[House Report 118-139]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
118th Congress { { Rept. 118-139
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1st Session { { Part 1
======================================================================
FAA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2023
_______
July 11, 2023.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Lucas, from the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology, submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H.R. 3559]
The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, to whom
was referred the bill (H.R. 3559) to provide for Federal
Aviation Administration research and development, and for other
purposes, having considered the same, reports favorably thereon
with an amendment and recommends that the bill as amended do
pass.
CONTENTS
Page
Purpose and Summary.............................................. 8
Background and Need for Legislation.............................. 8
Legislative History.............................................. 8
Section-by-Section............................................... 9
Related Committee Hearings....................................... 12
Committee Consideration.......................................... 13
Roll Call Votes.................................................. 13
Application of Law to the Legislative Branch..................... 15
Statement of Oversight Findings and Recommendations of the
Committee...................................................... 15
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives............ 15
Federal Advisory Committee Act................................... 15
Unfunded Mandate Statement....................................... 15
Earmark Identification........................................... 15
Committee Cost Estimate.......................................... 15
New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures 16
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate........................ 16
Changes to Existing Law Made by the Bill, as reported............ 16
Committee Correspondence......................................... 22
The amendment is as follows:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``FAA Research and
Development Act of 2023''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
Sec. 3. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE I--FAA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION
Sec. 101. Report on implementation; funding for safety research and
development.
TITLE II--FAA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
Sec. 201. Aviation fuel research, development, and usage.
Sec. 202. Continuous lower energy, emission, and noise (CLEEN).
Sec. 203. Strategy on hydrogen aviation research and development.
Sec. 204. Report on future electric grid resiliency.
Sec. 205. Air traffic surveillance over oceans and other remote
locations.
Sec. 206. Utilization of space-based assets to improve air traffic
control and aviation safety.
Sec. 207. Aviation weather technology review.
Sec. 208. Air traffic surface operations safety.
Sec. 209. Airport and airfield pavement technology research program.
Sec. 210. Technology review of artificial intelligence and machine
learning technologies.
Sec. 211. Research plan for commercial supersonic research.
Sec. 212. Electromagnetic spectrum research and development.
Sec. 213. Aviation structures, materials, and advanced manufacturing
research and development.
Sec. 214. Research plan on the remote tower program.
Sec. 215. Air traffic control training.
Sec. 216. Report on aviation cybersecurity directives.
Sec. 217. Rule of construction regarding collaborations.
Sec. 218. Turbulence research and development.
Sec. 219. Research, development, and demonstration programs.
Sec. 220. Limitation.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
(2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
``appropriate committees of Congress'' means the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of
the Senate.
(3) FAA.--The term ``FAA'' means the Federal Aviation
Administration.
(4) NASA.--The term ``NASA'' means the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration.
(5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
Transportation.
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Subsection (a) of section 48102 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (14), by striking ``and'';
(2) in paragraph (15) by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
``(16) $255,130,000; for fiscal year 2024;
``(17) $261,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
``(18) $267,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
``(19) $273,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
``(20) $279,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.
TITLE I--FAA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION
SEC. 101. REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION; FUNDING FOR SAFETY RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the allocation of
funding pursuant to section 48102 of title 49, United States Code, to
the Secretary of Transportation to conduct civil aviation research and
development and to assess the implementation of section 48102(b)(2) of
such title.
TITLE II--FAA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
SEC. 201. AVIATION FUEL RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND USAGE.
(a) Roadmap.--Not later than nine months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall coordinate
with the Administrator of NASA, the Secretary of Energy, and the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and consult
relevant stakeholders, including those in industry and academia, to
prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a
coordinated research and development roadmap to safely eliminate the
use of leaded aviation fuel in existing and future certified piston-
engine aircraft. Such roadmap shall--
(1) identify activities to accelerate the development,
testing, and certification of safe and lead-free fuel for use
in general aviation aircraft, including requisite airport
refueling infrastructure; and
(2) consider the feasibility of widespread use of such safe
and lead-free aviation fuel by not later than 2028.
(b) Partnership With Private Industry.--The Administrator shall
coordinate with industry and pilot operators regarding research
programs for mass production and distribution of unleaded aviation
gasoline for market viability engine safety, and define criteria to
explore incentive programs to reduce lead emissions for communities in
need.
SEC. 202. CONTINUOUS LOWER ENERGY, EMISSION, AND NOISE (CLEEN).
The Administrator shall consider expanding the CLEEN program under
section 47511 of title 49, United States Code, and broadening
eligibility for the CLEEN program to new entrants to the aviation
system.
SEC. 203. STRATEGY ON HYDROGEN AVIATION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
(a) In General.--The Administrator, in consultation with the
Administrator of NASA and the heads of other relevant Federal agencies,
shall lead the development of a research and development strategy on
the safe use of hydrogen as part of a sustainable future for aviation.
Such strategy shall consider the following:
(1) The feasibility, opportunities, challenges, and pathways
toward the potential and safe uses of hydrogen in aviation.
(2) The use of hydrogen in addition to research and
development efforts, including electrification, operational
efficiencies and other alternatives to traditional aviation
fuel.
(b) Transmittal.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of the Act, the Administrator shall transmit to the
appropriate committees of Congress the research and development
strategy required under subsection (a).
(c) Research and Development.--Based on the results of the research
and development strategy under subsection (a), the Administrator, in
coordination with the Administrator of NASA, may conduct research and
development activities into the following:
(1) The qualification of hydrogen aviation fuel.
(2) The safe transition to such fuel for aircraft.
(3) The advancement of certification efforts for such fuel.
(4) Risk mitigation measures for the use of such fuel in
aircraft systems, including propulsion and storage systems.
SEC. 204. REPORT ON FUTURE ELECTRIC GRID RESILIENCY.
Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, shall
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the model
use of the electrical grid to support future electric advanced air
mobility, including cost, challenges, and opportunities for clean
generation of electricity relating to such support.
SEC. 205. AIR TRAFFIC SURVEILLANCE OVER OCEANS AND OTHER REMOTE
LOCATIONS.
(a) Air Traffic Surveillance Over Oceans.--Subject to the
availability of appropriations for such purpose, the Administrator, in
consultation with the Administrator of NASA and the heads of other
relevant Federal agencies, shall carry out research, development,
demonstration, and testing on civilian air traffic surveillance over
oceans and other remote locations.
(b) Requirements.--In carrying out the research, development,
demonstration, and testing under subsection (a), the Administrator
shall--
(1) consider the need for international interoperability of
technologies, data, operations, and air traffic control
systems;
(2) examine the status of using air traffic surveillance
technologies, including space-based Automatic Dependent
Surveillance-Broadcast, to facilitate the implementation of
minimal separation standards over United States-controlled
oceanic airspace;
(3) identify mitigating approaches to reducing any
operational challenges, associated costs, or workload impacts;
and
(4) use testing, data collection, evaluation, and analysis on
the use of air traffic surveillance technologies, including
space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, to
support the activities described in paragraphs (1) through (3).
(c) Pilot Program.--The Administrator may carry out a pilot program
to test and evaluate air traffic surveillance equipment over United
States-controlled oceanic airspace and other remote locations.
(d) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report on the activities carried out under
this section.
SEC. 206. UTILIZATION OF SPACE-BASED ASSETS TO IMPROVE AIR TRAFFIC
CONTROL AND AVIATION SAFETY.
(a) In General.--Subject to the availability of appropriations for
such purpose, the Administrator, in coordination with the Administrator
of NASA, and in consultation with industry stakeholders, shall carry
out research, development, and testing of the use of air traffic Space-
Based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data.
(b) Research Activities.--In carrying out the research, development,
and testing under subsection (a) the Administrator shall focus on the
following:
(1) Monitoring and automatically reporting air turbulence
events.
(2) Providing space-based multilateration surveillance.
(3) Identifying global positioning system (GPS) and global
navigation satellite system (GNSS) disruptions affecting air
traffic services and assessing the impact of such events on the
safety of air traffic and the National Airspace System.
(4) Evaluating the feasibility of implementing and using
aviation safety technologies and systems using space-based
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast data.
(c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall provide to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report on the research and development under
subsection (a) and the activities researched pursuant to subsection
(b).
SEC. 207. AVIATION WEATHER TECHNOLOGY REVIEW.
(a) Review.--The Administrator, in consultation with the
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
shall conduct a review of current and planned research, modeling, and
technology capabilities that have the potential to more accurately
detect and predict weather impacts to aviation, including for unmanned
aircraft systems and advanced air mobility operations, inform how
advanced predictive models can enhance aviation operations, and
increase national airspace system safety and efficiency.
(b) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report containing the results of the review
conducted under subsection (a).
SEC. 208. AIR TRAFFIC SURFACE OPERATIONS SAFETY.
(a) Research.--Subject to the availability of appropriations for such
purpose, the Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of
NASA and the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, shall
continue to carry out research on technologies and operations to
enhance air traffic surface operations safety.
(b) Requirements.--The research program under subsection (a) shall
examine the following:
(1) The safety of current air traffic control operations
related to air traffic surface operations.
(2) Emerging in-cockpit technologies to enhance ground
situational awareness.
(3) Emerging technologies to enhance air traffic control
situational awareness.
(4) Air traffic surface operations safety for diverse
advanced air mobility operations.
(5) Safety and operational data needed to inform current and
future safety programs on advanced air mobility vehicles.
(6) Economic benefits of utilizing existing airport
infrastructure for use in advanced air mobility operations.
(c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report on the research carried out under this
section, including regarding the transition into operational use of
such research.
SEC. 209. AIRPORT AND AIRFIELD PAVEMENT TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH PROGRAM.
Section 744 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-
254; 49 U.S.C. 44505 note) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'';
(2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``durable airfield
pavements.'' and inserting ``resilient and sustainable airfield
and vertiport pavements; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(5) develop sustainability and resiliency guidelines to
improve long-term pavement performance and reduce carbon
emissions.''.
SEC. 210. TECHNOLOGY REVIEW OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MACHINE
LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES.
(a) Review.--The Administrator shall conduct a review of current and
planned artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to
improve airport efficiency and safety.
(b) Summaries.--The review conducted under subsection (a) shall
include examination of the application of artificial intelligence and
machine learning technologies to the following:
(1) Jet bridges.
(2) Airport service vehicles on airport movement areas.
(3) Aircraft taxi.
(4) Any other areas the Administrator determines necessary to
help improve airport efficiency and safety.
(c) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report containing the results of the review
conducted under subsection (a). The report shall also include an
examination of China's domestic application of artificial intelligence
and machine learning technologies identified under subsection (b).
SEC. 211. RESEARCH PLAN FOR COMMERCIAL SUPERSONIC RESEARCH.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of NASA and
industry, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a
comprehensive research plan to build on existing research and
development activities and identify any further research and
development needed to inform the development of Federal and
international policies, regulations, standards, and recommended
practices relating to the certification and safe and efficient
operation of civil supersonic aircraft and supersonic overland flight.
SEC. 212. ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall conduct research,
engineering, and development related to the effective and efficient use
and management of radio frequency spectrum in the civil aviation
domain, including for aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems, and advanced
air mobility. Such research, engineering, and development shall, at a
minimum, address the following:
(1) How reallocation or repurposing of radio frequency
spectrum adjacent to spectrum allocated for communication,
navigation, and surveillance may impact the safety of civil
aviation.
(2) The effectiveness of measures to identify risks, protect,
and mitigate against spectrum interference in frequency bands
used in civil and commercial aviation operations to ensure
public safety.
(3) The implications, including risks, of new or emerging
technologies or other factors on the environment for radio
frequency spectrum interference.
(4) How various new or emerging technologies may enable
improvements in the prevention of, mitigation of, or resilience
to interference, including the ability to sense the spectrum
environment and dynamically change frequency to ensure
resilient operations.
(b) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report containing the results of the research,
engineering, and development conducted under subsection (a).
SEC. 213. AVIATION STRUCTURES, MATERIALS, AND ADVANCED MANUFACTURING
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
(a) In General.--Using the amounts available under section 48102(a)
of title 49, United States Code, the Administrator, in coordination
with the Director of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology, shall carry out a research and development program for
advancing aviation structures, materials, and manufacturing for the
safe use in and on aircraft.
(b) Inclusion.--The program under subsection (a) shall, to the extent
practicable, include research and development relating to the
following:
(1) Metallic and non-metallic based additive materials and
processes, composites, and other advanced materials.
(2) Process development for the development of design and
manufacturing standards for aviation structures, materials, and
additive manufacturing.
(3) Improving certification efficiency of aviation
structures, materials, and additively manufactured aviation
products and components.
(4) Evaluating long-term material and structural behavior and
associated maintenance, including support for fatigue life
determination, structural changes related to fatigue, thermal,
corrosive environments, and expected maintenance of such
materials, including recommended repair techniques.
(5) Partnering with commercial entities to mature and
certify, as appropriate, the following capabilities for use in
aircraft manufacturing:
(A) Additive manufacturing, including large-scale
additive manufacturing.
(B) Aviation structures.
(C) Advanced materials capabilities, including the
development and qualification of new material
chemistries.
(6) Inspection and quality assurance technologies for use
with complex geometries enabled by advanced manufacturing
methods.
(c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall provide to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report on the findings of the research under
subsection (a).
SEC. 214. RESEARCH PLAN ON THE REMOTE TOWER PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a comprehensive plan for research,
development, testing, and evaluation needed to mature remote tower
technology and provide a strategic roadmap to support standards
development, validation, and operational certification of such
technology.
(b) Considerations.--As part of the plan required under subsection
(a), the Administrator should consider the use of remote tower
technologies for advanced air mobility operations.
SEC. 215. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TRAINING.
(a) Research.--Subject to the availability of appropriations for such
purpose, the Administrator shall carry out a research program to
evaluate opportunities to modernize, enhance, and streamline training
time to become a Certified Professional Controller.
(b) Requirements.--The research under subsection (a) shall--
(1) assess the use of advanced technologies, such as
artificial intelligence, machine learning, adaptive computer-
based simulation, virtual reality, or augmented reality, to
enhance controller knowledge retention, improve performance,
and improve the effectiveness of training time;
(2) develop a timeline to deploy proven advanced technologies
and associated processes for accreditation in training programs
and training facilities within the national airspace system;
and
(3) include collaboration with labor organizations and other
stakeholders.
(c) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report on the findings of the research under
subsection (a).
SEC. 216. REPORT ON AVIATION CYBERSECURITY DIRECTIVES.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a
report on the status of the FAA's implementation of section 2111 of the
FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-190; 49
U.S.C. 44903 note; relating to the development of a comprehensive and
strategic aviation cybersecurity framework and establishment of a
research and development plan to mitigate cybersecurity risks in the
National Airspace System). The report, at minimum, shall include the
following:
(1) A description of the FAA's progress in developing,
implementing, and updating such framework.
(2) A description of prioritized research and development
activities for the most needed improvements, with target dates,
to safeguard the National Airspace System.
(3) An explanation for any delays or challenges in so
implementing such section.
SEC. 217. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION REGARDING COLLABORATIONS.
Nothing in this Act may be construed as modifying or limiting
existing collaborations, or limiting potential engagement on future
collaborations, between the Administrator, stakeholders, and labor
organizations, including the exclusive bargaining representative of air
traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United
States Code, pertaining to Federal Aviation Administration research,
development, demonstration, and testing activities.
SEC. 218. TURBULENCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
(a) In General.--Subject to the availability of appropriations for
such purpose, the Administrator, in collaboration with the
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
and in consultation with the Administrator of NASA, shall carry out
applied research and development to--
(1) enhance the monitoring and understanding of severe
turbulence, including clear-air turbulence; and
(2) inform the development of measures to mitigate safety
impacts on crew and the flying public that may result from
severe turbulence.
(b) Research and Development Activities.--In conducting the research
and development on severe turbulence in accordance with subsection (a),
the Administrator shall--
(1) establish processes and procedures for comprehensive and
systematic data collection through both instrumentation and
pilot reporting, of severe turbulence, including clear-air
turbulence;
(2) establish measures for storing and managing such data
collection;
(3) support measures for monitoring and characterizing
incidents of severe turbulence;
(4) consider relevant existing research and development from
other entities, including Federal departments and agencies,
academia, and the private sector; and
(5) carry out research and development--
(A) to understand the impacts of climate change and
other factors on the nature of turbulence, including
severe turbulence and clear-air turbulence;
(B) to enhance turbulence forecasts for flight
planning and execution, seasonal predictions for
schedule and route-planning, and long-term projections
of severe turbulence, including clear-air turbulence;
and
(C) on other subject matters areas related to severe
turbulence, as determined by the Administrator; and
(6) support the effective transition of the results of
research and development to operations, where appropriate.
(c) No Duplication.--The Administrator shall ensure that research and
development activities under this section do not duplicate other
Federal programs relating to turbulence.
(d) Turbulence Data.--
(1) Commercial providers.--In conducting research and
development activities under subsection (b), the Administrator
may enter into agreements with commercial providers for the
following:
(A) The purchase of turbulence data.
(B) The placement on aircraft of instruments relevant
to understanding and monitoring turbulence.
(2) Data access.--The Administrator shall make the data
collected pursuant to subsection (b) widely available and
accessible to the scientific research, user, and stakeholder
communities, including the Administrator of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to the greatest extent
practicable and in accordance with Federal Aviation
Administration data management policies.
(e) Report on Turbulence Research.--Not later than 15 months after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in
collaboration with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, shall submit to the appropriate committees
of Congress a report that--
(1) details the activities conducted under this section,
including how the research and development activities under
subsection (b) have contributed to the goals specified in
subsection (a);
(2) assesses the current state of scientific understanding of
the causes, occurrence rates, and past and projected future
trends in occurrence rates of severe turbulence, including
clear-air turbulence;
(3) describes the processes and procedures for collecting,
storing, and managing, data in pursuant to subsection (b);
(4) assesses--
(A) the use of commercial providers pursuant to
subsection (d)(1); and
(B) the need for any future Federal Government
collection or procurement of data and instruments
related to turbulence, including an assessment of
costs;
(5) describes how such data will be made available to the
scientific research, user, and stakeholder communities; and
(6) identifies future research and development needed to
inform the development of measures to predict and mitigate the
safety impacts that may result from severe turbulence,
including clear-air turbulence.
SEC. 219. RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--The Administrator shall carry out research,
development, testing, evaluation, and demonstration programs for low-
carbon alternative aviation fuels, which may include next-generation
feedstocks, biofuels, and bioderived chemicals.
(b) Collaboration.--The Administrator shall collaborate with Federal
agencies, industry stakeholders, research institutions, and other
relevant stakeholders, to accelerate the research, development,
testing, evaluation, and demonstrations programs described in
subsection (a) and facilitate United States sustainability and
competitiveness in aviation.
SEC. 220. LIMITATION.
None of the funds authorized in this Act may be used to conduct
research, develop, design, plan, promulgate, implement, or execute a
policy, program, order, or contract of any kind with the Chinese
Communist Party or any Chinese-owned entity unless such activities are
specifically authorized by a law enacted after the date of enactment of
this Act.
Purpose and Summary
H.R. 3559, the Federal Aviation Administration Research and
Development Act of 2023, improves American aviation by
directing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) research and
development activities that will inform efforts to make
aviation safer, more efficient, and more reliable.
Background and Need for Legislation
Research and development efforts set forth in this
legislation support and enhance various aspects of the aviation
industry. The bill recognizes the foundational importance of
runways and ground safety, and directs research to ensuring
pavement durability and address hazards which arise during
surface operations at airfields. It drives innovation in
aerospace vehicle construction, by carrying out research on
advanced manufacturing, such as additive manufacturing. It also
promotes research into cleaner aviation fuels like hydrogen and
alternatives to leaded gasoline, thereby contributing to
environmental sustainability.
The legislation also prioritizes research to improve air
traffic control system, with a specific focus on monitoring
traffic over oceans and remote areas. This ensures that
aviation operations are safer and more efficient, benefiting
both passengers and the industry as a whole. Furthermore, by
addressing weather forecasting, the legislation emphasizes the
importance of accurate aviation weather detection and
prediction. This can significantly reduce delays and increase
safety by providing more reliable information for flight
planning and operations.
Importantly, the legislation ensures that safety remains a
primary focus in FAA's research and development activities. By
mandating a report on the allocation of at least 70% of R&D
funds towards improving safety, it holds the FAA accountable
and maintains a strong commitment to enhancing safety measures
within the aviation industry. By addressing these crucial
areas, the legislation promotes the overall advancement,
efficiency, and safety of the aviation industry.
Legislative History
H.R. 3559 was introduced on May 22, 2023, by Representative
Frank D. Lucas (R-OK).
On June 15, 2023, the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology met to consider H.R. 3559. Chairman Lucas moved that
Committee favorably report the bill, H.R. 3559, as amended, to
the House of Representatives with the recommendation that the
bill be approved. The motion was agreed to by a vote of 29-0.
Section-by-Section
Section 1. Short title; Table of Contents
This section establishes a table of contents for the bill
and establishes the short title of the bill as the ``FAA
Research and Development Act of 2023.''
Section 2. Definitions
This section provides the meaning of terms used throughout
the legislative text.
Section 3. Authorization of appropriations
This section lists the funds authorized to be appropriated
to the FAA to carry out research and development activities for
fiscal years 2024-2028.
TITLE I--FAA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION
Section 101. Report on implementation; funding for safety research and
development
This section directs the Comptroller General of the United
States to submit a report to Congress to determine whether at
least 70 percent of appropriated amounts supports safety
research and development projects.
TITLE II--FAA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
Section 201. Aviation fuel research, development, and usage
This section authorizes the Administrator of the FAA, in
coordination with other federal agencies and the private
sector, to create a roadmap on research and development related
to safe, lead-free fuel. This roadmap must identify activities
to accelerate the development, testing and certification of
such fuel for general aviation aircraft, and consider
feasibility of widespread use of lead-free fuel by 2028.
Section 202. Continuous Lower Energy, Emission, and Noise (CLEEN)
This section authorizes the Administrator to expand the
Continuous, Lower Energy, Emission, and Noise (CLEEN) program
and broaden eligibility to allow new entrants to the aviation
system.
Section 203. Strategy on hydrogen aviation fuel research and
development
This section directs the FAA Administrator to develop a
research and development strategy on the safe use of hydrogen
fuel as part of a sustainable future for aviation. This
strategy will consider the feasibility, opportunities, and
challenges associated with use of hydrogen in aviation. It also
assesses the use of hydrogen in addition to other alternative
approaches to traditional aviation fuel.
Section 204. Report on future electric grid resiliency
This section directs the Administrator, in coordination
with the Secretary of Energy, to submit a report to Congress on
the potential impacts on the electrical grid of increased use
of advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles and the potential
impacts on clean energy generation from these activities.
Section 205. Air traffic surveillance and tracking over oceans and
other remote locations
This section directs the Administrator, in consultation
with the Administrator of NASA, to research civilian air
traffic surveillance over the oceans and establish a pilot
program to test and evaluate air traffic surveillance and
tracking equipment over the U.S.-controlled oceanic airspace
and other remote locations. The section also directs FAA to
transmit a report to Congress on the activities conducted under
this section.
Section 206. Utilizing space-based assets to improve air traffic
control and aviation safety
This section directs the Administrator, in coordination
with the Administrator of NASA, to carry out a program for
research and development of air traffic control and aviation
safety technologies utilizing space-based platforms and space-
based automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast data. This
program shall focus on monitoring and reporting air turbulence
events, space-based multiliterate surveillance, and identifying
global positioning system and global navigation satellite
system interference on air traffic services.
Section 207. Aviation weather technology review
This section directs the Administrator, in consultation
with the NOAA Administrator, to conduct a review of current and
planned technologies that can more accurately detect and
predict weather impacts to aviation, inform how advanced
predictive models can enhance aviation operations, and increase
national airspace system safety and efficiency.
Section 208. Air traffic surface operations safety
This section directs the Administrator to research
technologies and operations that enhance air traffic surface
operations safety, identify ground-hazards, reduce near-misses
at airports, and enhance situational awareness of pilots and
controllers, and to also consider data from diverse advanced
air mobility operations to inform current safety programs.
Section 209. Airport and airfield pavement technology research program
This section authorizes the Administrator to continue the
competitive grant program to support Airfield Payment
Technology Program, which deploys innovative technologies for
airfield pavements, taxiways, and aprons for safer, more cost-
effective, and more durable airfield pavements.
Section 210. Technology review of artificial intelligence and machine
learning technologies
This section directs the Administrator to conduct a review
of current and planned artificial intelligence and machine
learning technologies that may be used to improve airport
safety and efficiency, and report to Congress on the results.
Section 211. Research plan for commercial supersonic research
This section directs the Administrator, in consultation
with the Administrator of NASA and industry, to identify
additional research needed to support establishment of Federal
and international policies, regulations, standards, and
recommended practices relating to the certification and
operation of civil supersonic aircraft.
Section 212. Electromagnetic spectrum research and development
This section directs the Administrator to conduct research
and development related to the use and management of radio
frequency spectrum in the civil aviation domain, including for
aircraft, unmanned aircraft system, and advanced air mobility.
The research will include impact to civil aviation safety when
reallocating radio frequency spectrum adjacent to spectrum
allocated for aviation communication, navigation, and
surveillance, along with mitigation and implication of new
emerging technologies on spectrum interference.
Section 213. Aviation structures, materials, and advanced manufacturing
research and development
This section directs the Administrator to carry out a
program for research and development of advanced additive
manufacturing to assess safety of processes, aviation
structures, and materials for use in and on aircraft in
partnership with commercial entities. This section also directs
FAA to report on the findings of this research to Congress.
Section. 214. Research plan on the remote tower program
This section directs the Administrator to submit a plan for
additional research and development needed to mature remote
tower technology and to provide a strategic roadmap for
research needed to inform operational certification of remote
towers in the National Airspace System (NAS).
Section 215. Air Traffic control training
This section directs the FAA Administrator to carry out a
research program on the use of advanced technologies to reduce
Certified Professional Controller training time to
certification while maintaining or improving current levels of
safety to enable increased staffing and pipeline of air traffic
control workforce.
Section 216. Report on aviation cybersecurity directives
This section directs the Administrator to provide a report
to Congress on the status of the FAA's implementation of the
directive outlined in section 2111 of the FAA Extension,
Safety, and Security Act. The report should include an
assessment of FAA's progress in developing and implementing
strategic cybersecurity framework, and a description of
prioritized research and development activities for the most
needed improvements to safeguard the NAS.
Section 217. Rule of construction regarding collaborations
This section clarifies that the legislation does not modify
or restrict collaborations between the Administrator,
stakeholders, and labor organizations related to FAA research,
development, demonstration, and testing activities.
Section 218. Turbulence research and development
This section directs the Administrator in coordination with
the Administrator of NASA and the Administrator of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to conduct applied
research and development on turbulence and its impact on
aviation. The section also directs the Administrator to avoid
duplication with existing research and development activities
across the federal government and authorizes the purchase of
data from commercial providers.
Section 219. Research, development and demonstration programs
This section directs the Administrator to carry out
research, development, testing, evaluation, and demonstration
of low-carbon fuels. This work is to be carried out in
collaboration with federal agencies, industry stakeholders,
research institutions, and other partners.
Section 220. Limitation
This section states that none of the funds made available
under this act may be used for collaboration with the Chinese
Community Party or any other Chinese-owned entity unless
otherwise authorized by law after the date of enactment of the
bill.
Related Committee Hearings
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(6) of rule XIII, the following
hearing was used to develop or consider H.R. 3559:
On March 9, 2023, Chairman Frank Lucas presiding, the House
Committee on Science, Space and Technology held a hearing
titled, ``The Federal Aviation Administration's Flight Plan:
Examining the Agency's Research and Development Programs and
Future Plans.'' The Committee received testimony regarding the
FAA's portfolio of research and development programs and
allowed members to examine various priorities and challenges
ahead of reauthorizing these activities.
Witnesses:
Ms. Shelley Yak, Director, FAA William J.
Hughes Technical Center
Dr. R. John Hansman, Director, International
Center for Air Transportation, Massachusetts Institute
of Technology
Mr. Eric Cunningham, Vice President,
Electric Power Systems, Collins Aerospace
Committee Consideration
On June 15, 2023, the Committee met in open session and
ordered reported favorably the bill, H.R. 3559, as amended, by
a recorded vote of 29 yeas to 0 nays, a quorum being present.
Roll Call Votes
Clause 3(b) of rule XIII requires the Committee to list the
record votes on the motion to report legislation and amendments
thereto. The following reflects the record votes taken during
the Committee consideration:
Application of Law to the Legislative Branch
The Committee finds that H.R. 3559 does not relate to the
terms and conditions of employment or access to public services
or accommodations within the meaning of section 102(b)(3) of
the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 104-1).
Statement of Oversight Findings and Recommendations of the Committee
In compliance with clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII and clause
(2)(b)(1) of rule X, the Committee's oversight findings and
recommendations are reflected in the descriptive portions of
this report.
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives
Pursuant to clause (3)(c)(4) of rule XIII, the goal of H.R.
3559 is to improve American aviation by directing Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) research and development
activities that will inform efforts to make aviation safer,
more efficient, and more reliable.
Duplication of Federal Programs
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(5) of rule XIII, the Committee
finds that no provision of H.R. 3559 establishes or
reauthorizes a program of the Federal Government known to be
duplicative of another Federal program, including any program
that was included in a report to Congress pursuant to section
21 of Public Law 111-139 or identified in the most recent
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance.
Federal Advisory Committee Act
The Committee finds that the legislation does not establish
or authorize the establishment of an advisory committee within
the definition of section 5(b) of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act.
Unfunded Mandate Statement
The Committee adopts as its own the estimate of Federal
mandates prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget
Office pursuant to section 423 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform
Act.
Earmark Identification
Pursuant to clauses 9(e), 9(f), and 9(g) of rule XXI, the
Committee finds that H.R. 3559 does not include any
congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff
benefits.
Committee Cost Estimate
Pursuant to clause 3(d)(1) of rule XIII, the Committee
adopts as its own the cost estimate prepared by the Director of
the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 402 of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974. At the time this report was
filed, the estimate was not yet available.
New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII, the Committee
finds that H.R. 3559 would result in no new or increased budget
authority, entitlement authority, or tax expenditures or
revenues.
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(3) of rule XIII, at the time this
report was filed, the cost estimate prepared by the Director of
the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 402 of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 was not yet available.
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italics, and existing law in which no
change is proposed is shown in roman):
TITLE 49, UNITED STATES CODE
* * * * * * *
SUBTITLE VII--AVIATION PROGRAMS
* * * * * * *
PART C--FINANCING
* * * * * * *
CHAPTER 481--AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND AUTHORIZATIONS
* * * * * * *
Sec. 48102. Research and development
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Not more than the
following amounts may be appropriated to the Secretary of
Transportation out of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund
established under section 9502 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 (26 U.S.C. 9502) for conducting civil aviation research
and development under sections 44504, 44505, 44507, 44509, and
44511-44513 of this title:
(1) for fiscal year 2004, $346,317,000, including--
(A) $65,000,000 for Improving Aviation
Safety;
(B) $24,000,000 for Weather Safety Research;
(C) $27,500,000 for Human Factors and
Aeromedical Research;
(D) $30,000,000 for Environmental Research
and Development, of which $20,000,000 shall be
for research activities related to reducing
community exposure to civilian aircraft noise
or emissions;
(E) $7,000,000 for Research Mission Support;
(F) $10,000,000 for the Airport Cooperative
Research Program;
(G) $1,500,000 for carrying out subsection
(h) of this section;
(H) $42,800,000 for Advanced Technology
Development and Prototyping;
(I) $30,300,000 for Safe Flight 21;
(J) $90,800,000 for the Center for Advanced
Aviation System Development;
(K) $9,667,000 for Airports Technology-
Safety; and
(L) $7,750,000 for Airports Technology-
Efficiency;
(2) for fiscal year 2005, $356,192,000, including--
(A) $65,705,000 for Improving Aviation
Safety;
(B) $24,260,000 for Weather Safety Research;
(C) $27,800,000 for Human Factors and
Aeromedical Research;
(D) $30,109,000 for Environmental Research
and Development, of which $20,000,000 shall be
for research activities related to reducing
community exposure to civilian aircraft noise
or emissions;
(E) $7,076,000 for Research Mission Support;
(F) $10,000,000 for the Airport Cooperative
Research Program;
(G) $1,650,000 for carrying out subsection
(h) of this section;
(H) $43,300,000 for Advanced Technology
Development and Prototyping;
(I) $31,100,000 for Safe Flight 21;
(J) $95,400,000 for the Center for Advanced
Aviation System Development;
(K) $2,200,000 for Free Flight Phase 2;
(L) $9,764,000 for Airports Technology-
Safety; and
(M) $7,828,000 for Airports Technology-
Efficiency;
(3) for fiscal year 2006, $352,157,000, including--
(A) $66,447,000 for Improving Aviation
Safety;
(B) $24,534,000 for Weather Safety Research;
(C) $28,114,000 for Human Factors and
Aeromedical Research;
(D) $30,223,000 for Environmental Research
and Development, of which $20,000,000 shall be
for research activities related to reducing
community exposure to civilian aircraft noise
or emissions;
(E) $7,156,000 for Research Mission Support;
(F) $10,000,000 for the Airport Cooperation
Research Program;
(G) $1,815,000 for carrying out subsection
(h) of this section;
(H) $42,200,000 for Advanced Technology
Development and Prototyping;
(I) $23,900,000 for Safe Flight 21;
(J) $100,000,000 for the Center for Advanced
Aviation System Development;
(K) $9,862,000 for Airports Technology-
Safety; and
(L) $7,906,000 for Airports Technology-
Efficiency;
(4) for fiscal year 2007, $356,261,000, including--
(A) $67,244,000 for Improving Aviation
Safety;
(B) $24,828,000 for Weather Safety Research;
(C) $28,451,000 for Human Factors and
Aeromedical Research;
(D) $30,586,000 for Environmental Research
and Development, of which $20,000,000 shall be
for research activities related to reducing
community exposure to civilian aircraft noise
or emissions;
(E) $7,242,000 for Research Mission Support;
(F) $10,000,000 for the Airport Cooperation
Research Program;
(G) $1,837,000 for carrying out subsection
(h) of this section;
(H) $42,706,000 for Advanced Technology
Development and Prototyping;
(I) $24,187,000 for Safe Flight 21;
(J) $101,200,000 for the Center for Advanced
Aviation System Development;
(K) $9,980,000 for Airports Technology-
Safety; and
(L) $8,000,000 for Airports Technology-
Efficiency;
(5) $171,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
(6) $190,500,000 for fiscal year 2010;
(7) $170,000,000 for fiscal year 2011;
(8) $168,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012
through 2015;
(9) $166,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 and
2017;
(10) $189,000,000 for fiscal year 2018;
(11) $194,000,000 for fiscal year 2019;
(12) $199,000,000 for fiscal year 2020;
(13) $204,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
(14) $209,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; [and]
(15) $214,000,000 for fiscal year 2023[.];
(16) $255,130,000; for fiscal year 2024;
(17) $261,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
(18) $267,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
(19) $273,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
(20) $279,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.
(b) Research Priorities.--(1) The Administrator shall
prioritize safety in considering the advice and recommendations
of the research advisory committee established by section 44508
of this title in establishing priorities among major categories
of research and development activities carried out by the
Federal Aviation Administration.
(2) As safety related activities shall be the highest
research priority, at least 70 percent of the amount
appropriated under subsection (a) of this section shall be for
safety research and development projects.
(3) At least 15 percent of the amount appropriated under
subsection (a) of this section shall be for long-term research
projects.
(c) Transfers Between Categories.--(1) Not more than 10
percent of the net amount authorized for a category of projects
and activities in a fiscal year under subsection (a) of this
section may be transferred to or from that category in that
fiscal year.
(2) The Secretary may transfer more than 10 percent of an
authorized amount to or from a category only after--
(A) submitting a written explanation of the proposed
transfer to the Committees on Science and
Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the
Committees on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and
Appropriations of the Senate; and
(B) 30 days have passed after the explanation is
submitted or each Committee notifies the Secretary in
writing that it does not object to the proposed
transfer.
(d) Airport Capacity Research and Development.--(1) Of the
amounts made available under subsection (a) of this section, at
least $25,000,000 may be appropriated each fiscal year for
research and development under section 44505(a) and (c) of this
title on preserving and enhancing airport capacity, including
research and development on improvements to airport design
standards, maintenance, safety, operations, and environmental
concerns.
(2) The Administrator shall submit to the Committees on
Science and Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate a report on expenditures made
under paragraph (1) of this subsection for each fiscal year.
The report shall be submitted not later than 60 days after the
end of the fiscal year.
(e) Air Traffic Controller Performance Research.--Necessary
amounts may be appropriated to the Secretary out of amounts in
the Fund available for research and development to conduct
research under section 44506(a) and (b) of this title.
(f) Availability of Amounts.--Amounts appropriated under
subsection (a) of this section remain available until expended.
(g) Annual Submission of the National Aviation Research
Plan.--The Administrator shall submit the national aviation
research plan to Congress no later than the date of submission
of the President's budget request to Congress for that fiscal
year, as required under section 44501(c).
(h) Research Grants Program Involving Undergraduate
Students.--
(1) Establishment.--The Administrator of the Federal
Aviation Administration shall establish a program to
utilize undergraduate and technical colleges, including
Historically Black Colleges and Universities and
Hispanic Serving Institutions, in research on subjects
of relevance to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Grants may be awarded under this subsection for--
(A) research projects to be carried out at
primarily undergraduate institutions and
technical colleges;
(B) research projects that combine research
at primarily undergraduate institutions and
technical colleges with other research
supported by the Federal Aviation
Administration;
(C) research on future training requirements
on projected changes in regulatory requirements
for aircraft maintenance and power plant
licensees; or
(D) research on the impact of new
technologies and procedures, particularly those
related to aircraft flight deck and air traffic
management functions, on training requirements
for pilots and air traffic controllers.
(2) Notice of criteria.--Within 6 months after the
date of the enactment of the FAA Research, Engineering,
and Development Authorization Act of 1998, the
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration
shall establish and publish in the Federal Register
criteria for the submittal of proposals for a grant
under this subsection, and for the awarding of such
grants.
(3) Principal criteria.--The principal criteria for
the awarding of grants under this subsection shall be--
(A) the relevance of the proposed research to
technical research needs identified by the
Federal Aviation Administration;
(B) the scientific and technical merit of the
proposed research; and
(C) the potential for participation by
undergraduate students in the proposed
research.
(4) Competitive, merit-based evaluation.--Grants
shall be awarded under this subsection on the basis of
evaluation of proposals through a competitive, merit-
based process.
* * * * * * *
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FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018
* * * * * * *
DIVISION B--FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018
* * * * * * *
TITLE VII--FLIGHT R&D ACT
* * * * * * *
Subtitle E--FAA Research and Development Activities
* * * * * * *
SEC. 744. RESEARCH AND DEPLOYMENT OF CERTAIN AIRFIELD PAVEMENT
TECHNOLOGIES.
Using amounts made available under section 48102(a) of title
49, United States Code, the Administrator of the Federal
Aviation Administration may carry out a program for the
research and development of aircraft pavement technologies
under which the Administrator makes grants to, and enters into
cooperative agreements with, institutions of higher education
and nonprofit organizations that--
(1) research concrete and asphalt airfield pavement
technologies that extend the life of airfield
pavements;
(2) develop and conduct training;
(3) provide for demonstration projects; [and]
(4) promote the latest airfield pavement technologies
to aid in the development of safer, more cost
effective, and more [durable airfield pavements.]
resilient and sustainable airfield and vertiport
pavements; and
(5) develop sustainability and resiliency guidelines
to improve long-term pavement performance and reduce
carbon emissions.
* * * * * * *