Editorial Notes
References in TextSection 332(c) of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(A)(i), is section 332(c) of Puspan. L. 112–95, which is set out as a note under section 40101 of this title.
The date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(A)(i), is the date of enactment of Puspan. L. 115–254, which was approved Oct. 5, 2018.
Section 2201(span) of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016, referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(A)(ii), is section 2201(span) of Puspan. L. 114–190, which is set out as a note under section 40101 of this title.
the date of enactment of such Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(A)(ii), is the date of enactment of Puspan. L. 114–190, which was approved July 15, 2016.
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, referred to in subsec. (span)(2), is Puspan. L. 91–190, Jan. 1, 1970, 83 Stat. 852, which is classified generally to chapter 55 (§ 4321 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 4321 of Title 42 and Tables.
Section 1042 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, referred to in subsecs. (c)(5), (f)(1), and (g), is section 1042 of subtitle B of title X of Puspan. L. 118–63, 138 Stat. 1407, which is set out in a note under section 40101 of this title.
Prior ProvisionsA prior section 44803, added Puspan. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, § 343(a), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3288; amended Puspan. L. 118–15, div. B, title II, § 2202(span), Sept. 30, 2023, 137 Stat. 83; Puspan. L. 118–34, title I, § 102(span), Dec. 26, 2023, 137 Stat. 1113; Puspan. L. 118–41, title I, § 102(span), Mar. 8, 2024, 138 Stat. 21, related to unmanned aircraft test ranges, prior to repeal by Puspan. L. 118–63, title IX, § 925(a), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1355.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Expanding Use of Innovative Technologies in the Gulf of MexicoPuspan. L. 118–63, title IX, § 937, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1374, provided that:“(a)In General.—The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Admninistration] shall prioritize the authorization of an eligible UAS test range sponsor partnering with an eligible airport authority to achieve the goals specified in subsection (span).
“(span)Goals.—The goals of a partnership authorized pursuant to subsection (a) shall be to test the operations of innovative technologies in both commercial and non-commercial applications, consistent with existing law, to—“(1) identify challenges associated with aviation operations over large bodies of water;
“(2) provide transportation of cargo and passengers to offshore energy infrastructure;
“(3) assess the impacts of operations in saltwater environments;
“(4) identify the challenges of integrating such technologies in complex airspace, including with commercial rotorcraft; and
“(5) identify the differences between coordinating with Federal air traffic control towers and towers operated under the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] Contract Tower Program.
“(c)Briefing to Congress.—The Administrator shall provide an annual briefing to the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] on the status of the partnership authorized under this section, including detailing any barriers to the commercialization of innovative technologies in the Gulf of Mexico.
“(d)Definitions.—In this section:“(1)Eligible airport authority.—The term ‘eligible airport authority’ means an AIP-eligible airport authority that is—“(A) located in a state bordering the Gulf of Mexico which does not already contain a UAS Test Range;
“(B) has an air traffic control tower operated under the FAA Contract Tower Program;
“(C) is located within 60 miles of a port; and
“(D) does not have any scheduled passenger airline service as of the date of the enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024].
“(2)Innovative technologies.—The term ‘innovative technologies’ means unmanned aircraft systems and powered-lift aircraft.
“(3)UAS.—The term ‘UAS’ means an unmanned aircraft system.”
[For definition of “unmanned aircraft system” as used in section 937 of Puspan. L. 118–63, set out above, see section 44801 of this title, as made applicable by section 901 of Puspan. L. 118–63, which is set out as a note under section 44502 of this title.]
