(a) Short title.—This Act may be cited as the “Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act”.

(b) Table of contents.—The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

(a) Authorization.—Section 48103(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in paragraph (5) by striking “and” at the end;

(2) in paragraph (6) by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

“(7) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;

“(8) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;

“(9) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;

“(10) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and

“(11) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.”.

(b) Obligation authority.—Section 47104(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking “2023” and inserting “2028”.

Section 48101(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by striking paragraphs (1) through (5);

(2) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (1); and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

(a) In general.—Section 106(k)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by striking subparagraphs (A) through (E);

(2) in subparagraph (F) by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon;

(3) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (A); and

(4) by adding at the end the following:

“(B) $12,730,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;

“(C) $13,035,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;

“(D) $13,334,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;

“(E) $13,640,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and

“(F) $13,954,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.”.

(b) Authorized expenditures.—Section 106(k)(2)(D) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by striking clauses (i) through (v);

(2) by redesignating clause (vi) as clause (i); and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

“(ii) $46,815,000 for fiscal year 2024.

“(iii) $52,985,000 for fiscal year 2025.

“(iv) $59,044,000 for fiscal year 2026.

“(v) $65,225,000 for fiscal year 2027.

“(vi) $71,529,000 for fiscal year 2028.”.

(c) Authority to transfer funds.—Section 106(k)(3) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by striking “Notwithstanding” and inserting the following:

“(A) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding”;

(2) by striking “in each of fiscal years 2018 through 2023,”; and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

“(B) PRIORITIZATION.—In reducing non-safety-related activities of the Administration under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall prioritize such reductions from amounts other than amounts authorized under this subsection, section 48101, or section 48103.

“(C) SUNSET.—This paragraph shall cease to be effective after September 30, 2028.”.

(a) Marshall islands, Micronesia, and Palau.—Section 47115(i) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking “fiscal years 2018 through 2023” and inserting “fiscal years 2023 through 2028”.

(b) Weather reporting programs.—Section 48105 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(5) $45,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2026.

“(6) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 and 2028.”.

(c) Midway island airport.—Section 186(d) of the Vision 100—Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (Public Law 108–176) is amended by striking “for fiscal years 2018 through 2023” and inserting “for fiscal years 2023 through 2028”.

(d) Extension of the safety oversight and certification advisory committee.—Section 202(h) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–254) is amended by striking “shall terminate” and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting “shall terminate on October 1, 2028.”.

Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subsection (a) by striking “The Federal” and inserting “In general.—The Federal”; and

(2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:

“(b) Administration leadership.—

“(1) ADMINISTRATOR.—

“(A) IN GENERAL.—The head of the Administration is the Administrator, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

“(B) QUALIFICATIONS.—The Administrator shall—

“(i) be a citizen of the United States;

“(ii) not be an active duty or retired member of an Armed Force; and

“(iii) have experience in organizational management and a field directly related to aviation.

“(C) FITNESS.—In appointing an individual as Administrator, the President shall consider the fitness of such individual to carry out efficiently the duties and powers of the office.

“(D) TERM OF OFFICE.—The Term of office for any individual appointed as Administrator shall be 5 years.

“(E) REPORTING CHAIN.—Except as provided in subsection (f) or in other provisions of law, the Administrator reports directly to the Secretary of Transportation.

“(2) DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR FOR PROGRAMS AND MANAGEMENT.—

“(A) IN GENERAL.—The Administration has a Deputy Administrator for Programs and Management, who shall be a political appointee of the President.

“(B) QUALIFICATIONS.—The Deputy Administrator for Programs and Management shall—

“(i) be a citizen of the United States; and

“(ii) have experience in management and a field directly related to aviation.

“(C) FITNESS.—In appointing an individual as Deputy Administrator for Programs and Management, the President shall consider the fitness of the individual to carry out efficiently the duties and powers of the office, including the duty to act for the Administrator under the circumstances described in subparagraph (F).

“(D) REPORTING CHAIN.—The Deputy Administrator for Programs and Management reports directly to the Administrator.

“(E) DUTIES.—The Deputy Administrator for Programs and Management shall—

“(i) manage the Assistant Administrators and Chief Counsel established under subsection (d), except the Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement; and

“(ii) carry out duties and powers prescribed by the Administrator.

“(F) SUCCESSION PLAN.—The Deputy Administrator for Programs and Management acts for the Administrator when the Administrator is absent or unable to serve, or when the office of the Administrator is vacant.

“(G) COMPENSATION.—

“(i) ANNUAL RATE OF BASIC PAY.—The annual rate of basic pay of the Deputy Administrator for Programs and Management shall be set by the Secretary but shall not exceed the annual rate of basic pay payable to the Administrator.

“(ii) EXCEPTION.—A retired regular officer of an Armed Force serving as the Deputy Administrator for Programs and Management is entitled to hold a rank and grade not lower than that held when appointed as the Deputy Administrator for Programs and Management and may elect to receive—

“(I) the pay provided for the Deputy Administrator for Programs and Management under clause (i); or

“(II) the pay and allowances or the retired pay of the military grade held.

“(iii) REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES.—If the Deputy Administrator for Programs and Management elects to receive compensation described in clause (ii)(II), the Administration shall reimburse the appropriate military department from funds available for the expenses of the Administration.

“(3) DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR FOR SAFETY AND OPERATIONS.—

“(A) IN GENERAL.—The Administration has a Deputy Administrator for Safety and Operations, who—

“(i) shall be appointed by the Administrator; and

“(ii) shall not be a political appointee.

“(B) QUALIFICATIONS.—The Deputy Administrator for Safety and Operations shall—

“(i) be a citizen of the United States; and

“(ii) have experience in organizational management and a field directly related to aviation.

“(C) FITNESS.—In appointing an individual as Deputy Administrator for Safety and Operations, the Administrator shall consider the fitness of the individual to carry out efficiently the duties and powers of the office, including the duty to act for the Administrator under the circumstances described in subparagraph (F).

“(D) REPORTING CHAIN.—The Deputy Administrator for Safety and Operations reports to the Administrator.

“(E) DUTIES.—The Deputy Administrator for Safety and Operations shall—

“(i) manage the Associate Administrators and Chief Operating Officer established under subsection (c) and the Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement established under subsection (d);

“(ii) develop and maintain a long-term strategic plan of the Administration;

“(iii) coordinate the safe integration of new entrants and technologies into the national airspace system; and

“(iv) carry out other duties and powers prescribed by the Administrator.

“(F) SUCCESSION PLAN.—The Deputy Administrator for Safety and Operations acts for the Administrator when the Administrator and the Deputy Administrator for Programs and Management are absent or unable to serve, or when the office of the Administrator and the Office of the Deputy Administrator for Programs and Management are vacant.

“(G) COMPENSATION.—The annual rate of basic pay of the Deputy Administrator for Safety and Operations shall be set by the Administrator but shall not exceed the annual rate of basic pay payable to the Administrator.

“(4) LEADERSHIP OF THE ADMINISTRATION DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘leadership of the Administration’ means—

“(A) the Administrator under paragraph (1);

“(B) the Deputy Administrator for Programs and Management under paragraph (2); and

“(C) the Deputy Administrator for Safety and Operations under paragraph (3).”.

(a) FAA management board.—Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking subsections (c) and (d) and inserting the following:

“(c) Associate administrators.—

“(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administration has Associate Administrators, as determined necessary by the Administrator, including—

“(A) appointed by the Administrator, an Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety, an Associate Administrator for Security and Hazardous Materials Safety, a Chief Operating Officer of the Air Traffic Control System;

“(B) appointed by the President, an Associate Administrator for Airports; and

“(C) when authority under chapter 509 of title 51 is explicitly delegated by the Secretary of Transportation to the Administrator, an Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation who shall be appointed by the Administrator.

“(2) QUALIFICATIONS.—Associate Administrators shall be citizens of the United States.

“(3) DUTIES.—The Associate Administrators shall carry out duties and powers of their office described in this section and those prescribed by the Administrator.

“(d) Chief Counsel; Assistant Administrators.—

“(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administration has Assistant Administrators and a Chief Counsel.

“(A) CHIEF COUNSEL.—The Chief Counsel shall be appointed by the President and shall—

“(i) advise the Administrator on legal matters relating to the responsibilities, functions, and management of the Administration;

“(ii) at the request of the Administrator, provide guidance, counsel, and advice regarding, but shall not have final decision-making authority with regards to, the activities of the Administrator, including—

“(I) rulemaking activities;

“(II) policy and guidance document production;

“(III) exemption and waiver decisions; and

“(IV) certification and approval determinations;

“(iii) represent the Administration before the National Transportation Safety Board, Department of Transportation law judges, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Federal courts of the United States, and other bodies and courts, as appropriate;

“(iv) pursue enforcement actions on behalf of the Administrator; and

“(v) perform other functions as determined by the Administrator.

“(B) ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR FOR RULEMAKING AND REGULATORY IMPROVEMENT.—The Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement shall be appointed by the Administrator and shall—

“(i) be responsible for developing and managing the execution of a regulatory agenda for the Administration that meets statutory and Administration deadlines, including by—

“(I) prioritizing rulemaking projects that are necessary to improve safety;

“(II) establishing the regulatory agenda of the Administration; and

“(III) coordinating with offices of the Administration, the Department, and other Federal entities as appropriate to improve timely feedback generation and approvals when required by law;

“(ii) not delegate overall responsibility for meeting internal timelines and final completion of the regulatory activities of the Administration outside the Office of the Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement;

“(iii) on an ongoing basis—

“(I) review the Administration’s regulations in effect to improve safety;

“(II) reduce undue regulatory burden;

“(III) replace prescriptive regulations with performance-based regulations, as appropriate;

“(IV) prevent duplicative regulations; and

“(V) increase regulatory clarity and transparency whenever possible;

“(iv) make recommendations for the Administrator’s review under subsection (f)(3)(C)(ii);

“(v) receive, coordinate, and respond to petitions for rulemaking and for exemption as provided for in subpart A of part 11 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and provide an initial response to a petitioner not later than 30 days after the receipt of such a petition—

“(I) acknowledging receipt of such petition;

“(II) confirming completeness of such petition;

“(III) providing an initial indication of the complexity of the request and how such complexity may impact the timeline for adjudication; and

“(IV) requesting any additional information, as appropriate, that would assist in the consideration of the petition;

“(vi) track the issuance of exemptions and waivers by the Administration to sections of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and establish a methodology by which to determine if it would be more efficient and in the public’s interest to amend a rule to reduce the future need of waivers and exemptions; and

“(vii) promulgate regulatory updates as determined more efficient or in the public’s best interest under clause (vi).

“(C) APPOINTMENT.—Additional Assistant Administrators, as determined necessary by the Administrator, may be appointed by the Administrator.

“(2) QUALIFICATIONS.—The Assistant Administrators shall be a citizen of the United States.

“(3) DUTIES.—The Assistant Administrators shall carry out duties and powers of their office described in this section and those prescribed by the Administrator.

“(4) MANAGEMENT BOARD OF THE ADMINISTRATION.—In this section, the term ‘Management Board of the Administration’ means—

“(A) the Associate Administrators and Chief Operating Officer established under subsection (c); and

“(B) the Assistant Administrators and Chief Counsel established under subsection (d).”.

(b) Systemically addressing need for exemptions and waivers.—Not later than 30 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement shall 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 methodology developed pursuant to section 106(d)(B)(vi) of title 49, United States Code (as added by this section).

Section 106(e) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

“(e) Prohibition on conflicting pecuniary interests.—

“(1) IN GENERAL.—The leadership of the Administration and the Management Board of the Administration may not have a pecuniary interest in, or hold a financial interest in, an aeronautical enterprise, or engage in another business, vocation, or employment.

“(2) TEACHING.—Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Deputy Administrators and the Management Board of the Administration may not receive compensation for teaching without prior approval of the Administrator.

“(3) FINANCIAL INTEREST DEFINED.—In this subsection, the term ‘financial interest’—

“(A) means—

“(i) any current or contingent ownership, equity, or security interest;

“(ii) any indebtedness or compensated employment relationship; or

“(iii) any right to purchase or acquire any such interest, including a stock option; and

“(B) does not include securities held in an index fund.”.

(a) In general.—Section 106(f) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1)—

(A) by striking “paragraph (2)” and inserting “paragraphs (2) and (3)”;

(B) by striking “Neither” and inserting “In exercising duties, powers, and authorities that are assigned to the Secretary or the Administrator under this title, neither”; and

(C) by striking “a committee, board, or organization established by executive order.” and inserting the following: “a committee, board, council, or organization that is—

“(A) established by executive order; or

“(B) not explicitly directed by legislation to review the exercise of such duties, powers, and authorities by the Secretary or the Administrator.”;

(2) in paragraph (2)—

(A) in subparagraph (A)(ii) by striking “the acquisition” and all that follows through the semicolon and inserting “the acquisition, establishment, improvement, operation, maintenance, security (including cybersecurity), and disposal of property, facilities, services, and equipment of the Administration, including all elements of the air traffic control system owned by the Administration;”;

(B) in subparagraph (A)(iii) by striking “paragraph (3)” and inserting “paragraph (4)”;

(C) in subparagraph (B) by inserting “civil aviation, any matter for which the Administrator is the final authority under subparagraph (A), any duty carried out by the Administrator pursuant to paragraph (3), or the provisions of this title, or” after “with respect to”; and

(D) in subparagraph (D)—

(i) by inserting “(formally or informally)” after “required”; and

(ii) by inserting “or any other Federal agency” after “Department of Transportation”;

(3) in paragraph (3)—

(A) in subparagraph (A)—

(i) by striking “In the performance” and inserting the following:

“(i) ISSUANCE OF REGULATIONS.—In the performance”;

(ii) by striking “The Administrator shall act” and inserting the following:

“(ii) PETITIONS FOR RULEMAKING.—The Administrator shall act”;

(iii) by striking “The Administrator shall issue” and inserting the following:

“(iii) RULEMAKING TIMELINE.—The Administrator shall issue”; and

(iv) by striking “On February 1” and inserting the following:

“(iv) REPORTING REQUIREMENT.—On February 1”; and

(B) by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C) and inserting the following:

“(B) APPROVAL OF SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION.—

“(i) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator may not issue, unless the Secretary of Transportation approves the issuance of the regulation in advance, a proposed regulation or final regulation that—

“(I) is likely to result in the expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $250,000,000 or more (adjusted annually for inflation beginning with the year following the date of enactment of the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act) in any year; or

“(II) is significant.

“(ii) SIGNIFICANT DEFINED.—For purposes of this paragraph, a regulation is significant if the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary (as appropriate), determines that the regulation—

“(I) will have an annual effect on the economy of $250,000,000 or more (adjusted annually for inflation beginning with the year following the date of enactment of the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act);

“(II) raises novel or serious legal or policy issues that will substantially and materially affect other transportation modes; or

“(III) adversely affect, in a substantial and material way, the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or a State, local, or Tribal government or communities.

“(iii) EMERGENCY REGULATION.—In an emergency, the Administrator may issue a final regulation described in clause (i) without prior approval of the Secretary. If the Secretary objects to such regulation in writing within 5 days (excluding Saturday, Sundays, and legal public holidays) of the issuance, the Administrator shall immediately rescind such regulation.

“(iv) OTHER REGULATIONS.—The Secretary may not require that the Administrator submit a proposed or final regulation to the Secretary for approval, nor may the Administrator submit a proposed or final regulation to the Secretary for approval, if the regulation—

“(I) does not require the Secretary’s approval under clause (i) (excluding a regulation issued pursuant to clause (iii)); or

“(II) is a routine or frequent action or a procedural action.

“(v) TIMELINE.—The Administrator shall submit a copy of any proposed or final regulation requiring approval by the Secretary under clause (i) to the Secretary, who shall either approve the regulation or return the regulation to the Administrator with comments within 30 days after receiving the regulation. If the Secretary fails to approve or return the regulation with comments to the Administrator within 30 days, the regulation shall be deemed to have been approved by the Secretary.

“(C) PERIODIC REVIEW.—

“(i) IN GENERAL.—In addition to the review requirements established under section 5.13(d) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, the Administrator shall review any significant regulation issued 3 years after the effective date of the regulation.

“(ii) DISCRETIONAL REVIEW.—The Administrator may review any regulation that has been in effect for more than 3 years.

“(iii) SUBSTANCE OF REVIEW.—In performing a review under clause (i) or (ii), the Administrator shall determine if—

“(I) the cost assumptions were accurate;

“(II) the intended benefit of the regulation is being realized;

“(III) the need remains to continue such regulation as in effect; and

“(IV) the Administrator recommends updates to such regulation based on the review criteria specified in section 5.13(d) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.

“(iv) REVIEW MANAGEMENT.—Any periodic review of a regulation under this subparagraph shall be managed by the Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement, who may task an advisory committee or the Management Advisory Council established under subsection (p) to assist in performing the review.”;

(4) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively; and

(5) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:

“(3) DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE ADMINISTRATOR.—

“(A) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall carry out—

“(i) the duties and powers of the Secretary under this subsection related to aviation safety (except those related to transportation, packaging, marking, or description of hazardous material) and stated in—

“(I) subsections (c) and (d) of section 1132;

“(II) sections 40101(c), 40103(b), 40106(a), 40108, 40109(b), 40113(a), 40113(c), 40113(d), 40113(e), 40114(a), and 40117;

“(III) chapter 443;

“(IV) chapter 445, except sections 44502(a)(3), 44503, and 44509;

“(V) chapter 447, except sections 44721(b), and 44723;

“(VI) chapter 448;

“(VII) chapter 451;

“(VIII) chapter 453;

“(IX) section 46104;

“(X) subsections (d) and (h)(2) of section 46301, section 46303(c), sections 46304 through 46308, section 46310, section 46311, and sections 46313 through 46320;

“(XI) chapter 465;

“(XII) chapter 471;

“(XIII) chapter 475; and

“(XIV) chapter 509 of title 51; and

“(ii) such additional duties and powers as may be prescribed by the Secretary.

“(B) APPLICABILITY.—Section 40101(d) applies to the duties and powers specified in subparagraph (A).

“(C) TRANSFER.—Any of the duties and powers specified in subparagraph (A) may only be transferred to another part of the Department if specifically provided by law or in a reorganization plan submitted under chapter 9 of title 5.

“(D) ADMINISTRATIVE FINALITY.—A decision of the Administrator in carrying out the duties or powers specified in subparagraph (A) is administratively final.”.

(b) Conforming amendment.—Subsection (h) of section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is repealed.

(c) Preservation of existing authority.—Nothing in this section or the amendments made by this section shall be construed to restrict any authority vested in the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration by statute or by delegation that was in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act.

(a) In general.—Not later than 30 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall enter into appropriate arrangements with the National Academy of Public Administration to evaluate and make recommendations to improve the Administration’s rulemaking processes.

(b) Content of review.—In completing the evaluation under subsection (a), the National Academy of Public Administration shall—

(1) review Administration and Department of Transportation policies and procedures for drafting, coordinating, reviewing, editing, and approving rulemaking documents;

(2) review part 11 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and section 106 of title 49, United States Code—

(A) as such section was in effect the day before the date of enactment of this Act; and

(B) as amended by this Act; and

(3) include in the review—

(A) advanced notices of proposed rulemakings;

(B) notices of proposed rulemakings;

(C) supplemental proposed rulemakings;

(D) interim final rules; and

(E) final rules, including direct final rules.

(c) Method of review.—As part of the evaluation under this section, the National Academy of Public Administration shall analyze the scoping, drafting, analysis, and approval processes, including examining incidents in which a rule was referred back to a program office for revision, and the timeline associated with each review and step for—

(1) at least 7 rules completed by the Administration since 2012, including—

(A) at least 2 rules that leveraged the work of an aviation rulemaking committee;

(B) at least 2 rules considered significant as defined in section 106(f)(3)(B)(ii) (as amended by this Act); and

(C) at least 1 rule promulgated through rules considered routine and frequent in the Department’s Regulatory Agenda; and

(2) at least 2 rulemaking processes where a notice of proposed rulemaking has not been followed by a final rule for more than 3 years.

(d) Report.—The National Academy of Public Administration shall provide to the Administrator, Secretary of Transportation, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report containing the results of the evaluation required under subsection (a). The contents of the report shall—

(1) identify procedural or resource constraints;

(2) identify inefficiencies in the process, including any causes of delays;

(3) provide recommendations for expediting rulemakings, including—

(A) ways to improve the efficiency of the scoping process for rulemaking;

(B) the use of new routine and frequent rulemakings to allow for the expediting of activities that may be routinely needed or updated;

(C) the use of rules of applicability to provide for the expediting of activities that may be routinely needed or updated;

(D) the use of frameworks or shell rules to improve the efficiency of drafting;

(E) the use of aviation rulemaking committees; and

(F) internal process improvements; and

(4) not review the policy merits of the reviewed rulemakings, except to the extent that there are conclusions that can be drawn from the processes used to develop such rules.

(e) Access to documents.—The Administration and Department shall provide the National Academy of Public Administration access, as appropriate, to—

(1) the electronic management software the Administration uses to track internal processing of draft documents;

(2) appropriately redacted communications between offices and personnel that were used to coordinate work outside of the electronic software; and

(3) such other documents and records, including predecisional documents and records, that will assist the National Academy of Public Administration in completing the evaluation required under subsection (a).

Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended by striking subsection (g) and inserting the following:

“(g) Office of Innovation.—

“(1) IN GENERAL.—There is established within the Federal Aviation Administration an Office of Innovation (in this subsection referred to as the ‘Office’) comprised of employees of the Administration who shall—

“(A) have a diverse set of expertise;

“(B) assist the leadership of the Administration and the Management Board of the Administration with—

“(i) scoping complex regulatory issues and drafting documents on topics that span multiple offices or lines of business of the Administration;

“(ii) evaluating internal processes; and

“(iii) positioning the Administration to support aerospace innovation; and

“(C) receive taskings from the leadership of the Administration and the Management Board of the Administration, as determined necessary by such individuals, and work collaboratively with relevant program offices of the Administration, as necessary, to respond to such taskings.

“(2) APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS.—

“(A) APPOINTMENTS.—The Administrator shall appoint a maximum of 15 employees to serve a 2-year term as a member of the Office of Innovation with at least 1 employee appointed from each of the following:

“(i) Office of Aviation Safety.

“(ii) The Air Traffic Organization.

“(iii) Office of Airports.

“(iv) Office of Security and Hazardous Materials Safety.

“(v) When authority under chapter 509 of title 51 is explicitly delegated by the Secretary of Transportation to the Administrator, the Office of Commercial Space Transportation.

“(vi) Office of the Chief Counsel.

“(vii) Office of Policy, International Affairs, and Environment.

“(B) CONSULTATION.—The Office may consult, as necessary, with other personnel of the Administration.

“(3) SELECTION OF MEMBERS.—An employee appointed under paragraph (2)—

“(A) may be appointed from nominations made by Associate Administrators, Assistant Administrators, and the Chief Counsel of the Administration;

“(B) shall not be a senior executive of the Administration;

“(C) shall have been an employee of the Administration for at least 2 years; and

“(D) shall have expertise in the authorities and duties of the respective office of the employee.

“(4) INNOVATION OFFICE LEAD.—The Administrator shall appoint a lead of the Office who shall report to the leadership of the Administration and who—

“(A) may have a set term, as determined by the Administrator;

“(B) shall manage the personnel and activities of such Office; and

“(C) may be a detailed employee of any office of the Administration, notwithstanding the numerical limits placed on appointments in paragraph (2)(A).

“(5) STATUS.—An appointment of an employee to the Office established under this subsection shall not impact the status or position of such employee in the respective office of such employee and such employee shall be considered a detailed employee to the Office of Innovation.

“(6) RESOURCES.—The Administrator shall provide resources and staff, as necessary, to the Office to support the activities of the Office described in paragraph (1), not to exceed more than 6 full-time equivalent positions, including any necessary project managers.”.

(a) In general.—The campus and grounds of the Federal Aviation Administration Technical Center located at the Atlantic City International Airport in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, shall be known and designated as the “Frank A. LoBiondo National Aerospace Safety and Security Campus”.

(b) Reference.—Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the campus and grounds at the Federal Aviation Administration Technical Center referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the “Frank A. LoBiondo National Aerospace Safety and Security Campus”.

(a) In general.—Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended by inserting after subsection (g) (as added by section 126) the following:

“(h) Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace.—

“(1) IN GENERAL.—There is established within the Administration a technology center located at the Frank A. LoBiondo National Aerospace Safety and Security Campus to support the advancement of aerospace safety and innovation which shall be known as the ‘William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace’ (in this subsection referred to as the ‘Technical Center’) that shall be used by the Administrator and, as permitted by the Administrator, other governmental entities, academia, and the aerospace industry.

“(2) MANAGEMENT.—The activities of the Technical Center shall be managed by a Director.

“(3) ACTIVITIES.—The activities of the Technical Center shall include—

“(A) developing and stimulating technology partnerships with and between industry, academia, and other government agencies and supporting such partnerships by—

“(i) liaising between external persons and offices of the Administration interested in such work;

“(ii) providing technical expertise and input, as appropriate; and

“(iii) providing access to the properties, facilities, and systems of the Technical Center through appropriate agreements;

“(B) managing technology demonstration grants awarded by the Administrator;

“(C) identifying software, systems, services, and technologies that could improve aviation safety and the operations and management of the air traffic control system and working with relevant offices of the Administration to consider the use and integration of such software, systems, services, and technologies, as appropriate;

“(D) supporting the work of any collocated facilities and tenants of such facilities, and to the extent feasible, enter into agreements as necessary to utilize the facilities, systems, and technologies of such collocated facilities and tenants;

“(E) managing the facilities of the Technical Center and the Frank A. LoBiondo National Aerospace Safety and Security Campus; and

“(F) carrying out any other duties as determined appropriate by the Administrator.”.

(b) Conforming amendment.—Section 44507 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by striking “(a) Civil Aeromedical Institute” and all that follows through “The Civil Aeromedical Institute established” and inserting “The Civil Aeromedical Institute established”; and

(2) by striking subsection (b).

(a) In general.—Not later than 30 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall terminate the Office of NextGen.

(b) Closure process.—In carrying out subsection (a), the Administrator shall transfer duties, authorities, activities, personnel, and assets managed by the Office of NextGen to other officials of the Administration, as appropriate, including—

(1) transferring such duties, authorities, activities, personnel, and assets to—

(A) the Director of the William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace established under subsection 106(h) of title 49, United States Code;

(B) the Assistant Administrator for Finance and Management;

(C) the Chief Operating Officer of the Air Traffic Control System; and

(D) other officials of the Administration, as determined by the Administrator; and

(2) transferring management of the NextGen Advisory Committee to the Chief Operating Officer of the Air Traffic Control System.

Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended by striking subsection (i) and inserting the following:

“(i) FAA Ombudsman.—

“(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established within the Federal Aviation Administration an Ombudsman who shall coordinate or facilitate the adjudication of covered submissions.

“(2) OMBUDSMAN.—

“(A) IN GENERAL.—The Ombudsman shall be appointed by the Administrator and report to the Assistant Administrator for Government and Industry Affairs.

“(B) TERM.—The Ombudsman shall be appointed for a term of 5 years.

“(3) DUTIES.—The duties of the Ombudsman shall be as follows:

“(A) Work with the relevant offices within the Administration to—

“(i) with respect to a covered submission, resolve, provide a status update, or provide clarity on the status of such submissions;

“(ii) bring to the attention of the relevant office of the Administration concerns, as necessary, regarding Administration processes or considerations discovered while coordinating an activity related to a covered submission under this subsection; and

“(iii) address any gaps and communication lapses in Administration coordination processes.

“(B) Determine if, based on a coordinated activity carried out under this subsection, reconsideration with respect to covered submissions or administrative actions are necessary and report to the Administrator or the relevant office within the Administration with recommendations relating to such reconsideration.

“(C) Determine if trends materialize that could warrant process, procedural, or resource changes and report recommendations regarding such changes to the Administrator and relevant offices within the Administration.

“(D) Ensure that reporting, processing, or dispute resolution mechanisms within the Administration are transparent and accessible to the public, and facilitate the use of such reporting, processing, or dispute resolution mechanisms, when appropriate.

“(E) Perform other duties as prescribed by the Assistant Administrator.

“(4) DISCRETION ON COORDINATION AND REVIEW.—

“(A) IN GENERAL.—The Ombudsman shall determine whether to coordinate a review of a covered submission in order to provide a response, coordinate the reconsideration of an administrative action, or take no additional action. In making a determination under this subparagraph, the Ombudsman shall consider—

“(i) whether there are reporting, processing, or dispute resolution mechanisms that have not been exhausted or that may be more appropriate for dealing with, investigating, and responding to such covered submission;

“(ii) whether the subject or outcome of a covered submission is alleged to be—

“(I) contrary to law or regulation;

“(II) arbitrary and capricious; or

“(III) performed in an unreasonably inefficient or untimely manner; and

“(iii) such other factors as the Ombudsman considers appropriate.

“(B) EXCEPTION.—With regard to a covered submission concerning an activity relating to an alleged violation of an order, a regulation, or any other provision of Federal law by the Administration or whistleblower retaliation, the Ombudsman shall refer such covered submission to the appropriate Federal entity to adjudicate or investigate the subject of such submission.

“(C) COOPERATION.—The Administrator shall ensure that the officers and employees of the Administration fully cooperate with the activities of the Ombudsman and provide such information, documents, or materials as may be requested by the Ombudsman.

“(5) RESPONSE REQUIREMENT.—The Ombudsman shall ensure that the Administration provides an initial response to or status update on covered submissions within 10 business days of the Ombudsman receiving such submission.

“(6) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection:

“(A) ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION.—The term ‘administrative action’ means—

“(i) an action taken by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to issue, deny, modify, or revoke a certificate, registration, approval, waiver, license, exemption, determination, interpretation, or any other authorizing action; or

“(ii) the lack of any action (or activity related to an action) described in clause (i) necessary to be taken by the Administrator.

“(B) COVERED SUBMISSION.—The term ‘covered submission’ means an inquiry or objection relating to—

“(i) an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance certification;

“(ii) an airman or pilot certificate, including scheduling an associated appointment with Administration personnel or designees;

“(iii) a medical certificate;

“(iv) an operator certificate;

“(v) when authority under chapter 509 of title 51 is explicitly delegated by the Secretary of Transportation to the Administrator, a license or permit issued under chapter 509 of title 51;

“(vi) an aircraft registration;

“(vii) an operational approval, waiver, or exemption;

“(viii) a legal interpretation;

“(ix) an outstanding determination;

“(x) an application of agency guidance; and

“(xi) any certificate not otherwise described in this subparagraph that is issued pursuant to chapter 447.”.

(a) In general.—The Ombudsman of the Federal Aviation Administration shall, in reviewing Administration processes, receiving, reviewing, and responding to covered submissions, and through general due diligence, determine whether a publicly facing dashboard that provides applicants with the status of an application before the agency would be—

(1) beneficial to applicants;

(2) an efficient use of resources to build, maintain, and update; or

(3) duplicative with other efforts within the Administration to streamline and digitize paperwork and certification processes to provide an applicant with a greater awareness of the status of an application before the Administration.

(b) Recommendation.—Not later than 30 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Ombudsman shall provide a recommendation to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration regarding the need or benefits of a dashboard or other means by which to track an application status.

(c) Briefing.—Not later than 45 days after receiving recommendations under subsection (b), the Administrator shall brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on—

(1) any recommendation received from the Ombudsman; and

(2) any activities the Administrator is taking in response to such recommendation.

(d) FAA feedback portal.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Ombudsman shall, through interacting with the public and general due diligence, determine whether a publicly facing portal on the website through which the public may provide feedback to the Administrator about experiences they have working with personnel of the Administration would be beneficial.

(2) REQUIREMENTS.—The Ombudsman shall ensure any portal established under this subsection asks questions that seek to gauge any shortcomings the Administration has in fulfilling its mission or areas where the Administration is succeeding in meetings its mission.

(e) Covered submission.—In this section, the term “covered submission” has the meaning given the term in subsection 106(i) of title 49, United States Code.

It is the sense of Congress that—

(1) the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration should engage with aviation stakeholder groups and the public during pre-drafting stages of rulemaking activities and use, to the greatest extent practicable, properly docketed ex-parte discussions during rulemaking activities in order to—

(A) inform the work of the Administrator;

(B) assist the Administrator in developing the scope of a rule; and

(C) reduce the timeline for issuance of proposed and final rules; and

(2) when it would reduce the time required for the Administrator to adjudicate public comments, the Administrator should publicly provide information describing the rationale behind a regulatory decision included in proposed regulations in order to better allow for the public to provide clear and informed comments on such regulations.

Section 106(j) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking “There is” and inserting “Civil Aeromedical Institute.—There is”.

Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended—

(1) by transferring paragraph (8) of subsection (p) to subsection (r) and redesignating such paragraph as paragraph (7); and

(2) by striking subsection (p) and inserting the following:

“(p) Management advisory council.—

“(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Administrator shall establish an advisory council which shall be known as the Federal Aerospace Management Advisory Council (in this subsection referred to as the ‘Council’).

“(2) MEMBERSHIP.—The Council shall consist of 13 members, who shall consist of—

“(A) a designee of the Secretary of Transportation;

“(B) a designee of the Secretary of Defense;

“(C) 5 members representing aerospace and technology interests, appointed by the Administrator;

“(D) 5 members representing aerospace and technology interests, appointed by the Secretary of Transportation; and

“(E) 1 member, appointed by the Secretary of Transportation, who is the head of a union representing air traffic control system employees.

“(3) QUALIFICATIONS.—No officer or employee of the United States Government may be appointed to the Council under subparagraph (C) or (D) of paragraph (2).

“(4) FUNCTIONS.—

“(A) IN GENERAL.—

“(i) ADVISE; COUNSEL.—The Council shall provide advice and counsel to the Administrator on issues which affect or are affected by the activities of the Administrator.

“(ii) RESOURCE.—The Council shall function as an oversight resource for management, policy, spending, and regulatory matters under the jurisdiction of the Administrator.

“(iii) SUBMISSIONS TO ADMINISTRATION.—With respect to Administration management, policy, spending, funding, data management and analysis, safety initiatives, international agreements, activities of the International Civil Aviation Organization, and regulatory matters affecting the aerospace industry and the national airspace system, the Council may—

“(I) regardless of whether solicited by the Administrator, submit comments, recommended modifications, proposals, and supporting or dissenting views to the Administrator; and

“(II) request the Administrator include in any submission to Congress, the Secretary, or the general public, and in any submission for publication in the Federal Register, a description of the comments, recommended modifications, and dissenting or supporting views received from the Council under subclause (I).

“(iv) REASONING.—Together with a Council submission that is published or described under clause (iii)(II), the Administrator shall provide the reasons for any differences between the views of the Council and the views or actions of the Administrator.

“(v) COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS.—The Council shall review the rulemaking cost-benefit analysis process and develop recommendations to improve the analysis and ensure that the public interest is fully protected.

“(vi) PROCESS REVIEW.—The Council shall review the process through which the Administration determines to use advisory circulars, service bulletins, and other externally facing guidance and regulatory material.

“(B) MEETINGS.—The Council shall meet on a regular and periodic basis or at the call of the chair or of the Administrator.

“(C) ACCESS TO DOCUMENTS AND STAFF.—The Administration may give the Council appropriate access to relevant documents and personnel of the Administration, and the Administrator shall make available, consistent with the authority to withhold commercial and other proprietary information under section 552 of title 5 (commonly known as the ‘Freedom of Information Act’), cost data associated with the acquisition and operation of air traffic service systems.

“(D) DISCLOSURE OF COMMERCIAL OR PROPRIETARY DATA.—Any member of the Council who receives commercial or other proprietary data as provided for in this paragraph from the Administrator shall be subject to the provisions of section 1905 of title 18, pertaining to unauthorized disclosure of such information.

“(5) APPLICATION OF CHAPTER 10 OF TITLE 5.—Chapter 10 of title 5 does not apply to—

“(A) the Council;

“(B) such aviation rulemaking committees as the Administrator shall designate; or

“(C) such aerospace rulemaking committees as the Secretary shall designate.

“(6) ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS.—

“(A) TERMS.—Members of the Council appointed under paragraph (2)(C) shall be appointed for a term of 3 years.

“(B) TERM FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL REPRESENTATIVE.—The member appointed under paragraph (2)(D) shall be appointed for a term of 3 years, except that the term of such individual shall end whenever the individual no longer meets the requirements of paragraph (2)(D).

“(C) VACANCY.—Any vacancy on the Council shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, except that any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which the member’s predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder of that term.

“(D) CONTINUATION IN OFFICE.—A member of the Council whose term expires shall continue to serve until the date on which the member’s successor takes office.

“(E) REMOVAL.—Any member of the Council appointed under paragraph (2) may be removed for cause by whomever makes the appointment.

“(F) CHAIR; VICE CHAIR.—The Council shall elect a chair and a vice chair from among the members appointed under subparagraphs (C) and (D) of paragraph (2), each of whom shall serve for a term of 1 year. The vice chair shall perform the duties of the chair in the absence of the chair.

“(G) TRAVEL AND PER DIEM.—Each member of the Council shall be paid actual travel expenses, and per diem in lieu of subsistence expenses when away from the usual place of residence of the member, in accordance with section 5703 of title 5.

“(H) DETAIL OF PERSONNEL FROM THE ADMINISTRATION.—The Administrator shall make available to the Council such staff, information, and administrative services and assistance as may reasonably be required to enable the Council to carry out its responsibilities under this subsection.”.

(a) In general.—Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended by striking subsection (q) and inserting the following:

“(q) Aviation Noise Officer.—

“(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administration has an Aviation Noise Officer, who shall be appointed by the Administrator.

“(2) REGIONAL OFFICERS.—The Aviation Noise Officer shall designate, within each region of the Administration, a Regional Aviation Noise Officer.

“(3) DUTIES.—The Aviation Noise Officer, in coordination with the Regional Aviation Noise Officers, shall—

“(A) serve as a liaison with the public, including community groups, on issues regarding aircraft noise;

“(B) make recommendations to the Administrator to address concerns raised by the public; and

“(C) be consulted when the Administration proposes changes in aircraft routes so as to minimize any increases in aircraft noise over populated areas.

“(4) NUMBER OF FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT EMPLOYEES.—The appointment of an Aviation Noise Officer under this subsection shall not result in an increase in the number of full-time equivalent employees in the Administration.”.

(b) Conforming amendments.—Section 180 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 106 note) and the items relating to such section in the table of contents contained in section 1(b) of that Act, are repealed.

Section 106(r) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1)—

(A) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:

“(A) APPOINTMENT.—There shall be a Chief Operating Officer for the air traffic control system that is appointed by the Administrator and subject to the authority of the Administrator.”; and

(B) in subparagraph (E) by striking “shall be appointed for the remainder of that term” and inserting “may be appointed for either the remainder of the term or for a full term”;

(2) in paragraph (2) by striking “, with the approval of the Air Traffic Services Committee”;

(3) in paragraph (3)—

(A) by striking “, in consultation with the Air Traffic Services Committee,”; and

(B) by striking “annual basis.” and inserting— “annual basis and shall include responsibility for—

“(A) the state of good repair of the air traffic control system;

“(B) the continuous improvement of the safety and efficiency of the air traffic control system; and

“(C) identifying services and solutions to increase the safety and efficiency of airspace use and to support the safe integration of all airspace users.”;

(4) in paragraph (4) by striking “such information as may be prescribed by the Secretary” and inserting “the annual performance agreement required under paragraph (3), an assessment of the performance of the Chief Operating Officer in relation to the performance goals in the previous year’s performance agreement, and such other information as may be prescribed by the Administrator”; and

(5) in paragraph (5)—

(A) by striking “Chief Operating Officer, or any other authority within the Administration responsibilities, including” and inserting “Chief Operating Officer any authority of the Administrator and shall delegate, at a minimum”;

(B) in subparagraph (A)—

(i) in clause (iii) by striking “and” at the end;

(ii) in clause (iv) by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and

(iii) by adding at the end the following:

“(v) plans to integrate new entrant operations into the national airspace system and associated action items.”; and

(C) in subparagraph (C)(ii) by striking “and the Committee”.

Section 106(r) of title 49, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

“(6) UNFUNDED CAPITAL INVESTMENT NEEDS REPORT.—

“(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 10 days after the date on which the budget of the President for a fiscal year is submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1150 of title 31, the Chief Operating Officer shall submit directly to the Administrator, the Secretary, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on any unfunded capital investment needs of the air traffic control system.

“(B) CONTENTS OF REPORT.—The report required under subparagraph (A) shall include, for each unfunded capital investment need, the following:

“(i) A summary description of such unfunded capital investment need.

“(ii) Objective to be achieved if such unfunded capital investment need is funded in whole or in part.

“(iii) The additional amount of funds recommended in connection with such objective.

“(iv) The Budget Line Item Program and Budget Line Item number associated with such unfunded capital investment need, as applicable.

“(v) Any statutory requirement associated with such unfunded capital investment need, as applicable.

“(C) PRIORITIZATION OF REQUIREMENTS.—The report required under subparagraph (A) shall present unfunded capital investment needs in overall urgency of priority.

“(D) DEFINITION OF UNFUNDED CAPITAL INVESTMENT NEED.—In this paragraph the term ‘unfunded capital investment need’ means a program that—

“(i) is not funded in the budget of the President for the fiscal year as submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31;

“(ii) is for infrastructure or a system related to necessary modernization or sustainment of the air traffic control system;

“(iii) is listed for any year in the most recent National Airspace System Capital Investment Plan of the Administration; and

“(iv) would have been recommended for funding through the budget referred to in subparagraph (A) by the Chief Operating Officer if—

“(I) additional resources had been available for the budget to fund the program, activity, or mission requirement; or

“(II) the program, activity, or mission requirement has emerged since the budget was formulated.”.

Section 106(s) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1)—

(A) in subparagraph (A) by striking “There shall be” and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting “The Chief Technology Officer shall be appointed by the Chief Operating Officer of the air traffic control system with the consent of the Administrator.”;

(B) in subparagraph (B) by striking “management” and inserting “management, systems management,”;

(C) by striking subparagraph (D);

(D) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C) as subparagraphs (B) through (D), respectively; and

(E) by inserting before subparagraph (B), as so redesignated, the following:

“(A) ESTABLISHMENT.—There shall be a Chief Technology Officer for the air traffic control system that shall report directly to the Chief Operating Officer of the air traffic control system.”;

(2) in paragraph (2)—

(A) in subparagraph (A) by striking “program”; and

(B) in subparagraph (F) by striking “aircraft operators” and inserting “the Administration, aircraft operators, or other private providers of information and services related to air traffic management”; and

(3) in paragraph (3)—

(A) in subparagraph (A) by striking “The Chief Technology Officer shall be subject to the postemployment provisions of section 207 of title 18 as if the position of Chief Technology Officer were described in section 207(c)(2)(A)(i) of that title.”;

(B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and

(C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:

“(B) POST-EMPLOYMENT.—The Chief Technology Officer shall be subject to the postemployment provisions of section 207 of title 18 as if the position of Chief Technology Officer were described in section 207(c)(2)(A)(i) of such title.”.

Section 40102(a)(47) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subparagraph (C) by striking “and” at the end;

(2) in subparagraph (D) by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

Section 106(t) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by striking paragraph (7);

(2) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following:

“(7) DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL PEER REVIEW.—

“(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, and every 5 years thereafter, the inspector general of the Department of Transportation shall perform a peer review of the Office of Whistleblower Protection and Aviation Safety Investigations.

“(B) PEER REVIEW SCOPE.—In completing the peer reviews required under this paragraph, the inspector general shall use the most recent peer review guides published by the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency Audit Committee and Investigations Committee.

“(C) REPORTS TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 90 days after the completion of a peer review required under this paragraph, the inspector general shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a description of any actions taken or to be taken to address the results of the peer review.”; and

(3) in paragraph (8)(B) by striking the comma.

(a) In general.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall designate an executive of the Administration to serve as the lead for the cybersecurity of Administration systems and hardware (hereinafter referred to as the “Cybersecurity Lead”).

(b) Duties.—The Cybersecurity Lead shall carry out duties and powers prescribed by the Administrator, including the management of activities required under subtitle B of title VI of the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act.

(c) Briefing.—Not later than 1 and 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Cybersecurity Lead shall provide a briefing 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 of subtitle B of title VI of the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act.

(a) Annual report on aviation activities.—Section 308 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by striking subsection (b);

(2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b); and

(3) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (c).

(b) Annual report on the purchase of foreign manufactured articles.—Section 40110(d) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (5).

(c) Annual report on assistance to foreign aviation authorities.—Section 40113(e) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by striking paragraph (4); and

(2) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (4).

(d) AIP annual report.—Section 47131 of title 49, United States Code, and the item relating to such section in the analysis for chapter 471 of such title, are repealed.

(e) Transfer of airport land use compliance report to NPIAS.—Section 47103 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and

(2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:

“(d) Non-compliant airports.—

“(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall include in the plan a detailed statement listing airports the Secretary has reason to believe are not in compliance with grant assurances or other requirements with respect to airport lands and shall include—

“(A) the circumstances of noncompliance;

“(B) the timeline for corrective action with respect to such noncompliance; and

“(C) any corrective action the Secretary intends to require to bring the airport sponsor into compliance.

“(2) LISTING.—The Secretary is not required to conduct an audit or make a final determination before including an airport on the list referred to in paragraph (1).”.

(f) Notice to airport sponsors regarding purchase of American made equipment and products.—Section 306 of the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994 (49 U.S.C. 50101 note) is amended—

(1) in subsection (a) by striking “(a)” and all that follows through “It is the sense” and inserting “It is the sense”; and

(2) by striking subsection (b).

(g) Obsolete aviation security requirements.—Sections 302, 307, 309, and 310 of the Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–264), and the items relating to such sections in the table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.

(h) Regulation of Alaska guide pilots.—Section 732 of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (49 U.S.C. 44701 note) is amended—

(1) by striking subsection (b);

(2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b); and

(3) in subsection (b), as so redesignated—

(A) in the heading by striking “Definitions” and inserting “Definition of Alaska guide pilot”;

(B) by striking “, the following definitions apply” and all that follows through “The term ‘Alaska guide pilot’” and inserting “the term ‘Alaska guide pilot’”; and

(C) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C) as paragraphs (1) through (3) (and adjusting the margins accordingly).

(i) Next generation air transportation senior policy committee.—Section 710 of the Vision 100–Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note), and the item relating to such section in the table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.

(j) Improved pilot licenses and pilot license rulemaking.—

(1) INTELLIGENCE REFORM AND TERRORISM PREVENTION ACT.—Section 4022 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (49 U.S.C. 44703 note), and the item relating to such section in the table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.

(2) FAA MODERNIZATION AND REFORM ACT OF 2012.—Section 321 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 44703 note), and the item relating to such section in the table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.

(k) Technical training and staffing study.—Section 605 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–95) is amended—

(1) by striking subsection (a);

(2) in subsection (b)—

(A) by striking “(b) Workload of systems specialists.—”; and

(B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as subsections (a) through (c) (and adjust the margins and header casing appropriately); and

(3) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated) by striking “paragraph (1)” and inserting “subsection (a)”.

(l) Ferry flight duty period and flight time rulemakings.—Section 345 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note), and the item relating to such section in the table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.

(m) Laser pointer incident reports.—Section 2104 of FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 46301 note) is amended—

(1) in subsection (a) by striking “quarterly” and inserting “annually”; and

(2) by adding at the end the following:

“(c) Report sunset.—Subsection (a) shall cease to be effective after September 30, 2028.”.

(n) Cold weather projects briefing.—Section 156 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47112 note) is amended—

(1) by striking subsection (b); and

(2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).

The Pilot’s Bill of Rights (49 U.S.C. 44703 note) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(a) In general.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States 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 study of the implementation of the Pilot’s Bill of Rights (49 U.S.C. 44703 note).

(b) Contents.—In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall review—

(1) the implementation and application of the Pilot’s Bill of Rights (49 U.S.C. 44703 note);

(2) the application of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Evidence to covered proceedings by the National Transportation Safety Board, as required by section 2 of the Pilot’s Bill of Rights (49 U.S.C. 44703 note);

(3) the appeal process and the typical length of time associated with a final determination in a covered proceeding; and

(4) any impacts of the implementation of the Pilot’s Bill of Rights (49 U.S.C. 44703 note).

(c) Covered proceedings.—In this section, the term “covered proceeding” means a proceeding conducted under subpart C, D, or F of part 821 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, relating to denial, amendment, modification, suspension, or revocation of an airman certificate.

(a) In general.—Section 2307 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44703 note) is amended—

(1) in subsection (a)—

(A) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:

“(2) the individual holds a medical certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration or has held such a certificate at any time after July 14, 2006;”;

(B) in paragraph (7) by inserting “calendar” before “months”; and

(C) in paragraph (8)(A) by striking “5” and inserting “6”;

(2) in subsection (b)(2)(A)(i) by inserting “(or any successor form)” after “(3–99)”;

(3) by striking subsection (h) and inserting the following:

“(h) Report required.—Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, the Administrator, in coordination with the National Transportation Safety Board, shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that describes the effect of the regulations issued or revised under subsection (a) and includes statistics with respect to changes in small aircraft activity and safety incidents.”; and

(4) in subsection (j)—

(A) in paragraph (1) by striking “6” and inserting “7”; and

(B) in paragraph (2) by striking “6,000” and inserting “12,500”.

(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.

(c) Applicability.—Beginning on the date that is 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall apply part 68, Code of Federal Regulations, in a manner reflecting the amendments made by this section.

(a) In general.—Chapter 441 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

(b) Study on encrypting ads–b.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall seek to enter into an agreement with a qualified organization to conduct a study assessing the technical challenges, impact to international aviation operations, benefits, and costs of encrypting ADS–B signals to provide for a safer and more secure environment for national airspace system users.

(2) CONSULTATION.—In carrying out the study under paragraph (1), a qualified organization shall consult with representatives of—

(A) air carriers;

(B) collective bargaining representatives of the Federal Aviation Administration aero3 nautical information specialists;

(C) original equipment manufacturers of ADS–B equipment;

(D) general aviation;

(E) business aviation; and

(F) aviation safety experts with specific knowledge of aircraft cybersecurity.

(3) CONSIDERATIONS.—In carrying out the study under paragraph (1), a qualified organization shall consider—

(A) the technical requirements for encrypting ADS–B signals for both the 978 Mhz and 1090 Mhz frequencies;

(B) the advantages of encrypting ADS–B signals for both the 978 Mhz and 1090 Mhz frequencies, including those related to cybersecurity protections, safety, and privacy of national airspace system users;

(C) the disadvantages of encrypting ADS– B signals for both the 978 Mhz and 1090 Mhz frequencies, including those related to cybersecurity protections, safety, and privacy of national airspace system users;

(D) the challenges of encrypting ADS–B signals for both the 978 Mhz and 1090 Mhz frequencies, including coordination considerations with the International Civil Aviation Organization and foreign civil aviation authorities;

(E) potential new aircraft equipage requirements and estimated costs;

(F) the impact to nongovernmental third party users of ADS–B data;

(G) the estimated costs to—

(i) the Federal Aviation Administration;

(ii) aircraft owners required to equip with ADS–B equipment for aviation operations; and

(iii) other relevant persons the Administrator determines necessary; and

(H) the impact to national airspace system operations during implementation and post-implementation.

(4) REPORT.—In any agreement entered into under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall ensure that, not later than 1 year after the completion of the study required under paragraph (1), the qualified organization that has entered into such agreement shall submit to the Administrator, 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 described in paragraph (1), including the findings and recommendations related to each item specified under paragraph (3).

(5) DEFINITION OF QUALIFIED ORGANIZATION.—In this subsection, the term “qualified organization” means an independent nonprofit organization, described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code.

(c) Clerical amendment.—The analysis for chapter 441 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

“44114. Privacy. ”.

(d) Conforming amendment.—Section 566 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44103 note) and the item relating to such section in the table of contents under section 1(b) of that Act are repealed.

Section 46101 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(c) Prohibition on using ADS–B data to initiate an investigation.—

“(1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any provision of this section, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may not initiate an investigation (excluding a criminal investigation) of a person based exclusively on automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast data.

“(2) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit the use of automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast data in an investigation that was initiated for any reason other than the review of automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast data, including if such investigation was initiated as a result of a report or complaint submitted to the Administrator.”.

Section 44103 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(e) Prohibition on N–Number profiteering.—

“(1) IN GENERAL.—No person may reserve an aircraft registration number without certifying that such person intends to use such registration number—

“(A) immediately on a specific aircraft; or

“(B) for future use on an aircraft owned or controlled, or intended to be owned or controlled, by such person.

“(2) TRANSFERS.—A person may transfer a reserved aircraft registration number to another person if—

“(A) the transferor certifies that the aircraft registration number is relinquished willingly and at a cost to the transferee that does not otherwise exceed the amount paid by the transferor to reserve such number; and

“(B) the transferee—

“(i) certifies that the transferor did not impose a dollar cost on the transfer that exceeds the amount provided for in subparagraph (A); and

“(ii) complies with the certification requirement under paragraph (1).”.

(a) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall initiate a review of the process for reserving aircraft registration numbers to ensure that such process offers an equal opportunity for members of the general public to obtain specific aircraft registration numbers.

(b) Assessment.—In conducting the review under subsection (a), the Administrator shall assess the following:

(1) Whether the use of readily available software to prevent computer or web-based auto-fill systems from reserving aircraft registration numbers in bulk would improve participation in the reservation process by the general public.

(2) Whether a limit should be imposed on the number of consecutive years a person may reserve an aircraft registration number.

(3) The impact of the prohibition imposed by section 44103(e) of title 49, United States Code.

(c) Briefing.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 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 review conducted under subsection (a), including any recommendations of the Administrator to improve equal participation in the process for reserving aircraft registration numbers by the general public.

(a) In general.—Not later than 2 years after the date of issuance of a letter of investigation to any person, 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 may 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.

Section 821 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended—

(1) in subsection (a)—

(A) by striking “for the fuel costs associated with” and inserting “for the fuel costs and airport fees attributed to”; and

(B) by striking “for an individual or organ for medical purposes (and for other associated individuals)” and inserting “for the purposes described in subsection (c)(2)”; and

(2) in subsection (c)(2) by striking “charitable medical transportation.” and inserting the following: “charitable transportation for the following purposes:

“(A) Assisting individuals in accessing medical care or treatment (and for other associated individuals).

“(B) Delivering human blood, tissues, or organs.

“(C) Aiding disaster relief efforts pursuant to a—

“(i) presidential declaration of a major disaster or an emergency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.); or

“(ii) declaration of a major disaster or an emergency by a Governor of a State.”.

(a) In general.—

(1) VALIDITY OF EXEMPTION.—Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, an exemption from section 61.113(c) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, that is granted by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration for the purpose of allowing a volunteer pilot to accept reimbursement from a volunteer pilot organization for the fuel costs and airport fees attributed to a flight operation to provide charitable transportation pursuant to section 821 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) shall be valid for 5 years.

(2) FAILING TO ADHERE.—If the Administrator finds an exemption holder under paragraph (1) or a volunteer pilot fails to adhere to the conditions and limitations of the exemption described under such paragraph, the Administrator may rescind or suspend the exemption.

(3) NO LONGER QUALIFYING.—If the Administrator finds that such exemption holder no longer qualifies as a volunteer pilot organization, the Administrator shall rescind such exemption.

(4) FORGOING EXEMPTION.—If such exemption holder informs the Administrator that such holder no longer plans to exercise the authority granted by such exemption, the Administrator may rescind such exemption.

(b) Additional requirements.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—A volunteer pilot organization may impose additional safety requirements on a volunteer pilot without—

(A) being considered—

(i) an air carrier (as such term is defined in section 40102 of title 49, United States Code); or

(ii) a commercial operator (as such term is defined in section 1.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations); or

(B) constituting common carriage.

(2) SAVINGS CLAUSE.—Nothing in this subsection may be construed to limit or otherwise affect the authority of the Administrator to regulate, as appropriate, a flight operation associated with a volunteer pilot organization that constitutes a commercial operation or common carriage.

(c) Reissuance of existing exemptions.—In reissuing an expiring exemption described in subsection (a) that was originally issued prior to the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall ensure that the reissued exemption—

(1) accounts for the provisions of this section and section 821 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note), as amended by this Act; and

(2) is otherwise substantially similar to the previously issued exemption.

(d) Statutory construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to—

(1) affect the authority of the Administrator to exempt a pilot (exercising the private pilot privileges) from any restriction on receiving reimbursement for the fuel costs and airport fees attributed to a flight operation to provide charitable transportation; or

(2) impose or authorize the imposition of any additional requirements by the Administrator on a flight that is arranged by a volunteer pilot organization in which the volunteer pilot—

(A) is not reimbursed the fuel costs and airport fees attributed to a flight operation to provide charitable flights; or

(B) pays a pro rata share of expenses as described in section 61.113(c) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

(e) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) VOLUNTEER PILOT.—The term “volunteer pilot” means a person who—

(A) acts as a pilot in command of a flight operation to provide charitable transportation pursuant to section 821 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note); and

(B) holds a private pilot certificate, commercial pilot certificate, or an airline transportation pilot certificate issued under part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

(2) VOLUNTEER PILOT ORGANIZATION.—The term “volunteer pilot organization” has the meaning given such term in section 821(c) of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note).

(a) Report.—Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall initiate a review of the following:

(1) Applicable laws, regulations, policies, legal opinions, and guidance pertaining to charitable flights and the operations of such flights, including reimbursement of fuel costs.

(2) Petitions for exemption from the requirements of section 61.113(c) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, for the purpose of allowing a pilot to accept reimbursement for the fuel costs associated with a flight operation to provide charitable transportation pursuant to section 821 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note), as amended by this Act, including assessment of—

(A) the conditions and limitations a petitioner must comply with if the exemption is granted and whether such conditions and limitations are—

(i) applied to petitioners in a consistent manner; and

(ii) commensurate with the types of flight operations exemption holders propose to conduct under any such exemptions;

(B) denied petitions for such an exemption and the reasons for the denial of such petitions; and

(C) the processing time of a petition for such an exemption.

(3) Charitable flights conducted without an exemption from section 61.113(c) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, including an analysis of the certificates, qualifications, and aeronautical experience of the operators of such flights.

(b) Consultation.—In carrying out the review initiated under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall consult with charitable organizations, including volunteer pilot organizations, aircraft owners, and pilots who volunteer to provide transportation for or on behalf of a charitable organization, flight safety experts, and employees of the Federal Aviation Administration.

(c) Recommendations.—As part of the review initiated under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall make recommendations, as determined appropriate, to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to improve the rules, policies, and guidance pertaining to charitable flight operations.

(d) Report.—Upon completion of the review initiated under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report describing the findings of such review and recommendations developed under subsection (c).

(a) In general.—

(1) UNLIMITED LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 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 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 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 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).

Section 2(b) of the Pilot’s Bill of Rights (49 U.S.C. 44703 note) is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(6) RESPONSE TO LETTER OF INVESTIGATION.—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.”.

(a) Establishment.—Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall establish a program to provide rebates to owners of covered general aviation aircraft for the purchase of covered ADS–B equipment.

(b) Application.—To be eligible to receive a rebate under this section, an owner of a covered general aviation aircraft shall submit to the Administrator an application in such form, at such time, and containing such information as the Administrator may require, including proof of successful installation of covered ADS–B equipment.

(c) Authorized rebate.—

(1) AMOUNT.—A rebate approved by the Administrator to be issued to an owner of a covered general aviation aircraft shall be equal to the lesser of—

(A) the cost of purchasing the covered ADS–B equipment; or

(B) $2,000.

(2) TIME.—A rebate issued under the program under this section shall be redeemed or presented for payment not later than 180 days after issuance, after which time the rebate shall be deemed void.

(d) Sunset.—The program established under subsection (a) shall terminate on October 1, 2027.

(e) Restriction.—The Administrator may not offer rebates for—

(1) a software upgrade for covered ADS–B equipment;

(2) covered ADS–B equipment installed prior to the date of enactment of this Act;

(3) covered general aviation aircraft manufactured after January 1, 2020; or

(4) covered general aviation aircraft for which the Administrator has previously issued a rebate related to the purchase and installation of covered ADS–B equipment.

(f) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) ADS–B.—The term “ADS–B” means automatic dependent surveillance–broadcast.

(2) COVERED ADS–B EQUIPMENT.—The term “covered ADS–B equipment” means ADS–B equipment that—

(A) meets the performance requirements described in section 91.227 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation); and

(B) is capable of receiving and displaying ADS–B information from other aircraft.

(3) COVERED GENERAL AVIATION AIRCRAFT.—The term “covered general aviation aircraft” means a single-engine piston aircraft registered in the United States that is not equipped with covered ADS–B equipment.

(g) Authorization of appropriations.—Out of amounts made available under section 106(k) of title 49, United States Code, there is authorized to be expended to carry out this section and pay administrative costs $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2024 to remain available until expended.

(a) In general.—The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast equipage and usage rates across the active general aviation fleet in the United States.

(b) Contents.—In conducting the study described in subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall, at a minimum—

(1) analyze the reasons why aircraft owners choose not to equip or use an aircraft with automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast technology;

(2) examine and substantiate any benefits and drawbacks of using automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast technology, including safety and operational benefits and drawbacks;

(3) survey ways to further incentivize aircraft owners to equip and use aircraft with automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast technology; and

(4) examine the benefits, costs, and feasibility of requiring equipage of automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast technology on all newly manufactured aircraft other than aircraft issued a special airworthiness certificate.

(c) Report.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, 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 on automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast described in subsection (b) and make recommendations to incentivize equipage and usage rates across the active general aviation fleet in the United States.

(a) Non-surplus property.—Section 47125 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(c) Waiving restrictions.—

“(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may grant to an airport, city, or county a waiver of any of the terms, conditions, reservations, or restrictions contained in a deed under which the United States conveyed to the airport, city, or county an interest in real property for airport purposes pursuant to section 16 of the Federal Airport Act (60 Stat. 179), section 23 of the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 (84 Stat. 232), or this section.

“(2) CONDITIONS.—Any waiver granted by the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be subject to the following conditions:

“(A) The applicable airport, city, county, or other political subdivision shall agree that in conveying any interest in the real property which the United States conveyed to the airport, city, or county, the airport, city, or county will receive consideration for such interest that is equal to its current fair market value.

“(B) Any consideration received by the airport, city, or county under subparagraph (A) shall be used exclusively for the development, improvement, operation, or maintenance of a public airport by the airport, city, or county.

“(C) Such waiver—

“(i) will not significantly impair the aeronautical purpose of an airport;

“(ii) will not result in the permanent closure of an airport (unless the Secretary determines that the waiver will directly facilitate the construction of a replacement airport); or

“(iii) is necessary to protect or advance the civil aviation interests of the United States.

“(D) Any other conditions required by the Secretary.

“(3) ANNUAL REPORTING.—The Secretary shall include a list and description of each waiver granted pursuant to paragraph (1) in the report required under section 47131.”.

(b) Surplus property.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 47151 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

(A) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:

“(d) Waiver of condition.—The Secretary may not waive any condition imposed on an interest in surplus property conveyed under subsection (a) that such interest be used for an aeronautical purpose unless the Secretary provides public notice not less than 30 days before the issuance of such waiver and determines that such waiver—

“(1) will not significantly impair the aeronautical purpose of an airport;

“(2) will not result in the permanent closure of an airport (unless the Secretary determines that the waiver will directly facilitate the construction of a replacement airport); or

“(3) is necessary to protect or advance the civil aviation interests of the United States.”; and

(B) by adding at the end the following:

“(f) Reversions of property.—The Secretary shall take all necessary action to revert surplus property conveyed under this subchapter back to the United States if—

“(1) the Secretary determines that an instrument conveying an interest in surplus property under this subchapter incorporates a provision providing for the reversion of such property in the event the property is not used for aeronautical purposes;

“(2) other efforts by the Secretary to ensure that the property is used by the relevant airport sponsor is used for aeronautical purposes are unsuccessful; and

“(3) the Secretary determines that a reversion—

“(A) will result in the property being used for aeronautical purposes; or

“(B) will not transfer liabilities, including environmental liabilities, greater than the fair market value of the property to the Government.”; and

(2) WAIVING AND ADDING TERMS.—Section 47153(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

“(c) Restrictions on waiver.—Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), the Secretary may not waive any term under this section that an interest in land be used for an aeronautical purpose unless—

“(1) the Secretary provides public notice not less than 30 days before the issuance of a waiver; and

“(2) the Secretary determines that such waiver—

“(A) will not significantly impair the aeronautical purpose of an airport;

“(B) will not result in the permanent closure of an airport (unless the Secretary determines that the waiver will directly facilitate the construction of a replacement airport); or

“(C) is necessary to protect or advance the civil aviation interests of the United States.”.

(c) Repeals.—

(1) AIRPORTS NEAR CLOSED OR REALIGNED BASES.—Section 1203 of the Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 1996 (49 U.S.C. 47101 note), and the item relating to such section in the table of contents under section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.

(2) RELEASE FROM RESTRICTIONS.—Section 817 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 47125 note), and the item relating to such section in the table of contents under section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.

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.

(a) In general.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall update Airport Diagram Order JO 7910.4 and any related advisory circulars, policy, and guidance to ensure the clear and consistent use of terms to delineate the types of parking available to general aviation pilots.

(b) Collaboration.—In carrying out subsection (a), the Administrator shall collaborate with industry stakeholders, commercial service airports, and general aviation airports in—

(1) facilitating basic standardization of general aviation parking terms;

(2) accounting for the majority of uses of general aviation parking terms; and

(3) providing clarity for chart users.

(c) IAC specifications.—The Administrator shall encourage the Interagency Air Committee to incorporate the terms developed under subsection (a) in publications produced by the Committee.

(a) In general.—Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall publish an approved list of effective alternatives to automatic dependent surveillance–broadcast equipment (in this section referred to as “alternative ADS–B equipment”) for covered aircraft operating outside of Mode C veil airspace so that such aircraft may voluntarily broadcast positioning to other aircraft.

(b) Review; approval.—

(1) REVIEW.—In carrying out subsection (a), the Administrator shall, to the maximum extent practicable, review available commercial–off–the–shelf alternative ADS–B equipment that are used outside of the United States for purposes of allowing a pilot to voluntarily utilize such equipment while operating outside of Mode C veil airspace and within the national airspace system.

(2) APPROVAL.—The Administrator shall work with manufacturers of such equipment to expedite technical standard order authorization, or other approvals, required by the Administrator for such equipment for use in covered aircraft.

(c) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) ALTERNATIVE ADS–B EQUIPMENT.—The term “alternative ADS–B equipment” means a positioning technology that—

(A) does not otherwise meet the performance requirements prescribed in section 91.227 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;

(B) may be affixed to, or portable within, a covered aircraft; and

(C) can broadcast positioning of a covered aircraft to other aircraft operating outside of Mode C veil airspace.

(2) COVERED AIRCRAFT.—The term “covered aircraft” means—

(A) a single-engine piston aircraft;

(B) an ultralight aircraft; or

(C) an aircraft not equipped with an electrical system.

(d) Rule of construction.—Nothing in this section may be construed by the Administrator to require covered aircraft to install—

(1) alternative ADS–B equipment; or

(2) automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast equipment.

(a) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall coordinate with the General Aviation Joint Safety Committee to establish an Airshow Safety Team focused on airshow and aerial event safety.

(b) Objective.—The objective of the Airshow Safety Team described in subsection (a) shall be to—

(1) serve as a mechanism for Federal Government and industry cooperation, communication, and coordination on airshow and aerial event safety; and

(2) reduce airshow and aerial event accidents and incidents through non-regulatory, proactive safety strategies.

(c) Activities.—In carrying out the objectives pursuant to subsection (b), the Airshow Safety Team shall, at a minimum—

(1) perform an analysis of airshow and aerial event accidents and incidents in conjunction with the Safety Analysis Team;

(2) publish and update every 2 years after initial publication an Airshow Safety Plan that incorporates consensus based and data driven mitigation measures and non-regulatory safety strategies to improve and promote safety of the public, performers, and airport personnel; and

(3) engage the airshow and aerial event community to—

(A) communicate non-regulatory, proactive safety strategies identified by the Airshow Safety Plan to mitigate incidents; and

(B) discuss best practices to uphold and maintain safety at events.

(d) Membership.—The Administrator may request the Airshow Safety Team be comprised of at least 10 individuals, each of whom shall have knowledge or a background in the planning, execution, operation, or management of an airshow or aerial event.

(e) Meetings.—The Airshow Safety Team shall meet at least twice a year at the direction of the co-chairs of the General Aviation Joint Safety Committee.

(f) Construction.—The Administrator shall not initiate a regulatory action based on any—

(1) discussion or sharing of information and data that occurs as part of an official meeting of the Airshow Safety Team; or

(2) safety strategies or best practices identified by the Airshow Safety Plan that are not intended to be used by the Administrator for regulatory purposes.

(a) In general.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, 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 (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 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 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 over the 5 years previous to the date of submission of the report.

(a) In general.—Section 44103 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

“(f) Validity of aircraft registration during renewal.—

“(1) IN GENERAL.—An aircraft may be operated on or after the expiration date found on the certificate of registration issued for such aircraft under this section as if it were not expired if the operator of such aircraft has aboard the aircraft—

“(A) documentation validating that—

“(i) an aircraft registration renewal application form (AC Form 8050–1B, or a succeeding form) has been submitted to the Administrator for such aircraft but not yet approved or denied; and

“(ii) such aircraft is compliant with maintenance, inspections, and any other requirements for the aircraft’s airworthiness certificate issued under section 44704(d); and

“(B) the most recent aircraft registration.

“(2) PROOF OF PENDING RENEWAL APPLICATION.—The Administrator shall provide an applicant for renewal of registration under this section with documentation described in paragraph (1)(A). Such documentation shall—

“(A) be made electronically available to the applicant immediately upon submitting an aircraft registration renewal application to the Civil Aviation Registry for an aircraft;

“(B) notify the applicant of the operational allowance described in paragraph (1);

“(C) deem an aircraft’s airworthiness certificate issued under section 44704(d) as valid provided that the applicant confirms acknowledgment of the requirements of paragraph (1)(A)(ii);

“(D) confirm the applicant acknowledged the limitations described in paragraph (3)(A) and (3)(B); and

“(E) include identifying information pertaining to such aircraft and to the registered owner.

“(3) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to permit any person to operate an aircraft—

“(A) with an expired registration, except as specifically provided for under this subsection; or

“(B) if the Administrator has denied an application to renew the registration of such aircraft.”.

(b) Rulemaking; guidance.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue a final rule, if necessary, and update all applicable guidance and policies to implement the amendment made by this section.

Section 44703 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(l) Temporary airman certificate.—An individual may obtain a temporary airman certificate from the Administrator after requesting a permanent replacement airman certificate issued under this section. A temporary airman certificate shall be—

“(1) made available—

“(A) electronically to the individual immediately upon submitting an online application for a replacement certificate to the Administrator; or

“(B) physically to the individual at a flight standards district office—

“(i) if the individual submits an online application for a replacement certificate; or

“(ii) if the individual applies for a permanent replacement certificate other than by online application and such application has been received by the Federal Aviation Administration; and

“(2) destroyed upon receipt of the permanent replacement airman certificate from the Administrator.”.

(a) In general.—An authorized flight instructor providing student instruction, flight instruction, or flight training shall not be deemed to be operating an aircraft carrying persons or property for compensation or hire.

(b) 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 Federal Aviation Administration regulations and policy in effect as of the date of enactment of this section, shall not be deemed to be operating an aircraft carrying persons or property for compensation or hire.

(c) Use of aircraft.—An individual who uses, causes to use, or authorizes to use aircraft for flights conducted under subsection (a) or (b) shall not be deemed to be operating an aircraft carrying persons or property for compensation or hire.

(d) Revision of rules.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—The requirements of this section shall become effective upon the date of enactment of this Act.

(2) REVISION.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue, revise, or repeal the rules, regulations, guidance, or procedures of the Federal Aviation Administration to conform to the requirements of this section.

(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.

(a) In general.—Not later than 16 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall establish a program or office to provide national coordination and oversight of designated pilot examiners appointed under section 183.23 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

(b) Responsibilities.—The program or office established under 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, including the selection, training, duties, and deployment of such examiners.

(2) Supporting the standardization of policy, guidance, and regulations across the 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) Coordinating placement and deployment of such examiners across regions based on demand for examinations from the pilot community.

(4) Developing a code of conduct for such examiners.

(5) Deploying a survey system to track the performance and merit of such examiners.

(6) Facilitating an industry partnership to create a formal mentorship program for such examiners.

(7) Put in place a system that ensures available resources so that applicants can schedule airman practical tests not more than 14 calendar days after requested.

(c) Coordination.—In carrying out the responsibilities listed in subsection (b), the Administrator shall ensure the program—

(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 (or reconsiders) implementing 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) Briefing.—The Administrator shall brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate in each fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of this Act through fiscal year 2028 detailing—

(1) the methodology by which designated pilot examiners appointed under section 183.23 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, are deployed and any subsequent changes to the methodology to fulfill the demand for examinations;

(2) a review of the previous fiscal year detailing the average time an individual in each region must wait to schedule an appointment with such an examiner; and

(3) the turnover rates and resource costs associated with such examiners.

(a) Equivalent pilot-in-command medical requirements.—Notwithstanding section 61.23(a)(3)(iv) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, an examiner may administer a practical test or proficiency check if such examiner meets the medical qualification requirements under part 68 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, if the operation being conducted is in a covered aircraft, as such term is defined in section 2307(j) of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44703 note).

(b) Rulemaking.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, 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.

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, 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.

Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall take such actions as may be necessary to reduce and maintain the aircraft registration and recordation backlog at the Civil Aviation Registry so that, on average, applications are processed not later than 10 business days after receipt.

(a) In general.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall take such actions as may be necessary to achieve the goal of reducing the backlog of air carrier certificate applications under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to—

(1) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, maintain an average certificate decision time of less than 60 days; and

(2) not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, maintain an average certificate decision time of less than 30 days.

(b) Measures.—In meeting the goal under subsection (a), the Administrator may—

(1) assign, as appropriate, additional personnel or support staff, including on a temporary basis, to review, adjudicate, and approve applications;

(2) improve and expand promotion of existing applicant resources which could improve the quality of applications submitted to decrease the need for Administration applicant coordination and communications; and

(3) take into consideration any third-party entity that assisted in the preparation of an application for an air carrier certificate under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

(c) Working group.—The Administrator shall convene a working group comprised of industry stakeholders and aviation experts to—

(1) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, study methods and make recommendations to clarify requirements and standardize the process for conducting and completing aircraft conformity processes for existing air carriers and operators under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, in a timely manner, which shall include—

(A) developing a plan to honor or expedite the consideration of previously accepted aircraft configuration evaluations when an aircraft moves from one certificate under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to another such certificate;

(B) streamlining protocols for operators under such part 135 to add an aircraft that was listed on another certificate under such part 135 immediately prior to moving to the new carrier; and

(C) evaluating non-safety related Federal Aviation Administration policies, guidance, and documentation and identify needed changes to such policies, guidance, and documentation to accomplish subparagraph (B); and

(2) not later than 2 years after of the date of enactment of this Act—

(A) study and review methods to modernize and improve the air carrier certification process under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and

(B) recommend long-term solutions for effective management of Administration resources dedicated to approving air carrier certificate applications under such part 135.

(d) Congressional briefing.—Beginning 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and not less than every 6 months thereafter until the Administrator complies with the requirements under subsection (a)(2), the Administrator shall provide a briefing to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the status of the backlog of air carrier certificate applications under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, any measures the Administrator has put in place under subsection (b), and any recommendations received from the review under subsection (c).

(a) Completion of rulemaking.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue a final rule modifying section 61.51(j)(4) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to include aircraft under the direct operational control of forestry and fire protection agencies, as required by section 517 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44703 note).

(b) Failure to complete rulemaking.—If the Administrator fails to issue a final rule pursuant to subsection (a) by the deadline described in such subsection, beginning on the date that is 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act—

(1) notwithstanding section 61.51(j)(4) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, a pilot, while engaged on an official flight for a Federal, State, county, or municipal forestry or fire protection agency, may log flight time so long as the time acquired is in an aircraft that—

(A) is identified as an aircraft under section 61.5(b) of such title; and

(B) is a public aircraft under the direct operational control of a forestry or fire protection agency; and

(2) the Administrator may not take an enforcement action against the pilot for logging such flight time as described in paragraph (1).

(c) Sunset.—Subsection (b) shall cease to be effective on the date on which the final rule required under subsection (a) is effective.

(a) Completion of rulemaking.—Not later than 36 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue a final rule for the rulemaking activity titled “Removal of the Expiration Date on a Flight Instructor Certificate”, published in Fall 2022 in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions (RIN 2120–AL25) to, at a minimum, update part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to—

(1) remove the expiration date on a flight instructor certificate; and

(2) replace the requirement that a flight instructor renews their flight instructor certificate with appropriate recent experience requirements for the holder of a flight instructor certificate to exercise the privileges of such certificate.

(b) Failure to complete rulemaking.—If the Administrator fails to issue a final rule pursuant to subsection (a) before the deadline prescribed in that subsection, beginning on the date that is 36 months after the date of enactment of this Act—

(1) notwithstanding sections 61.19(d) and 61.197 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, an individual holding a flight instructor certificate that is not expired as of the date that is 36 months after the date of enactment of this Act may exercise the privileges of the certificate regardless of whether the certificate subsequently expires, provided that the individual meets eligibility requirements in accordance with section 61.183 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and

(2) the Administrator—

(A) shall consider a flight instructor certificate described in paragraph (1) as having no expiration date; and

(B) may not enforce any regulation attributed to the renewal of a flight instructor certificate of an individual.

(c) Sunset.—Subsection (b) shall cease to be effective on the effective date of a final rule issued pursuant to subsection (a).

(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 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 aircraft certification offices of the Administration;

(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 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, 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 recommendations to the Administrator to improve the consistency of decision-making by Flight Standards and Aircraft Certification Services offices of the Administration.

(d) Audits.—The inspector general shall complete an audit and issue the associated report required under subsection (c) not later than—

(1) 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, with regard to supplemental type certificates;

(2) 34 months after the date of enactment of this Act, with regard to repair stations certificated under part 145 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and

(3) 50 months after the date of enactment of this Act, with regard to technical standards orders.

(e) Implementation.—In addressing any recommendations from the inspector general contained in the reports required under subsection (c), the Administrator shall—

(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 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 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.

Section 44701 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(g) 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) regular 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.”.

Section 224 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note) is amended—

(1) in subsection (c)—

(A) in paragraph (2) by striking “; and” and inserting a semicolon;

(B) in paragraph (3) by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and

(C) by adding at the end the following:

“(4) the Office of Airports;

“(5) the Office of Security and Hazardous Materials Safety;

“(6) the Office of Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement; and

“(7) such other offices as the Administrator determines appropriate.”; and

(2) in subsection (d)(1)—

(A) in subparagraph (A) by striking “anonymous regulatory interpretation questions” and inserting “regulatory interpretation questions, including anonymously,”;

(B) in subparagraph (C) by striking “anonymous regulatory interpretation questions” and inserting “regulatory interpretation questions, including anonymously”; and

(C) by adding at the end the following:

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

(a) In general.—Chapter 453 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

(b) Clerical amendment.—The analysis of chapter 453 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

“Sec. 45307. Exemption of fees for air traffic services.”.

(c) Conforming repeal.—Section 530 of the FAA Reauthorization of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40103 note), and the item relating to that section in the table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.

Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, 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).

(a) In general.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall update the Administration’s Designee Management Policy (FAA Order 8000.95B), or any successor order, to ensure due process and increase transparency in Federal Aviation Administration-initiated terminations of designees.

(b) Updates to the designee management policy.—In updating the Administration’s Designee Management Policy under subsection (a), the Administrator shall, at a minimum, provide for the following:

(1) A process by which a designee—

(A) is notified of the root causes and reasons for a termination initiated by the Administrator;

(B) is notified of the change in a delegated authority to “suspended” or “terminated” during a Federal Aviation Administration-initiated termination;

(C) is provided a point of contact, who is independent of any investigation or termination action involving the designee, within the Administration, to correspond with for purposes of discussing the termination process and the designee’s status, including the handling of correspondence during the investigation process described in paragraph (2), if applicable, and the review panel described in paragraph (3);

(D) is notified of the results of the investigation described in paragraph (2) in a reasonable and timely manner, which shall include notice of additional action by the Administrator, if required; and

(E) may respond within 30 calendar days to the Administrator if the Administrator determines that a termination for cause is the appropriate course of action and initiates such action.

(2) An investigation process to determine the appropriate outcome in situations in which termination is being considered by the Administrator, which shall include the following elements:

(A) The root causes and reasons for the investigation, including any complaints or allegations.

(B) Collection of evidence related to the investigation.

(C) A review of the facts and circumstances surrounding the case.

(D) A review of the designee’s record in the designee management system and any relevant background information in the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration databases to determine if there is a pattern of inappropriate behavior or misconduct.

(E) A review of the designee’s response to the investigation, if provided, to include any documentation provided by the designee.

(F) A decision on the appropriate course of action based on the results of the investigation.

(G) Recording the results of the investigation in the Federal Aviation Administration’s designee management system.

(H) A notification to the designee that an investigation has been initiated, but only after it is determined through an established process that such notification would not adversely impact the investigation or safety.

(3) A review panel to determine whether a termination is appropriate when termination for cause is a possible outcome upon the completion of the investigation described in paragraph (2), of which such review panel shall—

(A) consider the elements of the investigation process provided for under paragraph (2), including the designee’s response to the investigation and any associated documents, if provided; and

(B) complete the review process within 45 calendar days of the Administrator initiating a for cause termination decision of a designee.

(c) Subsequent review for designated pilot examiners.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall set up a process through which a Designated Pilot Examiner terminated for cause may request a subsequent review by the Executive Director of the Flight Standards Service.

(2) REQUEST.—A Designated Pilot Examiner terminated for cause may request a subsequent review described in paragraph (1) not later than 15 calendar days after termination,

(3) REVIEW.—The Executive Director shall review all relevant information and facts by which the decision was made to terminate the designee, including the information considered by the review panel, and issue a final determination.

(4) TIMING.—Such final determination shall be issued by the Director not later than 45 calendar days upon receiving the request.

(d) Limitation on investigation and review panel participants.—An Administration employee involved in the selection, appointment, or management of a designee the Administrator is investigating or terminating for cause may not be party—

(1) to an investigation described in subsection (b)(2) of such designee; or

(2) participating on a review panel described in subsection (b)(3) pertaining to such designee.

(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 check airmen for air carrier operations conducted under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

(b) Duties.—The Committee shall—

(1) review the processes and requirements by which authorized check airmen are selected, trained, and approved by the Administrator, and provide recommendations with respect to the regulatory and policy changes necessary to ensure efficient training and utilization of such check airmen;

(2) review differences in qualification standards between an inspector of the Federal Aviation Administration and an authorized check airmen in evaluating and certifying the knowledge and skills of pilots; and

(3) make recommendations with respect to the regulatory and policy changes necessary to allow authorized check airmen to perform duties beyond the duties permitted on the date of enactment of this Act.

(c) 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 such recommendations.

(d) Definition of authorized check airman.—In this section, the term “authorized check airman” means an individual employed by an air carrier that meets the qualifications and training requirements of sections 135.337 and 135.339 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and is approved to evaluate and certify the knowledge and skills of pilots employed by such air carrier.

Section 40128(b)(4) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in subparagraph (C) by striking “and” at the end;

(2) in subparagraph (D) by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

“(E) consult with the advisory group established under section 805 of the National Parks Air Tour Management Act of 2000 (49 U.S.C. 40128 note) and consider all advice, information, and recommendations provided by the advisory group to the Administrator and the Director.”.

(a) In general.—Beginning on the date that is 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the following regulations shall cease to apply to any aircraft operating below 41,000 feet above mean sea level:

(1) Paragraphs (3) and (4) of section 135.89(b) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations).

(2) Paragraphs (1)(ii) and (2) of section 91.211(b) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations).

(b) Conforming amendment.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue a final regulation revising the provisions of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) to conform to the limitation in applicability pursuant to subsection (a).

Section 44737 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by striking “rotorcraft” and inserting “helicopter” each place it appears (including in any headings); and

(2) by adding at the end the following:

(a) In general.—Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall establish a program, in cooperation with the National Center for the Advancement of Aerospace, to be known as the “Airshow Venue Information, Awareness, Training, and Education Program” (in this section referred to as the “AVIATE Program”).

(b) Objective.—The objectives of the AVIATE Program shall be—

(1) to make information available to general aviation airport managers, local government officials, and other relevant stakeholders about how to host an airshow;

(2) to provide guidance and resources to help organizers plan and execute airshows and aerial events, including—

(A) compliance with all applicable regulations;

(B) providing technical assistance in establishing—

(i) emergency response plans; and

(ii) communication plans between relevant event stakeholders, including local enforcement and emergency first responders; and

(C) ensuring protection of the public, performers, and airport personnel;

(3) to promote public awareness and engagement with airshows and aerial events, including opportunities for community education, outreach, and involvement; and

(4) to provide access to tools and resources that enable general aviation airport managers, local government officials, and other relevant stakeholders to understand the impact of airshows and aerial events on local economies and communities.

(c) Administration.—In carrying out the AVIATE Program, the Administrator shall consult and coordinate, as appropriate, with relevant stakeholders, including—

(1) airshow safety experts;

(2) general aviation aircraft owners and operators, including experimental aircraft owners and operators;

(3) general aviation airports, including airport officials;

(4) air traffic control specialists with knowledge of coordinating airshows and aerial events, including experts from the exclusive bargaining representative of air traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code; and

(5) experts from the exclusive bargaining representative of air traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code.

(a) In general.—Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall, as appropriate, establish or update low altitude routes and flight procedures to ensure safe rotorcraft and powered-lift aircraft operations within Class B airspace of the national airspace system.

(b) Flight procedures.—In carrying out subsection (a), the Administrator shall, as appropriate, establish or update approach and departure procedures at public-use airports and heliports within Class B airspace for rotorcraft and powered-lift aircraft operations.

(c) Flight routes.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out this section, the Administrator shall revise part 71 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, as necessary, to establish or update low altitude routes related to Class B airspace operations for rotorcraft and powered-lift aircraft.

(2) CONSIDERATIONS.—In carrying out this section, the Administrator shall consider the impact of such low altitude flight routes described in paragraph (1) on other airspace users and impacted communities to ensure that such routes are designed to minimize—

(A) the potential for conflict with existing national airspace system operations;

(B) the workload of air traffic controllers; and

(C) negative effects to impacted communities.

(d) Consultation.—In carrying out this section, the Administrator shall develop the procedures and routes required under subsection (b) and (c) in consultation with—

(1) rotorcraft operators, including air ambulance operators;

(2) powered-lift operators;

(3) exclusive bargaining representatives of air traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code; and

(4) any other relevant stakeholders as determined by the Administrator.

The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall seek to facilitate the recognition of medical qualifications under part 68 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, with civil aviation authorities in Canada and such other foreign countries that the Administrator determines are appropriate.

(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”).