shall convene a multidisciplinary expert review panel (in this section referredto as the 'Panel').

"(2) Composition of panel.—

"(A) Appointment of members.—The Panel shall be composed of not more than 20 members appointed by the Administrator.

"(B) Qualifications.—The members appointed to the Panel shall—

"(i) each have a minimum of 5 years of experience in processes and procedures under the ODA program; and

"(ii) represent, at a minimum, ODA holders, aviation manufacturers, safety experts, and FAA labor organizations, including labor representatives of FAA aviation safety inspectors and aviation safety engineers.

"(b) Survey.—The Panel shall conduct a survey of ODA holders and ODA program applicants to document and assess FAA certification and oversight activities, including use of the ODA program and the timeliness and efficiency of the certification process. In carrying out this subsection, the Panel shall consult with appropriate survey experts to best design and conduct the survey.

"(c) Best Practices Review.—In addition to conducting the survey required under subsection (b), the Panel shall conduct a review of a sampling of ODA holders to identify and develop best practices. At a minimum, the best practices shall address preventing and deterring instances of undue pressure on or by an ODA unit member, within an ODA, or by an ODA holder, or failures to maintain independence between the FAA and an ODA holder or an ODA unit member. In carrying out such review, the Panel shall—

"(1) examine other government regulated industries to gather lessons learned, procedures, or processes that address undue pressure of employees, perceived regulatory coziness, or other failures to maintain independence;

"(2) identify ways to improve communications between an ODA Administrator, ODA unit members, and FAA engineers and inspectors, consistent with section 44736(g) of title 49, United States Code, in order to enable direct communication of technical concerns that arise during a certification project without fear of reprisal to the ODA Administrator or ODA unit member; and

"(3) examine FAA designee programs, including the assignment of FAA advisors to designees, to determine which components of the program may improve the FAA's oversight of ODA units, ODA unit members, and the ODA program.

"(d)Assessment and Recommendations.—The Panel shall assess and make recommendations concerning—

"(1) the FAA's processes and procedures under the ODA program and whether the processes and procedures function as intended;

"(2) the best practices of and lessons learned by ODA holders and FAA personnel who provide oversight of ODA holders;

"(3) training activities related to the ODA program for FAApersonnel and ODA holders;

"(4) the impact, if any, that oversight of the ODA programhas on FAA resources and the FAA's ability to process applicationsfor certifications outside of the ODA program;

"(5) the results of the survey conducted under subsection(b); and

"(6) the results of the review conducted under subsection (c).

"(e) Report.—Not later than 180 days after the date the Panel is convened under subsection (a), the Panel shall submit to the Administrator, the Advisory Committee, and the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the findings and recommendations of the Panel.

"(f) Definitions.—The definitions contained in section 44736 of title 49, United States Code, as added by this Act, apply to this section.

"(g) Applicable Law.—Public Law 92–463 [Federal Advisory Committee Act, see 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.] shall not apply to the Panel.

"(h) Best Practices Adoption.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Administrator receives the report required under subsection (e), the Administrator shall establish best practices that are generally applicable to all ODA holders and require such practices to be incorporated, as appropriate, into each ODA holder's approved procedures manual.

"(2) Notice and comment period.—The Administrator shall publish the established best practices for public notice and comment for not fewer than 60 days prior to requiring the practices, as appropriate, be incorporated into each ODA holder's approved procedures manual.

"(i) Sunset.—The Panel shall terminate on the earlier of—

"(1) the date of submission of the report under subsection (e); or

"(2) the date that is 2 years after the date on which the Panel is first convened under subsection (a)."

§44737. Helicopter fuel system safety

(a) Prohibition.—

(1) In general.—A person may not operate a covered helicopter in United States airspace unless the design of the helicopter is certified by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to—

(A) comply with the requirements applicable to the category of the helicopter under paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (5), and (6) of section 27.952(a), section 27.952(c), section 27.952(f), section 27.952(g), section 27.963(g) (but allowing for a minimum puncture force of 250 pounds if successfully drop tested in-structure), and section 27.975(b) or paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (5), and (6) of section 29.952(a), section 29.952(c), section 29.952(f), section 29.952(g), section 29.963(b) (but allowing for a minimum puncture force of 250 pounds if successfully drop tested in-structure), and 29.975(a)(7) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of enactment of this section; or

(B) employ other means acceptable to the Administrator to provide an equivalent level of fuel system crash resistance.

(2) Covered helicopter defined.—In this subsection, the term "covered helicopter" means a helicopter not otherwise required to comply with section 27.952, section 27.963, and section 27.975, or section 29.952, section 29.963, and section 29.975 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations as in effect on the date of enactment of this section for which manufacture was completed, as determined by the Administrator, on or after the date that is 18 months after the date of enactment of this section.

(b) Administrative Provisions.—The Administrator shall—

(1) expedite the certification and validation of United States and foreign type designs and retrofit kits that improve fuel system crashworthiness; and

(2) not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, and periodically thereafter, issue a bulletin to—

(A) inform helicopter owners and operators of available modifications to improve fuel system crashworthiness; and

(B) urge that such modifications be installed as soon as practicable.

(c) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section may be construed to affect the operation of a helicopter by the Department of Defense.

(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.

(Added Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, §317(a), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3268; amended Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, §825, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1332.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of enactment of this section, referred to in text, is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 115–254, which was approved Oct. 5, 2018.

Codification

Another section 44737 was renumbered section 44740 of this title.

Amendments

2024—Pub. L. 118–63, §825(1), substituted "helicopter" for "rotorcraft" wherever appearing in text.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 118–63, §825(2), substituted "helicopter" for "rotorcraft" in heading.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 118–63, §825(3), added subsec. (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Crash-Resistant Fuel Systems in Rotorcraft

Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §320, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1082, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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 [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] 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)."

§44738. Training on human trafficking for certain staff

In addition to other training requirements, each air carrier shall provide training to ticket counter agents, gate agents, and other air carrier workers whose jobs require regular interaction with passengers on recognizing and responding to potential human trafficking victims.

(Added Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title IV, §408(a), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3330.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Airport Human Trafficking Prevention Grants

Pub. L. 118–63, title VII, §774A, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1299, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary [of Transportation] 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."

§44739. Pets on airplanes

(a) Prohibition.—It shall be unlawful for any person to place a live animal in an overhead storage compartment of an aircraft operated under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

(b) Civil Penalty.—The Administrator may impose a civil penalty under section 46301 for each violation of this section.

(Added Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title IV, §417(a), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3334.)

§44740. Special rule for certain aircraft operations

(a) In General.—The operator of an aircraft with a special airworthiness certification in the experimental category may—

(1) operate the aircraft for the purpose of conducting a space support vehicle flight (as that term is defined in section 50902 of title 51); and

(2) conduct such flight under such certificate carrying persons or property for compensation or hire—

(A) notwithstanding any rule or term of a certificate issued by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration that would prohibit flight for compensation or hire; or

(B) without obtaining a certificate issued by the Administrator to conduct air carrier or commercial operations.

(b) Limited Applicability.—Subsection (a) shall apply only to a space support vehicle flight that satisfies each of the following:

(1) The aircraft conducting the space support vehicle flight—

(A) takes flight and lands at a single site that is operated by an entity licensed for operation under chapter 509 of title 51;

(B) is owned or operated by a launch or reentry vehicle operator licensed under chapter 509 of title 51, or on behalf of a launch or reentry vehicle operator licensed under chapter 509 of title 51;

(C) is a launch vehicle, a reentry vehicle, or a component of a launch or reentry vehicle licensed for operations pursuant to chapter 509 of title 51; and

(D) is used only to simulate space flight conditions in support of—

(i) training for potential space flight participants, government astronauts, or crew (as those terms are defined in chapter 509 of title 51);

(ii) the testing of hardware to be used in space flight; or

(iii) research and development tasks, which require the unique capabilities of the aircraft conducting the flight.

(c) Rules of Construction.—

(1) Space support vehicles.—Section 44711(a)(1) shall not apply to a person conducting a space support vehicle flight under this section only to the extent that a term of the experimental certificate under which the person is operating the space support vehicle prohibits the carriage of persons or property for compensation or hire.

(2) Authority of administrator.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to exempt a person from a regulatory prohibition on the carriage of persons or property for compensation or hire subject to terms and conditions other than those described in this section.

(Added Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title V, §581(b)(1), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3398, §44737; renumbered §44740 and amended Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §107(d)(1), (3), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2326.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2020—Pub. L. 116–260, §107(d)(3)(A), struck out period after "operations" in section catchline.

Pub. L. 116–260, §107(d)(1), renumbered section 44737 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 116–260, §107(d)(3)(B), substituted "section" for "chapter".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 116–260, §107(d)(3)(C), struck out "(1)" the second time appearing before "The" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 116–260, §107(d)(3)(D), inserted period at end.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification Rulemaking Deadline

Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, §824, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1332, provided that: "Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] 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)."

Flight Instruction or Testing

Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, §832, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1339, provided that:

"(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 [Federal Aviation Administration] regulations and policy in effect as of the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], 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 [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall, as necessary, issue, revise, or repeal the rules, regulations, guidance, or procedures of the FAA to conform to the requirements of this section."

Rule of Construction Relating to Role of NASA

Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title V, §581(b)(3), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3399, provided that: "Nothing in this subsection [enacting this section] shall be construed as limiting the ability of [the] National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to place conditions on or otherwise qualify the operations of NASA contractors providing NASA services."

§44741. Approval of organization designation authorization unit members

(a) In General.—Beginning January 1, 2022, each individual who is selected on or after such date to become an ODA unit member by an ODA holder engaged in the design of an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance and performs an authorized function pursuant to a delegation by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration under section 44702(d)—

(1) shall be—

(A) an employee, a contractor, or a consultant of the ODA holder; or

(B) the employee of a supplier of the ODA holder; and

(2) may not become a member of such unit unless approved by the Administrator pursuant to this section.

(b) Process and Timeline.—

(1) In general.—The Administrator shall maintain an efficient process for the review and approval of an individual to become an ODA unit member under this section.

(2) Process.—An ODA holder described in subsection (a) may submit to the Administrator an application for an individual to be approved to become an ODA unit member under this section. The application shall be submitted in such form and manner as the Administrator determines appropriate. The Administrator shall require an ODA holder to submit with such an application information sufficient to demonstrate an individual's qualifications under subsection (c).

(3) Timeline.—The Administrator shall approve or reject an individual that is selected by an ODA holder to become an ODA unit member under this section not later than 30 days after the receipt of an application by an ODA holder.

(4) Documentation of approval.—Upon approval of an individual to become an ODA unit member under this section, the Administrator shall provide such individual a letter confirming that such individual has been approved by the Administrator under this section to be an ODA unit member.

(5) Reapplication.—An ODA holder may submit an application under this subsection for an individual to become an ODA unit member under this section regardless of whether an application for such individual was previously rejected by the Administrator.

(c) Qualifications.—

(1) In general.—The Administrator shall issue minimum qualifications for an individual to become an ODA unit member under this section. In issuing such qualifications, the Administrator shall consider existing qualifications for Administration employees with similar duties and whether such individual—

(A) is technically proficient and qualified to perform the authorized functions sought;

(B) has no recent record of serious enforcement action, as determined by the Administrator, taken by the Administrator with respect to any certificate, approval, or authorization held by such individual;

(C) is of good moral character (as such qualification is applied to an applicant for an airline transport pilot certificate issued under section 44703);

(D) possesses the knowledge of applicable design or production requirements in this chapter and in title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, necessary for performance of the authorized functions sought;

(E) possesses a high degree of knowledge of applicable design or production principles, system safety principles, or safety risk management processes appropriate for the authorized functions sought; and

(F) meets such testing, examination, training, or other qualification standards as the Administrator determines are necessary to ensure the individual is competent and capable of performing the authorized functions sought.

(2) Previously rejected application.—In reviewing an application for an individual to become an ODA unit member under this section, if an application for such individual was previously rejected, the Administrator shall ensure that the reasons for the prior rejection have been resolved or mitigated to the Administrator's satisfaction before making a determination on the individual's reapplication.

(d) Rescission of Approval.—The Administrator may rescind an approval of an individual as an ODA unit member granted pursuant to this section at any time and for any reason the Administrator considers appropriate. The Administrator shall develop procedures to provide for notice and opportunity to appeal rescission decisions made by the Administrator. Such decisions by the Administrator are not subject to judicial review.

(e) Conditional Selections.—

(1) In general.—Subject to the requirements of this subsection, the Administrator may authorize an ODA holder to conditionally designate an individual to perform the functions of an ODA unit member for a period of not more than 30 days (beginning on the date an application for such individual is submitted under subsection (b)(2)).

(2) Required determination.—The Administrator may not make an authorization under paragraph (1) unless—

(A) the ODA holder has instituted, to the Administrator's satisfaction, systems and processes to ensure the integrity and reliability of determinations by conditionally-designated ODA unit members; and

(B) the ODA holder has instituted a safety management system in accordance with regulations issued by the Administrator under section 102 of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act.

(3) Final determination.—The Administrator shall approve or reject the application for an individual designated under paragraph (1) in accordance with the timeline and procedures described in subsection (b).

(4) Rejection and review.—If the Administrator rejects the application submitted under subsection (b)(2) for an individual conditionally designated under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall review and approve or disapprove any decision pursuant to any authorized function performed by such individual during the period such individual served as a conditional designee.

(5) Prohibitions.—Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (2), the Administrator may prohibit an ODA holder from making conditional designations of individuals as ODA unit members under this subsection at any time for any reason the Administrator considers appropriate. The Administrator may prohibit any conditionally designated individual from performing an authorized function at any time for any reason the Administrator considers appropriate.

(f) Records and Briefings.—

(1) In general.—Beginning on the date described in subsection (a), an ODA holder shall maintain, for a period to be determined by the Administrator and with proper protections to ensure the security of sensitive and personal information—

(A) any data, applications, records, or manuals required by the ODA holder's approved procedures manual, as determined by the Administrator;

(B) the names, responsibilities, qualifications, and example signature of each member of the ODA unit who performs an authorized function pursuant to a delegation by the Administrator under section 44702(d);

(C) training records for ODA unit members and ODA administrators; and

(D) any other data, applications, records, or manuals determined appropriate by the Administrator.

(2) Congressional briefing.—The Administrator shall provide biannual briefings each fiscal year through September 30, 2028 to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the implementation and effects of this section, including—

(A) the Administration's performance in completing reviews of individuals and approving or denying such individuals within the timeline required under subsection (b)(3);

(B) for any individual rejected by the Administrator under subsection (b) during the preceding 6-month period, the reasoning or basis for such rejection; and

(C) any resource, staffing, or other challenges within the Administration associated with implementation of this section.

(g) Special Review of Qualifications.—

(1) In general.—Not later than 30 days after the issuance of minimum qualifications under subsection (c), the Administrator shall initiate a review of the qualifications of each individual who on the date on which such minimum qualifications are issued is an ODA unit member of a holder of a type certificate for a transport airplane to ensure such individual meets the minimum qualifications issued by the Administrator under subsection (c).

(2) Unqualified individual.—For any individual who is determined by the Administrator not to meet such minimum qualifications pursuant to the review conducted under paragraph (1), the Administrator—

(A) shall determine whether the lack of qualification may be remedied and, if so, provide such individual with an action plan or schedule for such individual to meet such qualifications; or

(B) may, if the Administrator determines the lack of qualification may not be remedied, take appropriate action, including prohibiting such individual from performing an authorized function.

(3) Deadline.—The Administrator shall complete the review required under paragraph (1) not later than 18 months after the date on which such review was initiated.

(4) Savings clause.—An individual approved to become an ODA unit member of a holder of a type certificate for a transport airplane under subsection (a) shall not be subject to the review under this subsection.

(h) Prohibition.—The Administrator may not authorize an organization or ODA holder to approve an individual selected by an ODA holder to become an ODA unit member under this section.

(i) Definitions.—

(1) General applicability.—The definitions contained in section 44736(c) shall apply to this section.

(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 of such an airplane.

(j) Authorization of Appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2028.

(Added Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §107(a), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2320; amended Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §306(a), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1071.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 102 of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act, referred to in subsec. (e)(2)(B), is section 102 of title I of Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2309. Section 102(a)–(f) of Pub. L. 116–260 is set out as a note under section 44701 of this title, and section 102(g) of Pub. L. 116–260 amended section 44735 of this title.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 118–63, §306(a)(1)(A), substituted "The Administrator shall provide biannual briefings each fiscal year through September 30, 2028" for "Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, and every 90 days thereafter through September 30, 2023, the Administrator shall provide a briefing" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (f)(2)(B). Pub. L. 118–63, §306(a)(1)(B), substituted "6-month period" for "90-day period".

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 118–63, §306(a)(2), substituted "2028" for "2023".

§44742. Interference with the duties of organization designation authorization unit members

(a) In General.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall continuously seek to eliminate or minimize interference by an ODA holder that affects the performance of authorized functions by ODA unit members.

(b) Prohibition.—

(1) In general.—It shall be unlawful for any individual who is a supervisory employee of an ODA holder that manufactures a transport category airplane to commit an act of interference with an ODA unit member's performance of authorized functions.

(2) Civil penalty.—

(A) Individuals.—An individual shall be subject to a civil penalty under section 46301(a)(1) for each violation under paragraph (1).

(B) Savings clause.—Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as limiting or constricting any other authority of the Administrator to pursue an enforcement action against an individual or organization for violation of applicable Federal laws or regulations of the Administration.

(c) Reporting.—

(1) Reports to oda holder.—An ODA unit member of an ODA holder that manufactures a transport category airplane shall promptly report any instances of interference to the office of the ODA holder that is designated to receive such reports.

(2) Reports to the faa.—

(A) In general.—The ODA holder office described in paragraph (1) shall investigate reports and submit to the office of the Administration designated by the Administrator to accept and review such reports any instances of interference reported under paragraph (1).

(B) Contents.—The Administrator shall prescribe parameters for the submission of reports to the Administration under this paragraph, including the manner, time, and form of submission. Such report shall include the results of any investigation conducted by the ODA holder in response to a report of interference, a description of any action taken by the ODA holder as a result of the report of interference, and any other information or potentially mitigating factors the ODA holder or the Administrator deems appropriate.

(d) Definitions.—

(1) General applicability.—The definitions contained in section 44736(c) shall apply to this section.

(2) Interference.—In this section, the term "interference" means—

(A) blatant or egregious statements or behavior, such as harassment, beratement, or threats, that a reasonable person would conclude was intended to improperly influence or prejudice an ODA unit member's performance of his or her duties; or

(B) the presence of non-ODA unit duties or activities that conflict with the performance of authorized functions by ODA unit members.

(Added Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §107(a), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2323.)

§44743. Pilot training requirements

(a) In General.—

(1) Administrator's determination.—In establishing any pilot training requirements with respect to a new transport airplane, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall independently review any proposal by the manufacturer of such airplane with respect to the scope, format, or minimum level of training required for operation of such airplane.

(2) Assurances and marketing representations.—Before the Administrator has established applicable training requirements, an applicant for a new or amended type certificate for an airplane described in paragraph (1) may not, with respect to the scope, format, or magnitude of pilot training for such airplane—

(A) make any assurance or other contractual commitment, whether verbal or in writing, to a potential purchaser of such airplane unless a clear and conspicuous disclaimer (as defined by the Administrator) is included regarding the status of training required for operation of such airplane; or

(B) provide financial incentives (including rebates) to a potential purchaser of such airplane regarding the scope, format, or magnitude of pilot training for such airplane.

(b) Pilot Response Time.—Beginning on the day after the date on which regulations are issued under section 119(c)(6) of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act, the Administrator may not issue a new or amended type certificate for an airplane described in subsection (a) unless the applicant for such certificate has demonstrated to the Administrator that the applicant has accounted for realistic assumptions regarding the time for pilot responses to non-normal conditions in designing the systems and instrumentation of such airplane. Such assumptions shall—

(1) be based on test data, analysis, or other technical validation methods; and

(2) account for generally accepted scientific consensus among experts in human factors regarding realistic pilot response time.

(c) Definition.—In this section, 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 of such an airplane.

(Added Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §119(a), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2338.)

References in Text

Section 119(c) of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act, referred to in subsec. (b), is section 119(c) of title I of Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2339, which is set out as a note under section 44704 of this title.

§44744. Flight crew alerting

(a) In General.—Beginning on December 27, 2022, the Administrator may not issue a type certificate for a transport category airplane unless such airplane incorporates a flight crew alerting system that, at a minimum—

(1) displays and differentiates among warnings, cautions, and advisories; and

(2) includes functions to assist the flight crew in prioritizing corrective actions and responding to systems failures.

(b) Limitation.—The prohibition in subsection (a) shall not apply to any application for an original or amended type certificate that was submitted to the Administrator prior to December 27, 2020.

(c) Safety Enhancements.—

(1) Restriction on airworthiness certificate issuance.—Beginning on the date that is 1 year after the date on which the Administrator issues a type certificate for the Boeing 737-10, the Administrator may not issue an original airworthiness certificate for any Boeing 737 MAX aircraft unless the Administrator finds that the type design for the aircraft includes safety enhancements that have been approved by the Administrator.

(2) Restriction on operation.—Beginning on the date that is 3 years after the date on which the Administrator issues a type certificate for the Boeing 737-10, no person may operate a Boeing 737 MAX aircraft unless—

(A) the type design for the aircraft includes safety enhancements approved by the Administrator; and

(B) the aircraft was—

(i) produced in conformance with such type design; or

(ii) altered in accordance with such type design.

(d) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Boeing 737 max aircraft.—The term "Boeing 737 MAX aircraft" means any—

(A) Model 737 series aircraft designated as a 737-7, 737-8, 737-8200, 737-9, or 737-10; or

(B) other variant of a model described in subparagraph (A).

(2) Safety enhancement.—The term "safety enhancement" means any design change to the flight crew alerting system approved by the Administrator for the Boeing 737-10, including—

(A) a—

(i) synthetic enhanced angle-of-attack system; and

(ii) means to shut off stall warning and overspeed alerts; or

(B) any design changes equivalent to subparagraph (A) determined appropriate by the Administrator.

(Added Pub. L. 117–328, div. O, title V, §501(a), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5230.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Costs of Safety Enhancements

Pub. L. 117–328, div. O, title V, §501(c), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5231, provided that: "Any costs associated with the safety enhancements required by section 44744 of title 49, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall be borne by the holder of the type certificate."

Congressional Briefings

Pub. L. 117–328, div. O, title V, §501(d), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5231, provided that: "Not later than March 1, 2023, and on a quarterly basis thereafter, the Administrator shall brief Congress on the status of—

"(1) the issuance of a type certificate for the Boeing 737-7 and 737-10, including any design enhancements, pilot procedures, or training requirements resulting from system safety assessments; and

"(2) the implementation of safety enhancements for Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, as required by section 44744 of title 49, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)."

§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.

(Added Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §342(a), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1095.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of enactment of this section and the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, referred to in subsecs. (d)(4)(C), (5)(A)(i), (B), (6)(A), (h), and (i)(1), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 118–63, which was approved May 16, 2024.

Section 322 of the FAA Reauthorization of 2018, referred to in subsec. (d)(6)(B), is section 322 of Pub. L. 115–254, which is set out as a note under section 44720 of this title.

§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.

(Added Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §352(a), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1112.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of enactment of this section, referred to in subsec. (a), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 118–63, which was approved May 16, 2024.

§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.

(Added Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §369(a), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1137.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Convention on International Civil Aviation, referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(B)(i), was done at Chicago on Dec. 7, 1944, and entered into force for the United States on Apr. 4, 1947.

§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.

(Added Pub. L. 118–63, title IV, §420(b)(1), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1164.)