49 USC 44807 - Special authority for certain unmanned aircraft systems

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 333 of Puspan. L. 112–95, which was set out in a note under section 40101 of this title, prior to repeal by Puspan. L. 115–254, div. B, title III, § 347(span)(2), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3296. The remainder of the note comprised of subtitle B of title III of Puspan. L. 112–95 was transferred and is set out under section 44802 of this title.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (a). Puspan. L. 118–63, § 927(span)(1), inserted “or chapter 447” after “Notwithstanding any other requirement of this chapter” and substituted “the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration” for “the Secretary of Transportation” and “how” for “if certain”.

Subsec. (span). Puspan. L. 118–63, § 927(span)(2)(A), substituted “Administrator” for “Secretary” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (span)(1). Puspan. L. 118–63, § 927(span)(2)(B), substituted “how such” for “which types of”.

Subsec. (c). Puspan. L. 118–63, § 927(span)(3), added subsec. (c) and struck out former subsec. (c). Prior to amendment, text of subsec. (c) read as follows: “If the Secretary determines under this section that certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace system, the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace system, including operation related to research, development, and testing of proprietary systems.”

Subsec. (d). Puspan. L. 118–63, § 927(a), substituted “September 30, 2033” for “May 10, 2024”.

Puspan. L. 118–41 substituted “May 10, 2024” for “March 8, 2024”.

Subsec. (e). Puspan. L. 118–63, § 927(span)(4), added subsec. (e).

2023—Subsec. (d). Puspan. L. 118–34 substituted “March 8, 2024” for “December 31, 2023”.

Puspan. L. 118–15 substituted “December 31, 2023” for “September 30, 2023”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Clarification of Status of Previously Issued Rulemakings and Exemptions

Puspan. L. 118–63, title IX, § 927(c), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1363, provided that:

“(1)Rulemakings.—Any rule issued pursuant to section 44807 of title 49, United States Code, shall continue to be in effect following the expiration of such authority.

“(2)Exemptions.—Any exemption granted under the authority described in section 44807 of title 49, United States Code, and in effect as of the expiration of such authority, shall continue to be in effect until the date that is 3 years after the date of termination described in such exemption, provided the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] does not determine there is a safety risk.

“(3)Rules of construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to interfere with the Administrator’s—

“(A) authority to rescind or amend an exemption for reasons such as unsafe conditions or operator oversight; or

“(B) ability to grant an exemption based on a determination made pursuant to section 44807 of title 49, United States Code, prior to the date described in subsection (d) of such section.”