Title IV — Aerospace Workforce
TITLE IV Aerospace Workforce
SEC. 402. Civil Airmen Statistics.
Publication Frequency.— The Administrator shall publish the study commonly referred to as the “U.S. Civil Airmen Statistics” on a monthly basis.
Presentation of Data.— The Administrator shall make the data from the study under subsection (a) publicly available on the website of the Administration in a user-friendly, downloadable format.
Expanded Data Criteria.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall ensure that data sets and tables published as part of the study described in subsection (a) display information relating to the sex of certificate holders in more instances.
Historical Data.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall make all previously published annual data from the study described in subsection (a) available on the website of the Administration.
SEC. 403. Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee.
Establishment.— Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish the Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the “Committee”).
Purpose.— The Committee shall advise the Secretary and the Administrator on matters and policies related to promoting the recruitment, retention, employment, education, training, career advancement, and well-being of women in the aviation industry and aviation-focused Federal civil service positions.
Form of Directives.— All activities carried out by the Committee, including special committees, shall be in response to written terms of work from the Secretary or taskings approved by a majority of the voting members of the Committee and may not duplicate the objectives of the Air Carrier Training Aviation Rulemaking Committee.
Functions.— In carrying out the directives described in subsection (c), the functions of the Committee are as follows:
Foster industry collaboration in an open and transparent manner by engaging, as prescribed by this section, with representatives of the private sector associated with an entity described in subsection (e)(1)(B).
Make recommendations for strategic objectives, priorities, and policies that would improve the recruitment, retention, training, and career advancement of women in aviation professions.
Evaluate opportunities for the Administration to improve the recruitment and retention of women in the Administration.
Periodically review and update the recommendations directed to the FAA and non-FAA entities produced by the Advisory Board created pursuant to section 612 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) to improve the implementation of such recommendations.
Coordinate with the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Transportation and the Federal Women’s Program of the FAA to ensure directives described in subsection (c) do not duplicate objectives of such office or program.
Membership.—
Voting members.— The Committee shall be composed of the following members:
The Administrator, or the designee of the Administrator.
At least 25 individuals, appointed by the Secretary, representing the following:
Aircraft manufacturers and aerospace companies.
Public and private aviation labor organizations, including collective bargaining representatives of—
aviation safety inspectors and safety engineers of the FAA;
air traffic controllers;
certified aircraft maintenance technicians; and
commercial airline crewmembers.
General aviation operators.
Air carriers.
Business aviation operators, including powered-lift operators.
Unmanned aircraft systems operators.
Aviation safety management experts.
Aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul entities.
Airport owners, operators, and employees.
Institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), a postsecondary vocational institution (as defined in section 102(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002)), or a high school or secondary school (as such terms are defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)).
A flight school that provides flight training, as defined in part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or that holds a pilot school certificate under part 141 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
Aviation maintenance technician schools governed under part 147 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
Engineering business associations.
Civil Air Patrol.
Nonprofit organizations within the aviation industry.
Nonvoting members.—
In general.— In addition to the members appointed under paragraph (1), the Committee shall be composed of not more than 5 nonvoting members appointed by the Secretary from among officers or employees of the FAA, at least 1 of which shall be an employee of the Office of Civil Rights of the FAA.
Additional nonvoting members.— The Secretary may invite representatives from the Department of Education and Department of Labor to serve as nonvoting members on the Committee.
Duties.— The nonvoting members may—
take part in deliberations of the Committee; and
provide subject matter expertise with respect to reports and recommendations of the Committee.
Limitation.— The nonvoting members may not represent any stakeholder interest other than that of the respective Federal agency of the member.
Terms.— Each voting member and nonvoting member of the Committee appointed by the Secretary shall be appointed for a term that expires not later than the date on which the authorization of the Committee expires under subsection (k).
Committee characteristics.— The Committee shall have the following characteristics:
The ability to obtain necessary information from additional experts in the aviation and aerospace communities.
A membership that enables the Committee to have substantive discussions and reach consensus on issues in a timely manner.
Appropriate expertise, including expertise in human resources, human capital management, policy, labor relations, employment training, workforce development, and youth outreach.
Date.— Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall make the appointments described in this subsection.
Chairperson.—
In general.— The Committee shall select a chairperson from among the voting members of the Committee.
Term.— The Chairperson shall serve a 2-year term.
Meetings.—
Frequency.— The Committee shall meet at least twice each year at the call of the Chairperson or the Secretary.
Public attendance.— The meetings of the Committee shall be open and accessible to the public.
Administrative support.— The Secretary shall furnish the Committee with logistical and administrative support to enable the Committee to perform the duties of the Committee.
Special Committees.—
Establishment.— The Committee may establish special committees composed of industry representatives, members of the public, labor representatives, and other relevant parties in complying with the consultation and participation requirements under subsection (d).
Applicable law.— Chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code, shall not apply to a special committee established by the Committee.
Personnel Matters.—
No compensation of members.—
Non-federal employees.— A member of the Committee who is not an officer or employee of the Government shall serve without compensation.
Federal employees.— A member of the Committee who is an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall serve without compensation in addition to the compensation received for the services of the member as an officer or employee of the Federal Government.
Death or resignation.— If a member of the Committee dies or resigns during the term of service of such member, the Secretary shall designate a successor for the unexpired term of such member.
Reports.—
Task reports.— The Committee shall submit to the Secretary and the appropriate committees of Congress annual reports detailing the completion of each directive summarizing the—
findings and associated recommendations of the Committee for any legislative and administrative actions the Committee considers appropriate to improve the advancement of women in aviation; and
planned activities of the Committee, as directed by the Secretary or approved by a majority of voting members of the Committee, and proposed terms of work to fulfill each activity.
Additional reports.— The Committee may submit to the appropriate committees of Congress, the Secretary, and the Administrator additional reports and recommendations related to education, training, recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in the aviation industry as the Committee determines appropriate.
Sunset.— The authorization of the Committee shall expire on October 1, 2028.
SEC. 404. Faa Engagement and Collaboration with Hbcus and Msis.
In General.— The Administrator—
shall continue—
to partner with and conduct outreach to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and minority serving institutions to promote awareness of educational and career opportunities, including the Educational Partnership Initiative of the FAA, and develop curriculum related to aerospace, aviation, and air traffic control; and
operation of the Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program; and
may—
make internship placements under the Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program available during academic sessions throughout the year; and
extend an internship placement under the Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program for a student beyond a single academic session.
Program Data.— In carrying out the Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program, the Administrator shall track data, including annual metrics measuring the following with respect to such Program:
The total number of applicants.
The total number of applicants offered an internship and the total number of applicants who accept an internship.
The line of business in which each intern is placed.
The conversion rate of interns in the Program who are hired as full-time FAA employees.
Minority Serving Institution Defined.— In this section, the term “minority serving institution” means an institution described in paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)).
SEC. 405. Airman Knowledge Testing Working Group.
Working Group.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall task the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee to establish a working group to assess and evaluate the appropriateness of allowing a high school student, upon successful completion of an aviation maintenance curriculum, to take the general written knowledge portion of the mechanic exam described in section 65.75 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, at an FAA-approved testing center.
Report.— Not later than 18 months after the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee tasks the working group under subsection (a), the working group shall submit to the Administrator a final report with relevant findings and recommendations.
High School Defined.— In this section, the term “high school” has the meaning given such term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
SEC. 406. Airman Certification Standards.
In General.— The Administrator shall use the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee Airman Certification System Working Group (in this section referred to as the “Working Group”) to review airman certification standards and ensure that airman proficiency and knowledge correlates and corresponds to regulations, procedures, equipment, aviation infrastructure, and safety trends at the time of such review.
Duties.— In carrying out subsection (a), the Working Group shall—
obtain industry recommendations on maintaining and updating airman certification standards, including guidance documents and airman tests;
ensure tasks carried out by the Working Group are addressed and completed in a timely and efficient manner; and
recommend to the Administrator a means by which the FAA may communicate to industry the process for establishing, updating, and maintaining airman certification standards, including relevant guidance documents, handbooks, and airman test materials.
SEC. 407. Airman’s Medical Bill of Rights.
In General.—
Development.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a document (in this section referred to as the “Airman’s Medical Bill of Rights”) detailing the rights of an individual before, during, and after a medical examination conducted by an Aviation Medical Examiner.
Contents.— The Airman’s Medical Bill of Rights required under paragraph (1) shall, at a minimum, contain information about the right of an individual to—
bring a trusted companion or request to have a chaperone present for a medical examination;
terminate an exam in accordance with guidelines from the Administrator for appropriately terminating such exam;
receive medical examination with respect and recognition of the dignity of the individual;
be assured of privacy and confidentiality;
select an Aviation Medical Examiner of the choice of the individual, as long as the Aviation Medical Examiner has the required designations;
privacy when changing, undressing, and using the restroom;
ask questions about FAA medical standards and the applicability to the current health status of the individual;
report an incident of misconduct by an Aviation Medical Examiner to the appropriate authorities, including to the State licensing board of the Aviation Medical Examiner or the FAA;
report to the Administrator an allegation regarding alleged Aviation Medical Examiner misconduct without fear of retaliation or negative action relating to an airman certificate of the individual; and
be advised of any known conflicts of interest an Aviation Medical Examiner may have with respect to the medical examination of the individual.
Public availability.— The Airman’s Medical Bill of Rights required under paragraph (1) shall be—
made available to, and acknowledged by, an individual in the MedXpress system (or any successor system);
made available in a hard-copy format by an Aviation Medical Examiner at the time of exam upon request by an individual; and
displayed in a common space in the office of the Aviation Medical Examiner.
Expectations for Medical Examinations.—
In general.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a simplified document explaining the standard procedures performed during a medical examination conducted by an Aviation Medical Examiner.
Public availability.— The document required under paragraph (1) shall be—
made available to, and acknowledged by, an individual in the MedXpress system (or any successor system);
made available in a hard-copy format by an Aviation Medical Examiner at the time of exam upon request by an individual; and
displayed in a common space in the office of the Aviation Medical Examiner.
SEC. 408. Improved Designee Misconduct Reporting Process.
Improved Designee Misconduct Reporting Process.—
In general.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a streamlined process for individuals involved in incidents of alleged misconduct by a designee to report such incidents in a manner that protects the privacy and confidentiality of such individuals.
Public access to reporting process.— The process for reporting alleged misconduct by a designee shall be made available to the public on the website of the Administration, including—
the designee locator search webpage; and
the webpage of the Office of Audit and Evaluation of the FAA.
Obligation to report criminal charges.— Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall revise the orders and policies governing the Designee Management System to clarify that designees are obligated to report any arrest, indictment, or conviction for violation of a local, State, or Federal law within a period of time specified by the Administrator.
Audit of reporting process by inspector general.—
In general.— Not later than 3 years after the date on which the Administrator finalizes the update of the reporting process under paragraph (1), the inspector general of the Department of Transportation shall conduct an audit of such reporting process.
Contents.— In conducting the audit of the reporting process described in subparagraph (A), the inspector general shall, at a minimum—
review the efforts of the Administration to improve the reporting process and solutions developed to respond to and investigate allegations of misconduct;
analyze reports of misconduct brought to the Administrator prior to any changes made to the reporting process as a result of the enactment of this Act, including the ultimate outcomes of those reports and whether any reports resulted in the Administrator taking action against the accused designee;
determine whether the reporting process results in appropriate action, including reviewing, investigating, and closing out reports; and
if applicable, make recommendations to improve the reporting process.
Report.— Not later than 1 year after the date of initiation of the audit described in subparagraph (A), the inspector general shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of such audit, including findings and recommendations.
Designee Defined.— In this section, the term “designee” means an individual who has been designated to act as a representative of the Administrator as—
an Aviation Medical Examiner (as described in section 183.21 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);
a pilot examiner (as described in section 183.23 of such title); or
a technical personnel examiner (as described in section 183.25 of such title).
SEC. 409. Report on Safe Uniform Options for Certain Aviation Employees.
In General.— The Administrator shall review whether air carriers operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and repair stations certificated under part 145 of such title have in place uniform policies and uniform offerings that ensure pregnant employees can perform required duties safely.
Consultation.— In conducting the review required under subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult with air carriers and repair stations described in subsection (a) and employees of such air carriers and such stations who are required to adhere to a uniform policy.
Briefing.— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the results of the review required under subsection (a).
SEC. 410. Human Factors Professionals.
The Administrator shall take such actions as may be necessary to establish a new work code for human factors professionals who—
perform work involving the design and testing of technologies, processes, and systems which require effective and safe human performance;
generate and apply theories, principles, practical concepts, systems, and processes related to the design and testing of technologies, systems, and training programs to support and evaluate human performance in work contexts; and
meet education or experience requirements as determined by the Administrator.
SEC. 411. Aeromedical Innovation and Modernization Working Group.
Establishment.— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a working group (in this section referred to as the “working group”) to review the medical processes, policies, and procedures of the Administration and to make recommendations to the Administrator on modernizing such processes, policies, and procedures to ensure timely and efficient certification of airmen.
Membership.—
In general.— The working group shall consist of—
2 co-chairs described in paragraph (2); and
not less than 15 individuals appointed by the Administrator, each of whom shall have knowledge or a background in aerospace medicine, psychiatry, neurology, cardiology, or internal medicine.
Co-chairs.— The working group shall be co-chaired by—
the Federal Air Surgeon of the FAA; and
a member described under paragraph (1)(A) to be selected by members of the working group.
Preference.— The Administrator, in appointing members pursuant to paragraph (1)(B), shall give preference to—
Aviation Medical Examiners (as described in section 183.21 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);
licensed medical physicians;
practitioners holding a pilot certificate; and
individuals having demonstrated research and expertise in aeromedical research or sciences.
Activities.— In reviewing the aeromedical decision-making processes, policies, and procedures of the Administration in accordance with subsection (a), the working group, at a minimum, shall—
assess the medical conditions an Aviation Medical Examiner may issue a medical certificate directly to an individual;
determine the appropriateness of the list of such medical conditions as of the date of enactment of this Act;
assess the special issuance process;
determine the appropriateness of whether a renewal of a special issuance can be based on a medical evaluation and treatment plan by the treating medical specialist of the individual pursuant to approval from an Aviation Medical Examiner;
evaluate advancements in technologies to address forms of red-green color blindness and determine whether such technologies may be approved for use by airmen;
review policies and guidance relating to Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder;
evaluate whether medications used to treat such disorders may be safely prescribed to airmen;
review protocols pertaining to the Human Intervention Motivation Study of the FAA;
review protocols and policies relating to—
neurological disorders; and
cardiovascular conditions to ensure alignment with medical best practices, latest research;
review mental health protocols and medications approved for treating such mental health conditions, including such actions taken resulting from recommendations by the Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Rulemaking Committee;
assess processes and protocols pertaining to recertification of airmen receiving disability insurance post-recovery from the medical condition, injury, or disability that precludes airmen from exercising the privileges of an airman certificate;
assess processes and protocols pertaining to the certification of veterans reporting a disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
assess and evaluate the user interface and information-sharing capabilities of any online medical portal administered by the FAA.
Aviation Workforce Mental Health Task Group.—
Establishment.— Not later than 120 days after the working group pursuant to subsection (a) is established, the co-chairs of such working group shall establish an aviation workforce mental health task group (referred to in this subsection as the “task group”) to oversee, monitor, and evaluate efforts of the Administrator related to supporting the mental health of the aviation workforce.
Composition.— The co-chairs of such working group shall appoint—
a Chair of the task group; and
members of the task group from among the members of the working group appointed by the Administrator under subsection (b)(1).
Duties.— The duties of the task group shall include—
carrying out the activities described in subsection (c)(10);
soliciting feedback from aviation industry professionals or other licensed professionals representing air carrier operations under part 121 and part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and general aviation operations under part 91 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
reviewing and evaluating guidance issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization on aviation workforce mental health;
providing advice, as appropriate, on the implementation of the final recommendations issued by the inspector general of the Department of Transportation in the report titled, “FAA Conduct Comprehensive Evaluations of Pilots With Mental Health Challenges, but Opportunities Exist to Further Mitigate Safety Risks”, published on July 12, 2023 (AV2023038);
monitoring and evaluating the implementation of recommendations by the Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Rulemaking Committee;
expanding and improving mental health outreach, education, and assistance programs for the aviation workforce; and
reducing the stigma associated with mental healthcare in the aviation workforce.
Report.— Not later than 2 years after the date of the establishment of the task group, the task group shall submit to the Secretary and the appropriate committees of Congress a report detailing—
the results of the review under paragraph (3)(A); and
progress on the implementation of recommendations pursuant to subparagraphs (D) and (E) of paragraph (3); and
the activities carried out pursuant to fulfilling the duties described in subparagraphs (F) and (G) of paragraph (3).
Support.— The Administrator shall seek to enter into 1 or more agreements with the National Academies to support the activities of the working group described in subsection (c).
Findings and Recommendations.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the working group shall submit to the Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the findings and recommendations resulting from the activities carried out under subsection (c).
Implementation.— Not later than 1 year after receiving recommendations outlined in the report under subsection (f), the Administrator may take such action, as appropriate, to implement such recommendations.
Sunset.— The working group shall terminate on October 1, 2028.
SEC. 412. Frontline Manager Workload Study.
In General.— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall conduct a study on frontline manager workload challenges in air traffic control facilities.
Considerations.— In conducting the study required under subsection (a), the Administrator may—
consider—
workload challenges including—
the tasks expected to be performed by frontline managers, including employee development, management, and counseling;
the number of supervisory positions of operations requiring watch coverage in each air traffic control facility;
the complexity of traffic and managerial responsibilities; and
proficiency and training requirements;
facility type;
facility staffing levels; and
any other factors as the Administrator considers appropriate; and
describe recommendations for updates to the Frontline Manager’s Quick Reference Guide that reflect current operational standards.
Briefing.— Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the results of the study conducted under subsection (a).
SEC. 413. Medical Portal Modernization Task Group.
Establishment.— Not later than 120 days after the working group pursuant to section 411 is established, the co-chairs of such working group shall establish a medical portal modernization task group (in this section referred to as the “task group”) to evaluate the user interface and information sharing capabilities of an online medical portal administered by the FAA.
Composition.— The co-chairs of the working group provided for in section 411 shall appoint—
a Chair of the task group; and
members of the task group from among the members of the working group appointed by the Administrator under section 411(b).
Assessment; Recommendations.— The task group shall, at a minimum, assess and evaluate the capabilities of any such medical portal and provide recommendations to improve the following:
The cybersecurity protections and protocols of any such medical portal, including the secure exchange of health information and records between Aviation Medical Examiners and pilots, or their designee, including the ability for airmen to submit additional information requested by the Administrator.
The status of an airman’s medical application and the disclosure of how long an airman can expect to wait for a final determination to be issued by the Administrator.
The disclosure of the name and contact information of the Administrator’s representative managing an airman’s case so that an Aviation Medical Examiner has a point of contact within the Administration who is familiar with an airman’s application.
Consultation.— In carrying out the duties described in subsection (c), the task group may consult with cybersecurity experts and individuals with a knowledge of securing electronic health care transactions.
Report.— Not later than 1 year after the date of the establishment of the task group, the task group shall submit to the Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress a report detailing activities and recommendations of the task group.
Implementation.— Not later than 1 year after receiving the report described in subsection (e), the Administrator may take such action as may be necessary to implement recommendations of the task group to improve any such medical portal.
SEC. 414. Study of High School Aviation Maintenance Training Programs.
In General.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study to assess high school aviation maintenance technician programs and identify any barriers for graduates of such programs with respect to—
pursuing post-secondary or vocational academic training at an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school; or
obtaining the training and experience necessary to become an FAA-certificated mechanic through on-the-job training or alternative pathways.
Contents.— The study required under subsection (a) shall assess the following:
The number of high school aviation maintenance programs in the United States and the typical career outcomes for graduates of such programs.
The extent to which such programs offer curricula that align with FAA mechanic Airman Certification Standards.
The number of such programs that partner with FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician schools (as described in part 147 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations).
The level of engagement between the FAA and high school aviation maintenance programs with respect to developing curricula to build the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for a student to attain FAA mechanic certification and associated ratings.
Barriers to accessing the general knowledge test described in section 65.71(a)(3) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
The applicability of all FAA regulations and policies in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act as such regulations and policies apply to student enrollees of high school aviation maintenance programs and whether such regulations or policies pose any barriers to students interested in pursuing a career in the field of aviation maintenance.
Report.— Not later than 2 years after the completion of the study required under this section, the Comptroller General shall provide to the Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the findings of such study, including recommendations for any legislative and administrative actions as the Comptroller General determines appropriate.
SEC. 415. Improved Access to Air Traffic Control Simulation Training.
In General.— The Administrator shall continue making tower simulator systems (in this section referred to as “TSS”) more accessible to all air traffic controller specialists assigned to an air traffic control tower of the FAA (in this section referred to as an “ATCT”), regardless of facility assignment.
Cloud-based Visual Database and Software System.— Not later than 30 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop and implement a cloud-based visual database and software system that is compatible with existing and future TSS that, at a minimum, includes—
the unique runway layout, approach paths, and lines of sight of every ATCT; and
specifications that meet all applicable data security requirements.
TSS Upgrades.— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall upgrade existing, permanent TSS so that the TSS is, at a minimum, capable of—
securely and quickly downloading data from the cloud-based visual database and software system described in subsection (b); and
running scenarios for each ATCT involving differing levels of air traffic volume and varying complexities, including, aircraft emergencies, rapidly changing weather, issuance of safety alerts, special air traffic procedures for events of national or international significance, and recovering from unforeseen events or losses of separation.
Mobile TSS.— Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall acquire and implement mobile TSS at each ATCT that is without an existing, permanent TSS so that the mobile TSS is capable of, at a minimum, the capabilities described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c).
Collaboration.— In carrying out this section, the Administrator may collaborate with the exclusive bargaining representative of air traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code.
SEC. 416. Air Traffic Controller Instructor Recruitment, Hiring, and Retention.
In General.— No later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate a study examining the recruitment, hiring, and retention of air traffic controller instructors and the projected number of instructors needed to maintain the safety of the national airspace system over a 5-year period beginning with fiscal year 2025.
Contents.— The Administrator shall include in the study required under subsection (a) the following:
An examination of projected instructor staffing targets, including the number of on-the-job instructors needed for the instruction and training of Certified Professional Controllers (in this section referred to as “CPCs”) in training.
An analysis on whether involving additional retired CPCs as instructors, including for classroom training, would produce improvements in air traffic controller instruction and training.
Recommendations on how and where to utilize retired CPCs.
The effect on the ability of active CPCs to carry out on-the-job duties, other than instruction, and any related efficiencies if additional retired CPCs were involved as instructors.
The known vulnerabilities, as categorized by FAA Air Traffic Organization regions, in cases in which the FAA requires CPCs to provide instruction and training to CPCs in training is a significant burden on FAA air traffic controller staffing levels.
Deadline.— Not later than 2 years after the date on which the Administrator initiates the study required under subsection (a), the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the results of the study and any actions that may be taken by the Administrator based on such results.
SEC. 417. Ensuring Hiring of Air Traffic Control Specialists Is Based on Assessment of Job-Relevant Aptitudes.
Review of the Air Traffic Skills Assessment.— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall review and revise, if necessary, the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (in this section referred to as the “AT–SA”) administered to air traffic controller applicants described in clauses (ii) and (iii) of section 44506(f)(1)(B) of title 49, United States Code, in accordance with the following requirements, the Administrator shall:
Evaluate all questions on the AT–SA and determine whether a peer-reviewed job analysis that ensures all questions test job-relevant aptitudes would result in improvements in the air traffic control specialist workforce training and hiring process.
Assess the assumptions and methodologies used to develop the AT–SA, the job-relevant aptitudes measured, and the scoring process for the assessment.
Assess whether any other revisions to the AT–SA are necessary to enhance the air traffic control specialist workforce training and hiring process.
DOT Inspector General Report.— Not later than 180 days after the completion of the review and any necessary revision of the AT–SA required under subsection (a), the inspector general of the Department of Transportation shall submit to the Administrator, the appropriate committees of Congress, and, upon request, to any member of Congress, a report that assesses the AT–SA and any applicable revisions, a description of any associated actions taken by the Administrator, and any other recommendations to address the results of the report.
SEC. 418. Pilot Program to Provide Veterans with Pilot Training Services.
In General.— The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall establish a pilot program to provide grants to eligible entities to provide pilot training activities and related education to support a pathway for veterans to become commercial aviators.
Eligible Entity.— In this section, the term “eligible entity” means a pilot school or provisional pilot school that—
holds an Air Agency Certificate under part 141 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
has an established employment pathway with at least 1 air carrier operating under part 121 or 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
Priority Application.— In selecting eligible entities under this section, the Secretary shall prioritize eligible entities that meet the following criteria:
An eligible entity accredited (as defined in section 61.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) by an accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary of Education.
An eligible entity that holds a letter of authorization issued in accordance with section 61.169 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
Use of Funds.— Amounts from a grant received by an eligible entity under the pilot program established under subsection (a) shall be used for the following:
Administrative costs related to implementation of the program described in subsection (a) not to exceed 5 percent of the amount awarded.
To provide guidance and pilot training services, including tuition and flight training fees for veterans enrolled with an eligible entity, to support such veterans in obtaining any of the following pilot certificates and ratings:
Private pilot certificate with airplane single-engine or multi-engine ratings.
Instrument rating.
Commercial pilot certificate with airplane single-engine or multi-engine ratings.
Multi-engine rating.
Certificated flight instructor single-engine certificate, if applicable to the degree sought.
Certificated flight instructor multi-engine certificate, if applicable to the degree sought.
Certificated flight instructor instrument certificate, if applicable to the degree sought.
To provide educational materials, training materials, and equipment to support pilot training activities and related education for veterans enrolled with the eligible entity.
To provide periodic reports to the Secretary on use of the grant funds, including documentation of training completion of the certificates and ratings described in subparagraphs (A) through (G) of paragraph (2).
Award Amount Limit.— An award granted to an eligible entity shall not exceed more than $750,000 in any given fiscal year.
Appropriations.— To carry out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028.
SEC. 419. Providing Non-Federal Weather Observer Training to Airport Personnel.
The Administrator may take such actions as are necessary to provide training that is easily accessible and streamlined for airport personnel to become certified as non-Federal weather observers so that such personnel can manually provide weather observations in any case in which automated surface observing systems and automated weather observing systems experience outages and errors to ensure operational safety at airports.
SEC. 420. Prohibition of Remote Dispatching.
Amendments to Prohibition.—
in paragraph (9) by striking “ or” after the semicolon;
by redesignating paragraph (10) as paragraph (11); and
by inserting after paragraph (9) the following:
“(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”
Regulations.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue regulations requiring persons to comply with section 44711(a)(10) of title 49, United States Code (as added by paragraph (1)).
Aircraft Dispatching.—
In general.— Chapter 447 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
Ҥ 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.”
Clerical amendment.— The analysis for chapter 447 of such title is further amended by adding at the end the following:
“44748. Aircraft dispatching.”.
SEC. 421. Crewmember Pumping Guidance.
In General.— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue guidance to part 121 air carriers relating to the expression of milk by crewmembers on an aircraft during noncritical phases of flight, consistent with the performance of the crewmember’s duties aboard the aircraft. The guidance shall be equally applicable to any lactating crewmember. In developing the guidance, the Administrator shall—
consider multiple methods of expressing breast milk that could be used by crewmembers, including the use of wearable lactation technology; and
ensure the guidance will not require an air carrier or foreign air carrier to incur significant expense, such as through—
the addition of an extra crewmember in response to providing a break;
removal or retrofitting of seats on the aircraft; or
modification or retrofitting of an aircraft.
Definitions.— In this section:
Crewmember.— The term “crewmember” has the meaning given such term in section 1.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
Critical phases of flight.— The term “critical phases of flight” has the meaning given such term in section 121.542 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
Part 121.— The term “part 121” means part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
Aviation Safety.— Nothing in this section shall limit the authority of the Administrator relating to aviation safety under subtitle VII of title 49, United States Code.
SEC. 422. Gao Study and Report on Extent and Effects of Commercial Aviation Pilot Shortage on Regional/commuter Carriers.
Study.— The Comptroller General shall conduct a study to identify the extent and effects of the commercial aviation pilot shortage on regional/commuter carriers (as such term is defined in section 41719(d) of title 49, United States Code).
Report.— Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report containing the results of the study conducted under subsection (a), including recommendations for such legislation and administrative action as the Comptroller General determines appropriate.
SEC. 423. Report on Implementation of Recommendations of Federal Aviation Administration Youth Access to American Jobs in Aviation Task Force.
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the implementation of the following recommendations of the Youth Access to American Jobs in Aviation Task Force of the FAA established under section 602 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–254):
Improve information access about careers in aviation and aerospace.
Collaboration across regions of the FAA on outreach and workforce development programs.
Increase opportunities for mentoring, pre-apprenticeships, and apprenticeships in aviation.
SEC. 424. Sense of Congress on Improving Unmanned Aircraft System Staffing at Faa.
It is the sense of Congress that the Administrator should leverage the Unmanned Aircraft System Collegiate Training Initiative to address any staffing challenges and skills gaps within the FAA to support efforts to facilitate the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems and other new airspace entrants into the national airspace system.
SEC. 425. Joint Aviation Employment Training Working Group.
Establishment.— Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish an interagency working group (in this section referred to as the “working group”) to advise the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense on matters and policies related to increasing awareness of the eligibility, training, and experience requirements needed to become an FAA-certified or a military-covered aviation professional in order to improve career transitions between the military and civilian workforces.
Membership.—
In general.— The working group shall consist of—
2 co-chairs described in paragraph (2);
not less than 6 representatives of the FAA, to be appointed by the co-chair described in paragraph (2)(A); and
not less than 1 representative of each component of the armed forces (as such term is defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code), to be appointed by the co-chair described in paragraph (2)(B).
Co-chairs.— The working group shall be co-chaired by—
a representative of the Department of Transportation, to be appointed by the Secretary; and
a representative of the Department of Defense, to be appointed by the Secretary of Defense.
Activities.— The working group shall—
evaluate and compare all eligibility, training, and experience requirements for individuals interested in becoming FAA-certified, or serving in the armed forces, as covered aviation professionals, including agency policies, guidance, and orders affecting covered aviation professionals;
identify challenges that inhibit recruitment, training, and retention within the respective workforces of such professionals;
assess methods to improve outreach, engagement, and awareness of eligibility, training, and experience requirements needed to enter careers of covered aviation professionals;
consult with representatives from nonprofit organizations supporting veterans and representatives from aviation industry organizations representing covered aviation professionals in the development of recommendations required pursuant to subsection (d)(2)(B); and
identify opportunities for increased interagency information sharing across workforces on matters related to certification pathways, including knowledge testing, affecting covered aviation professionals.
Initial Report to Congress.—
In general.— Not later than 1 year after the date on which the Secretary establishes the working group, the working group shall submit to the covered committees of Congress an initial report on the activities of the working group.
Contents.— The report required under paragraph (1) shall include—
a detailed description of the findings of the working group pursuant to the activities required under subsection (c), including feedback offered by representatives described in subsection (c)(4); and
recommendations for regulatory, policy, or legislative action to improve awareness of the eligibility, training, and experience requirements needed to become FAA-certified or military-covered aviation professionals across the civilian and military workforces.
Annual Reporting.— Not later than 1 year after the date on which the working group submits the initial report under subsection (d), and annually thereafter, the working group shall submit to the covered committees of Congress a report—
describing the continued activities of the working group;
describing any progress made by the Secretary or Secretary of Defense in implementing the recommendations described in subsection (d)(2)(B); and
containing any other recommendations the working group may have with respect to efforts to improve the employment and training of covered aviation professionals in the civilian and military workforces.
Sunset.— The working group shall terminate on the date that is 4 years after the date on which the working group submits the initial report to Congress pursuant to subsection (d).
Definitions.— In this section:
Covered committees of congress.— The term “covered committees of Congress” means—
the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives;
the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate;
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
Covered aviation professional.— The term “covered aviation professional” means—
an airman;
an aircraft maintenance and repair technician;
an air traffic controller; and
any other aviation-related professional that has comparable tasks and duties across the civilian and military workforces, as determined jointly by the co-chairs of the working group.
SEC. 426. Military Aviation Maintenance Technicians Rule.
Streamlined Certification for Eligible Military Maintenance Technicians.—
Rulemaking.— Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to revise part 65 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to—
create a military mechanic written competency test that addresses gaps between military and civilian experience; and
develop, as necessary, a relevant Airman Certification Standard to qualify eligible military maintenance technicians for a civilian mechanic certificate with airframe or powerplant ratings.
Consideration.— In carrying out paragraph (1), the Administrator shall evaluate and consider—
whether to allow a certificate of eligibility from the Joint Services Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council (in this section referred to as the “JSAMTCC”) evidencing completion of a training curriculum for any rating sought to serve as a substitute to fulfill the requirement under such part 65 for oral and practical tests administered by a designated mechanic examiner for eligible military maintenance technicians;
aeronautical knowledge subject areas contained in the Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe, and Powerplant Airman Certification Standards as described in section 65.75 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, as appropriate, to the rating sought; and
any applicable recommendations by the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee Airman Certification System Working Group.
Expansion of Testing Locations.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall determine—
whether an expansion of the number of active testing locations operated within military installation testing centers would increase access to testing; and
how to implement such expansion, if appropriate.
Outreach and Awareness.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall develop a plan to increase outreach and awareness regarding services made available by the JSAMTCC and how such services can assist in facilitating the transition between military and civilian aviation maintenance careers.
Briefings.—
Initial briefing.— Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Administrator develops the outreach and awareness plan pursuant to subsection (c), the Administrator shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a briefing on the activities planned to implement the outreach and awareness plan.
Periodic briefing.— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and 2 years thereafter, the Administrator shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a briefing on any rulemaking activities carried out pursuant to subsection (a), including a timeline for the issuance of a final rule.
Eligible Military Maintenance Technician Defined.— For purposes of this section, the term “eligible military maintenance technician” means an individual who—
has been a maintenance technician during service in the armed forces who was honorably discharged or has retired from the armed forces (as defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code);
presents an official record of service in the armed forces confirming that the individual has been a military aviation maintenance technician, holding an appropriate Military Occupational Specialty Code, as determined by the Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense; and
presents documentary evidence of experience in accordance with the requirements under section 65.77 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
SEC. 427. Crewmember Self-Defense Training.
Section 44918 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (a) by—
in paragraph (1) by inserting “ and unruly passenger behavior” before the period at the end;
in paragraph (2)—
by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:
“(A) Recognize suspicious behavior and activities and determine the seriousness of any occurrence of such behavior and activities.”
by striking subparagraph (H) and inserting the following:
“(H) De-escalation training based on recommendations issued by the Air Carrier Training Aviation Rulemaking Committee.”
by redesignating subparagraphs (I) and (J) as subparagraphs (J) and (K), respectively; and
by inserting after subparagraph (H) the following:
“(I) Methods to subdue and restrain an active attacker.”
by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
“(4) Minimum standards.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, in consultation with the Federal Air Marshal Service and the Aviation Security Advisory Committee, shall establish minimum standards for—
“(A) the training provided under this subsection and any for recurrent training; and
“(B) the individuals or entities providing such training.”
; and
in paragraph (6)—
in the first sentence—
by inserting “ and the Federal Air Marshal Service” after “ consultation with the Administrator”;
by striking “ and periodically shall” and inserting “ and shall periodically”; and
by inserting “ based on changes in the potential or actual threat conditions” before the period at the end; and
in the third sentence by inserting “ , including self-defense training expertise and experience” before the period at the end; and
in subsection (b)—
in paragraph (4) by striking “ Neither” and inserting “ Except as provided in paragraph (8), neither”; and
by adding at the end the following:
“(8) Air carrier accommodation.—An air carrier with a crew member participating in the training program under this subsection shall provide a process through which each such crew member may obtain reasonable accommodations.”
SEC. 428. Direct-Hire Authority Utilization.
In General.— The Administrator shall utilize direct hire authorities (as such authorities existed on the day before the date of enactment of this Act) to hire individuals on a non-competitive basis for positions related to aircraft certification and aviation safety. In utilizing such authorities, the Administrator shall take into consideration any staffing gaps in the safety workforce of the FAA, including in positions supporting the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems and other new airspace entrants.
Congressional Briefing.— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through 2028, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the—
utilization of the Administrator’s direct-hire authorities described in subsection (a);
utilization of the Administrator’s direct-hire authorities with respect to the Unmanned Aircraft System Collegiate Training Initiative of the FAA; and
number of employees hired as a result of the utilization of such authorities by the Administrator, the relevant lines of business or offices in which such employees were hired, and the occupational series of the positions filled.
SEC. 429. Faa Workforce Review Audit.
In General.— Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the Department of Transportation shall initiate an audit of any FAA workforce plans completed during the 5 fiscal years preceding the fiscal year in which such audit is initiated related to occupations the agency relies on to accomplish its aviation safety mission.
Contents.— In conducting the audit under subsection (a), the inspector general shall—
identify whether any safety-critical positions have not been reviewed within the period specified in subsection (a);
assess staffing levels and workforce retention trends relating to safety-critical occupations within all offices of the FAA that support such services;
review FAA workforce gaps in safety-critical and senior positions, including the average vacancy period of such positions during the most recent fiscal year in the period specified in subsection (a);
evaluate any applicable assessments of the historic workload of safety-critical positions and changes in workload demands over time;
analyze any applicable assessments of critical competencies and skills gaps among safety-critical positions conducted by the FAA and any relevant agency actions in response;
review whether existing FAA workforce development programs are producing intended results, especially in rural communities, such as increased recruitment and retention of agency personnel; and
review opportunities (as such opportunities exist on the date of enactment of this Act) for employees of the FAA to gain or enhance expertise, knowledge, skills, and abilities through cooperative training with appropriate aerospace companies and organizations, including—
assessing the appropriateness of existing cooperative training programs and any conflicts of interest or the appearance of such conflicts with FAA policies and obligations relating to FAA employee interactions with aviation industry;
identifying a means by which to leverage such programs to support credentialing and recurrent training activities for FAA employees, as appropriate;
assessing the policies and procedures the FAA has established to avoid both conflicts of interest and the appearance of such conflicts for employees participating in such opportunities, which may include requirements under—
chapter 131 of title 5, United States Code;
chapter 11 of title 18, United States Code;
subchapter B of chapter XVI of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations; and
sections 2635.101 and 2635.502 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations; and
evaluating whether the conflict of interest policies and procedures of the FAA for such opportunities provide for the appropriate means by which employees return to work at the FAA after having engaged in such opportunities.
Inspector General Report.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the inspector general shall submit to the Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress—
a report on the results of the audit conducted under subsection (a); and
recommendations for such legislative and administrative action as the inspector general determines appropriate.
SEC. 430. Staffing Model for Aviation Safety Inspectors.
In General.— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall review and, as necessary, revise the staffing model for aviation safety inspectors.
Requirements.—
Consideration of prior studies and reports.— In reviewing and revising the model, the Administrator shall take into consideration the contents and recommendations contained in the following:
The 2006 report released by the National Research Council titled “Staffing Standards for Aviation Safety Inspectors”.
The 2007 study released by the National Academy of Sciences titled “Staffing Standards for Aviation Safety Inspectors”.
The 2013 report released by Grant Thornton LLP, titled “ASTARS Gap Analysis Study: Comparison of the AVS Staffing Model for Aviation Safety Inspectors to the National Academy of Sciences’ Recommendations Final Report”.
The 2021 report released by the inspector general of the Department of Transportation titled “FAA Can Increase Its Inspector Staffing Model’s Effectiveness by Implementing System Improvements and Maximizing Its Capabilities”.
The FAA Fiscal Year 2023 Aviation Safety Workforce Plan conducted to satisfy the requirements of section 104 of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act, as enacted in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note).
Assessments.— In carrying out this section, the Administrator shall assess the following:
Projected staffing needs at the service and office level.
Forecasted attrition of the aviation safety inspector workforce.
Forecasted workload of aviation safety inspectors, including responsibilities associated with overseeing aviation manufacturers and new airspace entrants.
Means by which field managers use the model to assess aviation safety inspector staffing and provide feedback on resources needed at the office level.
Work performed by aviation safety inspectors in comparison to designees acting on behalf of the Administrator.
Any associated performance metrics to inform periodic comparisons to actual aviation safety inspector staffing level results.
Consultation.— In carrying out this section, the Administrator shall consult with interested persons, including the exclusive collective bargaining representative for aviation safety inspectors certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code.
SEC. 431. Safety-Critical Staffing.
Implementation of Staffing Standards for Safety Inspectors.— Upon completion of the revised staffing model for aviation safety inspectors under section 430, and validation of the model by the Administrator, the Administrator shall take all appropriate actions in response to the number of aviation safety inspectors, aviation safety technicians, and operation support positions that are identified in such model to meet the responsibilities of the Flight Standards Service and Aircraft Certification Service, including potentially increasing the number of safety critical positions in the Flight Standards Service and Aircraft Certification Service each fiscal year, as appropriate, so long as such staffing increases are measured relative to the number of individuals serving in safety-critical positions as of September 30, 2023.
Availability of Appropriations.— Any increase in safety critical staffing pursuant to this subsection shall be subject to the availability of appropriations.
Safety-critical Positions Defined.— In this section, the term “safety-critical positions” means—
aviation safety inspectors, aviation safety specialists (1801 job series), aviation safety technicians, and operations support positions in the Flight Standards Service; and
manufacturing safety inspectors, pilots, engineers, Chief Scientist Technical Advisors, aviation safety specialists (1801 job series), safety technical specialists, and operational support positions in the Aircraft Certification Service.
SEC. 432. Deterring Crewmember Interference.
Task Force.—
In general.— Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall convene a task force to develop voluntary standards and best practices relating to suspected violations of sections 46318, 46503, and 46504 of title 49, United States Code, including—
proper and consistent incident documentation and reporting techniques;
best practices for flight crew and cabin crew response, including de-escalation;
improved coordination between stakeholders, including flight crew and cabin crew, airport staff, other Federal agencies as appropriate, and law enforcement; and
appropriate enforcement actions.
Membership.— The task force convened under paragraph (1) shall be comprised of representatives of—
air carriers;
airport sponsors and airport law enforcement agencies;
other Federal agencies determined necessary by the Administrator;
labor organizations representing air carrier pilots;
labor organizations representing flight attendants; and
labor organizations representing ticketing, check-in, or other customer service representatives employed by air carriers.
Announcements.— Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate such actions as may be necessary to include in the briefing of passengers before takeoff required under section 121.571 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, a statement informing passengers that it is against Federal law to assault or threaten to assault any individual on an aircraft or interfere with the duties of a crewmember.
Definitions.— For purposes of this section, the definitions in section 40102(a) of title 49, United States Code, shall apply to terms in this section.
SEC. 433. Use of Biographical Assessments.
Section 44506(f)(2)(A) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking “ paragraph (1)(B)(ii)” and inserting “ paragraph (1)(B)”.
SEC. 434. Employee Assault Prevention and Response Plan Standards and Best Practices.
Sense of Congress.— It is the sense of Congress that—
each air carrier operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, shall submit to the Administrator an Employee Assault Prevention and Response Plan pursuant to section 551 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44903 note);
each such air carrier should have in place and deploy an Employee Assault Prevention and Response Plan to facilitate appropriate protocols, standards, and training to equip employees with best practices and the experience necessary to respond effectively to hostile situations and disruptive behavior and maintain a safe traveling experience; and
any air carrier formed after the date of enactment of this Act should develop and implement an Employee Assault Prevention and Response Plan.
Required Briefing.— Section 551 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44903 note) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(f) Briefing to Congress.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall provide to the appropriate committees of Congress a briefing on the Employee Assault Prevention and Response Plan submitted by each air carrier pursuant to this section.”
SEC. 435. Formal Policy on Sexual Assault and Harassment on Air Carriers.
In General.— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, passenger air carriers operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, shall issue, in consultation with labor unions representing personnel, a formal policy with respect to sexual assault or harassment incidents.
Contents.— Each policy required under subsection (a) shall include—
a statement indicating that no sexual assault or harassment incident is acceptable under any circumstance;
procedures that facilitate the reporting of a sexual assault or harassment incident, including—
appropriate public outreach activities; and
confidential phone and internet-based opportunities for reporting;
procedures that personnel should follow upon the reporting of a sexual assault or harassment incident, including actions to protect affected individuals from continued sexual assault or harassment and to notify law enforcement, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, when appropriate;
procedures that may limit or prohibit, to the extent practicable, future travel with the air carrier by any passenger who commits a sexual assault or harassment incident; and
training that is required for all appropriate personnel with respect to each such policy, including specific training for personnel who may receive reports of sexual assault or harassment incidents.
Passenger Information.— An air carrier described in subsection (a) shall display, on the website of the air carrier and through the use of appropriate signage, a written statement that informs passengers and personnel of the procedure for reporting a sexual assault or harassment incident.
Standard of Care.— Compliance with the requirements of this section, and any policy issued thereunder, shall not determine whether the air carrier described in subsection (a) has acted with any requisite standard of care.
Rules of Construction.—
Effect on authorities.— Nothing in this section shall be construed as granting the Secretary any additional authorities beyond ensuring that a passenger air carrier operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations issues a formal policy and displays required information in compliance with this section.
Effect on other laws.— Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter existing authorities of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, or the Department of Justice to enforce applicable employment and sexual assault and sexual harassment laws.
Definitions.— In this section:
Personnel.— The term “personnel” means an employee or contractor of passenger air carrier operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
Sexual assault.— The term “sexual assault” means the occurrence of an act that constitutes any nonconsensual sexual act proscribed by Federal, tribal, or State law, including when the victim lacks capacity to consent.
Sexual assault or harassment incident.— The term “sexual assault or harassment incident” means the occurrence, or reasonably suspected occurrence, of an act that—
constitutes sexual assault or sexual harassment; and
is committed—
by a passenger or personnel against another passenger or personnel; and
within an aircraft or in an area in which passengers are entering or exiting an aircraft.
SEC. 436. Interference with Security Screening Personnel.
Section 46503 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
by striking “ An individual” and inserting the following:
“(a) In General.—An individual”
; and
by adding at the end the following:
“(b) Airport and Air Carrier Employees.—For purposes of this section, an airport or air carrier employee who has security duties within the airport includes an airport or air carrier employee performing ticketing, check-in, baggage claim, or boarding functions.”
SEC. 437. Air Traffic Control Workforce Staffing.
Maximum Hiring.— Subject to the availability of appropriations, for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028, the Administrator shall set as the minimum hiring target for new air traffic controllers (excluding individuals described in section 44506(f)(1)(A) of title 49, United States Code) the maximum number of individuals able to be trained at the Federal Aviation Administration Academy.
Transportation Research Board Assessment.—
Review.— Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit an attestation to the appropriate committees of Congress demonstrating an agreement entered into with the with the National Academies Transportation Research Board to—
compare the Certified Professional Controller (in this section referred to as “CPC”) operational staffing models and methodologies in determining the FAA Controller Staffing Standard included in the 2023 Air Traffic Controller Workforce Plan of the FAA, with such models and methodologies developed by the Collaborative Resource Workgroup of the FAA (in this subsection referred to as “CRWG”) to determine CPC operational staffing targets necessary to meet facility operational, statutory, contractual and safety requirements, including—
the availability factor multiplier and other formula components;
the independent facility staffing targets of CPCs able to control traffic;
air traffic controller position utilization;
attrition rates at each air traffic control facility operated by the Administration; and
the time needed to meet facility operational, statutory, and contractual requirements, including relevant resources to develop, evaluate, and implement processes and initiatives affecting the national airspace system;
examine the current and estimated budgets of the FAA to implement the FAA Controller Staffing Standard included in the 2023 Controller Workforce Plan in comparison to the funding needed to implement the CRWG CPC operational staffing targets;
assess future needs of the air traffic control system and potential impacts on staffing standards, including projected air traffic in the airspace of each air traffic control facility operated by the Administration; and
determine which staffing models and methodologies evaluated pursuant to this subsection best accounts for the operational staffing needs of the air traffic control system and provide a justification for such determination.
Report.— Not later than 180 days after the agreement entered into pursuant to paragraph (b)(1), the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies shall submit a report to the Administrator and appropriate committees of Congress on the findings and recommendations under this subsection, including the determination pursuant to subparagraph (D).
Consultation.— In conducting the assessment under this subsection, the Transportation Research Board shall consult with—
the exclusive bargaining representatives of air traffic control specialists of the Administration certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code;
front line managers of the air traffic control system;
managers and employees responsible for training air traffic controllers;
the MITRE Corporation;
the Chief Operating Officer of the Air Traffic Organization of the FAA, and other Federal Government representatives;
users and operators in the air traffic control system;
relevant industry representatives; and
other parties determined appropriate by the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies.
Required Implementation of Identified Staffing Model.—
Use of staffing model.— The Administrator shall, as appropriate, take such action that may be necessary to implement and use the staffing model identified by the Transportation Research Board pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(D), including any recommendations for improving such model, not later than one year after enactment of this Act.
Briefing.— Not later than 90 days after taking such actions to implement and use the staffing model identified by the Transportation Research Board pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(D), the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress regarding the reasons for why any recommendation by the Transportation Research Board study was not incorporated into the implemented staffing model.
Revised Staffing Standards.— The Administration shall revise the FAA CPC operational staffing standards of the Administration implemented under subsection (c) to—
provide that the controller and management workforce is sufficiently staffed to safely and efficiently manage and oversee the air traffic control system;
account for the target number of CPCs able to control traffic at each independent facility; and
avoid any required or requested reduction of national airspace system capacity or aircraft operations as a result of inadequate air traffic control system staffing.
Interim Adoption of Collaborative Resource Workgroup Models.—
In general.— In submitting a Controller Workforce Plan of the FAA to Congress published after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall adopt and use the staffing models and methodologies developed by the Collaborative Resource Workgroup that were recommended in the 2023 Controller Workforce Plan.
Revisions to the controller workforce plan.— Section 44506(e) of title 49, United States Code is amended—
in paragraph (1) by striking “ the number of air traffic controllers needed” and inserting “ the number of fully certified air traffic controllers needed”;
by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and
by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
“(2) for each air traffic control facility operated by the Federal Aviation Administration—
“(A) the current certified professional controller staffing levels;
“(B) the operational staffing targets for certified professional controllers;
“(C) the anticipated certified professional controller attrition for each of the next 3 years; and
“(D) the number of certified professional controller trainees;”
Effective date.— The requirements of paragraph (1) shall cease to be effective upon the adoption and implementation of a revised staffing model by the Administrator as required under subsection (c).
Controller Training.— In any Controller Workforce Plan of the FAA published after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall—
identify all limiting factors on the ability of the Administrator to hire and train controllers in line with the staffing standards target set out in such Plan; and
describe what actions the Administrator intends to take to rectify any impediments to meeting staffing standards targets and identify contributing factors that are outside the control of the Administrator.
SEC. 438. Airport Service Workforce Analysis.
In General.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall complete a comprehensive review of the domestic airport service workforce and examine the role of, impact on, and importance of such workforce to the aviation economy.
Working Group.—
Report.— Upon completion of the review required under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the Secretary a report containing such review.
Public working group.— The Secretary may convene a public working group to evaluate and discuss the report under paragraph (1) containing—
the entities the Comptroller General consulted with in carrying out the review under subsection (a);
representatives of other relevant Federal agencies; and
any other appropriate stakeholder.
Termination.— If the Secretary convenes a working group under paragraph (2), such working group shall terminate on the date that is 1 year after the date on which the working group is convened.
SEC. 439. Federal Aviation Administration Academy and Facility Expansion Plan.
Plan.—
In general.— No later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate the development of a plan to expand overall FAA capacity relating to facilities, instruction, equipment, and training resources to grow the number of developmental air traffic controllers enrolled per fiscal year and support increases in FAA air controller staffing to advance the safety of the national airspace system.
Considerations.— In developing the plan under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consider—
the resources needed to support an increase in the total number of developmental air traffic controllers enrolled at the FAA Academy;
the resources needed to lessen FAA Academy attrition per fiscal year;
how to modernize the education and training of developmental air traffic controllers, including through the use of new techniques and technologies to support instruction;
the equipment needed to support expanded instruction, including air traffic control simulation systems, virtual reality, and other virtual training platforms;
projected staffing needs associated with FAA Academy expansion and the operation of education platforms, including the number of on-the-job instructors needed to educate and train additional developmental air traffic controllers;
the costs of expanding FAA capacity at the existing air traffic control academy (as described in paragraph (1)(A));
soliciting input from, and coordinating with, relevant stakeholders as appropriate, including the exclusive bargaining representative of air traffic control specialists of the FAA certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code; and
other logistical and financial considerations as determined appropriate by the Administrator.
Report.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress the plan developed under subsection (a).
Briefing.— Not later than 180 days after the submission of the plan under subsection (b), the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the plan, including the implementation of the plan.
SEC. 440. Improving Federal Aviation Workforce Development Programs.
In General.— Section 625 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended to read as follows:
“SEC. 625. AVIATION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS.
“(a) In General.—The Secretary of Transportation shall establish—
“(1) a program to provide grants for eligible projects to support the education and recruitment of future aircraft pilots and the development of the aircraft pilot workforce;
“(2) a program to provide grants for eligible projects to support the education and recruitment of aviation maintenance technical workers and the development of the aviation maintenance workforce; and
“(3) a program to provide grants for eligible projects to support the education and recruitment of aviation manufacturing technical workers and aerospace engineers and the development of the aviation manufacturing workforce.
“(b) Project Grants.—
“(1) In general.—Out of amounts made available under section 48105 of title 49, United States Code, there is authorized to be appropriated—
“(A) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028 to provide grants under the program established under subsection (a)(1);
“(B) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028 to provide grants under the program established under subsection (a)(2); and
“(C) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028 to provide grants under the program established under subsection (a)(3).
“(2) Dollar amount limit.—In providing grants under the programs established under subsection (a), the Secretary may not make any grant more than $1,000,000 to any eligible entity in any 1 fiscal year.
“(3) Education projects.—The Secretary shall ensure that not less than 20 percent of the amounts made available under this subsection is used to carry out a grant program that shall be referred to as the ‘Willa Brown Aviation Education Program’ under which the Secretary shall provide grants for eligible projects described in subsection (d) that are carried out in counties containing at least 1 qualified opportunity zone (as such term is defined in section 1400Z–1(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986).
“(4) Set aside for technical assistance.—The Secretary may set aside up to 2 percent of the funds appropriated to carry out this subsection for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028 to provide technical assistance to eligible applicants for a grant under this subsection.
“(5) Consideration for certain applicants.—In reviewing and selecting applications for grants under the programs established under subsection (a), the Secretary may give consideration to applicants that provide an assurance—
“(A) to use grant funds to encourage the participation of populations that are underrepresented in the aviation industry, including in economically disadvantaged geographic areas and rural communities;
“(B) to address the workforce needs of rural and regional airports; or
“(C) to strengthen aviation programs at a minority-serving institution (as described in section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)), a public institution of higher education, or a public postsecondary vocational institution.
“(c) Eligible Applications.—
“(1) Application for aircraft pilot program.—An application for a grant under the program established under subsection (a)(1) may be submitted, in such form as the Secretary may specify, by—
“(A) an air carrier (as such term is defined in section 40102 of title 49, United States Code);
“(B) an entity that holds management specifications under subpart K of title 91 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
“(C) an accredited institution of higher education, a postsecondary vocational institution, or a high school or secondary school;
“(D) a flight school that provides flight training, as such term is defined in part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or that holds a pilot school certificate under part 141 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
“(E) a labor organization representing professional aircraft pilots;
“(F) an aviation-related nonprofit organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code; or
“(G) a State, local, territorial, or Tribal governmental entity.
“(2) Application for aviation maintenance program.—An application for a grant under the program established under subsection (a)(2) may be submitted, in such form as the Secretary may specify, by—
“(A) a holder of a certificate issued under part 21, 121, 135, 145, or 147 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
“(B) a labor organization representing aviation maintenance workers;
“(C) an accredited institution of higher education, a postsecondary vocational institution, or a high school or secondary school;
“(D) an aviation-related nonprofit organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code; or
“(E) a State, local, territorial, or Tribal governmental entity.
“(3) Application for aviation manufacturing program.—An application for a grant under the program established under subsection (a)(3) may be submitted, in such form as the Secretary may specify, by—
“(A) a holder of a type or production certificate or similar authorization issued under section 44704 of title 49, United States Code;
“(B) an accredited institution of higher education, a postsecondary vocational institution, or a high school or secondary school;
“(C) an aviation-related nonprofit organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code;
“(D) a labor organization representing aerospace engineering, design, or manufacturing workers; or
“(E) a State, local, territorial, or Tribal governmental entity.
“(d) Eligible Projects.—
“(1) Aircraft pilot program.—For purposes of the program established under subsection (a)(1), an eligible project is a project—
“(A) to create and deliver a program or curriculum that provides high school or secondary school students and students of institutions of higher education with meaningful aviation education to become aircraft pilots or unmanned aircraft systems operators, including purchasing and operating a computer-based simulator associated with such curriculum;
“(B) to establish or improve registered apprenticeship, internship, or scholarship programs for individuals pursuing employment as a professional aircraft pilot or unmanned aircraft systems operator;
“(C) to create and deliver curriculum that provides certified flight instructors with the necessary instructional, leadership, and communication skills to better educate student pilots;
“(D) to support the transition to professional aircraft pilot or unmanned systems operator careers, including for members and veterans of the armed forces;
“(E) to support robust outreach about careers in commercial aviation as a professional aircraft pilot or unmanned system operator, including outreach to populations that are underrepresented in the aviation industry; or
“(F) to otherwise enhance or expand the aircraft pilot or unmanned aircraft system operator workforce.
“(2) Aviation maintenance program.—For purposes of the program established under subsection (a)(2), an eligible project is a project—
“(A) to create and deliver a program or curriculum that provides high school and secondary school students and students of institutions of higher education with meaningful aviation maintenance education to become an aviation mechanic or aviation maintenance technician, including purchasing and operating equipment associated with such curriculum;
“(B) to establish or improve registered apprenticeship, internship, or scholarship programs for individuals pursuing employment in the aviation maintenance industry;
“(C) to support the transition to aviation maintenance careers, including for members and veterans of the armed forces;
“(D) to support robust outreach about careers in the aviation maintenance industry, including outreach to populations that are underrepresented in the aviation industry; or
“(E) to otherwise enhance or expand the aviation maintenance technical workforce.
“(3) Aviation manufacturing program.—For purposes of the program established under subsection (a)(3), an eligible project is a project—
“(A) to create and deliver a program or curriculum that provides high school and secondary school students and students of institutions of higher education with meaningful aviation manufacturing education to become an aviation manufacturing technical worker or aerospace engineer, including teaching technical skills used in the engineering and production of components, parts, or systems thereof for inclusion in an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance;
“(B) to establish registered apprenticeship, internship, or scholarship programs for individuals pursuing employment in the aviation manufacturing industry;
“(C) to support the transition to aviation manufacturing careers, including for members and veterans of the armed forces;
“(D) to support robust outreach about careers in the aviation manufacturing industry, including outreach to populations that are underrepresented in the aviation industry; or
“(E) to otherwise enhance or expand the aviation manufacturing workforce.
“(e) Reporting and Monitoring Requirements.—The Secretary shall establish reasonable reporting and monitoring requirements for grant recipients under this section to measure relevant outcomes for the grant programs established under subsection (a).
“(f) Notice of Grants.—
“(1) Timely public notice.—The Secretary shall provide public notice of any grant awarded under this section in a timely fashion after the Secretary awards such grant.
“(2) Notice to congress.—The Secretary shall provide to the appropriate Committees of Congress advance notice of a grant to be made under this section.
“(g) Grant Authority.—
“(1) Limit on faa authority.—The authority of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, acting on behalf of the Secretary, to issue grants under this section shall terminate on October 1, 2027.
“(2) Nondelegation.—Beginning on October 1, 2027, the Secretary shall issue grants under this section and may not delegate any of the authorities or responsibilities under this section to the Administrator.
“(h) Program Name Redesignation.—Beginning on October 1, 2027, the Secretary shall redesignate the name of the program established under subsection (a) as the ‘Cooperative Aviation Recruitment, Enrichment, and Employment Readiness Program’ or the ‘CAREER Program’.
“(i) Consultation With Secretary of Education.—The Secretary may consult with the Secretary of Education, as appropriate, in—
“(1) reviewing applications for grants for eligible projects under this section; and
“(2) developing considerations regarding program quality and measurement of student outcomes.
“(j) Report.—Not later than September 30, 2028, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the administration of the programs established under subsection (a) covering each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028 that includes—
“(1) a summary of projects awarded grants under this section and the progress of each recipient towards fulfilling program expectations;
“(2) an evaluation of how such projects cumulatively impact the future supply of individuals in the United States aviation workforce, including any related best practices for carrying out such projects;
“(3) recommendations for better coordinating actions by governmental entities, educational institutions, and businesses, aviation labor organizations, or other stakeholders to support aviation workforce growth;
“(4) a review of how many grant recipients engaged with veterans and the resulting impact, if applicable, on recruiting and retaining veterans as part of the aviation workforce; and
“(5) a review of outreach conducted by grant recipients to encourage individuals to participate in aviation careers and the resulting impact, if applicable, on recruiting and retaining such individuals as part of the aviation workforce.
“(k) Program Authority Sunset.—The authority of the Secretary to issue grants under this section shall expire on October 1, 2028.
“(l) Definitions.—In this section:
“(1) Armed forces.—The term ‘armed forces’ has the meaning given such term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code.
“(2) High school.—The term ‘high school’ has the meaning given such term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)).
“(3) Institution of higher education.—The term ‘institution of higher education’ has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
“(4) Postsecondary vocational institution.—The term ‘postsecondary vocational institution’ has the meaning given such term in section 102(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002(c)).
“(5) Secondary school.—The term ‘secondary school’ has the meaning given such term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)).”
Effective Date.— The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on October 1, 2024.
SEC. 441. National Strategic Plan for Aviation Workforce Development.
In General.— Chapter 401 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
Ҥ 40132. National strategic plan for aviation workforce development
“(a) In General.—Not later than September 30, 2025, the Secretary of Transportation shall, in consultation with other Federal agencies and the Cooperative Aviation Recruitment, Enrichment, and Employment Readiness Council (in this section referred to as the ‘CAREER Council’) established in subsection (c), establish and maintain a national strategic plan to improve recruitment, hiring, and retention and address projected challenges in the civil aviation workforce, including—
“(1) any short-term, medium-term, and long-term workforce challenges relevant to the economy, workforce readiness, and priorities of the United States aviation sector;
“(2) any existing or projected workforce shortages; and
“(3) any workforce situation or condition that warrants special attention by the Federal Government.
“(b) Requirements.—The national strategic plan described in subsection (a) shall—
“(1) take into account the activities and accomplishments of all Federal agencies that are related to carrying out such plan;
“(2) include recommendations for carrying out such plan; and
“(3) project and identify, on an annual basis, aviation workforce challenges, including any applicable workforce shortages.
“(c) Career Council.—
“(1) Establishment.—Not later than September 30, 2025, the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, shall establish a council comprised of individuals with expertise in the civil aviation industry to—
“(A) assist with developing and maintaining the national strategic plan described in subsection (a); and
“(B) provide advice to the Secretary, as appropriate, relating to the CAREER Program established under section 625 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, including as such advice relates to program administration and grant application selection, and support the development of performance metrics regarding the quality and outcomes of the Program.
“(2) Appointment.—The CAREER Council shall be appointed by the Secretary from candidates nominated by national associations representing various sectors of the aviation industry, including—
“(A) commercial aviation;
“(B) general aviation;
“(C) aviation labor organizations, including collective bargaining representatives of Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspectors, aviation safety engineers, and air traffic controllers;
“(D) aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul;
“(E) aviation manufacturers; and
“(F) unmanned aviation.
“(3) Term.—Each council member appointed by the Secretary under paragraph (2) shall serve a term of 2 years.
“(d) Nondelegation.—The Secretary may not delegate any of the authorities or responsibilities under this section to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.”
Clerical Amendment.— The analysis for chapter 401 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
“40132. National strategic plan for aviation workforce development.”.