US Codex
Pub. L.
Notes

Title VI — Modernizing the National Airspace System

118th Congress · Approved May 16, 2024 · 138 Stat. 1025 · Lineage

TITLE VI Modernizing the National Airspace System

SEC. 601. Instrument Landing System Installation.

(a)
In General.— Not later than January 1, 2025, the Administrator shall expedite the installation of at least 15 instrument landing systems (in this section referred to as “ILS”) in the national airspace system by utilizing the existing ILS contract vehicle and the employees of the FAA.
(b)
Requirements.— In carrying out subsection (a), the Administrator shall—
(1)
incorporate lessons learned from installations under section 44502(a)(4) of title 49, United States Code;
(2)
record metrics of cost and time savings of expedited installations;
(3)
consider opportunities to further develop ILS technical expertise among the employees of the FAA; and
(4)
consider the cost-benefit analysis of utilizing the existing ILS contract vehicle, the employees of the FAA, or both, to accelerate the installation and deployment of procured equipment.
(c)
Briefing to Congress.— Not later than June 30, 2025, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress—
(1)
on the installation of ILS under this section;
(2)
describing any planned near-term ILS installations; and
(3)
outlining the approach of the FAA to accelerate future procurement and installation of ILS throughout the national airspace system in a manner consistent with the requirements of title VIII of division J of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117–58).

SEC. 602. Navigation Aids Study.

(a)
In General.— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the Department of Transportation shall initiate a study examining the effects of reclassifying navigation aids to Design Assurance Level–A from Design Assurance Level–B, including the following navigation aids:
(1)
Distance measuring equipment.
(2)
Very high frequency omni-directional range.
(3)
Tactical air navigation.
(4)
Wide area augmentation system.
(b)
Contents.— In conducting the study required under subsection (a), the inspector general shall address—
(1)
the cost-benefit analyses associated with the reclassification described in such subsection;
(2)
the findings from the operational safety assessments and preliminary hazard analyses of the navigation aids listed in such subsection;
(3)
the risks of such reclassification on navigation aid equipment currently in use;
(4)
the potential impacts on global interoperability of navigational aids; and
(5)
what additional actions should be taken based on the findings of this subsection.
(c)
Report.— Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the inspector general shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report describing the results of the study conducted under subsection (a).

SEC. 603. Nextgen Accountability Review.

(a)
In General.— Not later than December 31, 2026, the Administrator shall seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Public Administration to initiate a review to assess the performance of the FAA in delivering and implementing quantifiable operational benefits to the national airspace system within the NextGen program.
(b)
Review Requirements.— In conducting the review required under subsection (a), the National Academy of Public Administration shall—
(1)
leverage metrics used by the FAA to quantify the benefits of NextGen technology and investments;
(2)
validate metrics and identify additional metrics the FAA can use to track national airspace system throughput and savings as a result of NextGen investments—
(A)
by calculating a per flight average, weighted by distance, of the—
(i)
reduction and cumulative savings of track miles and time savings;
(ii)
reduction and cumulative savings of emissions and fuel burn; and
(iii)
reduction of aircraft operation time; and
(B)
by using any other metrics that the National Academy determines may provide insights into the quantifiable benefits for operators in the national airspace system; and
(3)
validate current metrics and identify additional metrics the FAA can use to track and assess fleet equipage across operators in the national airspace system, including identifying—
(A)
the percentage of aircraft equipped with NextGen avionics equipment as recommended in the report of the NextGen Advisory Committee titled “Minimum Capabilities List (MCL) Ad Hoc Team NAC Task 19–1 Report”, issued on November 17, 2020;
(B)
quantified costs and benefits for an operator to properly equip an aircraft with baseline NextGen avionics equipment over the lifecycle of such aircraft; and
(C)
cumulative unrealized NextGen benefits associated with rates of mixed equipage across operators.
(c)
Industry Consultation.— In conducting the review required under subsection (a), the National Academy of Public Administration may consult with aviation industry stakeholders.
(d)
Report.— Not later than 270 days after the initiation of the review under subsection (a), the National Academy shall submit to the Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress a report containing any findings and recommendations under such review.
(e)
Publication.— Not later than 180 days after receiving the report required under subsection (d), the Administrator shall establish a website of the FAA that can be used to monitor and update—
(1)
the metrics identified by the review conducted under subsection (a) on a quarterly and annual basis through 2030, as appropriate; and
(2)
the total amount invested in NextGen technologies and resulting quantifiable benefits on a quarterly basis until the Administrator announces the completion of NextGen implementation.

SEC. 604. Airspace Access.

(a)
Coalescing Airspace.—
(1)
Review of national airspace system.— Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall conduct a comprehensive review of the airspace of the national airspace system, including special use airspace.
(2)
Streamlining and expediting access.— In carrying out paragraph (1), the Administrator shall identify methods to streamline, expedite, and provide greater flexibility of access to certain categories of airspace for users of the national airspace system who may not regularly have such access.
(b)
Briefing.—
(1)
In general.— Not later than 3 months after the completion of review the under subsection (a), the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the findings of such review and a proposed action plan to improve access to airspace for users of the national airspace system.
(2)
Contents.— In the briefing under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall include, at a minimum, the following:
(A)
An identification of current challenges and barriers faced by airspace users in accessing certain categories of airspace, including special use airspace.
(B)
An evaluation of existing procedures, regulations, and requirements that may impede or delay access to certain categories of airspace for certain users of the national airspace system.
(C)
Actions for streamlining and expediting the airspace access process, including potential regulatory changes, technological advancements, and enhanced coordination among relevant stakeholders and Federal agencies.
(D)
If determined appropriate, an implementation plan for a framework that allows for temporary access to certain categories of airspace, including special use airspace, by users of the national airspace system who do not have regular access to such airspace.
(E)
An assessment of the impact of airspace access improvements described in paragraph (1) on the safety of, efficiency of, and economic opportunities for airspace users, including—
(i)
military operators;
(ii)
commercial operators; and
(iii)
general aviation operators.
(3)
Implementation and follow-up.—
(A)
Action plan.— The Administrator shall take such actions as are necessary to implement the action plan developed pursuant to this section.
(B)
Coordination.— In implementing the action plan under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall coordinate with relevant stakeholders, including airspace users and the Secretary of Defense, to ensure effective implementation of such action plan, and ongoing collaboration in addressing airspace access challenges.
(C)
Progress reports.— The Administrator shall provide to the appropriate committees of Congress periodic briefings on the implementation of the action plan developed under this subparagraph (A), including updates on—
(i)
the adoption of streamlined procedures;
(ii)
technological enhancements; and
(iii)
any regulatory changes necessary to improve airspace access and flexibility.

SEC. 605. Faa Contract Tower Workforce Audit.

(a)
In General.— Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the Department of Transportation shall initiate an audit of the workforce needs of the Contract Tower Program, as established under section 47124 of title 49, United States Code.
(b)
Contents.— In conducting the audit required under subsection (a), the inspector general shall, at a minimum—
(1)
review the assumptions and methodologies used in assessing FAA contract towers staffing levels and determine the adequacy of staffing levels at such towers;
(2)
evaluate the supply and demand of trained and certificated personnel prepared for work and such towers;
(3)
examine efforts to establish an air traffic controller training program or curriculum to allow contract tower contractors to conduct—
(A)
initial training of controller candidates employed or soon to be employed by such contractors who do not have a Control Tower Operator certificate or a FAA tower credential;
(B)
any initial training for controller candidates who have completed an approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program from an accredited school that has a demonstrated successful curriculum; or
(C)
on-the-job training of such candidates described in subparagraphs (A) or (B);
(4)
assess whether establishing pathways to allow contract tower contractors to use the air traffic technical training academy of the FAA, or other means such as higher educational institutions, to provide initial technical training for air traffic controllers employed by such contractors could improve the workforce needs of the contract tower program and any related impact such training may have on air traffic controller staffing more broadly; and
(5)
consult with the exclusive bargaining representative of the air traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code.
(c)
Report.— Not later than 90 days after the completion of the audit under subsection (a), the inspector general shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the findings of such audit and any recommendations as a result of such audit.
(d)
Implementation.— The Administrator shall take such actions as are necessary to implement any recommendations included in the report required under subsection (c) with which the Administrator concurs.
(e)
Rule of Construction.— Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as a delegation of authority by the Administrator to air traffic control contractors for the purposes of issuing initial certifications to air traffic controllers.

SEC. 606. Air Traffic Control Tower Safety.

In designing, adopting a design, or constructing an air traffic control tower based on a previously adopted design, the Administrator shall prioritize the safety of the national airspace system, the safety of employees of the Administration, the operational reliability of such air traffic control tower, and the costs of such tower.

SEC. 608. Consideration of Small Hub Control Towers.

In selecting projects for the replacement of federally owned air traffic control towers from funds made available under the heading “Federal Aviation Administration—Facilities and Equipment” in title VIII of division J of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117–58), the Administrator shall consider selecting projects at small hub commercial service airports with control towers that are at least 50 years old.

SEC. 609. Flight Profile Optimization.

(a)
Pilot Program.—
(1)
Establishment.— The Administrator shall establish a pilot program to award grants to air traffic flow management technology providers to develop prototype capabilities to incorporate flight profile optimization (in this section referred to as “FPO”) into the trajectory based-operations air traffic flow management system of the FAA.
(2)
Considerations.— In establishing the pilot program under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consider the following:
(A)
The extent to which developed FPO capabilities may reduce strain on the national airspace system infrastructure while facilitating safe and efficient flow of future air traffic volumes and diverse range of aircraft and advanced aviation aircraft.
(B)
The extent to which developed FPO capabilities may achieve environmental benefits and time savings.
(C)
The perspectives of FAA employees responsible for air traffic flow management development projects, bilateral civil aviation regulatory partners, and industry applicants on the performance of the FAA in carrying out air traffic flow management system development projects.
(D)
Any other information the Administrator determines appropriate.
(3)
Application.— To be eligible to receive a grant under the program, an air traffic flow management technology provider shall submit an application to the Administrator at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may require.
(4)
Maximum amount.— A grant awarded under the program may not exceed $2,000,000 to a single air traffic flow management technology provider.
(b)
Briefing to Congress.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until the termination of the pilot program under subsection (d) established under this section, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the progress of such pilot program, including any implementation challenges of the program, detailed metrics of the program, and any recommendations to achieve the adoption of FPO.
(c)
Trajectory-based Operations Defined.— In this section, the term “trajectory-based operations” means an air traffic flow management method for strategically planning, managing, and optimizing flights that uses time-based management, performance-based navigation, and other capabilities and processes to achieve air traffic flow management operational objectives and improvements.
(d)
Sunset.— The pilot program under this section shall terminate on October 1, 2028.

SEC. 610. Extension of Enhanced Air Traffic Services Pilot Program.

Section 547 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40103 note) is amended—
(1)
by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:

“(d) Definitions.—In this section:

“(1) Certain nextgen avionics.—The term ‘certain NextGen avionics’ means those avionics and baseline capabilities as recommended in the report of the NextGen Advisory Committee titled ‘Minimum Capabilities List (MCL) Ad Hoc Team NAC Task 19–1 Report’, issued on November 17, 2020.

“(2) Preferential basis.—The term ‘preferential basis’ means prioritizing aircraft equipped with certain NextGen avionics by providing them more efficient service, shorter queuing, or priority clearances to the maximum extent possible without reducing overall capacity or safety of the national airspace system.”

; and

(2)
in subsection (e) by striking “ May 10, 2024” and inserting “ September 30, 2028”.

SEC. 611. Federal Contact Tower Wage Determinations and Positions.

(a)
In General.— The Secretary shall request that the Secretary of Labor—
(1)
review and update, as necessary, including to account for cost-of-living adjustments, the basis for the wage determination for air traffic controllers who are employed at air traffic control towers operated under the Contract Tower Program established under section 47124 of title 49, United States Code;
(2)
reassess the basis for air traffic controller occupation codes;
(3)
create a new wage determination category or occupation code for managers of air traffic controllers who are employed at air traffic control towers operated under the Contract Tower Program; and
(4)
consult with the Administrator in carrying out the requirements of paragraphs (1) through (3).
(b)
Report.— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that includes—
(1)
a description of the findings and conclusions of the review and reassessment made under subsection (a);
(2)
an explanation of and justification for the basis for the wage determination; and
(3)
a description of the actions taken by the Department of Transportation and the Department of Labor to ensure that contract tower air traffic controller wages are adjusted for inflation and are assigned the appropriate occupation codes.

SEC. 612. Briefing on Radio Communications Coverage Around Mountainous Terrain.

(a)
Briefing Requirement.— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the radio communications coverage within the airspace surrounding the Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport in Mena, Arkansas.
(b)
Briefing Contents.— The briefing required under subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1)
The radio communications coverage within the airspace surrounding the Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport with the applicable Air Route Traffic Control Center.
(2)
The altitudes at which radio communications capabilities are lost within such airspace.
(3)
Recommendations on changes to increase radio communications coverage below 4,000 feet above ground level within such airspace.

SEC. 613. Aeronautical Mobile Communications Services.

(a)
Satellite Voice Communications Services.— The Administrator shall evaluate the addition of satellite voice communication services (in this section referred to as “SatVoice”) to the Aeronautical Mobile Communications program (in this section referred to as the “AMCS program”) that provides for the delivery of air traffic control messages in oceanic and remote continental airspace.
(b)
Analysis and Implementation Procedures.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall begin to develop the safety case analysis and implementation procedures for SatVoice instructions over the controlled oceanic and remote continental airspace regions of the FAA.
(c)
Requirements.— The analysis and implementation procedures required under subsection (b) shall include, at a minimum, the following:
(1)
Network and protocol testing and integration with satellite service providers.
(2)
Operational testing with aircraft to identify and resolve performance issues.
(3)
A definition of Satcom Standards and Recommended Practices established through a collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization, which shall include an RCP–130 performance standard as well as SatVoice standards.
(4)
Training for radio operators on new operation procedures and protocols.
(5)
A phased implementation plan for incorporating SatVoice services into the AMCS program.
(6)
The estimated cost of the implementation procedures for relevant stakeholders.
(d)
HF/VHF Minimum Equipage.—
(1)
Rule of construction.— Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the HF/VHF equipage requirement for communications in oceanic and remote continental airspace as of the date of enactment of this Act.
(2)
Maintenance of hf/vhf services.— The Administrator shall maintain HF/VHF services existing as of the date of enactment of this Act as minimum equipage under the AMCS program to provide for auxiliary communication and maintain safety in the event of a satellite outage.

SEC. 614. Delivery of Clearance to Pilots via Internet Protocol.

(a)
In General.— Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a pilot program to conduct testing and an evaluation to determine the feasibility of the use, in air traffic control towers, of technology for mobile clearance delivery for general aviation and on-demand air carriers operating under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, at suitable airports that do not have tower data link services.
(b)
Airport Selection.—
(1)
In general.— The Administrator shall designate 5 suitable airports for participation in the program established under subsection (a) after consultation with the exclusive representatives of air traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code, airport sponsors, aircraft and avionics manufacturers, MITRE, and aircraft operators
(2)
Airport size and complexity.— In designating airports under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall designate airports of different size and complexity.
(c)
Program Objective.— The program established under subsection (a) shall address and include safety, security, and operational requirements for mobile clearance delivery at airports and heliports across the United States.
(d)
Report.— Not later than 1 year after the date on which the program under subsection (a) is established, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the safety, security, and operational performance of mobile clearance delivery at airports pursuant to this section and recommendations on how best to improve the program.
(e)
Definitions.— In this section:
(1)
Mobile clearance delivery.— The term “mobile clearance delivery” means the delivery of access to departure clearance and clearance cancellation via internet protocol via applications to pilots while aircraft are on the ground where traditional data link installations are not feasible or possible.
(2)
Tower data link services.— The term “tower data link services” means communications between controllers and pilots using controller-pilot data link communications.
(3)
Suitable airport.— The term “suitable airport” means towered airports, non-towered airports, and heliports.

SEC. 615. Study on Congested Airspace.

(a)
Study.— Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study on the efficiency and efficacy of scheduled commercial air service transiting congested airspace.
(b)
Contents.— In carrying out the study required under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall examine—
(1)
various regions of congested airspace and the differing factors of such regions;
(2)
commercial air service;
(3)
military flight activity;
(4)
emergency response activity;
(5)
commercial space launch and reentry activities;
(6)
weather; and
(7)
air traffic controller staffing.
(c)
Report.— Not later than 18 months after the initiation of the study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of the study and recommendations to reduce the impacts to scheduled air service transiting congested airspace.

SEC. 616. Briefing on Lit Vortac Project.

(a)
In General.— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the Little Rock Port Authority Very High Frequency Omni-Directional Radio Range Tactical Air Navigation Aid Project (in this section referred to as “LIT VORTAC”).
(b)
Briefing Contents.— The briefing required under subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1)
The status of the efforts by the FAA to relocate the LIT VORTAC.
(2)
The status of new flight planning of the relocated LIT VORTAC.
(3)
A description of and timeline for each remaining phase of the relocation of the LIT VORTAC.

SEC. 617. Surface Surveillance.

(a)
In General.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall conduct a review of surface surveillance systems that are operational as of such date of enactment.
(b)
Contents.— In carrying out the review under subsection (a), the Administrator shall—
(1)
demonstrate that any change to the configuration of surface surveillance systems or decommissioning of a sensor from such systems provides an equivalent level of safety as the current system;
(2)
determine how a technology refresh of legacy sensor equipment can reduce operational and maintenance costs of surface surveillance systems compared to current costs and extend the useful life and affordability of such systems; and
(3)
consider how to enhance such systems through new capabilities and software tools that improve the safety of terminal airspace and the airport surface.
(c)
Consultation.— In carrying out the review under subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult with—
(1)
aviation safety experts with specific knowledge of surface surveillance technology, including multilateration and automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast;
(2)
representatives of the exclusive bargaining representative of the air traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code, with expertise in surface safety; and
(3)
representatives of the exclusive bargaining representative of airway transportation systems specialists of the FAA certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code.
(d)
Briefing.— Upon completion of the review under subsection (a), the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the findings of such review.
(e)
Implementation.— The Administrator may implement changes to surface surveillance systems consistent with the findings of the review described in subsection (d).

SEC. 618. Consideration of Third-Party Services.

(a)
Plans and Policy.— Section 44501 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a) by striking “ development and location of air navigation facilities” and inserting “ development of air navigation facilities and services”; and
(2)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
by striking “ and development” and inserting “ procurement, and development” each place it appears;
(B)
in paragraph (1) by striking “ facilities and equipment” and inserting “ facilities, services, and equipment”;
(C)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking “ first and 2d years” and inserting “ first and second years”; and
(ii)
in subparagraph (C) by striking “ subclauses (A) and (B) of this clause” and inserting “ subparagraphs (A) and (B)”;
(D)
in paragraph (3)—
(i)
by striking “ the 3d, 4th, and 5th” and inserting “ the third, fourth, and fifth”; and
(ii)
by striking “ systems and facilities” and inserting “ systems, services, and facilities”; and
(E)
in paragraph (4)(B) by striking “ growth of aviation” and inserting “ growth of the aerospace industry”.
(b)
Systems, Procedures, Facilities, Services, and Devices.—
(1)
In general.— Section 44505 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(A)
in the section heading by striking “ and devices” and inserting “ services, and devices”;
(B)
in subsection (a) by striking “ and devices” and inserting “ services, and devices” each place it appears; and
(C)
in subsection (b) by striking “ develop dynamic simulation models” and inserting “ develop or procure dynamic simulation models and tools” each place it appears.
(2)
Clerical amendment.— The analysis for chapter 445 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 44505 and inserting the following:

“44505. Systems, procedures, facilities, services, and devices.”.

SEC. 619. Nextgen Programs.

(a)
In General.— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and periodically thereafter as the Administrator determines appropriate, the Administrator shall convene FAA officials to evaluate and expedite the implementation of NextGen programs and capabilities.
(b)
Nextgen Program Prioritization.— In allocating amounts appropriated pursuant to section 48101(a) of title 49, United States Code, the Secretary shall give priority to the following activities:
(1)
Performance-based navigation.
(2)
Data communications.
(3)
Terminal flight data manager.
(4)
Aeronautical information management.
(5)
Other activities as recommended by the NextGen Advisory Committee and determined by the Administrator to be appropriate.
(c)
Performance-based Navigation.—
(1)
In general.— Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall fully implement performance-based navigation procedures for all terminal and enroute routes, including approach and departure procedures for covered airports.
(2)
Specific procedures.— Pursuant to paragraph (1), the Administrator shall prioritize the following performance-based navigation procedures:
(A)
Trajectory-based operations.
(B)
Optimized profile descents.
(C)
Multiple airport route separation.
(D)
Established on required navigation performance.
(E)
Converging runway display aids.
(3)
Performance-based navigation baseline equipage requirements.— In carrying out paragraph (1), the Administrator shall issue such regulations as may be required, and publish applicable advisory circulars, to establish the equipage baseline appropriate for aircraft to safely use performance-based navigation procedures.
(4)
Utilization action plan.— Not later than 180 days after enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall, in consultation with certified labor representatives of air traffic controllers and the NextGen Advisory Committee, develop an action plan to utilize performance-based navigation procedures as a primary means of navigation to further reduce the dependency on legacy systems within the national airspace system.
(d)
Data Communications.—
(1)
In general.— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall fully implement the use of data communications.
(2)
Specific capabilities.— In carrying out subsection (a) and this subsection, the Administrator shall prioritize the following data communications capabilities:
(A)
Ground-to-ground message exchange for surface aircraft operations and runway safety at airports.
(B)
Automated message generation and receipt.
(C)
Message routing and transmission.
(D)
Direct communications with aircraft avionics.
(E)
Implementation of data communications at all Air Route Traffic Control Centers.
(F)
The Future Air Navigation System.
(e)
Terminal Flight Data Manager and Other Systems.—
(1)
Terminal flight data manager.— Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall install the Terminal Flight Data Manager system at not less than 89 airports in the United States based on the highest number of annual aircraft operations or a determination of operational need and the impact of installation and deployment on the national airspace system.
(2)
Electronic flight strips.— At a minimum, the Administrator shall implement electronic flight strips at the air traffic control towers of airports described in paragraph (1).
(3)
Flow management data and services.— Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, if the Administrator finds that Terminal Flight Data Manager systems would be beneficial to safety or efficiency, the Administrator shall install Flow Management Data and Services at airports described under paragraph (1).
(4)
Appropriations.— The activities under paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of this subsection shall be contingent on the appropriation of funds to carry out this subsection.
(f)
Aeronautical Information Management Systems.—
(1)
In general.— Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall fully modernize the aeronautical information management systems of the FAA to improve the functionality, useability, durability, and reliability of such systems used in the national airspace system.
(2)
Requirements.— In carrying out paragraph (1), the Administrator shall—
(A)
improve the distribution of critical safety information to pilots, air traffic control, and other relevant aviation stakeholders;
(B)
fully develop and implement the Enterprise Information Display System; and
(C)
notwithstanding a centralized aeronautical information management system, restructure the back-up systems of aeronautical information management systems to be independent and self-sufficient from one another.
(g)
Nextgen Equipage Plan.—
(1)
In general.— Not later than 14 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a 2-year implementation plan to further incentivize the acceleration of the equipage rates of certain NextGen avionics within the fleets of air carriers (as such term is defined in section 40102(a) of title 49, United States Code.
(2)
Contents.— In developing the plan required under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall, at a minimum—
(A)
provide for further implementation and deployment of NextGen operational improvements to incentivize universal equipage of commercial and regional aircraft with certain NextGen avionics;
(B)
identify any remaining barriers for operators of commercial and regional aircraft to properly equip such aircraft with certain NextGen avionics, including any methods to address such barriers;
(C)
provide for the use of the best methods to highlight and enhance to operators of commercial and regional aircraft the benefits of equipping such aircraft with certain NextGen avionics; and
(D)
include in such plan any equipage guidelines and regulations the Administrator determines necessary and appropriate.
(3)
Consultation.— In developing the plan under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consult with representatives from—
(A)
trade associations representing air carriers;
(B)
trade associations representing avionics manufacturers;
(C)
certified labor organizations representing air traffic controllers; and
(D)
any other representatives the Administrator determines appropriate.
(4)
Submission of plan.— Not later than 15 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress the plan required under this subsection.
(5)
Implementation.— Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate such actions necessary to implement the plan developed under paragraph (1), including initiating any required rulemaking.
(6)
Definition.— In this subsection, the term “certain NextGen avionics” means those avionics and baseline capabilities as recommended in the report of the NextGen Advisory Committee titled “Minimum Capabilities List (MCL) Ad Hoc Team NAC Task 19–1 Report”, issued on November 17, 2020.
(h)
Effect of Failure to Meet Deadline.—
(1)
Notification of congress.— For each deadline established under subsections (a) through (g), if the Administrator determines that the Administrator has not met or will not meet each such deadline, the Administrator shall, not later than 30 days after such determination, notify the appropriate committees of Congress about the failure to meet each deadline.
(2)
Contents of notification.— Each notification under paragraph (1) shall be accompanied by the following:
(A)
An explanation as to why the Administrator will not or did not meet the deadline described in such paragraph.
(B)
A description of the actions the Administrator plans to take to meet the deadline described in such paragraph.
(C)
Actions Congress can take to assist the Administrator in meeting the deadline described in such paragraph.
(3)
Briefing.— If the Administrator is required to provide notice under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall provide the appropriate committees of Congress quarterly briefings as to the progress made by the Administrator regarding implementation under the respective subsection for which the deadline will not be or was not met until such time as the Administrator has completed the required work under such subsection.
(i)
NextGen Advisory Committee Consultation.—
(1)
In general.— The Administrator shall consult and task the NextGen Advisory Committee with providing recommendations on ways to expedite, prioritize, and fully implement the NextGen program to realize the operational benefits of such programs.
(2)
Considerations.— In providing recommendations under paragraph (1), the NextGen Advisory Committee shall consider—
(A)
air traffic throughput of the national airspace system;
(B)
daily operational performance, including delays and cancellations; and
(C)
the potential need for performance-based operational metrics related to the NextGen program and subsequent air traffic modernization programs and efforts.

SEC. 620. Contract Tower Program.

Section 47124 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)(3) by adding at the end the following:

“(H) Period for completion of an operational readiness inspection.—The Secretary shall provide airport sponsors acting in good faith 7 years to complete an operational readiness inspection after receiving a benefit-to-cost ratio of air traffic control services for an airport.”

; and

(2)
by adding at the end the following:

“(f) Improving Controller Situational Awareness.—

“(1) In general.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall allow air traffic controllers at towers operated under the Contract Tower Program to use approved advanced equipment and technologies to improve operational situational awareness, including Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System radar displays, Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, Flight Data Input/Output, and Automatic Terminal Information System.

“(2) Installation and maintenance.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall allow airports to—

“(A) procure a Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System or any equivalent system through the Federal Aviation Administration, and install and maintain such system using Administration services; or

“(B) purchase a Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System, or any equivalent system, and install and maintain such system using services directly from an original equipment manufacturer.

“(3) Requirements.—To help facilitate the integration of the equipment and technology described in paragraph (1), the Secretary—

“(A) shall establish minimum performance and technical standards that ensure the safe use of equipment and technology, including commercial radar displays capable of displaying primary and secondary radar targets, for use by controllers in contract towers to improve situational awareness;

“(B) shall identify approved vendors for such equipment and technology, to the maximum extent practicable;

“(C) shall establish, in consultation with contract tower operators, an appropriate training program to periodically train air traffic controllers employed by such operators to ensure proper and efficient integration and use of the situational awareness equipment and technology described in paragraph (1) into contract tower operations;

“(D) may add Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System equipment or any equivalent system to the minimum level of equipage necessary for Federal contract towers to perform the function of such towers, as applicable; and

“(E) shall require that any technology, system, or equipment procured pursuant to this subsection be procured using non-Federal funds, except as made available under a grant issued pursuant to 47124(b)(4).

“(g) Liability Insurance.—

“(1) In general.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with aviation industry experts, including air traffic control contractors and aviation insurance professionals, to determine adequate limits of liability for the Contract Tower Program.

“(2) Interim steps.—Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this subsection and until the Secretary makes a determination on liability limits under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall require air traffic control contractors to have excess liability insurance (as determined by the Secretary) to ensure continuity of such coverage should a major accident occur.

“(3) Briefing.—Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the findings, conclusions, and actions taken and planned to be taken to carry out this subsection.”

SEC. 621. Remote Towers.

(a)
In General.— Section 47124 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended—
(1)
by adding at the end the following:

“(h) Milestones for Design Approval of Remote Towers.—

“(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall create a program and publish milestones to achieve system design and operational approval for a remote tower system.

“(2) Requirements.—In carrying out paragraph (1), the Administrator shall—

“(A) rely on support from the Office of Airports of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Air Traffic Organization of the Federal Aviation Administration, including the Air Traffic Services Service Unit and the Technical Operations Service Unit;

“(B) consult with relevant stakeholders, as the Administrator determines appropriate;

“(C) establish requirements for the system design and operational approval of remote towers, including—

“(i) visual siting processes and requirements for electro-optical sensors;

“(ii) datalink latency requirements;

“(iii) visual presentation design requirements for monitors used to display sensor and camera feeds; and

“(iv) any other wireless telecommunications infrastructure requirements to enable the operation of such towers;

“(D) use a safety risk management panel process to address any safety issues with respect to a remote tower;

“(E) if a remote tower is intended to be installed at a non-towered airport, assess the safety benefits of the remote tower against the lack of an existing tower;

“(F) allow the use of surface surveillance technology, either standalone or integrated into the visual automation platform, as a situational awareness tool;

“(G) establish protocols for contingency operations and procedures in the event of remote tower technology failures and malfunctions; and

“(H) support active testing of a remote tower system that has achieved system design approval by the William J. Hughes Technical Center at an airport that has installed remote tower infrastructure to support such system.

“(3) System design approval and evaluation process.—Not later than December 31, 2024, the Administrator shall expand the system design approval and evaluation process for a digital or remote tower system to not less than 3 airports at which a digital or remote tower will be installed or operated at airports not located at the William J. Hughes Technical Center and using the criteria under section 161 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47104 note), to the extent the Administrator has willing technology providers and airports interested in the installation and operation of such towers.

“(4) Preservation of existing design approvals.—Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to invalidate any system design approval activity carried out by the William J. Hughes Technical Center prior to the date of enactment of this subsection.

“(5) Prioritization for remote tower certification.—In carrying out the program established under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall prioritize system design and operational approval for a remote tower system at—

“(A) airports that do not have a permanent air traffic control tower at the time of application;

“(B) airports that would provide small and rural community air service; or

“(C) airports that have been newly accepted as of the date of enactment of this subsection into the Contract Tower Program.”

(b)
Briefing to Congress.— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 6 months thereafter through October 1, 2028, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on—
(1)
the status of remote and digital tower projects in the system design approval and commissioning process;
(2)
the effectiveness and adequacy of the pilot program established under section 161 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47104 note); and
(3)
any other issues related to the demand for and potential use of remote tower technology that the Administrator determines are appropriate.
(c)
Conforming Amendments.— Section 47124(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (3)(B)(ii) by inserting “ or a remote air traffic control tower equipment that has received System Design Approval from the Federal Aviation Administration” after “ an operating air traffic control tower”; and
(2)
in paragraph (4)(A)—
(A)
in clause (i)(III) by inserting “ or remote air traffic control tower equipment that has received System Design Approval from the Federal Aviation Administration” after “ certified by the Federal Aviation Administration”; and
(B)
in clause (ii)(III) by inserting “ or remote air traffic control tower equipment that has received System Design Approval from the Federal Aviation Administration” after “ certified by the Federal Aviation Administration”.
(d)
Extension.— Section 161(a)(10) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47104 note) is amended by striking “ May 10, 2024” and inserting “ September 30, 2028”.

SEC. 622. Audit of Legacy Systems.

(a)
In General.— Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate an audit of all legacy systems of the national airspace system to determine the level of operational risk, functionality, and security of such systems and the compatibility of such systems with current and future technology.
(b)
Scope of Audit.— The audit required under subsection (a)—
(1)
shall be conducted by an independent third-party contractor or a federally funded research and development center selected by the Administrator;
(2)
shall include an assessment of whether a legacy system is an outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable legacy system;
(3)
with respect to any legacy systems identified in the audit as an outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable legacy system, shall include—
(A)
an analysis of the operational risks associated with using such legacy systems;
(B)
recommendations for replacement or enhancement of such legacy systems; and
(C)
an analysis of any potential impact on aviation safety and efficiency; and
(4)
shall include recommended performance metrics by which the Administrator can assess the circumstances in which safety-critical communication, navigation, and surveillance aviation infrastructure within the national airspace system can remain in operational service, which take into account—
(A)
the expected lifespan of such aviation infrastructure;
(B)
the number and type of mechanical failures of such aviation infrastructure;
(C)
the average annual costs of maintaining such aviation infrastructure over a 5-year period and whether such costs exceed the cost to replace such aviation infrastructure; and
(D)
the availability of replacement parts or labor capable of maintaining such aviation infrastructure.
(c)
Deadline.— Not later than 15 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the audit required under subsection (a) shall be completed.
(d)
Report.— Not later than 180 days after the audit required under subsection (a) is completed, the Administrator shall provide to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the findings and recommendations of such audit, including—
(1)
an inventory of the legacy systems in use;
(2)
an assessment of the operational condition of the legacy systems in use, including the interoperability of such systems;
(3)
the average age of such legacy systems and, for each such legacy system, the intended design life of the system, by type; and
(4)
the availability of replacement parts, equipment, or technology to maintain such legacy systems.
(e)
Plan to Accelerate Drawdown, Replacement, or Enhancement of Identified Legacy Systems.—
(1)
In general.— Not later than 120 days after the date on which the Administrator provides the report under subsection (d), the Administrator shall develop and implement a plan, in consultation with industry representatives, to accelerate the drawdown, replacement, or enhancement of any legacy systems that are identified in the audit required under subsection (a) as outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable legacy systems.
(2)
Priorities.— In developing the plan under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall prioritize the drawdown, replacement, or enhancement of such legacy systems based on the operational risks such legacy systems pose to aviation safety and the costs associated with the replacement or enhancement of such legacy systems.
(3)
Collaboration with external experts.— In carrying out this subsection, the Administrator shall—
(A)
collaborate with industry representatives and other external experts in information technology to develop the plan under paragraph (1) within a reasonable timeframe;
(B)
identify technologies in existence or in development that, with or without adaptation, are expected to be suitable to meet the technical information technology needs of the FAA; and
(C)
maintain consistency with the acquisition management system established and updated pursuant to section 40110(d) of title 49, United States Code.
(4)
Progress updates.— The Administrator shall provide the appropriate committees of Congress with semiannual updates through September 30, 2028 on the progress made in carrying out the plan under paragraph (1).
(5)
Inspector general review.—
(A)
In general.— Not later than 3 years after the Administrator develops the plan required under paragraph (1), the inspector general of the Department of Transportation shall assess such efforts of the Administration to drawdown, replace, or enhance any legacy systems identified under subsection (a).
(B)
Report.— The inspector general shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of the review carried out under subparagraph (A).
(f)
Definitions.— In this section:
(1)
Industry.— The term “industry” means aviation industry organizations with expertise in aviation-dedicated network systems, systems engineering platforms, aviation software services, air traffic management, flight operations, and International Civil Aviation Organization standards.
(2)
Legacy system.— The term “legacy system” means any communication, navigation, surveillance, or automation or network applications or ground-based aviation infrastructure, or other critical software and hardware systems owned by the FAA, that were deployed prior to the year 2000, including the Notice to Air Missions system.
(3)
Outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable legacy system.— The term “outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable legacy system” means a legacy system for which the likelihood of failure of such system creates a risk to air safety or security due to the age, ability to be maintained in a cost-effective manner, vulnerability to degradation, errors, or malicious attacks of such system, or any other factors that may compromise the performance or security of such system, including a legacy system—
(A)
that is vulnerable or susceptible to mechanical failure; and
(B)
with a risk of a single point of failure or that lacks sufficient contingencies in the event of such failure.

SEC. 623. Air Traffic Control Facility Realignment Study.

(a)
Examination.—
(1)
In general.— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center to conduct an Air Traffic Control Facility Realignment study to examine consolidating or otherwise reorganizing air traffic control facilities and the management of airspace controlled by such facilities.
(2)
Contents.— In the study required under paragraph (1), the federally funded research and development center shall—
(A)
evaluate the potential efficiencies that may result from a reorganization;
(B)
identify whether certain areas prone to airspace congestion or facility staff shortages would benefit from any enhanced flexibilities or operational changes; and
(C)
recommend opportunities for integration of separate facilities to create a more collaborative and efficient traffic control environment.
(3)
Consultation.— In carrying out this subsection, the federally funded research and development center shall consult with the exclusive representatives of air traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code.
(b)
Report.— Not later than 15 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the federally funded research and development center shall submit to the Administrator a report detailing the findings of the study required under subsection (a) and recommendations related to consolidation or reorganization of air traffic control work facilities and locations.
(c)
Congressional Briefing.— Not later than 18 months after receiving the report under subsection (b), the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the results of the study under subsection (a) and any recommendations under subsection (b) related to consolidation or reorganization of air traffic control work facilities and locations.

SEC. 624. Air Traffic Control Tower Replacement Process Report.

(a)
Report Required.— Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report on the process by which air traffic control tower facilities are chosen for replacement.
(b)
Contents.— The report required under subsection (a) shall contain—
(1)
the process by which air traffic control tower facilities are chosen for replacement, including which divisions of the Administration control or are involved in the replacement decision making process;
(2)
the criteria the Administrator uses to determine which air traffic control tower facilities to replace, including—
(A)
the relative importance of each such criteria;
(B)
why the Administrator uses each such criteria; and
(C)
the reasons for the relative importance of each such criteria;
(3)
what types of investigation the Administrator carries out to determine if an air traffic control tower facility should be replaced;
(4)
a timeline of the replacement process for an individual air traffic control tower facility replacement;
(5)
the list of facilities established under subsection (c), including the reason for selecting each such facility; and
(6)
any other information the Administrator considers relevant.
(c)
List of Replaced Air Traffic Control Tower Facilities.— The Administrator shall establish, maintain, and publish on the website of the FAA a list of the following:
(1)
All air traffic control tower facilities replaced within the 10-year period preceding the date of enactment of this Act.
(2)
Any air traffic control tower facilities for which the Administrator has made a determination requiring replacement, but for which such replacement has not yet been completed.

SEC. 625. Contract Tower Program Safety Enhancements.

(a)
Pilot Program for Transitioning to FAA Towers.—
(1)
In general.— Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a pilot program to convert high-activity air traffic control towers operating under the Contract Tower Program as established under section 47124 of title 49, United States Code, (in this section referred to as the “Contract Tower Program”) to a level I (Visual Flight Rules) tower staffed by the FAA.
(2)
Priority.— In selecting air traffic control towers to participate in the pilot program established under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall prioritize air traffic control towers operating under the Contract Tower Program that—
(A)
either—
(i)
had over 200,000 annual tower operations in calendar year 2022; or
(ii)
served a small hub airport with more than 900,000 passenger enplanements in calendar year 2021;
(B)
are either currently owned by the FAA or are constructed to FAA standards; and
(C)
operate within complex airspace, including airspace that serves air carrier, general aviation, and military aircraft.
(3)
Tower selection.— The number of air traffic control towers selected to participate in the pilot program established under paragraph (1) shall be determined based on the availability of funds for the pilot program and the interest of the airport sponsor related to such facility.
(4)
Controller retention.— With respect to any high-activity air traffic control tower selected to be converted under the pilot program established under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall appoint to the position of air traffic controller any air traffic controller who—
(A)
is employed at such air traffic control tower as of the date on which the Administrator selects such tower to be converted;
(B)
meets the qualifications contained in section 44506(f)(1)(A) of title 49, United States Code; and
(C)
has all other pre-employment qualifications required by law to be a certified controller of the FAA.
(5)
Safety analysis.—
(A)
In general.— The Administrator shall conduct a safety analysis to determine whether the conversion of any air traffic control tower described in paragraph (1) negatively impacts aviation safety at such air traffic control tower and take such actions needed to address any negative impact.
(B)
Report.— Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report describing the results of the safety analysis under subparagraph (A), any actions taken to address any negative impacts to safety, and the overall results of the pilot program established under this subsection.
(6)
Authorization of appropriations.— Out of amounts made available under section 106(k) of title 49, United States Code, there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $30,000,000 to remain available for 5 fiscal years.
(b)
Air Traffic Controller Staffing Levels at Small and Medium Hub Airports.— Section 47124(b)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by striking “ The Secretary may” and inserting the following:

“(A) In general.—The Secretary may”

; and

(2)
by adding at the end the following:

“(B) Small or medium hub airports.—In the case of a contract entered into on or after the date of enactment of this subparagraph to operate an airport traffic control tower at a small or medium hub airport, the contract shall require the Secretary, after coordination with the airport sponsor and the entity, State, or subdivision, and not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, to provide funding sufficient for the cost of wages and benefits of at least 2 air traffic controllers for each tower operating shift.”

(c)
Priorities for Facility Selection.— Section 47124(b)(3)(C) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(viii) Air traffic control towers at airports with safety or operational problems related to the lack of an existing tower.

“(ix) Air traffic control towers at airports with projected commercial and military increases in aircraft or flight operations.

“(x) Air traffic control towers at airports with a variety of aircraft operations, including a variety of commercial and military flight operations.”

SEC. 626. Sense of Congress on Use of Advanced Surveillance in Oceanic Airspace.

It is the sense of Congress the FAA shall continue to evaluate the potential uses for space-based automatic dependent surveillance broadcast to improve surveillance coverage of domestic airspace including improving surveillance coverage over remote terrain and in oceanic airspace. If determined appropriate by the Administrator, the FAA shall consider whether additional testing would meaningfully contribute to the FAA’s processes for developing separation standards and more efficient routes.

SEC. 627. Low-Altitude Routes for Vertical Flight.

(a)
Sense of Congress.— It is the sense of Congress that the national airspace system requires additional rotorcraft, powered-lift aircraft, and low-altitude instrument flight rules, routes leveraging advances in performance based navigation in order to provide direct, safe, and reliable routes that ensure sufficient separation from higher altitude fixed wing aircraft traffic.
(b)
Low-altitude Rotorcraft and Powered-lift Aircraft Instrument Flight Routes.—
(1)
In general.— Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate a rulemaking process to establish or update, as appropriate, low altitude routes and flight procedures to ensure safe rotorcraft and powered-lift aircraft operations in the national airspace system.
(2)
Requirements.— In carrying out this subsection, the Administrator shall—
(A)
incorporate instrument flight rules rotorcraft operations into the low-altitude performance based navigation procedure infrastructure;
(B)
prioritize the development of new helicopter area navigation instrument flight rules routes as part of the United States air traffic service route structure that utilize performance based navigation, such as Global Positioning System and Global Navigation Satellite System equipment; and
(C)
consider the impact of such low altitude flight routes on other airspace users and impacted communities to ensure that such routes are designed to minimize—
(i)
the potential for conflict with existing national airspace system operations;
(ii)
the workload of air traffic controllers; and
(iii)
negative effects to impacted communities.
(3)
Consultation.— In carrying out the rulemaking process under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consult with—
(A)
stakeholders in the airport, heliport, rotorcraft manufacturer and operator, general aviation operator, powered-lift operator, air carrier, and performance based navigation technology manufacturer sectors;
(B)
the United States Helicopter Safety Team;
(C)
exclusive bargaining representatives of air traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code; and
(D)
other stakeholders determined appropriate by the Administrator.

SEC. 628. Required Consultation with National Parks Overflights Advisory Group.

Section 40128(b)(4) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (C) by striking “ and” at the end;
(2)
in subparagraph (D) by striking the period at the end and inserting “ ; and”; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:

“(E) consult with the advisory group established under section 805 of the National Parks Air Tour Management Act of 2000 (49 U.S.C. 40128 note) and consider all advice, information, and recommendations provided by the advisory group to the Administrator and the Director.”

SEC. 629. Upgrading and Replacing Aging Air Traffic Systems.

(a)
Study.—
(1)
In general.— Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter into an agreement with a qualified organization to conduct a study to assess the need for upgrades to or replacement of existing automated surface observation systems/automated weather observing systems (in this section referred to as “ASOS/AWOS”) located in non-contiguous States.
(2)
Contents.— The study conducted under paragraph (1) shall include an analysis of—
(A)
the age of each ASOS/AWOS located in non-contiguous States;
(B)
the number of days in the calendar year preceding the date on which the study is conducted that each such ASOS/AWOS was not able to accurately communicate or disseminate data for any period of time;
(C)
impacts of extreme severe weather on ASOS/AWOS outages;
(D)
the effective coverage of the existing ASOS/AWOS;
(E)
detailed upgrade requirements for each existing ASOS/AWOS, including an assessment of whether replacement would be the most cost-effective recommendation;
(F)
prior maintenance expenditures for each existing ASOS/AWOS;
(G)
a description of all upgrades or replacements made by the FAA to ASOS/AWOS prior to the date of enactment of this Act;
(H)
impacts of an outage or break in service in the FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure on such ASOS/AWOS; and
(I)
any other matter determined appropriate by the Administrator.
(b)
Report.— Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the findings of the study conducted under subsection (a), and include in such report—
(1)
a plan for executing upgrades to or replacements of existing ASOS/AWOS located in non-contiguous States;
(2)
a plan for converting and upgrading such ASOS/AWOS communications to the FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure;
(3)
an assessment of the use of unmonitored navigational aids to allow for alternate airport planning for commercial and cargo aviation to limit ASOS/AWOS service disruptions;
(4)
an evaluation of additional alternative methods of compliance for obtaining weather elements that would be as sufficient as current data received through ASOS/AWOS; and
(5)
any other recommendation determined appropriate by the Administrator.
(c)
Funding.— To carry out the study under this section, the Administrator may use amounts made available pursuant to section 48101(c)(1) of title 49, United States Code.

SEC. 630. Airspace Integration for Space Launch and Reentry.

(a)
Sense of Congress.— It is the Sense of Congress that—
(1)
a safe and efficient national airspace system that successfully supports existing users and integrates new entrants is of the utmost importance;
(2)
both commercial aviation and space launch and reentry operations are vital to United States global leadership, national security, and economic opportunity;
(3)
aircraft hazard areas are necessary during space launch and reentry operations to ensure public safety; and
(4)
the Administrator should prioritize the development and deployment of technologies to improve visibility of space launch and reentry operations within FAA computer systems and minimize operational workload to air traffic controllers associated with routing traffic during spaceflight launch and reentry operations.
(b)
Space Launch and Reentry Airspace Integration Technology.— Out of amounts made available under section 48101 of title 49, United States Code, $10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2025 through 2028 (or until such time as the Administrator determines that the project meeting the requirements of this section has reached an operational status) is available for the Administrator to carry out a project to expedite the development, acquisition, and deployment of technologies or capabilities to aid in space launch and reentry integration with the objective of operational readiness not later than December 31, 2026, which may include—
(1)
technologies recommended by the Airspace Access Priorities aviation rulemaking committee in the final report titled “ARC Recommendations Final Report”, issued on August 21, 2019;
(2)
systems to enable the integration of launch and reentry data directly onto air traffic controller displays; and
(3)
automated systems to enable near real-time planning and dynamic rerouting of commercial aircraft during and following commercial space launch and reentry operations.

SEC. 631. Update to Faa Order on Airway Planning Standard.

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall take such actions as may be necessary to update ,the order of the FAA titled “Airway Planning Standard Number One–Terminal Air Navigation Facilities and Air Traffic Control Services” (FAA Order 7031.2c), to lower the remote radar bright display scope installation requirement from 30,000 annual itinerant operations to 15,000 annual itinerant operations.