The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization legislation took a major step forward on April 19th as the Senate overwhelmingly passed its bill 95-3. Although it is only an 18 month bill (the measure authorizes FAA programs until Sept. 30, 2017), the bill includes many reforms that impact airlines, airports, aircraft manufacturers, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) manufacturers and operators, and airline passengers.
The bill aims to enhance airport security, and streamline the process for certifying new safety systems for aircraft. In addition, it seeks to increase consumer protections for passengers and strengthen cyber-security safeguards for both airborne and ground systems. The bill also includes changes that would impact UAS integration. While some of the provisions will move integration forward, others are troubling to the industry. Much work remains to pass meaningful legislation to support these different stakeholders.
Highlights of the legislation include: