1. U.S. Code
  2. title 49
  3. subtitle VII
  4. part A
  5. subpartiii
  6. chapter 447
  7. § 44732

Collapse to view only § 44732. Prohibition on personal use of electronic devices on flight deck

§ 44701. General requirements
(a)Promoting Safety.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall promote safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing—
(1) minimum standards required in the interest of safety for appliances and for the design, material, construction, quality of work, cybersecurity, and performance of aircraft, aircraft engines, and propellers;
(2) regulations and minimum standards in the interest of safety for—
(A) inspecting, servicing, and overhauling aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, and appliances;
(B) equipment and facilities for, and the timing and manner of, the inspecting, servicing, and overhauling; and
(C) a qualified private person, instead of an officer or employee of the Administration, to examine and report on the inspecting, servicing, and overhauling;
(3) regulations required in the interest of safety for the reserve supply of aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, appliances, and aircraft fuel and oil, including the reserve supply of fuel and oil carried in flight;
(4) regulations in the interest of safety for the maximum hours or periods of service of airmen and other employees of air carriers; and
(5) regulations and minimum standards for cybersecurity and other practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce and national security.
(b)Prescribing Minimum Safety Standards.—The Administrator may prescribe minimum safety standards for—
(1) an air carrier to whom a certificate is issued under section 44705 of this title; and
(2) operating an airport serving any passenger operation of air carrier aircraft designed for at least 31 passenger seats.
(c)Reducing and Eliminating Accidents.—The Administrator shall carry out this chapter in a way that best tends to reduce or eliminate the possibility or recurrence of accidents in air transportation. However, the Administrator is not required to give preference either to air transportation or to other air commerce in carrying out this chapter.
(d)Considerations and Classification of Regulations and Standards.—When prescribing a regulation or standard under subsection (a) or (b) of this section or any of sections 44702–44716 of this title, the Administrator shall—
(1) consider—
(A) the duty of an air carrier to provide service with the highest possible degree of safety in the public interest; and
(B) differences between air transportation and other air commerce; and
(2) classify a regulation or standard appropriate to the differences between air transportation and other air commerce.
(e)Bilateral Exchanges of Safety Oversight Responsibilities.—
(1)In general.—Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, the Administrator, pursuant to Article 83 bis of the Convention on International Civil Aviation and by a bilateral agreement with the aeronautical authorities of another country, may exchange with that country all or part of their respective functions and duties with respect to registered aircraft under the following articles of the Convention: Article 12 (Rules of the Air); Article 31 (Certificates of Airworthiness); or Article 32a (Licenses of Personnel).
(2)Relinquishment and acceptance of responsibility.—The Administrator relinquishes responsibility with respect to the functions and duties transferred by the Administrator as specified in the bilateral agreement, under the Articles listed in paragraph (1) for United States-registered aircraft described in paragraph (4)(A) transferred abroad and accepts responsibility with respect to the functions and duties under those Articles for aircraft registered abroad and described in paragraph (4)(B) that are transferred to the United States.
(3)Conditions.—The Administrator may predicate, in the agreement, the transfer of functions and duties under this subsection on any conditions the Administrator deems necessary and prudent, except that the Administrator may not transfer responsibilities for United States registered aircraft described in paragraph (4)(A) to a country that the Administrator determines is not in compliance with its obligations under international law for the safety oversight of civil aviation.
(4)Registered aircraft defined.—In this subsection, the term “registered aircraft” means—
(A) aircraft registered in the United States and operated pursuant to an agreement for the lease, charter, or interchange of the aircraft or any similar arrangement by an operator that has its principal place of business or, if it has no such place of business, its permanent residence in another country; and
(B) aircraft registered in a foreign country and operated under an agreement for the lease, charter, or interchange of the aircraft or any similar arrangement by an operator that has its principal place of business or, if it has no such place of business, its permanent residence in the United States.
(5)Foreign airworthiness directives.—
(A)Acceptance.—Subject to subparagraph (D), the Administrator may accept an airworthiness directive, as defined in section 39.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, issued by an aeronautical safety authority of a foreign country, and leverage that authority’s regulatory process, if—
(i) the country is the state of design for the product that is the subject of the airworthiness directive;
(ii) the United States has a bilateral safety agreement relating to aircraft certification with the country;
(iii) as part of the bilateral safety agreement with the country, the Administrator has determined that such aeronautical safety authority has an aircraft certification system relating to safety that produces a level of safety equivalent to the level produced by the system of the Federal Aviation Administration;
(iv) the aeronautical safety authority of the country utilizes an open and transparent notice and comment process in the issuance of airworthiness directives; and
(v) the airworthiness directive is necessary to provide for the safe operation of the aircraft subject to the directive.
(B)Alternative approval process.—Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the Administrator may issue a Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness directive instead of accepting an airworthiness directive otherwise eligible for acceptance under such subparagraph, if the Administrator determines that such issuance is necessary for safety or operational reasons due to the complexity or unique features of the Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness directive or the United States aviation system.
(C)Alternative means of compliance.—The Administrator may—
(i) accept an alternative means of compliance, with respect to an airworthiness directive accepted under subparagraph (A), that was approved by the aeronautical safety authority of the foreign country that issued the airworthiness directive; or
(ii) notwithstanding subparagraph (A), and at the request of any person affected by an airworthiness directive accepted under such subparagraph, approve an alternative means of compliance with respect to the airworthiness directive.
(D)Limitation.—The Administrator may not accept an airworthiness directive issued by an aeronautical safety authority of a foreign country if the airworthiness directive addresses matters other than those involving the safe operation of an aircraft.
(f)Exemptions.—The Administrator may grant an exemption from a requirement of a regulation prescribed under subsection (a) or (b) of this section or any of sections 44702–44716 of this title if the Administrator finds the exemption is in the public interest.
(g)Exclusive Rulemaking Authority.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law and except as provided in section 40131, the Administrator, in consultation with the heads of such other agencies as the Administrator determines necessary, shall have exclusive authority to prescribe regulations for purposes of assuring the cybersecurity of civil aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, and appliances.
(h)Policies, Orders, and Guidance.—
(1)Consistency of application.—The Administrator shall ensure consistency in the application of policies, orders, and guidance of the Administration by—
(A) audits of the application and interpretation of such material by Administration personnel from person to person and office to office;
(B) updating policies, orders, and guidance to resolve inconsistencies and clarify demonstrated ambiguities, such as through repeated inconsistent interpretation; and
(C) ensuring officials are properly documenting findings and decisions throughout a project to decrease the occurrence of duplicative work and inconsistent findings by subsequent officials assigned to the same project.
(2)Alterations.—The Administrator shall consult as appropriate with regulated entities who will be impacted by proposed changes to the span or application of policies, orders, and guidance before making such changes.
(3)Authorities and regulations.—The Administrator shall issue policies, orders, and guidance documents that are related to a law or regulation or clarify the intent of or compliance with specific laws and regulations.
(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1185; Pub. L. 103–429, § 6(55), Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4385; Pub. L. 106–181, title VII, § 714, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 161; Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title II, § 242, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3258; Pub. L. 118–63, title III, § 392, title VIII, § 822, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1143, 1331.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44701

§ 44702. Issuance of certificates
(a)General Authority and Applications.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may issue airman certificates, design organization certificates, type certificates, production certificates, airworthiness certificates, air carrier operating certificates, airport operating certificates, air agency certificates, and air navigation facility certificates under this chapter. An application for a certificate must—
(1) be under oath when the Administrator requires; and
(2) be in the form, contain information, and be filed and served in the way the Administrator prescribes.
(b)Considerations.—When issuing a certificate under this chapter, the Administrator shall—
(1) consider—
(A) the duty of an air carrier to provide service with the highest possible degree of safety in the public interest; and
(B) differences between air transportation and other air commerce; and
(2) classify a certificate according to the differences between air transportation and other air commerce.
(c)Prior Certification.—The Administrator may authorize an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance for which a certificate has been issued authorizing the use of the aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance in air transportation to be used in air commerce without another certificate being issued.
(d)Delegation.—
(1) Subject to regulations, supervision, and review the Administrator may prescribe, the Administrator may delegate to a qualified private person, or to an employee under the supervision of that person, a matter related to—
(A) the examination, testing, and inspection necessary to issue a certificate under this chapter; and
(B) issuing the certificate.
(2) The Administrator may rescind a delegation under this subsection at any time for any reason the Administrator considers appropriate.
(3) A person affected by an action of a private person under this subsection may apply for reconsideration of the action by the Administrator. On the Administrator’s own initiative, the Administrator may reconsider the action of a private person at any time. If the Administrator decides on reconsideration that the action is unreasonable or unwarranted, the Administrator shall change, modify, or reverse the action. If the Administrator decides the action is warranted, the Administrator shall affirm the action.
(4)
(A) With respect to a critical system design feature of a transport category airplane, the Administrator may not delegate any finding of compliance with applicable airworthiness standards or review of any system safety assessment required for the issuance of a certificate, including a type certificate, or amended or supplemental type certificate, under section 44704, until the Administrator has reviewed and validated any underlying assumptions related to human factors.
(B) The requirement under subparagraph (A) shall not apply if the Administrator determines the matter involved is a routine task.
(C) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term critical system design feature includes any feature (including a novel or unusual design feature) for which the failure of such feature, either independently or in combination with other failures, could result in catastrophic or hazardous failure conditions, as those terms are defined by the Administrator.
(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1186; Pub. L. 108–176, title II, § 227(a), Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2531; Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, § 106, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2320.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44702

§ 44703. Airman certificates
(a)General.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue an airman certificate to an individual when the Administrator finds, after investigation, that the individual is qualified for, and physically able to perform the duties related to, the position to be authorized by the certificate.
(b)Contents.—
(1) An airman certificate shall—
(A) be numbered and recorded by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration;
(B) contain the name, address, and description of the individual to whom the certificate is issued;
(C) contain terms the Administrator decides are necessary to ensure safety in air commerce, including terms on the duration of the certificate, periodic or special examinations, and tests of physical fitness;
(D) specify the capacity in which the holder of the certificate may serve as an airman with respect to an aircraft; and
(E) designate the class the certificate covers.
(2) A certificate issued to a pilot serving in scheduled air transportation shall have the designation “airline transport pilot” of the appropriate class.
(c)Public Information.—
(1)In general.—Subject to paragraph (2) and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the information contained in the records of contents of any airman certificate issued under this section that is limited to an airman’s name, address, and ratings held shall be made available to the public after the 120th day following the date of the enactment of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century.
(2)Opportunity to withhold information.—Before making any information concerning an airman available to the public under paragraph (1), the airman shall be given an opportunity to elect that the information not be made available to the public.
(3)Development and implementation of program.—Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century, the Administrator shall develop and implement, in cooperation with representatives of the aviation industry, a one-time written notification to airmen to set forth the implications of making information concerning an airman available to the public under paragraph (1) and to carry out paragraph (2). The Administrator shall also provide such written notification to each individual who becomes an airman after such date of enactment.
(d)Appeals.—
(1) An individual whose application for the issuance or renewal of an airman certificate has been denied may appeal the denial to the National Transportation Safety Board, except if the individual holds a certificate that—
(A) is suspended at the time of denial; or
(B) was revoked within one year from the date of the denial.
(2) The Board shall conduct a hearing on the appeal at a place convenient to the place of residence or employment of the applicant. The Board is not bound by findings of fact of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. At the end of the hearing, the Board shall decide whether the individual meets the applicable regulations and standards. The Administrator is bound by that decision.
(3) A person who is substantially affected by an order of the Board under this subsection, or the Administrator if the Administrator decides that an order of the Board will have a significant adverse impact on carrying out this subtitle, may seek judicial review of the order under section 46110. The Administrator shall be made a party to the judicial review proceedings. The findings of fact of the Board in any such case are conclusive if supported by substantial evidence.
(e)Restrictions and Prohibitions.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may—
(1) restrict or prohibit issuing an airman certificate to an alien; or
(2) make issuing the certificate to an alien dependent on a reciprocal agreement with the government of a foreign country.
(f)Controlled Substance Violations.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may not issue an airman certificate to an individual whose certificate is revoked under section 44710 of this title except—
(1) when the Administrator decides that issuing the certificate will facilitate law enforcement efforts; and
(2) as provided in section 44710(e)(2) of this title.
(g)Modifications in System.—
(1) The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall make modifications in the system for issuing airman certificates necessary to make the system more effective in serving the needs of airmen and officials responsible for enforcing laws related to the regulation of controlled substances (as defined in section 102 of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (21 U.S.C. 802)) and related to combating acts of terrorism. The modifications shall ensure positive and verifiable identification of each individual applying for or holding a certificate and shall address at least each of the following deficiencies in, and abuses of, the existing system:
(A) the use of fictitious names and addresses by applicants for those certificates.
(B) the use of stolen or fraudulent identification in applying for those certificates.
(C) the use by an applicant of a post office box or “mail drop” as a return address to evade identification of the applicant’s address.
(D) the use of counterfeit and stolen airman certificates by pilots.
(E) the absence of information about physical characteristics of holders of those certificates.
(2) The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall prescribe regulations to carry out paragraph (1) of this subsection and provide a written explanation of how the regulations address each of the deficiencies and abuses described in paragraph (1). In prescribing the regulations, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall consult with the Administrator of Drug Enforcement, the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, other law enforcement officials of the United States Government, representatives of State and local law enforcement officials, representatives of the general aviation aircraft industry, representatives of users of general aviation aircraft, and other interested persons.
(3) For purposes of this section, the term “acts of terrorism” means an activity that involves a violent act or an act dangerous to human life that is a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State, or that would be a criminal violation if committed within the jurisdiction of the United States or of any State, and appears to be intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion or to affect the conduct of a government by assassination or kidnaping.
(4) The Administrator is authorized and directed to work with State and local authorities, and other Federal agencies, to assist in the identification of individuals applying for or holding airmen certificates.
(h)Records of Employment of Pilot Applicants.—
(1)In general.—Subject to paragraph (14), before allowing an individual to begin service as a pilot, an air carrier shall request and receive the following information:
(A)FAA records.—From the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, records pertaining to the individual that are maintained by the Administrator concerning—
(i) current airman certificates (including airman medical certificates) and associated type ratings, including any limitations to those certificates and ratings; and
(ii) summaries of legal enforcement actions resulting in a finding by the Administrator of a violation of this title or a regulation prescribed or order issued under this title that was not subsequently overturned.
(B)Air carrier and other records.—From any air carrier or other person (except a branch of the United States Armed Forces, the National Guard, or a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces) that has employed the individual as a pilot of a civil or public aircraft at any time during the 5-year period preceding the date of the employment application of the individual, or from the trustee in bankruptcy for such air carrier or person—
(i) records pertaining to the individual that are maintained by an air carrier (other than records relating to flight time, duty time, or rest time) under regulations set forth in—(I) section 121.683 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;(II) paragraph (A) of section VI, appendix I, part 121 of such title;(III) paragraph (A) of section IV, appendix J, part 121 of such title;(IV) section 125.401 of such title; and(V) section 135.63(a)(4) of such title; and
(ii) other records pertaining to the individual’s performance as a pilot that are maintained by the air carrier or person concerning—(I) the training, qualifications, proficiency, or professional competence of the individual, including comments and evaluations made by a check airman designated in accordance with section 121.411, 125.295, or 135.337 of such title;(II) any disciplinary action taken with respect to the individual that was not subsequently overturned; and(III) any release from employment or resignation, termination, or disqualification with respect to employment.
(C)National driver register records.—In accordance with section 30305(b)(8) of this title, from the chief driver licensing official of a State, information concerning the motor vehicle driving record of the individual.
(2)Written consent; release from liability.—An air carrier making a request for records under paragraph (1)—
(A) shall be required to obtain written consent to the release of those records from the individual that is the subject of the records requested; and
(B) may, notwithstanding any other provision of law or agreement to the contrary, require the individual who is the subject of the records to request to execute a release from liability for any claim arising from the furnishing of such records to or the use of such records by such air carrier (other than a claim arising from furnishing information known to be false and maintained in violation of a criminal statute).
(3) 5-year reporting period.—A person shall not furnish a record in response to a request made under paragraph (1) if the record was entered more than 5 years before the date of the request, unless the information concerns a revocation or suspension of an airman certificate or motor vehicle license that is in effect on the date of the request.
(4)Requirement to maintain records.—The Administrator and air carriers shall maintain pilot records described in paragraphs (1)(A) and (1)(B) for a period of at least 5 years.
(5)Receipt of consent; provision of information.—A person shall not furnish a record in response to a request made under paragraph (1) without first obtaining a copy of the written consent of the individual who is the subject of the records requested; except that, for purposes of paragraph (15), the Administrator may allow an individual designated by the Administrator to accept and maintain written consent on behalf of the Administrator for records requested under paragraph (1)(A). A person who receives a request for records under this subsection shall furnish a copy of all of such requested records maintained by the person not later than 30 days after receiving the request.
(6)Right to receive notice and copy of any record furnished.—A person who receives a request for records under paragraph (1) shall provide to the individual who is the subject of the records—
(A) on or before the 20th day following the date of receipt of the request, written notice of the request and of the individual’s right to receive a copy of such records; and
(B) in accordance with paragraph (10), a copy of such records, if requested by the individual.
(7)Reasonable charges for processing requests and furnishing copies.—A person who receives a request under paragraph (1) or (6) may establish a reasonable charge for the cost of processing the request and furnishing copies of the requested records.
(8)Standard forms.—The Administrator shall promulgate—
(A) standard forms that may be used by an air carrier to request records under paragraph (1); and
(B) standard forms that may be used by an air carrier to—
(i) obtain the written consent of the individual who is the subject of a request under paragraph (1); and
(ii) inform the individual of—(I) the request; and(II) the individual right of that individual to receive a copy of any records furnished in response to the request.
(9)Right to correct inaccuracies.—An air carrier that maintains or requests and receives the records of an individual under paragraph (1) shall provide the individual with a reasonable opportunity to submit written comments to correct any inaccuracies contained in the records before making a final hiring decision with respect to the individual.
(10)Notwithstanding any other provision of law or agreement, an air carrier shall, upon written request from a pilot who is or has been employed by such carrier, make available, within a reasonable time, but not later than 30 days after the date of the request, to the pilot for review, any and all employment records referred to in paragraph (1)(B)(i) or (ii) pertaining to the employment of the pilot.
(11)Privacy protections.—An air carrier that receives the records of an individual under paragraph (1) may use such records only to assess the qualifications of the individual in deciding whether or not to hire the individual as a pilot. The air carrier shall take such actions as may be necessary to protect the privacy of the pilot and the confidentiality of the records, including ensuring that information contained in the records is not divulged to any individual that is not directly involved in the hiring decision.
(12)Periodic review.—Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of the Pilot Records Improvement Act of 1996, and at least once every 3 years thereafter, the Administrator shall transmit to Congress a statement that contains, taking into account recent developments in the aviation industry—
(A) recommendations by the Administrator concerning proposed changes to Federal Aviation Administration records, air carrier records, and other records required to be furnished under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1); or
(B) reasons why the Administrator does not recommend any proposed changes to the records referred to in subparagraph (A).
(13)Regulations.—The Administrator shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary—
(A) to protect—
(i) the personal privacy of any individual whose records are requested under paragraph (1) and disseminated under paragraph (15); and
(ii) the confidentiality of those records;
(B) to preclude the further dissemination of records received under paragraph (1) by the person who requested those records; and
(C) to ensure prompt compliance with any request made under paragraph (1).
(14)Special rules with respect to certain pilots.—
(A)Pilots of certain small aircraft.—Notwithstanding paragraph (1), an air carrier, before receiving information requested about an individual under paragraph (1), may allow the individual to begin service for a period not to exceed 90 days as a pilot of an aircraft with a maximum payload capacity (as defined in section 119.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) of 7,500 pounds or less, or a helicopter, on a flight that is not a scheduled operation (as defined in such section). Before the end of the 90-day period, the air carrier shall obtain and evaluate such information. The contract between the carrier and the individual shall contain a term that provides that the continuation of the individual’s employment, after the last day of the 90-day period, depends on a satisfactory evaluation.
(B)Good faith exception.—Notwithstanding paragraph (1), an air carrier, without obtaining information about an individual under paragraph (1)(B) from an air carrier or other person that no longer exists or from a foreign government or entity that employed the individual, may allow the individual to begin service as a pilot if the air carrier required to request the information has made a documented good faith attempt to obtain such information.
(15)Electronic access to faa records.—For the purpose of increasing timely and efficient access to Federal Aviation Administration records described in paragraph (1), the Administrator may allow, under terms established by the Administrator, an individual designated by the air carrier to have electronic access to a specified database containing information about such records. The terms shall limit such access to instances in which information in the database is required by the designated individual in making a hiring decision concerning a pilot applicant and shall require that the designated individual provide assurances satisfactory to the Administrator that information obtained using such access will not be used for any purpose other than making the hiring decision.
(16)Applicability.—This subsection shall cease to be effective on the date specified in regulations issued under subsection (i).
(i) FAA Pilot Records Database.—
(1)In general.—Before allowing an individual to begin service as a pilot, an air carrier shall access and evaluate, in accordance with the requirements of this subsection, information pertaining to the individual from the pilot records database established under paragraph (2).
(2)Pilot records database.—Not later than April 30, 2017, the Administrator shall establish and make available for use an electronic database (in this subsection referred to as the “database”) containing the following records:
(A) FAA records.—From the Administrator—
(i) records that are maintained by the Administrator concerning current airman certificates, including airman medical certificates and associated type ratings and information on any limitations to those certificates and ratings;
(ii) records that are maintained by the Administrator concerning any failed attempt of an individual to pass a practical test required to obtain a certificate or type rating under part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
(iii) summaries of legal enforcement actions resulting in a finding by the Administrator of a violation of this title or a regulation prescribed or order issued under this title that was not subsequently overturned.
(B)Air carrier and other records.—From any air carrier or other person (except a branch of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, or a reserve component of the Armed Forces) that has employed an individual as a pilot of a civil or public aircraft, or from the trustee in bankruptcy for the air carrier or person—
(i) records pertaining to the individual that are maintained by the air carrier (other than records relating to flight time, duty time, or rest time) or person, including records under regulations set forth in—(I) section 121.683 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;(II) section 121.111(a) of such title;(III) section 121.219(a) of such title;(IV) section 125.401 of such title; and(V) section 135.63(a)(4) of such title; and
(ii) other records pertaining to the individual’s performance as a pilot that are maintained by the air carrier or person concerning—(I) the training, qualifications, proficiency, or professional competence of the individual, including comments and evaluations made by a check airman designated in accordance with section 121.411, 125.295, or 135.337 of such title;(II) any disciplinary action taken with respect to the individual that was not subsequently overturned; and(III) any release from employment or resignation, termination, or disqualification with respect to employment.
(C)National driver register records.—In accordance with section 30305(b)(8) of this title, from the chief driver licensing official of a State, information concerning the motor vehicle driving record of the individual.
(3)Written consent; release from liability.—An air carrier—
(A) shall obtain the written consent of an individual before accessing records pertaining to the individual under paragraph (1); and
(B) may, notwithstanding any other provision of law or agreement to the contrary, require an individual with respect to whom the carrier is accessing records under paragraph (1) to execute a release from liability for any claim arising from accessing the records or the use of such records by the air carrier in accordance with this section (other than a claim arising from furnishing information known to be false and maintained in violation of a criminal statute).
(4)Reporting.—
(A)Reporting by administrator.—The Administrator shall enter data described in paragraph (2)(A) into the database promptly to ensure that an individual’s records are current.
(B)Reporting by air carriers and other persons.—
(i)In general.—Air carriers and other persons shall report data described in paragraphs (2)(B) and (2)(C) to the Administrator promptly for entry into the database.
(ii)Data to be reported.—Air carriers and other persons shall report, at a minimum, under clause (i) the following data described in paragraph (2)(B):(I) Records that are generated by the air carrier or other person after the date of enactment of this paragraph.(II) Records that the air carrier or other person is maintaining, on such date of enactment, pursuant to subsection (h)(4).
(5)Requirement to maintain records.—The Administrator—
(A) shall maintain all records entered into the database under paragraph (2) pertaining to an individual until the date of receipt of notification that the individual is deceased; and
(B) may remove the individual’s records from the database after that date.
(6)Receipt of consent.—The Administrator shall not permit an air carrier to access records pertaining to an individual from the database under paragraph (1) without the air carrier first demonstrating to the satisfaction of the Administrator that the air carrier has obtained the written consent of the individual.
(7)Right of pilot to review certain records and correct inaccuracies.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law or agreement, the Administrator, upon receipt of written request from an individual—
(A) shall make available, not later than 30 days after the date of the request, to the individual for review all records referred to in paragraph (2) pertaining to the individual; and
(B) shall provide the individual with a reasonable opportunity to submit written comments to correct any inaccuracies contained in the records.
(8)Reasonable charges for processing requests and furnishing copies.—
(A)In general.—The Administrator may establish a reasonable charge for the cost of processing a request under paragraph (1) or (7) and for the cost of furnishing copies of requested records under paragraph (7).
(B)Crediting appropriations.—Funds received by the Administrator pursuant to this paragraph shall—
(i) be credited to the appropriation current when the amount is received;
(ii) be merged with and available for the purposes of such appropriation; and
(iii) remain available until expended.
(9)Privacy protections.—
(A)Use of records.—An air carrier that accesses records pertaining to an individual under paragraph (1) may use the records only to assess the qualifications of the individual in deciding whether or not to hire the individual as a pilot. The air carrier shall take such actions as may be necessary to protect the privacy of the individual and the confidentiality of the records accessed, including ensuring that information contained in the records is not divulged to any individual that is not directly involved in the hiring decision.
(B)Disclosure of information.—
(i)In general.—Except as provided by clause (ii), information collected by the Administrator under paragraph (2) shall be exempt from the disclosure requirements of section 552(b)(3)(B) of title 5.
(ii)Exceptions.—Clause (i) shall not apply to—(I) deidentified, summarized information to explain the need for changes in policies and regulations;(II) information to correct a condition that compromises safety;(III) information to carry out a criminal investigation or prosecution;(IV) information to comply with section 44905, regarding information about threats to civil aviation; and(V) such information as the Administrator determines necessary, if withholding the information would not be consistent with the safety responsibilities of the Federal Aviation Administration.
(10)Periodic review.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this paragraph, and at least once every 3 years thereafter, the Administrator shall transmit to Congress a statement that contains, taking into account recent developments in the aviation industry—
(A) recommendations by the Administrator concerning proposed changes to Federal Aviation Administration records, air carrier records, and other records required to be included in the database under paragraph (2); or
(B) reasons why the Administrator does not recommend any proposed changes to the records referred to in subparagraph (A).
(11)Regulations for protection and security of records.—The Administrator shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary—
(A) to protect and secure—
(i) the personal privacy of any individual whose records are accessed under paragraph (1); and
(ii) the confidentiality of those records; and
(B) to preclude the further dissemination of records received under paragraph (1) by the person who accessed the records.
(12)Good faith exception.—Notwithstanding paragraph (1), an air carrier may allow an individual to begin service as a pilot, without first obtaining information described in paragraph (2)(B) from the database pertaining to the individual, if—
(A) the air carrier has made a documented good faith attempt to access the information from the database; and
(B) the air carrier has received written notice from the Administrator that the information is not contained in the database because the individual was employed by an air carrier or other person that no longer exists or by a foreign government or other entity that has not provided the information to the database.
(13)Limitations on electronic access to records.—
(A)Access by individuals designated by air carriers.—For the purpose of increasing timely and efficient access to records described in paragraph (2), the Administrator may allow, under terms established by the Administrator, an individual designated by an air carrier to have electronic access to the database.
(B)Terms.—The terms established by the Administrator under subparagraph (A) for allowing a designated individual to have electronic access to the database shall limit such access to instances in which information in the database is required by the designated individual in making a hiring decision concerning a pilot applicant and shall require that the designated individual provide assurances satisfactory to the Administrator that—
(i) the designated individual has received the written consent of the pilot applicant to access the information; and
(ii) information obtained using such access will not be used for any purpose other than making the hiring decision.
(14)Authorized expenditures.—Of amounts appropriated under section 106(k)(1), a total of $6,000,000 for fiscal years 2010 through 2013 may be used to carry out this subsection.
(15)Regulations.—
(A)In general.—The Administrator shall issue regulations to carry out this subsection.
(B)Effective date.—The regulations shall specify the date on which the requirements of this subsection take effect and the date on which the requirements of subsection (h) cease to be effective.
(C)Exceptions.—Notwithstanding subparagraph (B)—
(i) the Administrator shall begin to establish the database under paragraph (2) not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this paragraph;
(ii) the Administrator shall maintain records in accordance with paragraph (5) beginning on the date of enactment of this paragraph; and
(iii) air carriers and other persons shall maintain records to be reported to the database under paragraph (4)(B) in the period beginning on such date of enactment and ending on the date that is 5 years after the requirements of subsection (h) cease to be effective pursuant to subparagraph (B).
(16)Special rule.—During the one-year period beginning on the date on which the requirements of this section become effective pursuant to paragraph (15)(B), paragraph (7)(A) shall be applied by substituting “45 days” for “30 days”.
(j)Limitations on Liability; Preemption of State Law.—
(1)Limitation on liability.—No action or proceeding may be brought by or on behalf of an individual who has applied for or is seeking a position with an air carrier as a pilot and who has signed a release from liability, as provided for under subsection (h)(2) or (i)(3), against—
(A) the air carrier requesting the records of that individual under subsection (h)(1) or accessing the records of that individual under subsection (i)(1);
(B) a person who has complied with such request;
(C) a person who has entered information contained in the individual’s records; or
(D) an agent or employee of a person described in subparagraph (A) or (B);
in the nature of an action for defamation, invasion of privacy, negligence, interference with contract, or otherwise, or under any Federal or State law with respect to the furnishing or use of such records in accordance with subsection (h) or (i).
(2)Preemption.—No State or political subdivision thereof may enact, prescribe, issue, continue in effect, or enforce any law (including any regulation, standard, or other provision having the force and effect of law) that prohibits, penalizes, or imposes liability for furnishing or using records in accordance with subsection (h) or (i).
(3)Provision of knowingly false information.—Paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not apply with respect to a person who furnishes information in response to a request made under subsection (h)(1) or who furnished information to the database established under subsection (i)(2), that—
(A) the person knows is false; and
(B) was maintained in violation of a criminal statute of the United States.
(4)Prohibition on actions and proceedings against air carriers.—
(A)Hiring decisions.—An air carrier may refuse to hire an individual as a pilot if the individual did not provide written consent for the air carrier to receive records under subsection (h)(2)(A) or (i)(3)(A) or did not execute the release from liability requested under subsection (h)(2)(B) or (i)(3)(B).
(B)Actions and proceedings.—No action or proceeding may be brought against an air carrier by or on behalf of an individual who has applied for or is seeking a position as a pilot with the air carrier if the air carrier refused to hire the individual after the individual did not provide written consent for the air carrier to receive records under subsection (h)(2)(A) or (i)(3)(A) or did not execute a release from liability requested under subsection (h)(2)(B) or (i)(3)(B).
(k)Limitation on Statutory Construction.—Nothing in subsection (h) or (i) shall be construed as precluding the availability of the records of a pilot in an investigation or other proceeding concerning an accident or incident conducted by the Administrator, the National Transportation Safety Board, or a court.
(l)Temporary Airman Certificate.—An individual may obtain a temporary airman certificate from the Administrator after requesting a permanent replacement airman certificate issued under this section. A temporary airman certificate shall be—
(1) made available—
(A) electronically to the individual immediately upon submitting an online application for a replacement certificate to the Administrator; or
(B) physically to the individual at a flight standards district office—
(i) if the individual submits an online application for a replacement certificate; or
(ii) if the individual applies for a permanent replacement certificate other than by online application and such application has been received by the Federal Aviation Administration; and
(2) destroyed upon receipt of the permanent replacement airman certificate from the Administrator.
(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1186; Pub. L. 106–181, title VII, § 715, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 162; Pub. L. 107–71, title I, §§ 129, 138(b), 140(a), Nov. 19, 2001, 115 Stat. 633, 640, 641; Pub. L. 111–216, title II, § 203, Aug. 1, 2010, 124 Stat. 2352; Pub. L. 111–249, § 6(3), (4), Sept. 30, 2010, 124 Stat. 2629; Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §§ 301(a), 310(c), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 56, 65; Pub. L. 112–153, § 2(c)(1), Aug. 3, 2012, 126 Stat. 1160; Pub. L. 114–125, title VIII, § 802(d)(2), Feb. 24, 2016, 130 Stat. 210; Pub. L. 114–190, title II, § 2101, July 15, 2016, 130 Stat. 619; Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, § 813, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1327.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44703

§ 44704. Type certificates, production certificates, airworthiness certificates, and design and production organization certificates
(a)Type Certificates.—
(1)Issuance, investigations, and tests.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue a type certificate for an aircraft, aircraft engine, or propeller, or for an appliance specified under paragraph (2)(A) of this subsection when the Administrator finds that the aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance is properly designed and manufactured, performs properly, and meets the regulations and minimum standards prescribed under section 44701(a) of this title. On receiving an application for a type certificate, the Administrator shall investigate the application and may conduct a hearing. The Administrator shall make, or require the applicant to make, tests the Administrator considers necessary in the interest of safety.
(2)Specifications.—The Administrator may—
(A) specify in regulations those appliances that reasonably require a type certificate in the interest of safety;
(B) include in a type certificate terms required in the interest of safety; and
(C) record on the certificate a numerical specification of the essential factors related to the performance of the aircraft, aircraft engine, or propeller for which the certificate is issued.
(3)Special rules for new aircraft and appliances.—Except as provided in paragraph (4), if the holder of a type certificate agrees to permit another person to use the certificate to manufacture a new aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance, the holder shall provide the other person with written evidence, in a form acceptable to the Administrator, of that agreement. Such other person may manufacture a new aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance based on a type certificate only if such other person is the holder of the type certificate or has permission from the holder.
(4)Limitation for aircraft manufactured before august 5, 2004.—Paragraph (3) shall not apply to a person who began the manufacture of an aircraft before August 5, 2004, and who demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Administrator that such manufacture began before August 5, 2004, if the name of the holder of the type certificate for the aircraft does not appear on the airworthiness certificate or identification plate of the aircraft. The holder of the type certificate for the aircraft shall not be responsible for the continued airworthiness of the aircraft. A person may invoke the exception provided by this paragraph with regard to the manufacture of only one aircraft.
(5)Release of data.—
(A)In general.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator may make available upon request, to a person seeking to maintain the airworthiness or develop product improvements of an aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance, engineering data in the possession of the Administration relating to a type certificate or a supplemental type certificate for such aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance, without the consent of the owner of record, if the Administrator determines that—
(i) the certificate containing the requested data has been inactive for 3 or more years, except that the Administrator may reduce this time if required to address an unsafe condition associated with the product;
(ii) after using due diligence, the Administrator is unable to find the owner of record, or the owner of record’s heir, of the type certificate or supplemental type certificate; and
(iii) making such data available will enhance aviation safety.
(B)Engineering data defined.—In this section, the term “engineering data” as used with respect to an aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance means type design drawing and specifications for the entire aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance or change to the aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance, including the original design data, and any associated supplier data for individual parts or components approved as part of the particular certificate for the aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance.
(C)Requirement to maintain data.—The Administrator shall maintain engineering data in the possession of the Administration relating to a type certificate or a supplemental type certificate that has been inactive for 3 or more years.
(6)Submission of data.—When an applicant submits design data to the Administrator for a finding of compliance as part of an application for a type certificate, the applicant shall certify to the Administrator that—
(A) the submitted design data demonstrates compliance with the applicable airworthiness standards; and
(B) any airworthiness standards not complied with are compensated for by factors that provide an equivalent level of safety, as agreed upon by the Administrator.
(b)Supplemental Type Certificates.—
(1)Issuance.—The Administrator may issue a type certificate designated as a supplemental type certificate for a change to an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance.
(2)Contents.—A supplemental type certificate issued under paragraph (1) shall consist of the change to the aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance with respect to the previously issued type certificate for the aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance.
(3)Requirement.—If the holder of a supplemental type certificate agrees to permit another person to use the certificate to modify an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance, the holder shall provide the other person with written evidence, in a form acceptable to the Administrator, of that agreement. A person may change an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance based on a supplemental type certificate only if the person requesting the change is the holder of the supplemental type certificate or has permission from the holder to make the change.
(c)Production Certificates.—The Administrator shall issue a production certificate authorizing the production of a duplicate of an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance for which a type certificate has been issued when the Administrator finds the duplicate will conform to the certificate. On receiving an application, the Administrator shall inspect, and may require testing of, a duplicate to ensure that it conforms to the requirements of the certificate. The Administrator may include in a production certificate terms required in the interest of safety.
(d)Airworthiness Certificates.—
(1) The registered owner of an aircraft may apply to the Administrator for an airworthiness certificate for the aircraft. The Administrator shall issue an airworthiness certificate when the Administrator finds that the aircraft conforms to its type certificate and, after inspection, is in condition for safe operation. The Administrator shall register each airworthiness certificate and may include appropriate information in the certificate. The certificate number or other individual designation the Administrator requires shall be displayed on the aircraft. The Administrator may include in an airworthiness certificate terms required in the interest of safety.
(2) A person applying for the issuance or renewal of an airworthiness certificate for an aircraft for which ownership has not been recorded under section 44107 or 44110 of this title must submit with the application information related to the ownership of the aircraft the Administrator decides is necessary to identify each person having a property interest in the aircraft and the kind and extent of the interest.
(3)Nonconformity with approved type design.—
(A)In general.—Consistent with the requirements of paragraph (1), a holder of a production certificate for an aircraft may not present a nonconforming aircraft, either directly or through the registered owner of such aircraft or a person described in paragraph (2), to the Administrator for issuance of an initial airworthiness certificate.
(B)Civil penalty.—Notwithstanding section 46301, a production certificate holder who knowingly violates subparagraph (A) shall be liable to the Administrator for a civil penalty of not more than $1,000,000 for each nonconforming aircraft.
(C)Penalty considerations.—In determining the amount of a civil penalty under subparagraph (B), the Administrator shall consider—
(i) the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation, including the length of time the nonconformity was known by the holder of a production certificate but not disclosed; and
(ii) with respect to the violator, the degree of culpability, any history of prior violations, and the size of the business concern.
(D)Nonconforming aircraft defined.—In this paragraph, the term “nonconforming aircraft” means an aircraft that does not conform to the approved type design for such aircraft type.
(e)Disclosure of Safety Critical Information.—
(1)In general.—Notwithstanding a delegation described in section 44702(d), the Administrator shall require an applicant for, or holder of, a type certificate for a transport category airplane covered under part 25 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to submit safety critical information with respect to such airplane to the Administrator in such form, manner, or time as the Administrator may require. Such safety critical information shall include—
(A) any design and operational details, intended functions, and failure modes of any system that, without being commanded by the flight crew, commands the operation of any safety critical function or feature required for control of an airplane during flight or that otherwise changes the flight path or airspeed of an airplane;
(B) the design and operational details, intended functions, failure modes, and mode annunciations of autopilot and autothrottle systems, if applicable;
(C) any failure or operating condition that the applicant or holder anticipates or has concluded would result in an outcome with a severity level of hazardous or catastrophic, as defined in the appropriate Administration airworthiness requirements and guidance applicable to transport category airplanes defining risk severity;
(D) any adverse handling quality that fails to meet the requirements of applicable regulations without the addition of a software system to augment the flight controls of the airplane to produce compliant handling qualities; and
(E) a system safety assessment with respect to a system described in subparagraph (A) or (B) or with respect to any component or other system for which failure or erroneous operation of such component or system could result in an outcome with a severity level of hazardous or catastrophic, as defined in the appropriate Administration airworthiness requirements and guidance applicable to transport category airplanes defining risk severity.
(2)Ongoing communications.—
(A)Newly discovered information.—The Administrator shall require that an applicant for, or holder of, a type certificate disclose to the Administrator, in such form, manner, or time as the Administrator may require, any newly discovered information or design or analysis change that would materially alter any submission to the Administrator under paragraph (1).
(B)System development changes.—The Administrator shall establish multiple milestones throughout the certification process at which a proposed airplane system will be assessed to determine whether any change to such system during the certification process is such that such system should be considered novel or unusual by the Administrator.
(3)Flight manuals.—The Administrator shall ensure that an airplane flight manual and a flight crew operating manual (as appropriate or applicable) for an airplane contains a description of the operation of a system described in paragraph (1)(A) and flight crew procedures for responding to a failure or aberrant operation of such system.
(4)Civil penalty.—
(A)Amount.—Notwithstanding section 46301, an applicant for, or holder of, a type certificate that knowingly violates paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection shall be liable to the Administrator for a civil penalty of not more than $1,000,000 for each violation.
(B)Penalty considerations.—In determining the amount of a civil penalty under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall consider—
(i) the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation, including the length of time that such safety critical information was known but not disclosed; and
(ii) with respect to the violator, the degree of culpability, any history of prior violations, and the size of the business concern.
(5)Revocation and civil penalty for individuals.—
(A)In general.—The Administrator shall revoke any airline transport pilot certificate issued under section 44703 held by any individual who, while acting on behalf of an applicant for, or holder of, a type certificate, knowingly makes a false statement with respect to any of the matters described in subparagraphs (A) through (E) of paragraph (1).
(B)Authority to impose civil penalty.—The Administrator may impose a civil penalty under section 46301 for each violation described in subparagraph (A).
(6)Rule of construction.—Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to affect or otherwise inhibit the authority of the Administrator to deny an application by an applicant for a type certificate or to revoke or amend a type certificate of a holder of such certificate.
(7)Definition of type certificate.—In this subsection, the term “type certificate”—
(A) means a type certificate issued under subsection (a) or an amendment to such certificate; and
(B) does not include a supplemental type certificate issued under subsection (b).
(f)Hearing Requirement.—The Administrator may find that a person has violated subsection (d)(3) or paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (e) and impose a civil penalty under the applicable subsection only after notice and an opportunity for a hearing. The Administrator shall provide a person—
(1) written notice of the violation and the amount of penalty; and
(2) the opportunity for a hearing under subpart G of part 13 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(g)Certification Dispute Resolution.—
(1)Dispute resolution process and appeals.—
(A)In general.—Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator shall issue an order establishing—
(i) an effective, timely, and milestone-based issue resolution process for type certification activities under subsection (a); and
(ii) a process by which a decision, finding of compliance or noncompliance, or other act of the Administration, with respect to compliance with design requirements, may be appealed by a covered person directly involved with the certification activities in dispute on the basis that such decision, finding, or act is erroneous or inconsistent with this chapter, regulations, or guidance materials promulgated by the Administrator, or other requirements.
(B)Escalation.—The order issued under subparagraph (A) shall provide processes for—
(i) resolution of technical issues at pre-established stages of the certification process, as agreed to by the Administrator and the type certificate applicant;
(ii) automatic elevation to appropriate management personnel of the Administration and the type certificate applicant of any major certification process milestone that is not completed or resolved within a specific period of time agreed to by the Administrator and the type certificate applicant;
(iii) resolution of a major certification process milestone elevated pursuant to clause (ii) within a specific period of time agreed to by the Administrator and the type certificate applicant;
(iv) initial review by appropriate Administration employees of any appeal described in subparagraph (A)(ii); and
(v) subsequent review of any further appeal by appropriate management personnel of the Administration and the Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety.
(C)Disposition.—
(i)Written decision.—The Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety shall issue a written decision that states the grounds for the decision of the Associate Administrator on—(I) each appeal submitted under subparagraph (A)(ii); and(II) An appeal to the Associate Administrator submitted under subparagraph (B)(v).
(ii)Report to congress.—Not later than December 31 of each calendar year through calendar year 2028, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report summarizing each appeal resolved under this subsection.
(D)Final review.—
(i)In general.—A written decision of the Associate Administrator under subparagraph (C) may be appealed to the Administrator for a final review and determination.
(ii)Decline to review.—The Administrator may decline to review an appeal initiated pursuant to clause (i).
(iii)Judicial review.—No decision under this paragraph (including a decision to decline to review an appeal) shall be subject to judicial review.
(2)Prohibited contacts.—
(A)Prohibition generally.—During the course of an appeal under this subsection, no covered official may engage in an ex parte communication (as defined in section 551 of title 5) with an individual representing or acting on behalf of an applicant for, or holder of, a certificate under this section in relation to such appeal unless such communication is disclosed pursuant to subparagraph (B).
(B)Disclosure.—If, during the course of an appeal under this subsection, a covered official engages in, receives, or is otherwise made aware of an ex parte communication, the covered official shall disclose such communication in the public record at the time of the issuance of the written decision under paragraph (1)(C), including the time and date of the communication, subject of communication, and all persons engaged in such communication.
(3)Definitions.—In this subsection:
(A)Covered person.—The term “covered person” means either—
(i) an employee of the Administration whose responsibilities relate to the certification of aircraft, engines, propellers, or appliances; or
(ii) an applicant for, or holder of, a type certificate or amended type certificate issued under this section.
(B)Covered official.—The term “covered official” means the following officials:
(i) The Executive Director or any Deputy Director of the Aircraft Certification Service.
(ii) The Deputy Executive Director for Regulatory Operations of the Aircraft Certification Service.
(iii) The Director or Deputy Director of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division of the Aircraft Certification Service.
(iv) The Director or Deputy Director of the System Oversight Division of the Aircraft Certification Service.
(v) The Director or Deputy Director of the Policy and Innovation Division of the Aircraft Certification Service.
(vi) The Executive Director or any Deputy Executive Director of the Flight Standards Service.
(vii) The Associate Administrator or Deputy Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety.
(viii) The Deputy Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
(ix) The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
(x) Any similarly situated or successor FAA management position to those described in clauses (i) through (ix), as determined by the Administrator.
(C)Major certification process milestone.—The term “major certification process milestone” means a milestone related to the type certification basis, type certification plan, type inspection authorization, issue paper, or other major type certification activity agreed to by the Administrator and the type certificate applicant.
(4)Rule of construction.—Nothing in this subsection shall apply to the communication of a good-faith complaint by any individual alleging—
(A) gross misconduct;
(B) a violation of title 18; or
(C) a violation of any of the provisions of part 2635 or 6001 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations.
(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1188; Pub. L. 104–264, title IV, § 403, Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3256; Pub. L. 108–176, title II, § 227(b)(2), (e)(1), title VIII, § 811, Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2531, 2532, 2590; Pub. L. 109–59, title IV, § 4405, Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1776; Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §§ 302, 303(a), (c)(1), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 56, 57; Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title II, § 214, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3250; Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §§ 105(a), (b), 110, 120, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2317, 2328, 2343; Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §§ 306(c), 343(a), title XI, § 1101(k), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1072, 1101, 1414.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44704

§ 44705. Air carrier operating certificates
The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue an air carrier operating certificate to a person desiring to operate as an air carrier when the Administrator finds, after investigation, that the person properly and adequately is equipped and able to operate safely under this part and regulations and standards prescribed under this part. An air carrier operating certificate shall—
(1) contain terms necessary to ensure safety in air transportation; and
(2) specify the places to and from which, and the airways of the United States over which, a person may operate as an air carrier.
(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1189.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44705

§ 44706. Airport operating certificates
(a)General.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue an airport operating certificate to a person desiring to operate an airport—
(1) that serves an air carrier operating aircraft designed for at least 31 passenger seats;
(2) that is not located in the State of Alaska and serves any scheduled passenger operation of an air carrier operating aircraft designed for more than 9 passenger seats but less than 31 passenger seats; and
(3) that the Administrator requires to have a certificate;
if the Administrator finds, after investigation, that the person properly and adequately is equipped and able to operate safely under this part and regulations and standards prescribed under this part.
(b)Terms.—An airport operating certificate issued under this section shall contain terms necessary to ensure safety in air transportation. Unless the Administrator decides that it is not in the public interest, the terms shall include conditions related to—
(1) operating and maintaining adequate safety equipment, including firefighting and rescue equipment capable of rapid access to any part of the airport used for landing, takeoff, or surface maneuvering of an aircraft; and
(2) friction treatment for primary and secondary runways that the Secretary of Transportation decides is necessary.
(c)Exemptions.—The Administrator may exempt from the requirements of this section, related to firefighting and rescue equipment, an operator of an airport described in subsection (a) of this section having less than .25 percent of the total number of passenger boardings each year at all airports described in subsection (a) when the Administrator decides that the requirements are or would be unreasonably costly, burdensome, or impractical.
(d)Commuter Airports.—In developing the terms required by subsection (b) for airports covered by subsection (a)(2), the Administrator shall identify and consider a reasonable number of regulatory alternatives and select from such alternatives the least costly, most cost-effective or the least burdensome alternative that will provide comparable safety at airports described in subsections (a)(1) and (a)(2).
(e)Effective Date.—Any regulation establishing the terms required by subsection (b) for airports covered by subsection (a)(2) shall not take effect until such regulation, and a report on the economic impact of the regulation on air service to the airports covered by the rule, has been submitted to Congress and 120 days have elapsed following the date of such submission.
(f)Limitation on Statutory Construction.—Nothing in this title may be construed as requiring a person to obtain an airport operating certificate if such person does not desire to operate an airport described in subsection (a).
(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1189; Pub. L. 104–264, title IV, § 404, Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3256.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44706

§ 44707. Examining and rating air agencies
The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may examine and rate the following air agencies:
(1) civilian schools giving instruction in flying or repairing, altering, and maintaining aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, and appliances, on the adequacy of instruction, the suitability and airworthiness of equipment, and the competency of instructors.
(2) repair stations and shops that repair, alter, and maintain aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, and appliances, on the adequacy and suitability of the equipment, facilities, and materials for, and methods of, repair and overhaul, and the competency of the individuals doing the work or giving instruction in the work.
(3) other air agencies the Administrator decides are necessary in the public interest.
(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1190.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44707

§ 44708. Inspecting and rating air navigation facilities

The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may inspect, classify, and rate an air navigation facility available for the use of civil aircraft on the suitability of the facility for that use.

(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1190.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44708

§ 44709. Amendments, modifications, suspensions, and revocations of certificates
(a)Reinspection and Reexamination.—
(1)In general.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may reinspect at any time a civil aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, design organization, production certificate holder, air navigation facility, or air agency, or reexamine an airman holding a certificate issued under section 44703 of this title.
(2)Notification of reexamination of airman.—Before taking any action to reexamine an airman under paragraph (1) the Administrator shall provide to the airman—
(A) a reasonable basis, described in detail, for requesting the reexamination; and
(B) any information gathered by the Federal Aviation Administration, that the Administrator determines is appropriate to provide, such as the scope and nature of the requested reexamination, that formed the basis for that justification.
(b)Actions of the Administrator.—The Administrator may issue an order amending, modifying, suspending, or revoking—
(1) any part of a certificate issued under this chapter if—
(A) the Administrator decides after conducting a reinspection, reexamination, or other investigation that safety in air commerce or air transportation and the public interest require that action; or
(B) the holder of the certificate has violated an aircraft noise or sonic boom standard or regulation prescribed under section 44715(a) of this title; and
(2) an airman certificate when the holder of the certificate is convicted of violating section 13(a) of the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742j–1(a)).
(c)Advice to Certificate Holders and Opportunity To Answer.—Before acting under subsection (b) of this section, the Administrator shall advise the holder of the certificate of the charges or other reasons on which the Administrator relies for the proposed action. Except in an emergency, the Administrator shall provide the holder an opportunity to answer the charges and be heard why the certificate should not be amended, modified, suspended, or revoked.
(d)Appeals.—
(1) A person adversely affected by an order of the Administrator under this section may appeal the order to the National Transportation Safety Board. After notice and an opportunity for a hearing, the Board may amend, modify, or reverse the order when the Board finds—
(A) if the order was issued under subsection (b)(1)(A) of this section, that safety in air commerce or air transportation and the public interest do not require affirmation of the order; or
(B)
(i) that control or abatement of aircraft noise or sonic boom and the public health and welfare do not require affirmation of the order; or
(ii) the order, as it is related to a violation of aircraft noise or sonic boom standards and regulations, is not consistent with safety in air commerce or air transportation.
(2) The Board may modify a suspension or revocation of a certificate to imposition of a civil penalty.
(3) When conducting a hearing under this subsection, the Board is not bound by findings of fact of the Administrator.
(e)Effectiveness of Orders Pending Appeal.—
(1)In general.—When a person files an appeal with the Board under subsection (d), the order of the Administrator is stayed.
(2)Exception.—Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the order of the Administrator is effective immediately if the Administrator advises the Board that an emergency exists and safety in air commerce or air transportation requires the order to be effective immediately.
(3)Review of emergency order.—A person affected by the immediate effectiveness of the Administrator’s order under paragraph (2) may petition for a review by the Board, under procedures promulgated by the Board, of the Administrator’s determination that an emergency exists. Any such review shall be requested not later than 48 hours after the order is received by the person. If the Board finds that an emergency does not exist that requires the immediate application of the order in the interest of safety in air commerce or air transportation, the order shall be stayed, notwithstanding paragraph (2). The Board shall dispose of a review request under this paragraph not later than 5 days after the date on which the request is filed.
(4)Final disposition.—The Board shall make a final disposition of an appeal under subsection (d) not later than 60 days after the date on which the appeal is filed.
(f)Judicial Review.—A person substantially affected by an order of the Board under this section, or the Administrator when the Administrator decides that an order of the Board under this section will have a significant adverse impact on carrying out this part, may obtain judicial review of the order under section 46110 of this title. The Administrator shall be made a party to the judicial review proceedings. Findings of fact of the Board are conclusive if supported by substantial evidence.
(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1190; Pub. L. 106–181, title VII, § 716, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 162; Pub. L. 108–176, title II, § 227(c), Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2532; Pub. L. 112–153, § 2(c)(2), Aug. 3, 2012, 126 Stat. 1161; Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, § 393(a), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3325.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44709

§ 44710. Revocations of airman certificates for controlled substance violations
(a)Definition.—In this section, “controlled substance” has the same meaning given that term in section 102 of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (21 U.S.C. 802).
(b)Revocation.—
(1) The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue an order revoking an airman certificate issued an individual under section 44703 of this title after the individual is convicted, under a law of the United States or a State related to a controlled substance (except a law related to simple possession of a controlled substance), of an offense punishable by death or imprisonment for more than one year if the Administrator finds that—
(A) an aircraft was used to commit, or facilitate the commission of, the offense; and
(B) the individual served as an airman, or was on the aircraft, in connection with committing, or facilitating the commission of, the offense.
(2) The Administrator shall issue an order revoking an airman certificate issued an individual under section 44703 of this title if the Administrator finds that—
(A) the individual knowingly carried out an activity punishable, under a law of the United States or a State related to a controlled substance (except a law related to simple possession of a controlled substance), by death or imprisonment for more than one year;
(B) an aircraft was used to carry out or facilitate the activity; and
(C) the individual served as an airman, or was on the aircraft, in connection with carrying out, or facilitating the carrying out of, the activity.
(3) The Administrator has no authority under paragraph (1) of this subsection to review whether an airman violated a law of the United States or a State related to a controlled substance.
(c)Advice to Holders and Opportunity To Answer.—Before the Administrator revokes a certificate under subsection (b) of this section, the Administrator must—
(1) advise the holder of the certificate of the charges or reasons on which the Administrator relies for the proposed revocation; and
(2) provide the holder of the certificate an opportunity to answer the charges and be heard why the certificate should not be revoked.
(d)Appeals.—
(1) An individual whose certificate is revoked by the Administrator under subsection (b) of this section may appeal the revocation order to the National Transportation Safety Board. The Board shall affirm or reverse the order after providing notice and an opportunity for a hearing on the record. When conducting the hearing, the Board is not bound by findings of fact of the Administrator.
(2) When an individual files an appeal with the Board under this subsection, the order of the Administrator revoking the certificate is stayed. However, if the Administrator advises the Board that safety in air transportation or air commerce requires the immediate effectiveness of the order—
(A) the order remains effective; and
(B) the Board shall make a final disposition of the appeal not later than 60 days after the Administrator so advises the Board.
(3) An individual substantially affected by an order of the Board under this subsection, or the Administrator when the Administrator decides that an order of the Board will have a significant adverse effect on carrying out this part, may obtain judicial review of the order under section 46110 of this title. The Administrator shall be made a party to the judicial review proceedings. Findings of fact of the Board are conclusive if supported by substantial evidence.
(e)Acquittal.—
(1) The Administrator may not revoke, and the Board may not affirm a revocation of, an airman certificate under subsection (b)(2) of this section on the basis of an activity described in subsection (b)(2)(A) if the holder of the certificate is acquitted of all charges related to a controlled substance in an indictment or information arising from the activity.
(2) If the Administrator has revoked an airman certificate under this section because of an activity described in subsection (b)(2)(A) of this section, the Administrator shall reissue a certificate to the individual if—
(A) the individual otherwise satisfies the requirements for a certificate under section 44703 of this title; and
(B)
(i) the individual subsequently is acquitted of all charges related to a controlled substance in an indictment or information arising from the activity; or
(ii) the conviction on which a revocation under subsection (b)(1) of this section is based is reversed.
(f)Waivers.—The Administrator may waive the requirement of subsection (b) of this section that an airman certificate of an individual be revoked if—
(1) a law enforcement official of the United States Government or of a State requests a waiver; and
(2) the Administrator decides that the waiver will facilitate law enforcement efforts.
(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1191; Pub. L. 112–153, § 2(c)(3), Aug. 3, 2012, 126 Stat. 1161.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44710

§ 44711. Prohibitions and exemption
(a)Prohibitions.—A person may not—
(1) operate a civil aircraft in air commerce without an airworthiness certificate in effect or in violation of a term of the certificate;
(2) serve in any capacity as an airman with respect to a civil aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance used, or intended for use, in air commerce—
(A) without an airman certificate authorizing the airman to serve in the capacity for which the certificate was issued; or
(B) in violation of a term of the certificate or a regulation prescribed or order issued under section 44701(a) or (b) or any of sections 44702–44716 of this title;
(3) employ for service related to civil aircraft used in air commerce an airman who does not have an airman certificate authorizing the airman to serve in the capacity for which the airman is employed;
(4) operate as an air carrier without an air carrier operating certificate or in violation of a term of the certificate;
(5) operate aircraft in air commerce in violation of a regulation prescribed or certificate issued under section 44701(a) or (b) or any of sections 44702–44716 of this title;
(6) operate a seaplane or other aircraft of United States registry on the high seas in violation of a regulation under section 3 of the International Navigational Rules Act of 1977 (33 U.S.C. 1602);
(7) violate a term of an air agency, design organization certificate, or production certificate or a regulation prescribed or order issued under section 44701(a) or (b) or any of sections 44702–44716 of this title related to the holder of the certificate;
(8) operate an airport without an airport operating certificate required under section 44706 of this title or in violation of a term of the certificate;
(9) manufacture, deliver, sell, or offer for sale any aviation fuel or additive in violation of a regulation prescribed under section 44714 of this title;
(10) work as an aircraft dispatcher outside of a physical location designated as a dispatching center or flight following center of an air carrier, except as provided under section 44747; or
(11) violate section 44732 or any regulation issued thereunder.
(b)Exemption.—On terms the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration prescribes as being in the public interest, the Administrator may exempt a foreign aircraft and airmen serving on the aircraft from subsection (a) of this section. However, an exemption from observing air traffic regulations may not be granted.
(c)Prohibition on Employment of Convicted Counterfeit Part Traffickers.—No person subject to this chapter may knowingly employ anyone to perform a function related to the procurement, sale, production, or repair of a part or material, or the installation of a part into a civil aircraft, who has been convicted in a court of law of a violation of any Federal law relating to the installation, production, repair, or sale of a counterfeit or fraudulently-represented aviation part or material.
(d)Post-employment Restrictions for Inspectors and Engineers.—
(1)Prohibition.—A person holding a certificate issued under part 21 or 119 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, may not knowingly employ, or make a contractual arrangement that permits, an individual to act as an agent or representative of such person in any matter before the Administration if the individual, in the preceding 2-year period—
(A) served as, or was responsible for oversight of—
(i) a flight standards inspector of the Administration; or
(ii) an employee of the Administration with responsibility for certification functions with respect to a holder of a certificate issued under section 44704(a); and
(B) had responsibility to inspect, or oversee inspection of, the operations of such person.
(2)Written and oral communications.—For purposes of paragraph (1), an individual shall be considered to be acting as an agent or representative of a certificate holder in a matter before the Administration if the individual makes any written or oral communication on behalf of the certificate holder to the Administration (or any of its officers or employees) in connection with a particular matter, whether or not involving a specific party and without regard to whether the individual has participated in, or had responsibility for, the particular matter while serving as an individual covered under paragraph (1).
(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1193; Pub. L. 103–429, § 6(56), Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4385; Pub. L. 106–181, title V, § 505(b), Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 136; Pub. L. 108–176, title II, § 227(d), Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2532; Pub. L. 112–95, title III, §§ 307(b), 342(a), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 61, 79; Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, § 111(b), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2330; Pub. L. 118–63, title IV, § 420(a)(1), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1164.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44711

§ 44712. Emergency locator transmitters
(a)Installation.—An emergency locator transmitter must be installed on a fixed-wing powered civil aircraft for use in air commerce.
(b)Nonapplication.—Prior to January 1, 2002, subsection (a) does not apply to—
(1) turbojet-powered aircraft;
(2) aircraft when used in scheduled flights by scheduled air carriers holding certificates issued by the Secretary of Transportation under subpart II of this part;
(3) aircraft when used in training operations conducted entirely within a 50 mile radius of the airport from which the training operations begin;
(4) aircraft when used in flight operations related to design and testing, the manufacture, preparation, and delivery of the aircraft, or the aerial application of a substance for an agricultural purpose;
(5) aircraft holding certificates from the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration for research and development;
(6) aircraft when used for showing compliance with regulations, crew training, exhibition, air racing, or market surveys; and
(7) aircraft equipped to carry only one individual.
(c)Nonapplication Beginning on January 1, 2002.—
(1)In general.—Subject to paragraph (2), on and after January 1, 2002, subsection (a) does not apply to—
(A) aircraft when used in scheduled flights by scheduled air carriers holding certificates issued by the Secretary of Transportation under subpart II of this part;
(B) aircraft when used in training operations conducted entirely within a 50-mile radius of the airport from which the training operations begin;
(C) aircraft when used in flight operations related to the design and testing, manufacture, preparation, and delivery of aircraft;
(D) aircraft when used in research and development if the aircraft holds a certificate from the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to carry out such research and development;
(E) aircraft when used in showing compliance with regulations, crew training, exhibition, air racing, or market surveys;
(F) aircraft when used in the aerial application of a substance for an agricultural purpose;
(G) aircraft with a maximum payload capacity of more than 18,000 pounds when used in air transportation; or
(H) aircraft equipped to carry only one individual.
(2)Delay in implementation.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may continue to implement subsection (b) rather than subsection (c) for a period not to exceed 2 years after January 1, 2002, if the Administrator finds such action is necessary to promote—
(A) a safe and orderly transition to the operation of civil aircraft equipped with an emergency locator; or
(B) other safety objectives.
(d)Compliance.—An aircraft meets the requirement of subsection (a) if it is equipped with an emergency locator transmitter that transmits on the 121.5/243 megahertz frequency or the 406 megahertz frequency or with other equipment approved by the Secretary for meeting the requirement of subsection (a).
(e)Removal.—The Administrator shall prescribe regulations specifying the conditions under which an aircraft subject to subsection (a) of this section may operate when its emergency locator transmitter has been removed for inspection, repair, alteration, or replacement.
(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1194; Pub. L. 106–181, title V, § 501(a), Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 131.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44712

§ 44713. Inspection and maintenance
(a)General Equipment Requirements.—An air carrier shall make, or cause to be made, any inspection, repair, or maintenance of equipment used in air transportation as required by this part or regulations prescribed or orders issued by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration under this part. A person operating, inspecting, repairing, or maintaining the equipment shall comply with those requirements, regulations, and orders.
(b)Duties of Inspectors.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall employ inspectors who shall—
(1) inspect aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, and appliances designed for use in air transportation, during manufacture and when in use by an air carrier in air transportation, to enable the Administrator to decide whether the aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, or appliances are in safe condition and maintained properly; and
(2) advise and cooperate with the air carrier during that inspection and maintenance.
(c)Unsafe Aircraft, Engines, Propellers, and Appliances.—When an inspector decides that an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance is not in condition for safe operation, the inspector shall notify the air carrier in the form and way prescribed by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. For 5 days after the carrier is notified, the aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance may not be used in air transportation or in a way that endangers air transportation unless the Administrator or the inspector decides the aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance is in condition for safe operation.
(d)Modifications in System.—
(1) The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall make modifications in the system for processing forms for major repairs or alterations to fuel tanks and fuel systems of aircraft not used to provide air transportation that are necessary to make the system more effective in serving the needs of users of the system, including officials responsible for enforcing laws related to the regulation of controlled substances (as defined in section 102 of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (21 U.S.C. 802)). The modifications shall address at least each of the following deficiencies in, and abuses of, the existing system:
(A) the lack of a special identification feature to allow the forms to be distinguished easily from other major repair and alteration forms.
(B) the excessive period of time required to receive the forms at the Airmen and Aircraft Registry of the Administration.
(C) the backlog of forms waiting for processing at the Registry.
(D) the lack of ready access by law enforcement officials to information contained on the forms.
(2) The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall prescribe regulations to carry out paragraph (1) of this subsection and provide a written explanation of how the regulations address each of the deficiencies and abuses described in paragraph (1). In prescribing the regulations, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall consult with the Administrator of Drug Enforcement, the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, other law enforcement officials of the United States Government, representatives of State and local law enforcement officials, representatives of the general aviation aircraft industry, representatives of users of general aviation aircraft, and other interested persons.
(e)Automated Surveillance Targeting Systems.—
(1)In general.—The Administrator shall give high priority to developing and deploying a fully enhanced safety performance analysis system that includes automated surveillance to assist the Administrator in prioritizing and targeting surveillance and inspection activities of the Federal Aviation Administration.
(2)Deadlines for deployment.—
(A)Initial phase.—The initial phase of the operational deployment of the system developed under this subsection shall begin not later than December 31, 1997.
(B)Final phase.—The final phase of field deployment of the system developed under this subsection shall begin not later than December 31, 1999. By that date, all principal operations and maintenance inspectors of the Administration, and appropriate supervisors and analysts of the Administration shall have been provided access to the necessary information and resources to carry out the system.
(3)Integration of information.—In developing the system under this section, the Administration shall consider the near-term integration of accident and incident data into the safety performance analysis system under this subsection.
(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1194; Pub. L. 104–264, title IV, § 407(b), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3258; Pub. L. 114–125, title VIII, § 802(d)(2), Feb. 24, 2016, 130 Stat. 210.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44713

§ 44714. Aviation fuel standards
The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall prescribe—
(1) standards for the composition or chemical or physical properties of an aircraft fuel or fuel additive to control or eliminate aircraft emissions the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency decides under section 231 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7571) endanger the public health or welfare; and
(2) regulations providing for carrying out and enforcing those standards.
(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1195.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44714

§ 44715. Controlling aircraft noise and sonic boom
(a)Standards and Regulations.—
(1)
(A) To relieve and protect the public health and welfare from aircraft noise and sonic boom, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, as he deems necessary, shall prescribe—
(i) standards to measure aircraft noise and sonic boom; and
(ii) regulations to control and abate aircraft noise and sonic boom.
(B) The Administrator, as the Administrator deems appropriate, shall provide for the participation of a representative of the Environmental Protection Agency on such advisory committees or associated working groups that advise the Administrator on matters related to the environmental effects of aircraft and aircraft engines.
(2) The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may prescribe standards and regulations under this subsection only after consulting with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. The standards and regulations shall be applied when issuing, amending, modifying, suspending, or revoking a certificate authorized under this chapter.
(3) An original type certificate may be issued under section 44704(a) of this title for an aircraft for which substantial noise abatement can be achieved only after the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration prescribes standards and regulations under this section that apply to that aircraft.
(b)Considerations and Consultation.—When prescribing a standard or regulation under this section, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall—
(1) consider relevant information related to aircraft noise and sonic boom;
(2) consult with appropriate departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States Government and State and interstate authorities;
(3) consider whether the standard or regulation is consistent with the highest degree of safety in air transportation or air commerce in the public interest;
(4) consider whether the standard or regulation is economically reasonable, technologically practicable, and appropriate for the applicable aircraft, aircraft engine, appliance, or certificate; and
(5) consider the extent to which the standard or regulation will carry out the purposes of this section.
(c)Proposed Regulations of Administrator of Environmental Protection Agency.—The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall submit to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration proposed regulations to control and abate aircraft noise and sonic boom (including control and abatement through the use of the authority of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration) that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency considers necessary to protect the public health and welfare. The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall consider those proposed regulations and shall publish them in a notice of proposed regulations not later than 30 days after they are received. Not later than 60 days after publication, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall begin a hearing at which interested persons are given an opportunity for oral and written
(1) prescribe regulations as provided by this section—
(A) substantially the same as the proposed regulations submitted by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; or
(B) that amend the proposed regulations; or
(2) publish in the Federal Register—
(A) a notice that no regulation is being prescribed in response to the proposed regulations of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency;
(B) a detailed analysis of, and response to, all information the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency submitted with the proposed regulations; and
(C) a detailed explanation of why no regulation is being prescribed.
(d)Consultation and Reports.—
(1) If the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency believes that the action of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration under subsection (c)(1)(B) or (2) of this section does not protect the public health and welfare from aircraft noise or sonic boom, consistent with the considerations in subsection (b) of this section, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall consult with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and may request a report on the advisability of prescribing the regulation as originally proposed. The request, including a detailed statement of the information on which the request is based, shall be published in the Federal Register.
(2) The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall report to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency within the time, if any, specified in the request. However, the time specified must be at least 90 days after the date of the request. The report shall—
(A) be accompanied by a detailed statement of the findings of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and the reasons for the findings;
(B) identify any statement related to an action under subsection (c) of this section filed under section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C));
(C) specify whether and where that statement is available for public inspection; and
(D) be published in the Federal Register unless the request proposes specific action by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and the report indicates that action will be taken.
(e)Supplemental Reports.—The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency may request the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to file a supplemental report if the report under subsection (d) of this section indicates that the proposed regulations under subsection (c) of this section, for which a statement under section 102(2)(C) of the Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)) is not required, should not be prescribed. The supplemental report shall be published in the Federal Register within the time the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency specifies. However, the time specified must be at least 90 days after the date of the request. The supplemental report shall contain a comparison of the environmental effects, including those that cannot be avoided, of the action of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and the proposed regulations of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
(f)Exemptions.—An exemption from a standard or regulation prescribed under this section may be granted only if, before granting the exemption, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration consults with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. However, if the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration finds that safety in air transportation or air commerce requires an exemption before the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency can be consulted, the exemption may be granted. The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall consult with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency as soon as practicable after the exemption is granted.
(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1196; Pub. L. 104–264, title IV, § 406(a), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3257.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44715

§ 44716. Collision avoidance systems
(a)Development and Certification.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall—
(1) complete the development of the collision avoidance system known as TCAS–II so that TCAS–II can operate under visual and instrument flight rules and can be upgraded to the performance standards applicable to the collision avoidance system known as TCAS–III;
(2) develop and carry out a schedule for developing and certifying TCAS–II that will result in certification not later than June 30, 1989; and
(3) submit to Congress monthly reports on the progress being made in developing and certifying TCAS–II.
(b)Installation and Operation.—The Administrator shall require by regulation that, not later than 30 months after the date certification is made under subsection (a)(2) of this section, TCAS–II be installed and operated on each civil aircraft that has a maximum passenger capacity of at least 31 seats and is used to provide air transportation of passengers, including intrastate air transportation of passengers. The Administrator may extend the deadline in this subsection for not more than 2 years if the Administrator finds the extension is necessary to promote—
(1) a safe and orderly transition to the operation of a fleet of civil aircraft described in this subsection equipped with TCAS–II; or
(2) other safety objectives.
(c)Operational Evaluation.—Not later than December 30, 1990, the Administrator shall establish a one-year program to collect and assess safety and operational information from civil aircraft equipped with TCAS–II for the operational evaluation of TCAS–II. The Administrator shall encourage foreign air carriers that operate civil aircraft equipped with TCAS–II to participate in the program.
(d)Amending Schedule for Windshear Equipment.—The Administrator shall consider the feasibility and desirability of amending the schedule for installing airborne low-altitude windshear equipment to make the schedule compatible with the schedule for installing TCAS–II.
(e)Deadline for Development and Certification.—
(1) The Administrator shall complete developing and certifying TCAS–III as soon as possible.
(2) Necessary amounts may be appropriated from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund established under section 9502 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 9502) to carry out this subsection.
(f)Installing and Using Transponders.—The Administrator shall prescribe regulations requiring that, not later than December 30, 1990, operating transponders with automatic altitude reporting capability be installed and used for aircraft operating in designated terminal airspace where radar service is provided for separation of aircraft. The Administrator may provide for access to that airspace (except terminal control areas and airport radar service areas) by nonequipped aircraft if the Administrator finds the access will not interfere with the normal traffic flow.
(g)Cargo Collision Avoidance Systems.—
(1)In general.—The Administrator shall require by regulation that, no later than December 31, 2002, collision avoidance equipment be installed on each cargo aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight in excess of 15,000 kilograms.
(2)Extension of deadline.—The Administrator may extend the deadline established by paragraph (1) by not more than 2 years if the Administrator finds that the extension is needed to promote—
(A) a safe and orderly transition to the operation of a fleet of cargo aircraft equipped with collision avoidance equipment; or
(B) other safety or public interest objectives.
(3)Collision avoidance equipment defined.—In this subsection, the term “collision avoidance equipment” means equipment that provides protection from mid-air collisions using technology that provides—
(A) cockpit-based collision detection and conflict resolution guidance, including display of traffic; and
(B) a margin of safety of at least the same level as provided by the collision avoidance system known as TCAS–II.
(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1198; Pub. L. 106–181, title V, § 502, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 132.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44716

§ 44717. Aging aircraft
(a)Inspections and Reviews.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall prescribe regulations that ensure the continuing airworthiness of aging aircraft. The regulations prescribed under subsection (a) of this section—
(1) at least shall require the Administrator to make inspections, and review the maintenance and other records, of each aircraft an air carrier uses to provide air transportation that the Administrator decides may be necessary to enable the Administrator to decide whether the aircraft is in safe condition and maintained properly for operation in air transportation;
(2) at least shall require an air carrier to demonstrate to the Administrator, as part of the inspection, that maintenance of the aircraft’s age-sensitive parts and components has been adequate and timely enough to ensure the highest degree of safety;
(3) shall require the air carrier to make available to the Administrator the aircraft and any records about the aircraft that the Administrator requires to carry out a review; and
(4) shall establish procedures to be followed in carrying out an inspection.
(b)When and How Inspections and Reviews Shall Be Carried Out.—
(1) Inspections and reviews required under subsection (a)(1) of this section shall be carried out as part of each heavy maintenance check of the aircraft conducted after the 14th year in which the aircraft has been in service.
(2) Inspections under subsection (a)(1) of this section shall be carried out as provided under section 44701(a)(2)(B) and (C) of this title.
(c)Aircraft Maintenance Safety Programs.—The Administrator shall establish—
(1) a program to verify that air carriers are maintaining their aircraft according to maintenance programs approved by the Administrator;
(2) a program—
(A) to provide inspectors and engineers of the Administration with training necessary to conduct auditing inspections of aircraft operated by air carriers for corrosion and metal fatigue; and
(B) to enhance participation of those inspectors and engineers in those inspections; and
(3) a program to ensure that air carriers demonstrate to the Administrator their commitment and technical competence to ensure the airworthiness of aircraft that the carriers operate.
(d)Foreign Air Transportation.—
(1) The Administrator shall take all possible steps to encourage governments of foreign countries and relevant international organizations to develop standards and requirements for inspections and reviews that—
(A) will ensure the continuing airworthiness of aging aircraft used by foreign air carriers to provide foreign air transportation to and from the United States; and
(B) will provide passengers of those foreign air carriers with the same level of safety that will be provided passengers of air carriers by carrying out this section.
(2) Not later than September 30, 1994, the Administrator shall report to Congress on carrying out this subsection.
(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1199.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44717

§ 44718. Structures interfering with air commerce or national security
(a)Notice.—By regulation or by order when necessary, the Secretary of Transportation shall require a person to give adequate public notice, in the form and way the Secretary prescribes, of the construction, alteration, establishment, or expansion, or the proposed construction, alteration, establishment, or expansion, of a structure or sanitary landfill when the notice will promote—
(1) safety in air commerce;
(2) the efficient use and preservation of the navigable airspace and of airport traffic capacity at public-use airports; or
(3) the interests of national security, as determined by the Secretary of Defense.
(b)Studies.—
(1)In general.—Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, if the Secretary decides that constructing or altering a structure may result in an obstruction of the navigable airspace, an interference with air or space navigation facilities and equipment or the navigable airspace, or, after consultation with the Secretary of Defense, an adverse impact on military operations and readiness, the Secretary of Transportation shall conduct an aeronautical study to decide the extent of any adverse impact on the safe and efficient use of the airspace, facilities, or equipment. In conducting the study, the Secretary shall—
(A) consider factors relevant to the efficient and effective use of the navigable airspace, including—
(i) the impact on arrival, departure, and en route procedures for aircraft operating under visual flight rules;
(ii) the impact on arrival, departure, and en route procedures for aircraft operating under instrument flight rules;
(iii) the impact on existing public-use airports and aeronautical facilities;
(iv) the impact on planned public-use airports and aeronautical facilities;
(v) the cumulative impact resulting from the proposed construction or alteration of a structure when combined with the impact of other existing or proposed structures;
(vi) the impact on launch and reentry for launch and reentry vehicles arriving or departing from a launch site or reentry site licensed by the Secretary of Transportation; and
(vii) other factors relevant to the efficient and effective use of navigable airspace; and
(B) include the finding made by the Secretary of Defense under subsection (f).
(2)Report.—On completing the study, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue a report disclosing the extent of the—
(A) adverse impact on the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace that the Secretary finds will result from constructing or altering the structure; and
(B) unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States, as determined by the Secretary of Defense under subsection (f).
(3)Severability.—A determination by the Secretary of Transportation on hazard to air navigation under this section shall remain independent of a determination of unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States by the Secretary of Defense under subsection (f).
(c)Broadcast Applications and Tower Studies.—In carrying out laws related to a broadcast application and conducting an aeronautical study related to broadcast towers, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Communications Commission shall take action necessary to coordinate efficiently—
(1) the receipt and consideration of, and action on, the application; and
(2) the completion of any associated aeronautical study.
(d)Limitation on Construction of Landfills.—
(1)In general.—No person shall construct or establish a municipal solid waste landfill (as defined in section 258.2 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of the enactment of this subsection) that receives putrescible waste (as defined in section 257.3–8 of such title) within 6 miles of a public airport that has received grants under chapter 471 and is primarily served by general aviation aircraft and regularly scheduled flights of aircraft designed for 60 passengers or less unless the State aviation agency of the State in which the airport is located requests that the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration exempt the landfill from the application of this subsection and the Administrator determines that such exemption would have no adverse impact on aviation safety.
(2)Limitation on applicability.—Paragraph (1) shall not apply in the State of Alaska and shall not apply to the construction, establishment, expansion, or modification of, or to any other activity undertaken with respect to, a municipal solid waste landfill if the construction or establishment of the landfill was commenced on or before the date of the enactment of this subsection.
(e)Review of Aeronautical Studies.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall develop procedures to allow the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security to review and comment on an aeronautical study conducted pursuant to subsection (b) prior to the completion of the study.
(f)National Security Finding.—As part of an aeronautical study conducted under subsection (b) and in accordance with section 183a(e) of title 10, the Secretary of Defense shall—
(1) make a finding on whether the construction, alteration, establishment, or expansion of a structure or sanitary landfill included in the study would result in an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States; and
(2) transmit the finding to the Secretary of Transportation for inclusion in the report required under subsection (b)(2).
(g)Special Rule for Identified Geographic Areas.—In the case of a proposed structure to be located within a geographic area identified under section 183a(d)(2)(B) of title 10, the Secretary of Transportation may not issue a determination pursuant to this section until the Secretary of Defense issues a finding under section 183a(e) of title 10, the Secretary of Defense advises the Secretary of Transportation that no finding under section 183a(e) of title 10 will be forthcoming, or 180 days have lapsed since the project was filed with the Secretary of Transportation pursuant to this section, whichever occurs first.
(h)Definitions.—In this section, the terms “adverse impact on military operations and readiness” and “unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States” have the meaning given those terms in section 183a(h) of title 10.
(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1200; Pub. L. 104–264, title XII, § 1220(a), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3286; Pub. L. 106–181, title V, § 503(b), Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 133; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title III, § 332, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1369; Pub. L. 114–248, § 1(a), Nov. 28, 2016, 130 Stat. 998; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title III, § 341(a)(1)–(4)(A), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2079–2081; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title III, § 311(b)(2), (3), (e), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1347, 1348; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title X, § 1081(e)(2), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1986; Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title V, § 539(h), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3371; Pub. L. 118–63, title XI, § 1101(m), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1414.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44718

§ 44719. Standards for navigational aids

The Secretary of Transportation shall prescribe regulations on standards for installing navigational aids, including airport control towers. For each type of facility, the regulations shall consider at a minimum traffic density (number of aircraft operations without consideration of aircraft size), terrain and other obstacles to navigation, weather characteristics, passengers served, and potential aircraft operating efficiencies.

(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1201.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44719

§ 44720. Meteorological services
(a)Recommendations.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall make recommendations to the Secretary of Commerce on providing meteorological services necessary for the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in air commerce. In providing the services, the Secretary shall cooperate with the Administrator and give complete consideration to those recommendations.
(b)Promoting Safety and Efficiency.—To promote safety and efficiency in air navigation to the highest possible degree, the Secretary shall—
(1) observe, measure, investigate, and study atmospheric phenomena, and maintain meteorological stations and offices, that are necessary or best suited for finding out in advance information about probable weather conditions;
(2) provide reports to the Administrator, to persons engaged in civil aeronautics that are designated by the the Administrator, and to other persons designated by the Secretary in a way and with a frequency that best will result in safety in, and facilitating, air navigation;
(3) cooperate with persons engaged in air commerce in meteorological services, maintain reciprocal arrangements with those persons in carrying out this clause, and collect and distribute weather reports available from aircraft in flight;
(4) maintain and coordinate international exchanges of meteorological information required for the safety and efficiency of air navigation;
(5) in cooperation with other departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States Government, meteorological services of foreign countries, and persons engaged in air commerce, participate in developing an international basic meteorological reporting network, including the establishment, operation, and maintenance of reporting stations on the high seas, in polar regions, and in foreign countries;
(6) coordinate meteorological requirements in the United States to maintain standard observations, to promote efficient use of facilities, and to avoid duplication of services unless the duplication tends to promote the safety and efficiency of air navigation; and
(7) promote and develop meteorological science and foster and support research projects in meteorology through the use of private and governmental research facilities and provide for publishing the results of the projects unless publication would not be in the public interest.
(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1201; Pub. L. 118–63, title XI, § 1101(n), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1414.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44720

§ 44721. Aeronautical charts and related products and services
(a)Publication.—
(1)In general.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may arrange for the publication of aeronautical maps and charts necessary for the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in air navigation, using the facilities and assistance of departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States Government as far as practicable.
(2)Navigation routes.—In carrying out paragraph (1), the Administrator shall update and arrange for the publication of clearly defined routes for navigating through a complex terminal airspace area and to and from an airport located in such an area, if the Administrator decides that publication of the routes would promote safety in air navigation. The routes shall be developed in consultation with pilots and other users of affected airports and shall be for the optional use of pilots operating under visual flight rules.
(b)Indemnification.—The Government shall make an agreement to indemnify any person that publishes a map or chart for use in aeronautics from any part of a claim arising out of the depiction by the person on the map or chart of a defective or deficient flight procedure or airway if the flight procedure or airway was—
(1) prescribed by the Administrator;
(2) depicted accurately on the map or chart; and
(3) not obviously defective or deficient.
(c)Authority of Office of Aeronautical Charting and Cartography.—Effective October 1, 2000, the Administrator is vested with and shall exercise the functions, powers, and duties of the Secretary of Commerce and other officers of the Department of Commerce that relate to the Office of Aeronautical Charting and Cartography to provide aeronautical charts and related products and services for the safe and efficient navigation of air commerce, under the following authorities:
(1) Sections 1 through 9 of the Act entitled “An Act to define the functions and duties of the Coast and Geodetic Survey, and for other purposes”, approved August 6, 1947 (33 U.S.C. 883a–883h).
(2) Section 6082 of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (33 U.S.C. 883j).
(d)Authority.—In order that full public benefit may be derived from the dissemination of data resulting from activities under this section and of related data from other sources, the Administrator may—
(1) develop, process, disseminate and publish digital and analog data, information, compilations, and reports;
(2) compile, print, and disseminate aeronautical charts and related products and services of the United States and its territories and possessions;
(3) compile, print, and disseminate aeronautical charts and related products and services covering international airspace as are required primarily by United States civil aviation; and
(4) compile, print, and disseminate nonaeronautical navigational, transportation or public-safety-related products and services when in the best interests of the Government.
(e)Contracts, Cooperative Agreements, Grants, and Other Agreements.—
(1)Contracts.—The Administrator is authorized to contract with qualified organizations for the performance of any part of the authorized functions of the Office of Aeronautical Charting and Cartography when the Administrator deems such procedure to be in the public interest and will not compromise public safety.
(2)Cooperative agreements, grants, and other agreements.—The Administrator is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements, grants, reimbursable agreements, memoranda of understanding and other agreements, with a State, subdivision of a State, Federal agency, public or private organization, or individual, to carry out the purposes of this section.
(f)Special Services and Products.—
(1)In general.—The Administrator is authorized, at the request of a State, subdivision of a State, Federal agency, public or private organization, or individual, to conduct special services, including making special studies, or developing special publications or products on matters relating to navigation, transportation, or public safety.
(2)Fees.—The Administrator shall assess a fee for any special service provided under paragraph (1). A fee shall be not more than the actual or estimated full cost of the service. A fee may be reduced or waived for research organizations, educational organizations, or non-profit organizations, when the Administrator determines that reduction or waiver of the fee is in the best interest of the Government by furthering public safety.
(g)Sale and Dissemination of Aeronautical Products.—
(1)In general.—Aeronautical products created or maintained under the authority of this section shall be sold at prices established annually by the Administrator consistent with the following:
(A)Maximum price.—Subject to subparagraph (B), the price of an aeronautical product sold to the public shall be not more than necessary to recover all costs attributable to: (i) data base management and processing; (ii) compilation; (iii) printing or other types of reproduction; and (iv) dissemination of the product.
(B)Adjustment of price.—The Administrator shall adjust the price of an aeronautical product and service sold to the public as necessary to avoid any adverse impact on aviation safety attributable to the price specified under this paragraph.
(C)Costs attributable to acquisition of aeronautical data.—A price established under this paragraph may not include costs attributable to the acquisition of aeronautical data.
(D)Continuation of prices.—The price of any product created under subsection (d) may correspond to the price of a comparable product produced by a department of the United States Government as that price was in effect on September 30, 2000, and may remain in effect until modified by regulation under section 9701 of title 31, United States Code.
(2)Publication of prices.—The Administrator shall publish annually the prices at which aeronautical products are sold to the public.
(3)Distribution.—The Administrator may distribute aeronautical products and provide aeronautical services—
(A) without charge to each foreign government or international organization with which the Administrator or a Federal department or agency has an agreement for exchange of these products or services without cost;
(B) at prices the Administrator establishes, to the departments and officers of the United States requiring them for official use; and
(C) at reduced or no charge where, in the judgment of the Administrator, furnishing the aeronautical product or service to a recipient is a reasonable exchange for voluntary contribution of information by the recipient to the activities under this section.
(4)Fees.—The fees provided for in this subsection are for the purpose of reimbursing the Government for the costs of creating, printing and disseminating aeronautical products and services under this section. The collection of fees authorized by this section does not alter or expand any duty or liability of the Government under existing law for the performance of functions for which fees are collected, nor does the collection of fees constitute an express or implied undertaking by the Government to perform any activity in a certain manner.
(5)Crediting amounts received.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, amounts received for the sale of products created and services performed under this section shall be fully credited to the account of the Federal Aviation Administration that funded the provision of the products or services and shall remain available until expended.
(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1202; Pub. L. 106–181, title VI, § 603(a), Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 150; Pub. L. 106–424, § 17(a), Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1888; Pub. L. 118–63, title XI, § 1101(o), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1414.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44721

§ 44722. Aircraft operations in winter conditions

The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall prescribe regulations requiring procedures to improve safety of aircraft operations during winter conditions. In deciding on the procedures to be required, the Administrator shall consider at least aircraft and air traffic control modifications, the availability of different types of deicing fluids (considering their efficacy and environmental limitations), the types of deicing equipment available, and the feasibility and desirability of establishing timeframes within which deicing must occur under certain types of inclement weather.

(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1202.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44722

§ 44723. Annual reportNot later than January 1 of each year, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to Congress a comprehensive report on the safety enforcement activities of the Federal Aviation Administration during the fiscal year ending the prior September 30th. The report shall include—
(1) a comparison of end-of-year staffing levels by operations, maintenance, and avionics inspector categories to staffing goals and a statement on how staffing standards were applied to make allocations between air carrier and general aviation operations, maintenance, and avionics inspectors;
(2) schedules showing the range of inspector experience by various inspector work force categories, and the number of inspectors in each of the categories who are considered fully qualified;
(3) schedules showing the number and percentage of inspectors who have received mandatory training by individual course, and the number of inspectors by work force categories, who have received all mandatory training;
(4) a description of the criteria used to set annual work programs, an explanation of how these criteria differ from criteria used in the prior fiscal year and how the annual work programs ensure compliance with appropriate regulations and safe operating practices;
(5) a comparison of actual inspections performed during the fiscal year to the annual work programs by field location and, for any field location completing less than 80 percent of its planned number of inspections, an explanation of why annual work program plans were not met;
(6) a statement of the adequacy of Administration internal management controls available to ensure that field managers comply with Administration policies and procedures, including those on inspector priorities, district office coordination, minimum inspection standards, and inspection followup;
(7) the status of efforts made by the Administration to update inspector guidance documents and regulations to include technological, management, and structural changes taking place in the aviation industry, including a listing of the backlog of all proposed regulatory amendments;
(8) a list of the specific operational measures of effectiveness used to evaluate—
(A) the progress in meeting program objectives;
(B) the quality of program delivery; and
(C) the nature of emerging safety problems;
(9) a schedule showing the number of civil penalty cases closed during the 2 prior fiscal years, including the total initial and final penalties imposed, the total number of dollars collected, the range of dollar amounts collected, the average case processing time, and the range of case processing time;
(10) a schedule showing the number of enforcement actions taken (except civil penalties) during the 2 prior fiscal years, including the total number of violations cited, and the number of cited violation cases closed by certificate suspensions, certificate revocations, warnings, and no action taken; and
(11) schedules showing the safety record of the aviation industry during the fiscal year for air carriers and general aviation, including—
(A) the number of inspections performed when deficiencies were identified compared with inspections when no deficiencies were found;
(B) the frequency of safety deficiencies for each air carrier; and
(C) an analysis based on data of the general status of air carrier and general aviation compliance with aviation regulations.
(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1202.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44723

§ 44724. Manipulation of flight controls
(a)Prohibition.—No pilot in command of an aircraft may allow an individual who does not hold—
(1) a valid private pilots certificate issued by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration under part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
(2) the appropriate medical certificate issued by the Administrator under part 67 of such title,
to manipulate the controls of an aircraft if the pilot knows or should have known that the individual is attempting to set a record or engage in an aeronautical competition or aeronautical feat, as defined by the Administrator.
(b)Revocation of Airmen Certificates.—The Administrator shall issue an order revoking a certificate issued to an airman under section 44703 of this title if the Administrator finds that while acting as a pilot in command of an aircraft, the airman has permitted another individual to manipulate the controls of the aircraft in violation of subsection (a).
(c)Pilot in Command Defined.—In this section, the term “pilot in command” has the meaning given such term by section 1.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(Added Pub. L. 104–264, title VI, § 602(a)(1), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3263.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44724

§ 44725. Life-limited aircraft parts
(a)In General.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall conduct a rulemaking proceeding to require the safe disposition of life-limited parts removed from an aircraft. The rulemaking proceeding shall ensure that the disposition deter installation on an aircraft of a life-limited part that has reached or exceeded its life limits.
(b)Safe Disposition.—For the purposes of this section, safe disposition includes any of the following methods:
(1) The part may be segregated under circumstances that preclude its installation on an aircraft.
(2) The part may be permanently marked to indicate its used life status.
(3) The part may be destroyed in any manner calculated to prevent reinstallation in an aircraft.
(4) The part may be marked, if practicable, to include the recordation of hours, cycles, or other airworthiness information. If the parts are marked with cycles or hours of usage, that information must be updated every time the part is removed from service or when the part is retired from service.
(5) Any other method approved by the Administrator.
(c)Deadlines.—In conducting the rulemaking proceeding under subsection (a), the Administrator shall—
(1) not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, issue a notice of proposed rulemaking; and
(2) not later than 180 days after the close of the comment period on the proposed rule, issue a final rule.
(d)Prior-Removed Life-Limited Parts.—No rule issued under subsection (a) shall require the marking of parts removed from aircraft before the effective date of the rules issued under subsection (a), nor shall any such rule forbid the installation of an otherwise airworthy life-limited part.
(Added Pub. L. 106–181, title V, § 504(a), Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 134.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44725

§ 44726. Denial and revocation of certificate for counterfeit parts violations
(a)Denial of Certificate.—
(1)In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection and subsection (e)(2), the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may not issue a certificate under this chapter to any person—
(A) convicted in a court of law of a violation of a law of the United States relating to the installation, production, repair, or sale of a counterfeit or fraudulently-represented aviation part or material;
(B) whose certificate is revoked under subsection (b); or
(C) subject to a controlling or ownership interest of an individual described in subparagraph (A) or (B).
(2)Exception.—Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Administrator may issue a certificate under this chapter to a person described in paragraph (1) if issuance of the certificate will facilitate law enforcement efforts.
(b)Revocation of Certificate.—
(1)In general.—Except as provided in subsections (f) and (g), the Administrator shall issue an order revoking a certificate issued under this chapter if the Administrator finds that the holder of the certificate or an individual who has a controlling or ownership interest in the holder—
(A) was convicted in a court of law of a violation of a law of the United States relating to the installation, production, repair, or sale of a counterfeit or fraudulently-represented aviation part or material; or
(B) knowingly, and with the intent to defraud, carried out or facilitated an activity punishable under a law described in paragraph (1)(A).
(2)No authority to review violation.—In carrying out paragraph (1), the Administrator may not review whether a person violated a law described in paragraph (1)(A).
(c)Notice Requirement.—Before the Administrator revokes a certificate under subsection (b), the Administrator shall—
(1) advise the holder of the certificate of the reason for the revocation; and
(2) provide the holder of the certificate an opportunity to be heard on why the certificate should not be revoked.
(d)Appeal.—The provisions of section 44710(d) apply to the appeal of a revocation order under subsection (b). For the purpose of applying that section to the appeal, “person” shall be substituted for “individual” each place it appears.
(e)Acquittal or Reversal.—
(1)In general.—The Administrator may not revoke, and the National Transportation Safety Board may not affirm a revocation of, a certificate under subsection (b)(1)(B) if the holder of the certificate or the individual referred to in subsection (b)(1) is acquitted of all charges directly related to the violation.
(2)Reissuance.—The Administrator may reissue a certificate revoked under subsection (b) of this section to the former holder if—
(A) the former holder otherwise satisfies the requirements of this chapter for the certificate; and
(B)
(i) the former holder or the individual referred to in subsection (b)(1), is acquitted of all charges related to the violation on which the revocation was based; or
(ii) the conviction of the former holder or such individual of the violation on which the revocation was based is reversed.
(f)Waiver.—The Administrator may waive revocation of a certificate under subsection (b) if—
(1) a law enforcement official of the United States Government requests a waiver; and
(2) the waiver will facilitate law enforcement efforts.
(g)Amendment of Certificate.—If the holder of a certificate issued under this chapter is other than an individual and the Administrator finds that—
(1) an individual who had a controlling or ownership interest in the holder committed a violation of a law for the violation of which a certificate may be revoked under this section or knowingly, and with intent to defraud, carried out or facilitated an activity punishable under such a law; and
(2) the holder satisfies the requirements for the certificate without regard to that individual,
then the Administrator may amend the certificate to impose a limitation that the certificate will not be valid if that individual has a controlling or ownership interest in the holder. A decision by the Administrator under this subsection is not reviewable by the Board.
(Added Pub. L. 106–181, title V, § 505(a)(1), Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 134; amended Pub. L. 108–176, title V, § 501, Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2556.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44726

§ 44727. Runway safety areas
(a)Airports in Alaska.—An airport owner or operator in the State of Alaska shall not be required to reduce the length of a runway or declare the length of a runway to be less than the actual pavement length in order to meet standards of the Federal Aviation Administration applicable to runway safety areas.
(b)Study.—
(1)In general.—The Secretary shall conduct a study of runways at airports in States other than Alaska to determine which airports are affected by standards of the Federal Aviation Administration applicable to runway safety areas and to assess how operations at those airports would be affected if the owner or operator of the airport is required to reduce the length of a runway or declare the length of a runway to be less than the actual pavement length in order to meet such standards.
(2)Report.—Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall transmit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report containing the results of the study.
(Added Pub. L. 108–176, title V, § 502(a), Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2557.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44727

§ 44728. Flight attendant certification
(a)Certificate Required.—
(1)In general.—No person may serve as a flight attendant aboard an aircraft of an air carrier unless that person holds a certificate of demonstrated proficiency from the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. Upon the request of the Administrator or an authorized representative of the National Transportation Safety Board or another Federal agency, a person who holds such a certificate shall present the certificate for inspection within a reasonable period of time after the date of the request.
(2)Special rule for current flight attendants.—An individual serving as a flight attendant on the effective date of this section may continue to serve aboard an aircraft as a flight attendant until completion by that individual of the required recurrent or requalification training and subsequent certification under this section.
(3)Treatment of flight attendant after notification.—On the date that the Administrator is notified by an air carrier that an individual has the demonstrated proficiency to be a flight attendant, the individual shall be treated for purposes of this section as holding a certificate issued under the section.
(b)Issuance of Certificate.—The Administrator shall issue a certificate of demonstrated proficiency under this section to an individual after the Administrator is notified by the air carrier that the individual has successfully completed all the training requirements for flight attendants approved by the Administrator.
(c)Designation of Person To Determine Successful Completion of Training.—In accordance with part 183 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, the director of operations of an air carrier is designated to determine that an individual has successfully completed the training requirements approved by the Administrator for such individual to serve as a flight attendant.
(d)Specifications Relating to Certificates.—Each certificate issued under this section shall—
(1) be numbered and recorded by the Administrator;
(2) contain the name, address, and description of the individual to whom the certificate is issued;
(3) be similar in size and appearance to certificates issued to airmen;
(4) contain the airplane group for which the certificate is issued; and
(5) be issued not later than 120 days after the Administrator receives notification from the air carrier of demonstrated proficiency and, in the case of an individual serving as flight attendant on the effective date of this section, not later than 1 year after such effective date.
(e)Approval of Training Programs.—Air carrier flight attendant training programs shall be subject to approval by the Administrator. All flight attendant training programs approved by the Administrator in the 1-year period ending on the date of enactment of this section shall be treated as providing a demonstrated proficiency for purposes of meeting the certification requirements of this section.
(f)Minimum Language Skills.—
(1)In general.—No person may serve as a flight attendant aboard an aircraft of an air carrier, unless that person has demonstrated to an individual qualified to determine proficiency the ability to read, speak, and write English well enough to—
(A) read material written in English and comprehend the information;
(B) speak and understand English sufficiently to provide direction to, and understand and answer questions from, English-speaking individuals;
(C) write incident reports and statements and log entries and statements; and
(D) carry out written and oral instructions regarding the proper performance of their duties.
(2)Foreign flights.—The requirements of paragraph (1) do not apply to a flight attendant serving solely between points outside the United States.
(g)Flight Attendant Defined.—In this section, the term “flight attendant” means an individual working as a flight attendant in the cabin of an aircraft that has 20 or more seats and is being used by an air carrier to provide air transportation.
(Added Pub. L. 108–176, title VIII, § 814(a), Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2590; amended Pub. L. 112–95, title III, § 304(a), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 58; Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title V, § 539(i), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3371; Pub. L. 118–63, title XI, § 1101(p), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1414.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44728

§ 44729. Age standards for pilots
(a)In General.—Subject to the limitation in subsection (c), a pilot may serve in multicrew covered operations described in subsection (b)(1) until attaining 65 years of age. Air carriers that employ pilots who serve in covered operations described in subsection (b)(2) may elect to implement an age restriction to prohibit employed pilots from serving in such covered operations after attaining 70 years of age by delivering written notice to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. Such election—
(1) shall take effect 1 year after the date of delivery of written notice of the election; and
(2) may not be terminated after the date on which such election takes effect by the air carrier.
(b)Covered Operations Defined.—In this section, the term “covered operations” means—
(1) operations under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; or
(2) operations by a person that—
(A) holds an air carrier certificate issued pursuant to part 119 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to conduct operations under part 135 of such title;
(B) holds management specifications under subpart K of title 91 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
(C) performed an aggregate total of at least 75,000 turbojet operations in calendar year 2019 or any subsequent year.
(c)Limitation for International Flights.—
(1)Applicability of icao standard.—A pilot who has attained 60 years of age may serve as pilot-in-command in covered operations between the United States and another country only if there is another pilot in the flight deck crew who has not yet attained 60 years of age.
(2)Sunset of limitation.—Paragraph (1) shall cease to be effective on such date as the Convention on International Civil Aviation provides that a pilot who has attained 60 years of age may serve as pilot-in-command in international commercial operations without regard to whether there is another pilot in the flight deck crew who has not attained age 60.
(d)Sunset of Age 60 Retirement Rule.—On and after the date of enactment of this section, section 121.383(c) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, shall cease to be effective.
(e)Applicability.—
(1)Nonretroactivity.—No person who has attained 60 years of age before the date of enactment of this section may serve as a pilot for an air carrier engaged in covered operations unless—
(A) such person is in the employment of that air carrier in such operations on such date of enactment as a required flight deck crew member; or
(B) such person is newly hired by an air carrier as a pilot on or after such date of enactment without credit for prior seniority or prior longevity for benefits or other terms related to length of service prior to the date of rehire under any labor agreement or employment policies of the air carrier.
(2)Protection for compliance.—An action taken in conformance with this section, taken in conformance with a regulation issued to carry out this section, or taken prior to the date of enactment of this section in conformance with section 121.383(c) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect before such date of enactment), may not serve as a basis for liability or relief in a proceeding, brought under any employment law or regulation, before any court or agency of the United States or of any State or locality.
(f)Amendments to Labor Agreements and Benefit Plans.—Any amendment to a labor agreement or benefit plan of an air carrier that is required to conform with the requirements of this section or a regulation issued to carry out this section, and is applicable to pilots represented for collective bargaining, shall be made by agreement of the air carrier and the designated bargaining representative of the pilots of the air carrier.
(g)Medical Standards and Records.—
(1)Medical examinations and standards.—Except as provided by paragraph (2), a person serving as a pilot for an air carrier engaged in covered operations shall not be subject to different medical standards, or different, greater, or more frequent medical examinations, on account of age unless the Secretary determines (based on data received or studies published after the date of enactment of this section) that different medical standards, or different, greater, or more frequent medical examinations, are needed to ensure an adequate level of safety in flight.
(2)Duration of first-class medical certificate.—No person who has attained 60 years of age may serve as a pilot of an air carrier engaged in covered operations unless the person has a first-class medical certificate. Such a certificate shall expire on the last day of the 6-month period following the date of examination shown on the certificate.
(h)Safety.—
(1)Training.—Each air carrier engaged in covered operations shall continue to use pilot training and qualification programs approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, with specific emphasis on initial and recurrent training and qualification of pilots who have attained 60 years of age, to ensure continued acceptable levels of pilot skill and judgment.
(2) GAO report.—Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report concerning the effect, if any, on aviation safety of the modification to pilot age standards made by subsection (a).
(Added Pub. L. 110–135, § 2(a), Dec. 13, 2007, 121 Stat. 1450; amended Pub. L. 112–95, title III, § 305, Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 58; Pub. L. 117–328, div. Q, § 107(a), (b), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5257, 5258.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44729

§ 44730. Helicopter air ambulance operations
(a)Compliance Regulations.—
(1)In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), a part 135 certificate holder providing air ambulance services shall comply, whenever medical personnel are onboard the aircraft, with regulations pertaining to weather minimums and flight and duty time under part 135.
(2)Exception.—If a certificate holder described in paragraph (1) is operating, or carrying out training, under instrument flight rules, the weather reporting requirement at the destination shall not apply if authorized by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
(b)Final Rule.—Not later than June 1, 2012, the Administrator shall issue a final rule, with respect to the notice of proposed rulemaking published in the Federal Register on October 12, 2010 (75 Fed. Reg. 62640), to improve the safety of flight crewmembers, medical personnel, and passengers onboard helicopters providing air ambulance services under part 135.
(c)Matters To Be Addressed.—In conducting the rulemaking proceeding under subsection (b), the Administrator shall consider, or address through other means, the following:
(1) Flight request and dispatch procedures, including performance-based flight dispatch procedures.
(2) Pilot training standards, including establishment of training standards in—
(A) preventing controlled flight into terrain; and
(B) recovery from inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions.
(3) Safety-enhancing technology and equipment, including—
(A) helicopter terrain awareness and warning systems;
(B) radar altimeters; and
(C) devices that perform the function of flight data recorders and cockpit voice recorders, to the extent feasible.
(4) Such other matters as the Administrator considers appropriate.
(d)Minimum Requirements.—In issuing a final rule under subsection (b), the Administrator, at a minimum, shall consider, or address through other means, the following:
(1)Flight risk evaluation program.—The Administrator shall ensure that a part 135 certificate holder providing helicopter air ambulance services—
(A) establishes a flight risk evaluation program, based on FAA Notice 8000.301 issued by the Administration on August 1, 2005, including any updates thereto;
(B) as part of the flight risk evaluation program, develops a checklist for use by pilots in determining whether a flight request should be accepted; and
(C) requires the pilots of the certificate holder to use the checklist.
(2)Operational control center.—The Administrator shall ensure that a part 135 certificate holder providing helicopter air ambulance services using 10 or more helicopters has an operational control center that meets such requirements as the Administrator may prescribe.
(e)Subsequent Actions.—
(1)In general.—
(A) Pilot training standards, including—
(i) mandatory training requirements, including a minimum time for completing the training requirements;
(ii) training subject areas, such as communications procedures and appropriate technology use; and
(iii) establishment of training standards in—(I) crew resource management;(II) flight risk evaluation;(III) operational control of the pilot in command; and(IV) use of flight simulation training devices and line-oriented flight training.
(B) Use of safety equipment that should be worn or used by flight crewmembers and medical personnel on a flight, including the possible use of shoulder harnesses, helmets, seatbelts, and fire resistant clothing to enhance crash survivability.
(2)Limitation on construction.—Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require the Administrator to propose or finalize any rule that would derogate or supersede the rule required to be finalized under subsection (b).
(f)Definitions.—In this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)Part 135.—The term “part 135” means part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(2)Part 135 certificate holder.—The term “part 135 certificate holder” means a person holding an operating certificate issued under part 119 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, that is authorized to conduct civil helicopter air ambulance operations under part 135.
(Added Pub. L. 112–95, title III, § 306(a), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 58; amended Pub. L. 118–63, title III, § 301(a), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1066.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44730

§ 44731. Collection of data on helicopter air ambulance operations
(a)In General.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall require a part 135 certificate holder providing helicopter air ambulance services to submit to the Administrator, annually, a report containing, at a minimum, the following data:
(1) The number of helicopters that the certificate holder uses to provide helicopter air ambulance services and the base locations of the helicopters.
(2) The number of hours flown by the helicopters operated by the certificate holder.
(3) The number of patients transported and the number of patient transport requests for a helicopter providing air ambulance services that were accepted or declined by the certificate holder and the type of each such flight request (such as scene response, interfacility transport, or organ transport).
(4) The number of accidents, if any, involving helicopters operated by the certificate holder while providing air ambulance services and a description of the accidents.
(5) The number of hours flown under instrument flight rules by helicopters operated by the certificate holder.
(6) The number of hours flown at night by helicopters operated by the certificate holder.
(7) The number of incidents, if any, in which a helicopter was not directly dispatched and arrived to transport patients but was not utilized for patient transport.
(b)Reporting Period.—Data contained in a report submitted by a part 135 certificate holder under subsection (a) shall relate to such reporting period as the Administrator determines appropriate.
(c)Database.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall develop a method to collect and store the data collected under subsection (a), including a method to protect the confidentiality of any trade secret or proprietary information provided in response to this section.
(d)Implementation.—In carrying out this section, the Administrator, in collaboration with part 135 certificate holders providing helicopter air ambulance services, shall—
(1) propose and develop a method to collect and store the data submitted under subsection (a), including a method to protect the confidentiality of any trade secret or proprietary information submitted;
(2) make publicly available, in part or in whole, on a website of the Federal Aviation Administration, the database developed pursuant to subsection (c); and
(3) analyze the data submitted under subsection (a) periodically and use such data to inform efforts to improve the safety of helicopter air ambulance operations.
(e)Definitions.—In this section, the terms “part 135” and “part 135 certificate holder” have the meanings given such terms in section 44730.
(Added Pub. L. 112–95, title III, § 306(a), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 60; amended Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, § 314(d), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3266; Pub. L. 118–63, title III, § 301(c), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1066.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44731

§ 44732. Prohibition on personal use of electronic devices on flight deck
(a)In General.—It is unlawful for a flight crewmember of an aircraft used to provide air transportation under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to use a personal wireless communications device or laptop computer while at the flight crewmember’s duty station on the flight deck of such an aircraft while the aircraft is being operated.
(b)Exceptions.—Subsection (a) shall not apply to the use of a personal wireless communications device or laptop computer for a purpose directly related to operation of the aircraft, or for emergency, safety-related, or employment-related communications, in accordance with procedures established by the air carrier and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
(c)Enforcement.—In addition to the penalties provided under section 46301 applicable to any violation of this section, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may enforce compliance with this section under section 44709 by amending, modifying, suspending, or revoking a certificate under this chapter.
(d)Personal Wireless Communications Device Defined.—In this section, the term “personal wireless communications device” means a device through which personal wireless services (as defined in section 332(c)(7)(C)(i) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 332(c)(7)(C)(i))) are transmitted.
(Added Pub. L. 112–95, title III, § 307(a), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 61.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44732

§ 44733. Oversight of repair stations located outside the United States
(a)In General.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall establish and implement a safety assessment system for all part 145 repair stations based on the type, scope, and complexity of work being performed. The system shall—
(1) ensure that repair stations located outside the United States are subject to appropriate inspections based on identified risks and consistent with existing United States requirements;
(2) consider inspection results and findings submitted by foreign civil aviation authorities operating under a maintenance safety or maintenance implementation agreement with the United States; and
(3) require all maintenance safety or maintenance implementation agreements to provide an opportunity for the Administration to conduct independent inspections of part 145 repair stations when safety concerns warrant such inspections.
(b)Notice to Congress of Negotiations.—The Administrator shall notify the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives not later than 30 days after initiating formal negotiations with foreign aviation authorities or other appropriate foreign government agencies on a new maintenance safety or maintenance implementation agreement.
(c)Annual Report.—The Administrator shall publish an annual report on the Administration’s oversight of part 145 repair stations and implementation of the safety assessment system required under subsection (a). The report shall—
(1) describe in detail any improvements in the Administration’s ability to identify and track where part 121 air carrier repair work is performed;
(2) include a staffing model to determine the best placement of inspectors and the number of inspectors needed;
(3) describe the training provided to inspectors; and
(4) include an assessment of the quality of monitoring and surveillance by the Administration of work performed by its inspectors and the inspectors of foreign authorities operating under a maintenance safety or maintenance implementation agreement.
(d)Alcohol and Controlled Substances Testing Program Requirements.—
(1)In general.—The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Transportation, acting jointly, shall request the governments of foreign countries that are members of the International Civil Aviation Organization to establish international standards for alcohol and controlled substances testing of persons that perform safety-sensitive maintenance functions on commercial air carrier aircraft.
(2)Application to part 121 aircraft work.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall promulgate a proposed rule requiring that all part 145 repair station employees responsible for safety-sensitive maintenance functions on part 121 air carrier aircraft are subject to an alcohol and controlled substances testing program determined acceptable by the Administrator and consistent with the applicable laws of the country in which the repair station is located.
(e)Annual Inspections.—The Administrator shall ensure that part 145 repair stations located outside the United States are inspected annually, without prior notice to such repair stations, by Federal Aviation Administration safety inspectors, without regard to where the station is located, in a manner consistent with United States obligations under international agreements and the applicable laws of the country in which the repair station is located. The Administrator may carry out announced or unannounced inspections in addition to the annual unannounced inspection required under this subsection based on identified risks and in a manner consistent with United States obligations under international agreements and the applicable laws of the country in which the part 145 repair station is located.on is located. The Administrator may carry out announced or unannounced inspections in addition to the annual unannounced inspection required under this subsection based on identified risks and in a manner consistent with United States obligations under international agreements and the applicable laws of the country in which the part 145 repair station is located.
(f)Risk-Based Oversight.—
(1)In general.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016, the Administrator shall take measures to ensure that the safety assessment system established under subsection (a)—
(A) places particular consideration on inspections of part 145 repair stations located outside the United States that conduct scheduled heavy maintenance work on part 121 air carrier aircraft; and
(B) accounts for the frequency and seriousness of any corrective actions that part 121 air carriers must implement to aircraft following such work at such repair stations.
(2)International agreements.—The Administrator shall take the measures required under paragraph (1)—
(A) in accordance with United States obligations under applicable international agreements; and
(B) in a manner consistent with the applicable laws of the country in which a repair station is located.
(3)Access to data.—The Administrator may access and review such information or data in the possession of a part 121 air carrier as the Administrator may require in carrying out paragraph (1)(B).
(g)Data Analysis.—
(1)In general.—Each fiscal year in which a part 121 air carrier has had heavy maintenance work performed on an aircraft owned or operated by such carrier, such carrier shall provide to the Administrator, not later than the end of the following fiscal year, a report containing the information described in paragraph (2).
(2)Information required.—A report under paragraph (1) shall contain the following:
(A) The location where any heavy maintenance work on aircraft was performed outside the United States.
(B) A description of the work performed at each such location.
(C) The date of completion of the work performed at each such location.
(D) A list of all failures, malfunctions, or defects affecting the safe operation of such aircraft identified by the air carrier not later than 30 days after the date on which an aircraft is returned to service, organized by reference to aircraft registration number, that—
(i) requires corrective action after the aircraft is approved for return to service; and
(ii) results from such work performed on such aircraft.
(E) The certificate number of the person approving such aircraft or on-wing aircraft engine for return to service following completion of the work performed at each such location.
(3)Analysis.—The Administrator shall—
(A) analyze information provided under this subsection and sections 121.703, 121.705, 121.707, and 145.221 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor provisions of such title, to detect safety issues associated with heavy maintenance work on aircraft performed outside the United States; and
(B) require appropriate actions by an air carrier or repair station in response to any safety issue identified by the analysis conducted under subparagraph (A).
(4)Confidentiality.—Information provided under this subsection shall be subject to the same protections given to voluntarily provided safety or security related information under section 40123.
(h)Applications and Prohibition.—
(1)In general.—The Administrator may not approve any new application under part 145 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, from a person located or headquartered in a country that the Administration, through the International Aviation Safety Assessment program, has classified as Category 2.
(2)Exception.—Paragraph (1) shall not apply to an application for the renewal of a certificate issued under part 145 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(3)Maintenance implementation procedures agreement.—The Administrator may elect not to enter into a new maintenance implementation procedures agreement with a country classified as Category 2, for as long as the country remains classified as Category 2.
(4)Prohibition on continued heavy maintenance work.—No part 121 air carrier may enter into a new contract for heavy maintenance work with a person located or headquartered in a country that the Administrator, through the International Aviation Safety Assessment program, has classified as Category 2, for as long as such country remains classified as Category 2.
(i) Minimum Qualifications for Mechanics and Others Working on U.S. Registered Aircraft.—
(1)In general.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator shall require that, at each covered repair station—
(A) all supervisory personnel of such station are appropriately certificated as a mechanic or repairman under part 65 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or under an equivalent certification or licensing regime, as determined by the Administrator; and
(B) all personnel of such station authorized to approve an article for return to service are appropriately certificated as a mechanic or repairman under part 65 of such title, or under an equivalent certification or licensing regime, as determined by the Administrator.
(2)Available for consultation.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator shall require any individual who is responsible for approving an article for return to service or who is directly in charge of heavy maintenance work performed on aircraft operated by a part 121 air carrier be available for consultation while work is being performed at a covered repair station.
(j)Definitions.—In this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)Covered repair station.—The term “covered repair station” means a facility that—
(A) is located outside the United States;
(B) is a part 145 repair station; and
(C) performs heavy maintenance work on aircraft operated by a part 121 air carrier.
(2)Heavy maintenance work.—The term “heavy maintenance work” means a C-check, a D-check, or equivalent maintenance operation with respect to the airframe of a transport-category aircraft (including on-wing aircraft engines).
(3)Part 121 air carrier.—The term “part 121 air carrier” means an air carrier that holds a certificate issued under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(4)Part 145 repair station.—The term “part 145 repair station” means a repair station that holds a certificate issued under part 145 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(Added Pub. L. 112–95, title III, § 308(a), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 62; amended Pub. L. 114–190, title II, § 2112(a), July 15, 2016, 130 Stat. 627; Pub. L. 118–63, title III, § 302(a)(1), (2), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1067, 1069.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44733

§ 44734. Training of flight attendants
(a)Training Required.—In addition to other training required under this chapter, each air carrier shall provide to flight attendants employed or contracted by such air carrier initial and annual training regarding—
(1) serving alcohol to passengers;
(2) recognizing intoxicated passengers;
(3) dealing with disruptive passengers; and
(4) recognizing and responding to potential human trafficking victims.
(b)Situational Training.—In carrying out the training required under subsection (a), each air carrier shall provide to flight attendants situational training on the proper method for dealing with intoxicated passengers who act in a belligerent manner.
(c)Definitions.—In this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)Air carrier.—The term “air carrier” means a person, including a commercial enterprise, that has been issued an air carrier operating certificate under section 44705.
(2)Flight attendant.—The term “flight attendant” has the meaning given that term in section 44728(g).
(Added Pub. L. 112–95, title III, § 309(a), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 64; amended Pub. L. 114–190, title II, § 2113, July 15, 2016, 130 Stat. 628.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44734

§ 44735. Limitation on disclosure of safety information
(a)In General.—Except as provided by subsection (c), a report, data, or other information described in subsection (b) shall not be disclosed to the public by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration pursuant to section 552(b)(3)(B) of title 5—
(1) if the report, data, or other information is submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration voluntarily and is not required to be submitted to the Administrator under any other provision of law;
(2) if the report, data, or other information is submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration pursuant to section 102(e) of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act; or
(3) if the report, data, or other information is submitted for any purpose relating to the development and implementation of a safety management system, including a system required by regulation.
(b)Applicability.—The limitation established by subsection (a) shall apply to the following:
(1) Reports, data, or other information developed under the Aviation Safety Action Program.
(2) Reports, data, or other information produced or collected under the Flight Operational Quality Assurance Program.
(3) Reports, data, or other information developed under the Line Operations Safety Audit Program.
(4) Reports, data, or other information produced or collected for purposes of developing and implementing a safety management system acceptable to the Administrator.
(5) Reports, analyses, and directed studies, based in whole or in part on reports, data, or other information described in paragraphs (1) through (4), including those prepared under the Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing Program (or any successor program).
(c)Exception for De-identified Information.—
(1)In general.—The limitation established by subsection (a) shall not apply to a report, data, or other information if the information contained in the report, data, or other information has been de-identified.
(2)De-identified defined.—In this subsection, the term “de-identified” means the process by which all information that is likely to establish the identity of the specific persons or entities submitting reports, data, or other information is removed from the reports, data, or other information.
(d)Other Agencies.—
(1)In general.—The limitation established under subsection (a) shall apply to the head of any other Federal agency who receives reports, data, or other information described in such subsection from the Administrator.
(2)Rule of construction.—This section shall not be construed to limit the accident or incident investigation authority of the National Transportation Safety Board under chapter 11, including the requirement to not disclose voluntarily provided safety-related information under section 1114.
(Added Pub. L. 112–95, title III, § 310(a), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 64; amended Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, § 102(g), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2311; Pub. L. 118–63, title III, § 305, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1071.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44735

§ 44736. Organization designation authorizations
(a)Delegations of Functions.—
(1)In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (3), when overseeing an ODA holder, the Administrator of the FAA shall—
(A) require, based on an application submitted by the ODA holder and approved by the Administrator (or the Administrator’s designee), a procedures manual that addresses all procedures and limitations regarding the functions to be performed by the ODA holder; and
(B) conduct regular oversight activities by inspecting the ODA holder’s delegated functions and taking action based on validated inspection findings.
(2)Duties of oda holders.—An ODA holder shall—
(A) perform each specified function delegated to the ODA holder in accordance with the approved procedures manual for the delegation;
(B) make the procedures manual available to each member of the appropriate ODA unit; and
(C) cooperate fully with oversight activities conducted by the Administrator in connection with the delegation.
(3)Existing oda holders.—With regard to an ODA holder operating under a procedures manual approved by the Administrator before the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, the Administrator shall conduct regular oversight activities by inspecting the ODA holder’s delegated functions and taking action based on validated inspection findings.
(b)ODA Office.—
(1)Establishment.—The Administrator of the FAA shall identify, within the FAA Office of Aviation Safety, a centralized policy office to be known as the Organization Designation Authorization Office or the ODA Office.
(2)Purpose.—The purpose of the ODA Office shall be to provide oversight and ensure the consistency of the FAA’s audit functions under the ODA program across the FAA.
(3)Functions.—The ODA Office shall—
(A)
(i) require, as appropriate, an ODA holder to establish a corrective action plan to regain authority for any retained limitations;
(ii) require, as appropriate, an ODA holder to notify the ODA Office when all corrective actions have been accomplished; and
(iii) when appropriate, make a reassessment to determine if subsequent performance in carrying out any retained limitation warrants continued retention and, if such reassessment determines performance meets objectives, lift such limitation immediately;
(B) develop a more consistent approach to audit priorities, procedures, and training under the ODA program;
(C) review, in a timely fashion, a random sample of limitations on delegated authorities under the ODA program to determine if the limitations are appropriate;
(D) ensure national consistency in the interpretation and application of the requirements of the ODA program, including any limitations, and in the performance of the ODA program;
(E) at the request of an ODA holder, review and, when appropriate, approve new limitations to ODA functions;
(F) ensure the ODA holders procedures manual contains procedures and policies based on best practices established by the Administrator; and
(G) convene a forum not less than every 2 years between ODA holders, unit members, and other organizational representatives and relevant experts, in order to—
(i) share best practices;
(ii) instill professionalism, ethics, and personal responsibilities in unit members; and
(iii) foster open and transparent communication between Administration safety specialists, ODA holders, and unit members.
(c)Definitions.—In this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)FAA.—The term “FAA” means the Federal Aviation Administration.
(2)ODA holder.—The term “ODA holder” means an entity authorized to perform functions pursuant to a delegation made by the Administrator of the FAA under section 44702(d).
(3)ODA unit.—The term “ODA unit” means a group of 2 or more individuals who perform, under the supervision of an ODA holder, authorized functions under an ODA.
(4)Organization.—The term “organization” means a firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, joint-stock association, or governmental entity.
(5)Organization designation authorization; oda.—The term “Organization Designation Authorization” or “ODA” means an authorization by the FAA under section 44702(d) for an organization composed of 1 or more ODA units to perform approved functions on behalf of the FAA.
(d)Audits.—
(1)In general.—The Administrator shall perform a periodic audit of each ODA unit and its procedures.
(2)Duration.—An audit required under paragraph (1) shall be performed with respect to an ODA holder once every 7 years (or more frequently as determined appropriate by the Administrator).
(3)Records.—The ODA holder shall maintain, for a period to be determined by the Administrator, a record of—
(A) each audit conducted under this subsection; and
(B) any corrective actions resulting from each such audit.
(e)Federal Aviation Safety Advisors.—
(1)In general.—In the case of an ODA holder, the Administrator shall assign FAA aviation safety personnel with appropriate expertise to be advisors to the ODA unit members that are authorized to make findings of compliance on behalf of the Administrator. The advisors shall—
(A) communicate with assigned unit members on an ongoing basis to ensure that the assigned unit members are knowledgeable of relevant FAA policies and acceptable methods of compliance; and
(B) monitor the performance of the assigned unit members to ensure consistency with such policies.
(2)Applicability.—Paragraph (1) shall only apply to an ODA holder that is—
(A) a manufacturer that holds both a type and a production certificate for—
(i) transport category airplanes with a maximum takeoff gross weight greater than 150,000 pounds; or
(ii) airplanes produced and delivered to operators operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, for air carrier service under such part 121; or
(B) a manufacturer of engines for an airplane described in subparagraph (A).
(f)Communication With the FAA.—Neither the Administrator nor an ODA holder may prohibit—
(1) an ODA unit member from communicating with, or seeking the advice of, the Administrator or FAA staff; or
(2) the Administrator or FAA staff from communicating with an ODA unit member.
(g)Ethics Training Requirement for ODA Holders.—
(1)In general.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall review and ensure each ODA holder authorized by the Administrator under section 44702(d) has in effect a recurrent training program for all ODA unit members that covers—
(A) unit member professional obligations and responsibilities;
(B) the ODA holder’s code of ethics as required to be established under section 102(f) of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (49 U.S.C. 44701 note);
(C) procedures for reporting safety concerns, as described in the respective approved procedures manual for the delegation;
(D) the prohibition against and reporting procedures for interference from a supervisor or other ODA member described in section 44742; and
(E) any additional information the Administrator considers relevant to maintaining ethical and professional standards across all ODA holders and unit members.
(2)FAA review.—
(A)Review of training program.—The Organization Designation Authorization Office of the Administration established under subsection (b) shall review each ODA holders’ recurrent training program to ensure such program includes—
(i) all elements described in paragraph (1); and
(ii) training to instill professionalism and clear understanding among ODA unit members about the purpose of and procedures associated with safety management systems, including the provisions of the third edition of the Safety Management Manual issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (Doc 9859) (or any successor edition).
(B)Changes to program.—Such Office may require changes to the training program considered necessary to maintain ethical and professional standards across all ODA holders and unit members.
(3)Training.—As part of the recurrent training program required under paragraph (1), not later than 60 business days after being designated as an ODA unit member, and annually thereafter, each ODA unit member shall complete the ethics training required by the ODA holder of the respective ODA unit member in order to exercise the functions delegated under the ODA.
(4)Accountability.—The Administrator shall establish such processes or requirements as are necessary to ensure compliance with paragraph (3).
(Added Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title II, § 212(a), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3247; amended Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, §§ 107(b)(1), (c), 125(b), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2324, 2325, 2347; Pub. L. 118–63, title III, §§ 303, 304(a), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1069, 1070.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44736

§ 44737. Helicopter fuel system safety
(a)Prohibition.—
(1)In general.—A person may not operate a covered helicopter in United States airspace unless the design of the helicopter is certified by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to—
(A) comply with the requirements applicable to the category of the helicopter under paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (5), and (6) of section 27.952(a), section 27.952(c), section 27.952(f), section 27.952(g), section 27.963(g) (but allowing for a minimum puncture force of 250 pounds if successfully drop tested in-structure), and section 27.975(b) or paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (5), and (6) of section 29.952(a), section 29.952(c), section 29.952(f), section 29.952(g), section 29.963(b) (but allowing for a minimum puncture force of 250 pounds if successfully drop tested in-structure), and 29.975(a)(7) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of enactment of this section; or
(B) employ other means acceptable to the Administrator to provide an equivalent level of fuel system crash resistance.
(2)Covered helicopter defined.—In this subsection, the term “covered helicopter” means a helicopter not otherwise required to comply with section 27.952, section 27.963, and section 27.975, or section 29.952, section 29.963, and section 29.975 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations as in effect on the date of enactment of this section for which manufacture was completed, as determined by the Administrator, on or after the date that is 18 months after the date of enactment of this section.
(b)Administrative Provisions.—The Administrator shall—
(1) expedite the certification and validation of United States and foreign type designs and retrofit kits that improve fuel system crashworthiness; and
(2) not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, and periodically thereafter, issue a bulletin to—
(A) inform helicopter owners and operators of available modifications to improve fuel system crashworthiness; and
(B) urge that such modifications be installed as soon as practicable.
(c)Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section may be construed to affect the operation of a helicopter by the Department of Defense.
(d)Exception.—A helicopter issued an experimental certificate under section 21.191 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations), or operating under a Special Flight Permit issued under section 21.197 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations), is excepted from the requirements of this section.
(Added Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, § 317(a), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3268; amended Pub. L. 118–63, title VIII, § 825, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1332.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44737

§ 44738. Training on human trafficking for certain staff

In addition to other training requirements, each air carrier shall provide training to ticket counter agents, gate agents, and other air carrier workers whose jobs require regular interaction with passengers on recognizing and responding to potential human trafficking victims.

(Added Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title IV, § 408(a), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3330.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44738

§ 44739. Pets on airplanes
(a)Prohibition.—It shall be unlawful for any person to place a live animal in an overhead storage compartment of an aircraft operated under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(b)Civil Penalty.—The Administrator may impose a civil penalty under section 46301 for each violation of this section.
(Added Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title IV, § 417(a), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3334.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44739

§ 44740. Special rule for certain aircraft operations
(a)In General.—The operator of an aircraft with a special airworthiness certification in the experimental category may—
(1) operate the aircraft for the purpose of conducting a space support vehicle flight (as that term is defined in section 50902 of title 51); and
(2) conduct such flight under such certificate carrying persons or property for compensation or hire—
(A) notwithstanding any rule or term of a certificate issued by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration that would prohibit flight for compensation or hire; or
(B) without obtaining a certificate issued by the Administrator to conduct air carrier or commercial operations.
(b)Limited Applicability.—Subsection (a) shall apply only to a space support vehicle flight that satisfies each of the following:
(1) The aircraft conducting the space support vehicle flight—
(A) takes flight and lands at a single site that is operated by an entity licensed for operation under chapter 509 of title 51;
(B) is owned or operated by a launch or reentry vehicle operator licensed under chapter 509 of title 51, or on behalf of a launch or reentry vehicle operator licensed under chapter 509 of title 51;
(C) is a launch vehicle, a reentry vehicle, or a component of a launch or reentry vehicle licensed for operations pursuant to chapter 509 of title 51; and
(D) is used only to simulate space flight conditions in support of—
(i) training for potential space flight participants, government astronauts, or crew (as those terms are defined in chapter 509 of title 51);
(ii) the testing of hardware to be used in space flight; or
(iii) research and development tasks, which require the unique capabilities of the aircraft conducting the flight.
(c)Rules of Construction.—
(1)Space support vehicles.—Section 44711(a)(1) shall not apply to a person conducting a space support vehicle flight under this section only to the extent that a term of the experimental certificate under which the person is operating the space support vehicle prohibits the carriage of persons or property for compensation or hire.
(2)Authority of administrator.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to exempt a person from a regulatory prohibition on the carriage of persons or property for compensation or hire subject to terms and conditions other than those described in this section.
(Added Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title V, § 581(b)(1), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3398, § 44737; renumbered § 44740 and amended Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, § 107(d)(1), (3), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2326.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44740

§ 44741. Approval of organization designation authorization unit members
(a)In General.—Beginning January 1, 2022, each individual who is selected on or after such date to become an ODA unit member by an ODA holder engaged in the design of an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance and performs an authorized function pursuant to a delegation by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration under section 44702(d)—
(1) shall be—
(A) an employee, a contractor, or a consultant of the ODA holder; or
(B) the employee of a supplier of the ODA holder; and
(2) may not become a member of such unit unless approved by the Administrator pursuant to this section.
(b)Process and Timeline.—
(1)In general.—The Administrator shall maintain an efficient process for the review and approval of an individual to become an ODA unit member under this section.
(2)Process.—An ODA holder described in subsection (a) may submit to the Administrator an application for an individual to be approved to become an ODA unit member under this section. The application shall be submitted in such form and manner as the Administrator determines appropriate. The Administrator shall require an ODA holder to submit with such an application information sufficient to demonstrate an individual’s qualifications under subsection (c).
(3)Timeline.—The Administrator shall approve or reject an individual that is selected by an ODA holder to become an ODA unit member under this section not later than 30 days after the receipt of an application by an ODA holder.
(4)Documentation of approval.—Upon approval of an individual to become an ODA unit member under this section, the Administrator shall provide such individual a letter confirming that such individual has been approved by the Administrator under this section to be an ODA unit member.
(5)Reapplication.—An ODA holder may submit an application under this subsection for an individual to become an ODA unit member under this section regardless of whether an application for such individual was previously rejected by the Administrator.
(c)Qualifications.—
(1)In general.—The Administrator shall issue minimum qualifications for an individual to become an ODA unit member under this section. In issuing such qualifications, the Administrator shall consider existing qualifications for Administration employees with similar duties and whether such individual—
(A) is technically proficient and qualified to perform the authorized functions sought;
(B) has no recent record of serious enforcement action, as determined by the Administrator, taken by the Administrator with respect to any certificate, approval, or authorization held by such individual;
(C) is of good moral character (as such qualification is applied to an applicant for an airline transport pilot certificate issued under section 44703);
(D) possesses the knowledge of applicable design or production requirements in this chapter and in title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, necessary for performance of the authorized functions sought;
(E) possesses a high degree of knowledge of applicable design or production principles, system safety principles, or safety risk management processes appropriate for the authorized functions sought; and
(F) meets such testing, examination, training, or other qualification standards as the Administrator determines are necessary to ensure the individual is competent and capable of performing the authorized functions sought.
(2)Previously rejected application.—In reviewing an application for an individual to become an ODA unit member under this section, if an application for such individual was previously rejected, the Administrator shall ensure that the reasons for the prior rejection have been resolved or mitigated to the Administrator’s satisfaction before making a determination on the individual’s reapplication.
(d)Rescission of Approval.—The Administrator may rescind an approval of an individual as an ODA unit member granted pursuant to this section at any time and for any reason the Administrator considers appropriate. The Administrator shall develop procedures to provide for notice and opportunity to appeal rescission decisions made by the Administrator. Such decisions by the Administrator are not subject to judicial review.
(e)Conditional Selections.—
(1)In general.—Subject to the requirements of this subsection, the Administrator may authorize an ODA holder to conditionally designate an individual to perform the functions of an ODA unit member for a period of not more than 30 days (beginning on the date an application for such individual is submitted under subsection (b)(2)).
(2)Required determination.—The Administrator may not make an authorization under paragraph (1) unless—
(A) the ODA holder has instituted, to the Administrator’s satisfaction, systems and processes to ensure the integrity and reliability of determinations by conditionally-designated ODA unit members; and
(B) the ODA holder has instituted a safety management system in accordance with regulations issued by the Administrator under section 102 of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act.
(3)Final determination.—The Administrator shall approve or reject the application for an individual designated under paragraph (1) in accordance with the timeline and procedures described in subsection (b).
(4)Rejection and review.—If the Administrator rejects the application submitted under subsection (b)(2) for an individual conditionally designated under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall review and approve or disapprove any decision pursuant to any authorized function performed by such individual during the period such individual served as a conditional designee.
(5)Prohibitions.—Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (2), the Administrator may prohibit an ODA holder from making conditional designations of individuals as ODA unit members under this subsection at any time for any reason the Administrator considers appropriate. The Administrator may prohibit any conditionally designated individual from performing an authorized function at any time for any reason the Administrator considers appropriate.
(f)Records and Briefings.—
(1)In general.—Beginning on the date described in subsection (a), an ODA holder shall maintain, for a period to be determined by the Administrator and with proper protections to ensure the security of sensitive and personal information—
(A) any data, applications, records, or manuals required by the ODA holder’s approved procedures manual, as determined by the Administrator;
(B) the names, responsibilities, qualifications, and example signature of each member of the ODA unit who performs an authorized function pursuant to a delegation by the Administrator under section 44702(d);
(C) training records for ODA unit members and ODA administrators; and
(D) any other data, applications, records, or manuals determined appropriate by the Administrator.
(2)Congressional briefing.—The Administrator shall provide biannual briefings each fiscal year through September 30, 2028 to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the implementation and effects of this section, including—
(A) the Administration’s performance in completing reviews of individuals and approving or denying such individuals within the timeline required under subsection (b)(3);
(B) for any individual rejected by the Administrator under subsection (b) during the preceding 6-month period, the reasoning or basis for such rejection; and
(C) any resource, staffing, or other challenges within the Administration associated with implementation of this section.
(g)Special Review of Qualifications.—
(1)In general.—Not later than 30 days after the issuance of minimum qualifications under subsection (c), the Administrator shall initiate a review of the qualifications of each individual who on the date on which such minimum qualifications are issued is an ODA unit member of a holder of a type certificate for a transport airplane to ensure such individual meets the minimum qualifications issued by the Administrator under subsection (c).
(2)Unqualified individual.—For any individual who is determined by the Administrator not to meet such minimum qualifications pursuant to the review conducted under paragraph (1), the Administrator—
(A) shall determine whether the lack of qualification may be remedied and, if so, provide such individual with an action plan or schedule for such individual to meet such qualifications; or
(B) may, if the Administrator determines the lack of qualification may not be remedied, take appropriate action, including prohibiting such individual from performing an authorized function.
(3)Deadline.—The Administrator shall complete the review required under paragraph (1) not later than 18 months after the date on which such review was initiated.
(4)Savings clause.—An individual approved to become an ODA unit member of a holder of a type certificate for a transport airplane under subsection (a) shall not be subject to the review under this subsection.
(h)Prohibition.—The Administrator may not authorize an organization or ODA holder to approve an individual selected by an ODA holder to become an ODA unit member under this section.
(i)Definitions.—
(1)General applicability.—The definitions contained in section 44736(c) shall apply to this section.
(2)Transport airplane.—The term “transport airplane” means a transport category airplane designed for operation by an air carrier or foreign air carrier type-certificated with a passenger seating capacity of 30 or more or an all-cargo or combi derivative of such an airplane.
(j)Authorization of Appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2028.
(Added Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, § 107(a), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2320; amended Pub. L. 118–63, title III, § 306(a), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1071.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44741

§ 44742. Interference with the duties of organization designation authorization unit members
(a)In General.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall continuously seek to eliminate or minimize interference by an ODA holder that affects the performance of authorized functions by ODA unit members.
(b)Prohibition.—
(1)In general.—It shall be unlawful for any individual who is a supervisory employee of an ODA holder that manufactures a transport category airplane to commit an act of interference with an ODA unit member’s performance of authorized functions.
(2)Civil penalty.—
(A)Individuals.—An individual shall be subject to a civil penalty under section 46301(a)(1) for each violation under paragraph (1).
(B)Savings clause.—Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as limiting or constricting any other authority of the Administrator to pursue an enforcement action against an individual or organization for violation of applicable Federal laws or regulations of the Administration.
(c)Reporting.—
(1)Reports to oda holder.—An ODA unit member of an ODA holder that manufactures a transport category airplane shall promptly report any instances of interference to the office of the ODA holder that is designated to receive such reports.
(2)Reports to the faa.—
(A)In general.—The ODA holder office described in paragraph (1) shall investigate reports and submit to the office of the Administration designated by the Administrator to accept and review such reports any instances of interference reported under paragraph (1).
(B)Contents.—The Administrator shall prescribe parameters for the submission of reports to the Administration under this paragraph, including the manner, time, and form of submission. Such report shall include the results of any investigation conducted by the ODA holder in response to a report of interference, a description of any action taken by the ODA holder as a result of the report of interference, and any other information or potentially mitigating factors the ODA holder or the Administrator deems appropriate.
(d)Definitions.—
(1)General applicability.—The definitions contained in section 44736(c) shall apply to this section.
(2)Interference.—In this section, the term “interference” means—
(A) blatant or egregious statements or behavior, such as harassment, beratement, or threats, that a reasonable person would conclude was intended to improperly influence or prejudice an ODA unit member’s performance of his or her duties; or
(B) the presence of non-ODA unit duties or activities that conflict with the performance of authorized functions by ODA unit members.
(Added Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, § 107(a), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2323.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44742

§ 44743. Pilot training requirements
(a)In General.—
(1)Administrator’s determination.—In establishing any pilot training requirements with respect to a new transport airplane, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall independently review any proposal by the manufacturer of such airplane with respect to the scope, format, or minimum level of training required for operation of such airplane.
(2)Assurances and marketing representations.—Before the Administrator has established applicable training requirements, an applicant for a new or amended type certificate for an airplane described in paragraph (1) may not, with respect to the scope, format, or magnitude of pilot training for such airplane—
(A) make any assurance or other contractual commitment, whether verbal or in writing, to a potential purchaser of such airplane unless a clear and conspicuous disclaimer (as defined by the Administrator) is included regarding the status of training required for operation of such airplane; or
(B) provide financial incentives (including rebates) to a potential purchaser of such airplane regarding the scope, format, or magnitude of pilot training for such airplane.
(b)Pilot Response Time.—Beginning on the day after the date on which regulations are issued under section 119(c)(6) of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act, the Administrator may not issue a new or amended type certificate for an airplane described in subsection (a) unless the applicant for such certificate has demonstrated to the Administrator that the applicant has accounted for realistic assumptions regarding the time for pilot responses to non-normal conditions in designing the systems and instrumentation of such airplane. Such assumptions shall—
(1) be based on test data, analysis, or other technical validation methods; and
(2) account for generally accepted scientific consensus among experts in human factors regarding realistic pilot response time.
(c)Definition.—In this section, the term “transport airplane” means a transport category airplane designed for operation by an air carrier or foreign air carrier type-certificated with a passenger seating capacity of 30 or more or an all-cargo or combi derivative of such an airplane.
(Added Pub. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, § 119(a), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2338.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44743

§ 44744. Flight crew alerting
(a)In General.—Beginning on December 27, 2022, the Administrator may not issue a type certificate for a transport category airplane unless such airplane incorporates a flight crew alerting system that, at a minimum—
(1) displays and differentiates among warnings, cautions, and advisories; and
(2) includes functions to assist the flight crew in prioritizing corrective actions and responding to systems failures.
(b)Limitation.—The prohibition in subsection (a) shall not apply to any application for an original or amended type certificate that was submitted to the Administrator prior to December 27, 2020.
(c)Safety Enhancements.—
(1)Restriction on airworthiness certificate issuance.—Beginning on the date that is 1 year after the date on which the Administrator issues a type certificate for the Boeing 737-10, the Administrator may not issue an original airworthiness certificate for any Boeing 737 MAX aircraft unless the Administrator finds that the type design for the aircraft includes safety enhancements that have been approved by the Administrator.
(2)Restriction on operation.—Beginning on the date that is 3 years after the date on which the Administrator issues a type certificate for the Boeing 737-10, no person may operate a Boeing 737 MAX aircraft unless—
(A) the type design for the aircraft includes safety enhancements approved by the Administrator; and
(B) the aircraft was—
(i) produced in conformance with such type design; or
(ii) altered in accordance with such type design.
(d)Definitions.—In this section:
(1)Boeing 737 max aircraft.—The term “Boeing 737 MAX aircraft” means any—
(A) Model 737 series aircraft designated as a 737-7, 737-8, 737-8200, 737-9, or 737-10; or
(B) other variant of a model described in subparagraph (A).
(2)Safety enhancement.—The term “safety enhancement” means any design change to the flight crew alerting system approved by the Administrator for the Boeing 737-10, including—
(A) a—
(i) synthetic enhanced angle-of-attack system; and
(ii) means to shut off stall warning and overspeed alerts; or
(B) any design changes equivalent to subparagraph (A) determined appropriate by the Administrator.
(Added Pub. L. 117–328, div. O, title V, § 501(a), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5230.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44744

§ 44745. Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative
(a)In General.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall redesignate the FAA Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative of the Administration as the Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative (in this section referred to as the “Initiative”), under which the Administrator shall carry out the provisions of this section and take such other actions as the Administrator determines appropriate to improve aviation safety in Alaska and covered locations.
(b)Objective.—The objective of the Initiative shall be to work cooperatively with aviation stakeholders and other stakeholders towards the goal of—
(1) reducing the rate of fatal aircraft accidents in Alaska and covered locations by 90 percent from 2019 to 2033; and
(2) by January 1, 2033, eliminating fatal accidents of aircraft operated by an air carrier that operates under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(c)Leadership.—
(1)In general.—The Administrator shall designate the Regional Administrator for the Alaskan Region of the Administration to serve as the Director of the Initiative.
(2)Covered locations.—The Administrator shall select a designee within the Aviation Safety Organization to implement relevant requirements of this section in covered locations.
(3)Reporting chain.—In all matters relating to the Initiative, the Director of the Initiative shall report directly to the Administrator.
(4)Coordination.—The Director of the Initiative shall coordinate with the heads of other offices and lines of business of the Administration, including the other regional administrators, to carry out the Initiative.
(d)Automated Weather Systems.—
(1)Requirement.—The Administrator shall ensure, to the greatest extent practicable, that a covered automated weather system is installed and operated at each covered airport not later than December 31, 2030.
(2)Waiver.—In complying with the requirement under paragraph (1), the Administrator may waive any positive benefit-cost ratio requirement for the installation and operation of a covered automated weather system.
(3)Prioritization.—In developing the installation timeline of a covered automated weather system at a covered airport pursuant to this subsection, the Administrator shall—
(A) coordinate and consult with the governments with jurisdiction over Alaska and covered locations, covered airports, air carriers operating in Alaska or covered locations, private pilots based in Alaska or a covered location, and such other members of the aviation community in Alaska or covered locations; and
(B) prioritize early installation at covered airports that would enable the greatest number of instrument flight rule operations by air carriers operating under part 121 or 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(4)Reliability.—
(A)In general.—Pertaining to both Federal and non-Federal systems in Alaska, the Administrator shall be responsible for ensuring—
(i) the reliability of covered automated weather systems; and
(ii) the availability of weather information from such systems.
(B)Specifications.—The Administrator shall establish data availability and equipment reliability specifications for covered automated weather systems.
(C)System reliability and restoration plan.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall establish an automated weather system reliability and restoration plan for Alaska. Such plan shall document the Administrator’s strategy for ensuring covered automated weather system reliability, including the availability of weather information from such system, and for restoring service in as little time as possible.
(D)Telecommunications or other failures.—If a covered automated weather system in Alaska is unable to broadly disseminate weather information due to a telecommunications failure or a failure other than an equipment failure, the Administrator shall take such actions as may be necessary to restore the full functionality and connectivity of the covered automated weather system. The Administrator shall take actions under this subparagraph with the same urgency as the Administrator would take an action to repair a covered automated weather system equipment failure or data fidelity issue.
(E)Reliability data.—In tabulating data relating to the operational status of covered automated weather systems (including individually or collectively), the Administrator may not consider a covered automated weather system that is functioning nominally but is unable to broadly disseminate weather information telecommunications failure or a failure other than an equipment failure as functioning reliably.
(5)Inventory.—
(A)Maintenance improvements.—
(i)In general.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the Administrator shall identify and implement reasonable alternative actions to improve maintenance of FAA-owned weather observing systems that experience frequent service outages, including associated surface communication outages, at covered airports.
(ii)Spare parts availability.—The actions identified by the Administrator in clause (i) shall improve spare parts availability, including consideration of storage of more spare parts in the region in which the systems are located.
(B)Notice of outages.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the Administrator shall update FAA Order 7930.2 Notices to Air Missions, or any successive order, to incorporate weather system outages for automated weather observing systems and automated surface observing systems associated with Service A Outages at covered airports.
(6)Visual weather observation system.—
(A)Deployment.—Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the Administrator shall take such actions as may be necessary to—
(i) deploy visual weather observation systems;
(ii) ensure that such systems are capable of meeting the definition of a covered automated weather system in Alaska; and
(iii) develop standard operation specifications for visual weather operation systems.
(B)Modification of specifications.—Upon the request of an aircraft operator, the Administrator shall issue or modify the standard operation specifications for visual weather observation systems developed under subparagraph (A) to allow such systems to be used to satisfy the requirements for supplemental noncertified local weather observations under section 322 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–254).
(e)Weather Cameras.—
(1)In general.—The Director shall continuously assess the state of the weather camera systems in Alaska and covered locations to ensure the operational sufficiency and reliability of such systems.
(2)Applications.—The Director shall—
(A) accept applications from persons to install weather cameras; and
(B) consult with the governments with jurisdiction over Alaska and covered locations, covered airports, air carriers operating in Alaska or covered locations, private pilots based in Alaska or covered locations, and such other members of the aviation community in Alaska and covered locations as the Administrator determines appropriate to solicit additional locations at which to install and operate weather cameras.
(3)Presumption.—Unless the Director has clear and compelling evidence to the contrary, the Director shall presume that the installation of a weather camera at a covered airport in Alaska, or that is recommended by a government with jurisdiction over a covered location, is cost beneficial and will improve aviation safety.
(f)Cooperation With Other Agencies.—In carrying out this section, the Administrator shall cooperate with the heads of other Federal or State agencies with responsibilities affecting aviation safety in Alaska and covered locations, including the collection and dissemination of weather data.
(g)Surveillance and Communication.—
(1)In general.—The Director shall take such actions as may be necessary to—
(A) encourage and incentivize the equipage of aircraft that operate under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, with automatic dependent surveillance and broadcast out equipment; and
(B) improve aviation surveillance and communications in Alaska and covered locations.
(2)Requirement.—Not later than December 31, 2030, the Administrator shall ensure that automatic dependent surveillance and broadcast coverage is available at 5,000 feet above ground level throughout each covered location and Alaska.
(3)Waiver.—The Administrator shall waive any positive benefit-cost ratio requirement for—
(A) the installation and operation of equipment and facilities necessary to implement the requirement under paragraph (2); and
(B) the provision of additional ground-based transmitters for automatic dependent surveillance-broadcasts to provide a minimum operational network in Alaska along major flight routes.
(4)Service areas.—The Director shall continuously identify additional automatic dependent surveillance–broadcast service areas in which the deployment of automatic dependent surveillance–broadcast receivers and equipment would improve aviation safety.
(h)Other Projects.—The Director shall continue to build upon other initiatives recommended in the reports of the FAA Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative of the Administration published before the date of enactment of this section.
(i)Annual Report.—
(1)In general.—Beginning on the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the Initiative, including an itemized description of how the Administration budget meets the goals of the Initiative.
(2)Stakeholder comments.—The Director shall append stakeholder comments, organized by topic, to each report submitted under paragraph (1) in the same manner as appendix 3 of the report titled “FAA Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative FY21 Final Report”, dated September 30, 2021.
(j)Funding.—
(1)In general.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028—
(A) the Administrator may, upon application from the government with jurisdiction over a covered airport and in coordination with the State or territory in which a covered airport is located, use amounts apportioned under subsection (d)(2)(B) or subsection (e) of section 47114 to carry out the Initiative; or
(B) the sponsor of a covered airport that receives an apportionment under subsection (d)(2)(A) or subsection (e) of section 47114 may use such apportionment for any purpose contained in this section.
(2)Supplemental funding.—Out of amounts made available under section 106(k) and section 48101, not more than a total of $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028 is authorized to be expended to carry out the Initiative.
(k)Definitions.—In this section:
(1)Covered airport.—The term “covered airport” means an airport in Alaska or a covered location that is included in the national plan of integrated airport systems required under section 47103 and that has a status other than unclassified in such plan.
(2)Covered automated weather system.—The term “covered automated weather system” means an automated or visual weather reporting facility that enables a pilot to begin an instrument procedure approach to an airport under section 91.1039 or 135.225 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
(3)Covered location.—The term “covered location” means Hawaii, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands.
(l)Conformity.—The Administrator shall conduct all activities required under this section in conformity with section 44720.
(Added Pub. L. 118–63, title III, § 342(a), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1095.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44745

§ 44746. Flight data recovery from overwater operations
(a)In General.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall complete a rulemaking proceeding to require that, not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this section, all applicable aircraft are—
(1) fitted with a means, in the event of an accident, to recover mandatory flight data parameters in a manner that does not require the underwater retrieval of the cockpit voice recorder or flight data recorder;
(2) equipped with a tamper-resistant method to broadcast sufficient information to a ground station to establish the location where an applicable aircraft terminates flight as the result of such an event; and
(3) equipped with an airframe low-frequency underwater locating device that functions for at least 90 days and that can be detected by appropriate equipment.
(b)Applicable Aircraft Defined.—In this section, the term “applicable aircraft” means an aircraft manufactured on or after January 1, 2028, that is—
(1) operated under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
(2) required by regulation to have a cockpit voice recorder and a flight data recorder; and
(3) used in extended overwater operations.
(Added Pub. L. 118–63, title III, § 352(a), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1112.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44746

§ 44747. Aviation safety oversight measures carried out by foreign countries
(a)Assessment.—
(1)In general.—On a regular basis, the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of State, shall assess aviation safety oversight measures carried out by any foreign country—
(A) from which a foreign air carrier is conducting foreign air transportation to and from the United States;
(B) from which a foreign air carrier seeks to conduct foreign air transportation to and from the United States;
(C) whose air carriers carry or seek to carry the code of a United States air carrier; or
(D) as determined appropriate by the Administrator.
(2)Consultation and criteria.—In conducting an assessment described in paragraph (1), the Administrator shall—
(A) consult with the appropriate authorities of the government of the foreign country;
(B) determine the efficacy with which such foreign country carries out and complies with its aviation safety oversight responsibilities consistent with—
(i) the Convention on International Civil Aviation (in this section referred to as the “Chicago Convention”);
(ii) international aviation safety standards; and
(iii) recommended practices set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organization;
(C) use a standard approach and methodology that will result in an analysis of the aviation safety oversight activities of such foreign country that are carried out to meet the minimum standards contained in Annexes 1, 6, and 8 to the Chicago Convention in effect on the date of the assessment, or any such successor documents; and
(D) identify instances of noncompliance pertaining to the aviation safety oversight activities of such foreign country consistent with the Chicago Convention, international aviation safety standards, and recommended practices set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
(3)Findings of noncompliance.—In any case in which the assessment described in subsection (a)(1) finds an instance of non-compliance, the Administrator shall—
(A) notify the foreign country that is the subject of such finding;
(B) not later than 90 days after transmission of such notification, request and initiate final discussions with the foreign country to recommend actions by which the foreign country can mitigate the noncompliance; and
(C) after the discussions described in subparagraph (B) have concluded, determine whether or not the noncompliance finding has been corrected;
(b)Uncorrected Non-compliance.—If the Administrator finds that such foreign country has not corrected the non-compliance by the close of such final discussions—
(1) the Administrator shall notify the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of State that the condition of noncompliance remains;
(2) the Administrator, after consulting with informing the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of State, shall notify the foreign country of such finding; and
(3) notwithstanding section 40105(b), the Administrator, after consulting with the appropriate civil aviation authority of such foreign country and notifying the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of State, may withhold, revoke, or prescribe conditions on the operating authority of a foreign air carrier that—
(A) provides or seeks to provide foreign air transportation to and from the United States; or
(B) carries or seeks to carry the code of an air carrier.
(c)Authority.—Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), the Administrator retains the ability to take immediate safety oversight actions if the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of State, as needed, determines that a condition exists that threatens the safety of passengers, aircraft, or crew traveling to or from such foreign country. In this event that the Administrator makes a determination under this subsection, the Administrator shall immediately notify the Secretary of State of such determination so that the Secretary of State may issue a travel advisory with respect to such foreign country.
(d)Public Notification.—
(1)In general.—In any case in which the Administrator provides notification to a foreign country under subsection (b)(2), the Administrator shall—
(A) recommend the actions necessary to bring such foreign country into compliance with the international standards contained in the Chicago Convention;
(B) publish the identity of such foreign country on the website of the Federal Aviation Administration, in the Federal Register, and through other mediums appropriate to provide notice to the public; and
(C) brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the identity of such foreign country and a summary of any critical safety information resulting from an assessment described in subsection (a)(1).
(2)Compliance.—If the Administrator finds that a foreign country subsequently corrects all outstanding noncompliances, the Administrator, after consulting with the appropriate civil aviation authority of such foreign country and notifying the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of State, shall take actions as necessary to ensure the updated compliance status is reflected, including in the mediums invoked in paragraph (1)(B).
(e)Accuracy of the IASA List.—A foreign country that does not have foreign air carrier activity, as described in subsection (a)(1), for an extended period of time, as determined by the Administrator, shall be removed for inactivity from the public listings described in subsection (d)(1)(B), after informing the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of State.
(f)Consistency.—
(1)In general.—The Administration shall use data, tools, and methods that ensure transparency and repeatability of assessments conducted under this section.
(2)Training.—The Administrator shall ensure that Administration personnel are properly and adequately trained to carry out the assessments set forth in this section, including with respect to the standards, methodology, and material used to make determinations under this section.
(Added Pub. L. 118–63, title III, § 369(a), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1137.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44747

§ 44748. Aircraft dispatching
(a)Aircraft Dispatching Certificate.—No person may serve as an aircraft dispatcher for an air carrier unless such person holds the appropriate aircraft dispatcher certificate issued by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
(b)Proof of Certification.—Upon the request of the Administrator or an authorized representative of the National Transportation Safety Board, or other appropriate Federal agency, a person who holds such a certificate, and is performing dispatching, shall present the certificate for inspection.
(c)Dispatch Centers and Flight Following Centers.—
(1)Establishment.—Each air carrier shall establish and maintain sufficient dispatch centers and flight following centers necessary to maintain operational control of each flight of the air carrier at all times.
(2)Requirements.—An air carrier shall ensure that each dispatch center and flight following center of the air carrier—
(A) has a sufficient number of aircraft dispatchers on duty at the dispatch center or flight following center to ensure proper operational control of each flight of the air carrier at all times;
(B) has the necessary equipment, in good repair, to maintain proper operational control of each flight of the air carrier at all times; and
(C) includes the presence of physical security and cybersecurity protections to prevent unauthorized access to the dispatch center or flight following center or to the operations of either such center.
(d)Prohibition.—
(1)In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), an air carrier may not dispatch aircraft from any location other than the dispatch center or flight following center of the air carrier.
(2)Emergency authority.—In the event of an emergency or other event that renders a dispatch center or a flight following center inoperable, an air carrier may dispatch aircraft from a location other than the dispatch center or flight following center of the air carrier for a period of time not to exceed 14 consecutive days per location without approval of the Administrator.
(Added Pub. L. 118–63, title IV, § 420(b)(1), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1164.)

CITE AS: 49 USC 44748