Section 1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the “First Responders Aerial Act of 2023”.
First Responders Aerial Act of 2023
A BILL
To amend title 49, United States Code, to permit the operation of actively tethered unmanned aircraft systems by all first responders, and for other purposes.
Sec. 2 Definition of actively tethered unmanned aircraft systems
Section 44801(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
in subparagraph (B) by striking “and” at the end;
in subparagraph (C) by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
by adding at the end the following:
“(D) has redundant flight functionality which permits the unmanned aircraft component to maintain normal flight control in the event that a rotor or flight mechanism fails during flight; and
“(E) is programed to initiate a controlled landing in the event of a tether separation.”
Sec. 3 Operation of public actively tethered unmanned aircraft systems
In general— Section 44806(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
in paragraph (1)(B)—
in clause (i) by striking “or” at the end;
in clause (ii) by inserting “or” at the end; and
by adding at the end the following:
“(iii) in an emergency response situation—
“(I) at least a 0.25 mile radius away from an airport, if such systems are not operating in the approach or departure flight path for a runway at such airport;
“(II) at least a 0.5 mile radius away from an airport, if such systems are operating in the approach or departure flight path for a runway at an airport; or
“(III) with approval of air traffic control personnel for an airport if such systems are operating closer to an airport than permitted under subclauses (I) and (II);”
by adding at the end the following:
“(5) Definitions—In this subsection:
“(A) Emergency response situation—The term emergency response situation means any situation that requires a response by an emergency service organization.
“(B) Emergency service organization—The term emergency service organization means any entity, including an entity contracting with a State or local government, that provides emergency services or training for emergency service providers, including—
“(i) a fire department;
“(ii) a police department;
“(iii) a search and rescue organization; and
“(iv) a public safety organization.
“(C) Public actively tethered unmanned aircraft system—The term public actively tethered unmanned aircraft system means an actively tethered unmanned aircraft system that is—
“(i) a public unmanned aircraft system; and
“(ii) operated by an emergency service organization.”
Agency guidance— Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue guidance on the implementation of the amendments made by this section.