    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Public Law 111-216
    111th Congress

    An Act

    To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and
    expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend
    title 49, United States Code, to extend airport improvement program
    project grant authority and to improve airline safety, and for other
    purposes. <>

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
    United States of America in Congress assembled, <>
    SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Airline Safety and Federal Aviation
    Administration Extension Act of 2010''.
    SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

    Sec. 1.   Short title.
    Sec. 2. Table of contents.

    TITLE I--AIRPORT AND AIRWAY EXTENSION

    Sec. 101. Extension of taxes funding Airport and Airway Trust Fund.
    Sec. 102. Extension of Airport and Airway Trust Fund expenditure
    authority.
    Sec. 103. Extension of airport improvement program.
    Sec. 104. Extension of expiring authorities.
    Sec. 105. Federal Aviation Administration operations.
    Sec. 106. Air navigation facilities and equipment.
    Sec. 107. Research, engineering, and development.

    TITLE II--AIRLINE SAFETY AND PILOT TRAINING IMPROVEMENT

    Sec. 201. Definitions.
    Sec. 202. Secretary of Transportation responses to safety
    recommendations.
    Sec. 203. FAA pilot records database.
    Sec. 204. FAA Task Force on Air Carrier Safety and Pilot Training.
    Sec. 205. Aviation safety inspectors and operational research analysts.
    Sec. 206. Flight crewmember mentoring, professional development, and
    leadership.
    Sec. 207. Flight crewmember pairing and crew resource management
    techniques.
    Sec. 208. Implementation of NTSB flight crewmember training
    recommendations.
    Sec. 209. FAA rulemaking on training programs.
    Sec. 210. Disclosure of air carriers operating flights for tickets sold
    for air transportation.
    Sec. 211. Safety inspections of regional air carriers.
    Sec. 212. Pilot fatigue.
    Sec. 213. Voluntary safety programs.
    Sec. 214. ASAP and FOQA implementation plan.
    Sec. 215. Safety management systems.
    Sec. 216. Flight crewmember screening and qualifications.
    Sec. 217. Airline transport pilot certification.

    [[Page 2349]]

    TITLE I--AIRPORT AND AIRWAY EXTENSION

    SEC. 101. EXTENSION OF TAXES FUNDING AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST
    FUND.

    (a) Fuel Taxes.--Subparagraph (B) of section 4081(d)(2) of the
    Internal Revenue Code of 1986 <>  is amended by
    striking ``August 1, 2010'' and inserting ``September 30, 2010''.

    (b) Ticket Taxes.--
    (1) Persons.--Clause (ii) of section 4261(j)(1)(A) of the
    Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``August 1,
    2010'' and inserting ``September 30, 2010''.
    (2) Property.--Clause (ii) of section 4271(d)(1)(A) of such
    Code is amended by striking ``August 1, 2010'' and inserting
    ``September 30, 2010''.

    (c) <>  Effective Date.--The amendments
    made by this section shall take effect on August 2, 2010.
    SEC. 102. EXTENSION OF AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND EXPENDITURE
    AUTHORITY.

    (a) In General.--Paragraph (1) of section 9502(d) of the Internal
    Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
    (1) by striking ``August 2, 2010'' and inserting ``October
    1, 2010''; and
    (2) by inserting ``or the Airline Safety and Federal
    Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010'' before the
    semicolon at the end of subparagraph (A).

    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Paragraph (2) of section 9502(e) of such
    Code is amended by striking ``August 2, 2010'' and inserting ``October
    1, 2010''.
    (c) <>  Effective Date.--The amendments
    made by this section shall take effect on August 2, 2010.
    SEC. 103. EXTENSION OF AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.

    Section 47104(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
    striking ``August 1, 2010,'' and inserting ``September 30, 2010,''.
    SEC. 104. EXTENSION OF EXPIRING AUTHORITIES.

    (a) Section 40117(l)(7) of title 49, United States Code, is amended
    by striking ``August 2, 2010.'' and inserting ``October 1, 2010.''.
    (b) Section 44302(f)(1) of such title is amended--
    (1) by striking ``August 1, 2010,'' and inserting
    ``September 30, 2010,''; and
    (2) by striking ``October 31, 2010,'' and inserting
    ``December 31, 2010,''.

    (c) Section 44303(b) of such title is amended by striking ``October
    31, 2010,'' and inserting ``December 31, 2010,''.
    (d) Section 47107(s)(3) of such title is amended by striking
    ``August 2, 2010.'' and inserting ``October 1, 2010.''.
    (e) Section 47115(j) of such title is amended by striking ``fiscal
    years 2004 through 2009, and for the portion of fiscal year 2010 ending
    before August 2, 2010,'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2004 through
    2010,''.
    (f) Section 47141(f) of such title is amended by striking ``August
    1, 2010.'' and inserting ``September 30, 2010.''.

    [[Page 2350]]

    (g) Section 49108 of such title is amended by striking ``August 1,
    2010,'' and inserting ``September 30, 2010,''.
    (h) Section 161 of the Vision 100--Century of Aviation
    Reauthorization Act (49 U.S.C. 47109 note) is amended by striking
    ``fiscal year 2009, or in the portion of fiscal year 2010 ending before
    August 2, 2010,'' and inserting ``fiscal year 2009 or 2010''.
    (i) Section 186(d) of such Act (117 Stat. 2518) is amended by
    striking ``October 1, 2009, and for the portion of fiscal year 2010
    ending before August 2, 2010,'' and inserting ``October 1, 2010,''.
    (j) <>  The amendments
    made by this section shall take effect on August 2, 2010.
    SEC. 105. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION OPERATIONS.

    Section 106(k)(1)(F) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to
    read as follows:
    ``(F) $9,350,028,000 for fiscal year 2010.''.
    SEC. 106. AIR NAVIGATION FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT.

    Section 48101(a)(6) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to
    read as follows:
    ``(6) $2,936,203,000 for fiscal year 2010.''.
    SEC. 107. RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, AND DEVELOPMENT.

    Section 48102(a)(14) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to
    read as follows:
    ``(14) $190,500,000 for fiscal year 2010.''.

    TITLE II--AIRLINE SAFETY AND PILOT TRAINING IMPROVEMENT

    SEC. 201. <>  DEFINITIONS.

    (a) Definitions.--In this title, the following definitions apply:
    (1) Advanced qualification program.--The term ``advanced
    qualification program'' means the program established by the
    Federal Aviation Administration in Advisory Circular 120-54A,
    dated June 23, 2006, including any subsequent revisions thereto.
    (2) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the meaning
    given that term in section 40102 of title 49, United States
    Code.
    (3) Aviation safety action program.--The term ``aviation
    safety action program'' means the program established by the
    Federal Aviation Administration in Advisory Circular 120-66B,
    dated November 15, 2002, including any subsequent revisions
    thereto.
    (4) Flight crewmember.--The term ``flight crewmember'' has
    the meaning given the term ``flightcrew member'' in part 1 of
    title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    (5) Flight operational quality assurance program.--The term
    ``flight operational quality assurance program'' means the
    program established by the Federal Aviation Administration in
    Advisory Circular 120-82, dated April 12, 2004, including any
    subsequent revisions thereto.
    (6) Line operations safety audit.--The term ``line
    operations safety audit'' means the procedure referenced by the

    [[Page 2351]]

    Federal Aviation Administration in Advisory Circular 120-90,
    dated April 27, 2006, including any subsequent revisions
    thereto.
    (7) Part 121 air carrier.--The term ``part 121 air carrier''
    means an air carrier that holds a certificate issued under part
    121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    (8) Part 135 air carrier.--The term ``part 135 air carrier''
    means an air carrier that holds a certificate issued under part
    135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    SEC. 202. <>  SECRETARY OF
    TRANSPORTATION RESPONSES TO SAFETY
    RECOMMENDATIONS.

    (a) In General.--The first sentence of section 1135(a) <>  is amended by inserting ``to the Board'' after ``shall
    give''.

    (b) Air Carrier Safety Recommendations.--Section 1135 is amended--
    (1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
    (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:

    ``(d) Annual Report on Air Carrier Safety Recommendations.--
    ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall submit to Congress
    and the Board, on an annual basis, a report on the
    recommendations made by the Board to the Secretary regarding air
    carrier operations conducted under part 121 of title 14, Code of
    Federal Regulations.
    ``(2) Recommendations to be covered.--The report shall
    cover--
    ``(A) any recommendation for which the Secretary has
    developed, or intends to develop, procedures to adopt
    the recommendation or part of the recommendation, but
    has yet to complete the procedures; and
    ``(B) any recommendation for which the Secretary, in
    the preceding year, has issued a response under
    subsection (a)(2) or (a)(3) refusing to carry out all or
    part of the procedures to adopt the recommendation.
    ``(3) Contents.--
    ``(A) Plans to adopt recommendations.--For each
    recommendation of the Board described in paragraph
    (2)(A), the report shall contain--
    ``(i) a description of the recommendation;
    ``(ii) a description of the procedures planned
    for adopting the recommendation or part of the
    recommendation;
    ``(iii) the proposed date for completing the
    procedures; and
    ``(iv) if the Secretary has not met a deadline
    contained in a proposed timeline developed in
    connection with the recommendation under
    subsection (b), an explanation for not meeting the
    deadline.
    ``(B) Refusals to adopt recommendations.--For each
    recommendation of the Board described in paragraph
    (2)(B), the report shall contain--
    ``(i) a description of the recommendation; and
    ``(ii) a description of the reasons for the
    refusal to carry out all or part of the procedures
    to adopt the recommendation.''.

    [[Page 2352]]

    SEC. 203. <>  FAA PILOT RECORDS
    DATABASE.

    (a) Records of Employment of Pilot Applicants.--Section 44703(h) of
    title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
    following:
    ``(16) <>  Applicability.--This
    subsection shall cease to be effective on the date specified in
    regulations issued under subsection (i).''.

    (b) Establishment of FAA Pilot Records Database.--Section 44703 of
    such title is amended--
    (1) by redesignating subsections (i) and (j) as subsections
    (j) and (k), respectively; and
    (2) by inserting after subsection (h) the following:

    ``(i) FAA Pilot Records Database.--
    ``(1) In general.--Before allowing an individual to begin
    service as a pilot, an air carrier shall access and evaluate, in
    accordance with the requirements of this subsection, information
    pertaining to the individual from the pilot records database
    established under paragraph (2).
    ``(2) Pilot records database.--The Administrator shall
    establish an electronic database (in this subsection referred to
    as the `database') containing the following records:
    ``(A) FAA records.--From the Administrator--
    ``(i) records that are maintained by the
    Administrator concerning current airman
    certificates, including airman medical
    certificates and associated type ratings and
    information on any limitations to those
    certificates and ratings;
    ``(ii) records that are maintained by the
    Administrator concerning any failed attempt of an
    individual to pass a practical test required to
    obtain a certificate or type rating under part 61
    of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
    ``(iii) summaries of legal enforcement actions
    resulting in a finding by the Administrator of a
    violation of this title or a regulation prescribed
    or order issued under this title that was not
    subsequently overturned.
    ``(B) Air carrier and other records.--From any air
    carrier or other person (except a branch of the Armed
    Forces, the National Guard, or a reserve component of
    the Armed Forces) that has employed an individual as a
    pilot of a civil or public aircraft, or from the trustee
    in bankruptcy for the air carrier or person--
    ``(i) records pertaining to the individual
    that are maintained by the air carrier (other than
    records relating to flight time, duty time, or
    rest time) or person, including records under
    regulations set forth in--
    ``(I) section 121.683 of title 14,
    Code of Federal Regulations;
    ``(II) section 121.111(a) of such
    title;
    ``(III) section 121.219(a) of such
    title;
    ``(IV) section 125.401 of such
    title; and
    ``(V) section 135.63(a)(4) of such
    title; and
    ``(ii) other records pertaining to the
    individual's performance as a pilot that are
    maintained by the air carrier or person
    concerning--

    [[Page 2353]]

    ``(I) the training, qualifications,
    proficiency, or professional competence
    of the individual, including comments
    and evaluations made by a check airman
    designated in accordance with section
    121.411, 125.295, or 135.337 of such
    title;
    ``(II) any disciplinary action taken
    with respect to the individual that was
    not subsequently overturned; and
    ``(III) any release from employment
    or resignation, termination, or
    disqualification with respect to
    employment.
    ``(C) National driver register records.--In
    accordance with section 30305(b)(8) of this title, from
    the chief driver licensing official of a State,
    information concerning the motor vehicle driving record
    of the individual.
    ``(3) Written consent; release from liability.--An air
    carrier--
    ``(A) shall obtain the written consent of an
    individual before accessing records pertaining to the
    individual under paragraph (1); and
    ``(B) may, notwithstanding any other provision of
    law or agreement to the contrary, require an individual
    with respect to whom the carrier is accessing records
    under paragraph (1) to execute a release from liability
    for any claim arising from accessing the records or the
    use of such records by the air carrier in accordance
    with this section (other than a claim arising from
    furnishing information known to be false and maintained
    in violation of a criminal statute).
    ``(4) Reporting.--
    ``(A) Reporting by administrator.--The Administrator
    shall enter data described in paragraph (2)(A) into the
    database promptly to ensure that an individual's records
    are current.
    ``(B) Reporting by air carriers and other persons.--
    ``(i) In general.--Air carriers and other
    persons shall report data described in paragraphs
    (2)(B) and (2)(C) to the Administrator promptly
    for entry into the database.
    ``(ii) Data to be reported.--Air carriers and
    other persons shall report, at a minimum, under
    clause (i) the following data described in
    paragraph (2)(B):
    ``(I) Records that are generated by
    the air carrier or other person after
    the date of enactment of this paragraph.
    ``(II) Records that the air carrier
    or other person is maintaining, on such
    date of enactment, pursuant to
    subsection (h)(4).
    ``(5) Requirement to maintain records.--The Administrator--
    ``(A) shall maintain all records entered into the
    database under paragraph (2) pertaining to an individual
    until the date of receipt of notification that the
    individual is deceased; and
    ``(B) may remove the individual's records from the
    database after that date.

    [[Page 2354]]

    ``(6) Receipt of consent.--The Administrator shall not
    permit an air carrier to access records pertaining to an
    individual from the database under paragraph (1) without the air
    carrier first demonstrating to the satisfaction of the
    Administrator that the air carrier has obtained the written
    consent of the individual.
    ``(7) Right of pilot to review certain records and correct
    inaccuracies.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law or
    agreement, the Administrator, upon receipt of written request
    from an individual--
    ``(A) <>  shall make available, not
    later than 30 days after the date of the request, to the
    individual for review all records referred to in
    paragraph (2) pertaining to the individual; and
    ``(B) shall provide the individual with a reasonable
    opportunity to submit written comments to correct any
    inaccuracies contained in the records.
    ``(8) Reasonable charges for processing requests and
    furnishing copies.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Administrator may establish a
    reasonable charge for the cost of processing a request
    under paragraph (1) or (7) and for the cost of
    furnishing copies of requested records under paragraph
    (7).
    ``(B) Crediting appropriations.--Funds received by
    the Administrator pursuant to this paragraph shall--
    ``(i) be credited to the appropriation current
    when the amount is received;
    ``(ii) be merged with and available for the
    purposes of such appropriation; and
    ``(iii) remain available until expended.
    ``(9) Privacy protections.--
    ``(A) Use of records.--An air carrier that accesses
    records pertaining to an individual under paragraph (1)
    may use the records only to assess the qualifications of
    the individual in deciding whether or not to hire the
    individual as a pilot. The air carrier shall take such
    actions as may be necessary to protect the privacy of
    the individual and the confidentiality of the records
    accessed, including ensuring that information contained
    in the records is not divulged to any individual that is
    not directly involved in the hiring decision.
    ``(B) Disclosure of information.--
    ``(i) In general.--Except as provided by
    clause (ii), information collected by the
    Administrator under paragraph (2) shall be exempt
    from the disclosure requirements of section 552 of
    title 5.
    ``(ii) Exceptions.--Clause (i) shall not apply
    to--
    ``(I) deidentified, summarized
    information to explain the need for
    changes in policies and regulations;
    ``(II) information to correct a
    condition that compromises safety;
    ``(III) information to carry out a
    criminal investigation or prosecution;
    ``(IV) information to comply with
    section 44905, regarding information
    about threats to civil aviation; and

    [[Page 2355]]

    ``(V) such information as the
    Administrator determines necessary, if
    withholding the information would not be
    consistent with the safety
    responsibilities of the Federal Aviation
    Administration.
    ``(10) Periodic review.--Not
    later <>  than 18 months after the
    date of enactment of this paragraph, and at least once every 3
    years thereafter, the Administrator shall transmit to Congress a
    statement that contains, taking into account recent developments
    in the aviation industry--
    ``(A) recommendations by the Administrator
    concerning proposed changes to Federal Aviation
    Administration records, air carrier records, and other
    records required to be included in the database under
    paragraph (2); or
    ``(B) reasons why the Administrator does not
    recommend any proposed changes to the records referred
    to in subparagraph (A).
    ``(11) Regulations for protection and security of records.--
    The Administrator shall prescribe such regulations as may be
    necessary--
    ``(A) to protect and secure--
    ``(i) the personal privacy of any individual
    whose records are accessed under paragraph (1);
    and
    ``(ii) the confidentiality of those records;
    and
    ``(B) to preclude the further dissemination of
    records received under paragraph (1) by the person who
    accessed the records.
    ``(12) Good faith exception.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1),
    an air carrier may allow an individual to begin service as a
    pilot, without first obtaining information described in
    paragraph (2)(B) from the database pertaining to the individual,
    if--
    ``(A) the air carrier has made a documented good
    faith attempt to access the information from the
    database; and
    ``(B) the air carrier has received written notice
    from the Administrator that the information is not
    contained in the database because the individual was
    employed by an air carrier or other person that no
    longer exists or by a foreign government or other entity
    that has not provided the information to the database.
    ``(13) Limitations on electronic access to records.--
    ``(A) Access by individuals designated by air
    carriers.--For the purpose of increasing timely and
    efficient access to records described in paragraph (2),
    the Administrator may allow, under terms established by
    the Administrator, an individual designated by an air
    carrier to have electronic access to the database.
    ``(B) Terms.--The terms established by the
    Administrator under subparagraph (A) for allowing a
    designated individual to have electronic access to the
    database shall limit such access to instances in which
    information in the database is required by the
    designated individual in making a hiring decision
    concerning a pilot applicant and shall require that the
    designated individual provide assurances satisfactory to
    the Administrator that--

    [[Page 2356]]

    ``(i) the designated individual has received
    the written consent of the pilot applicant to
    access the information; and
    ``(ii) information obtained using such access
    will not be used for any purpose other than making
    the hiring decision.
    ``(14) Authorized expenditures.--Of amounts appropriated
    under section 106(k)(1), a total of $6,000,000 for fiscal years
    2010 through 2013 may be used to carry out this subsection.
    ``(15) Regulations.--
    ``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall issue
    regulations to carry out this subsection.
    ``(B) Effective date.--The regulations shall specify
    the date on which the requirements of this subsection
    take effect and the date on which the requirements of
    subsection (h) cease to be effective.
    ``(C) Exceptions.--Notwithstanding subparagraph
    (B)--
    ``(i) <>  the Administrator
    shall begin to establish the database under
    paragraph (2) not later than 90 days after the
    date of enactment of this paragraph;
    ``(ii) <>  the
    Administrator shall maintain records in accordance
    with paragraph (5) beginning on the date of
    enactment of this paragraph; and
    ``(iii) <>  air carriers
    and other persons shall maintain records to be
    reported to the database under paragraph (4)(B) in
    the period beginning on such date of enactment and
    ending on the date that is 5 years after the
    requirements of subsection (h) cease to be
    effective pursuant to subparagraph (B).
    ``(16) Special rule.--During the <>  one-year period beginning on the date
    on which the requirements of this section become effective
    pursuant to paragraph (15)(B), paragraph (7)(A) shall be applied
    by substituting `45 days' for `30 days'.''.

    (c) Conforming Amendments.--
    (1) Limitation on liability; preemption of state law.--
    Section 44703(j) (as redesignated by subsection (b)(1) of this
    section) is amended--
    (A) in the subsection heading by striking
    ``Limitation'' and inserting ``Limitations'';
    (B) in paragraph (1)--
    (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)
    by striking ``paragraph (2)'' and inserting
    ``subsection (h)(2) or (i)(3)'';
    (ii) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ``or
    accessing the records of that individual under
    subsection (i)(1)'' before the semicolon; and
    (iii) in the matter following subparagraph (D)
    by striking ``subsection (h)'' and inserting
    ``subsection (h) or (i)'';
    (C) in paragraph (2) by striking ``subsection (h)''
    and inserting ``subsection (h) or (i)'';
    (D) in paragraph (3), in the matter preceding
    subparagraph (A), by inserting ``or who furnished
    information to the database established under subsection
    (i)(2)'' after ``subsection (h)(1)''; and

    [[Page 2357]]

    (E) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(4) Prohibition on actions and proceedings against air
    carriers.--
    ``(A) Hiring decisions.--An air carrier may refuse
    to hire an individual as a pilot if the individual did
    not provide written consent for the air carrier to
    receive records under subsection (h)(2)(A) or (i)(3)(A)
    or did not execute the release from liability requested
    under subsection (h)(2)(B) or (i)(3)(B).
    ``(B) Actions and proceedings.--No action or
    proceeding may be brought against an air carrier by or
    on behalf of an individual who has applied for or is
    seeking a position as a pilot with the air carrier if
    the air carrier refused to hire the individual after the
    individual did not provide written consent for the air
    carrier to receive records under subsection (h)(2)(A) or
    (i)(3)(A) or did not execute a release from liability
    requested under subsection (h)(2)(B) or (i)(3)(B).''.
    (2) Limitation on statutory construction.--Section 44703(k)
    (as redesignated by subsection (b)(1) of this section) is
    amended by striking ``subsection (h)'' and inserting
    ``subsection (h) or (i)''.
    SEC. 204. <>  FAA TASK FORCE ON AIR
    CARRIER SAFETY AND PILOT TRAINING.

    (a) Establishment.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation
    Administration shall establish a special task force to be known as the
    FAA Task Force on Air Carrier Safety and Pilot Training (in this section
    referred to as the ``Task Force'').
    (b) Composition.--The Task Force shall consist of members appointed
    by the Administrator and shall include air carrier representatives,
    labor union representatives, and aviation safety experts with knowledge
    of foreign and domestic regulatory requirements for flight crewmember
    education and training.
    (c) Duties.--The duties of the Task Force shall include, at a
    minimum, evaluating best practices in the air carrier industry and
    providing recommendations in the following areas:
    (1) Air carrier management responsibilities for flight
    crewmember education and support.
    (2) Flight crewmember professional standards.
    (3) Flight crewmember training standards and performance.
    (4) Mentoring and information sharing between air carriers.

    (d) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of enactment of
    this Act, and before the last day of each one-year period thereafter
    until termination of the Task Force, the Task Force shall submit to the
    Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
    Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
    Transportation of the Senate a report detailing--
    (1) the progress of the Task Force in identifying best
    practices in the air carrier industry;
    (2) the progress of air carriers and labor unions in
    implementing the best practices identified by the Task Force;
    (3) recommendations of the Task Force, if any, for
    legislative or regulatory actions;

    [[Page 2358]]

    (4) the progress of air carriers and labor unions in
    implementing training-related, nonregulatory actions recommended
    by the Administrator; and
    (5) the progress of air carriers in developing specific
    programs to share safety data and ensure implementation of the
    most effective safety practices.

    (e) Termination.--The Task Force shall terminate on September 30,
    2012.
    (f) Applicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The Federal
    Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Task
    Force.
    SEC. 205. <>  AVIATION SAFETY INSPECTORS
    AND OPERATIONAL RESEARCH ANALYSTS.

    (a) Review by DOT Inspector General.--Not
    later <>  than 9 months after the date of
    enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the Department of
    Transportation shall conduct a review of the aviation safety inspectors
    and operational research analysts of the Federal Aviation Administration
    assigned to part 121 air carriers and submit to the Administrator of the
    Federal Aviation Administration a report on the results of the review.

    (b) Purposes.--The purpose of the review shall be, at a minimum--
    (1) to review the level of the Administration's oversight of
    each part 121 air carrier;
    (2) to make recommendations to ensure that each part 121 air
    carrier is receiving an equivalent level of oversight;
    (3) to assess the number and level of experience of aviation
    safety inspectors assigned to each part 121 air carrier;
    (4) to evaluate how the Administration is making assignments
    of aviation safety inspectors to each part 121 air carrier;
    (5) to review various safety inspector oversight programs,
    including the geographic inspector program;
    (6) to evaluate the adequacy of the number of operational
    research analysts assigned to each part 121 air carrier;
    (7) to evaluate the surveillance responsibilities of
    aviation safety inspectors, including en route inspections;
    (8) to evaluate whether inspectors are able to effectively
    use data sources, such as the Safety Performance Analysis System
    and the Air Transportation Oversight System, to assist in
    targeting oversight of each part 121 air carrier;
    (9) to assess the feasibility of establishment by the
    Administration of a comprehensive repository of information that
    encompasses multiple Administration data sources and allows
    access by aviation safety inspectors and operational research
    analysts to assist in the oversight of each part 121 air
    carrier; and
    (10) to conduct such other analyses as the Inspector General
    considers relevant to the review.
    SEC. 206. <>  FLIGHT CREWMEMBER
    MENTORING, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, AND
    LEADERSHIP.

    (a) Aviation Rulemaking Committee.--
    (1) In general.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation
    Administration shall convene an aviation rulemaking committee to
    develop procedures for each part 121 air carrier to take the
    following actions:

    [[Page 2359]]

    (A) Establish flight crewmember mentoring programs
    under which the air carrier will pair highly experienced
    flight crewmembers who will serve as mentor pilots and
    be paired with newly employed flight crewmembers. Mentor
    pilots should be provided, at a minimum, specific
    instruction on techniques for instilling and reinforcing
    the highest standards of technical performance,
    airmanship, and professionalism in newly employed flight
    crewmembers.
    (B) Establish flight crewmember professional
    development committees made up of air carrier management
    and labor union or professional association
    representatives to develop, administer, and oversee
    formal mentoring programs of the carrier to assist
    flight crewmembers to reach their maximum potential as
    safe, seasoned, and proficient flight crewmembers.
    (C) Establish or modify training programs to
    accommodate substantially different levels and types of
    flight experience by newly employed flight crewmembers.
    (D) Establish or modify training programs for
    second-in-command flight crewmembers attempting to
    qualify as pilot-in-command flight crewmembers for the
    first time in a specific aircraft type and ensure that
    such programs include leadership and command training.
    (E) Ensure that recurrent training for pilots in
    command includes leadership and command training.
    (F) Such other actions as the aviation rulemaking
    committee determines appropriate to enhance flight
    crewmember professional development.
    (2) Compliance with sterile cockpit rule.--Leadership and
    command training described in paragraphs (1)(D) and (1)(E) shall
    include instruction on compliance with flight crewmember duties
    under part 121.542 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    (3) Streamlined program review.--
    (A) In general.--As part of the rulemaking required
    by subsection (b), the Administrator shall establish a
    streamlined review process for part 121 air carriers
    that have in effect, as of the date of enactment of this
    Act, the programs described in paragraph (1).
    (B) Expedited approvals.--Under the streamlined
    review process, the Administrator shall--
    (i) review the programs of such part 121 air
    carriers to determine whether the programs meet
    the requirements set forth in the final rule
    referred to in subsection (b)(2); and
    (ii) expedite the approval of the programs
    that the Administrator determines meet such
    requirements.

    (b) Rulemaking.--The Administrator <>  shall
    issue--
    (1) <>  not later than one year after the
    date of enactment of this Act, a notice of proposed rulemaking
    based on the recommendations of the aviation rulemaking
    committee convened under subsection (a); and
    (2) not later than 36 months after such date of enactment, a
    final rule based on such recommendations.

    [[Page 2360]]

    SEC. 207. <>  FLIGHT CREWMEMBER PAIRING
    AND CREW RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES.

    (a) Study.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration
    shall conduct a study on aviation industry best practices with regard to
    flight crewmember pairing, crew resource management techniques, and
    pilot commuting.
    (b) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of enactment of
    this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on
    Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and
    the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a
    report on the results of the study.
    SEC. 208. <>  IMPLEMENTATION OF NTSB
    FLIGHT CREWMEMBER TRAINING
    RECOMMENDATIONS.

    (a) Rulemaking Proceedings.--
    (1) Stall and upset recognition and recovery training.--The
    Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall
    conduct a rulemaking proceeding to require part 121 air carriers
    to provide flight crewmembers with ground training and flight
    training or flight simulator training--
    (A) to recognize and avoid a stall of an aircraft
    or, if not avoided, to recover from the stall; and
    (B) to recognize and avoid an upset of an aircraft
    or, if not avoided, to execute such techniques as
    available data indicate are appropriate to recover from
    the upset in a given make, model, and series of
    aircraft.
    (2) Remedial training programs.--The Administrator shall
    conduct a rulemaking proceeding to require part 121 air carriers
    to establish remedial training programs for flight crewmembers
    who have demonstrated performance deficiencies or experienced
    failures in the training environment.
    (3) Deadlines.--The Administrator shall--
    (A) <>  not later than one year after
    the date of enactment of this Act, issue a notice of
    proposed rulemaking under each of paragraphs (1) and
    (2); and
    (B) not later than 36 months after the date of
    enactment of this Act, issue a final rule for the
    rulemaking under each of paragraphs (1) and (2).

    (b) Stick Pusher Training and Weather Event Training.--
    (1) Multidisciplinary panel.--Not
    later <>  than 120 days after the date
    of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall convene a
    multidisciplinary panel of specialists in aircraft operations,
    flight crewmember training, human factors, and aviation safety
    to study and submit to the Administrator a report on methods to
    increase the familiarity of flight crewmembers with, and improve
    the response of flight crewmembers to, stick pusher systems,
    icing conditions, and microburst and windshear weather events.
    (2) Report to congress and ntsb.--Not later than one year
    after the date on which the Administrator convenes the panel,
    the Administrator shall--
    (A) submit to the Committee on Transportation and
    Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the
    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of
    the Senate, and the National Transportation Safety Board
    a report based on the findings of the panel; and

    [[Page 2361]]

    (B) with respect to stick pusher systems, initiate
    appropriate actions to implement the recommendations of
    the panel.

    (c) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions apply:
    (1) Flight training and flight simulator.--The terms
    ``flight training'' and ``flight simulator'' have the meanings
    given those terms in part 61.1 of title 14, Code of Federal
    Regulations (or any successor regulation).
    (2) Stall.--The term ``stall'' means an aerodynamic loss of
    lift caused by exceeding the critical angle of attack.
    (3) Stick pusher.--The term ``stick pusher'' means a device
    that, at or near a stall, applies a nose down pitch force to an
    aircraft's control columns to attempt to decrease the aircraft's
    angle of attack.
    (4) Upset.--The term ``upset'' means an unusual aircraft
    attitude.
    SEC. 209. <>  FAA RULEMAKING
    ON TRAINING PROGRAMS.

    (a) Completion of Rulemaking on Training Programs.--Not later than
    14 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of
    the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue a final rule with
    respect to the notice of proposed rulemaking published in the Federal
    Register on January 12, 2009 (74 Fed. Reg. 1280; relating to training
    programs for flight crewmembers and aircraft dispatchers).
    (b) Expert Panel To Review Part 121 and Part 135 Training Hours.--
    (1) Establishment.--Not later than 60 days after the date of
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall convene a
    multidisciplinary expert panel comprised of, at a minimum, air
    carrier representatives, training facility representatives,
    instructional design experts, aircraft manufacturers, safety
    organization representatives, and labor union representatives.
    (2) Assessment and recommendations.--The panel shall assess
    and make recommendations concerning--
    (A) the best methods and optimal time needed for
    flight crewmembers of part 121 air carriers and flight
    crewmembers of part 135 air carriers to master aircraft
    systems, maneuvers, procedures, takeoffs and landings,
    and crew coordination;
    (B) initial and recurrent testing requirements for
    pilots, including the rigor and consistency of testing
    programs such as check rides;
    (C) the optimal length of time between training
    events for such flight crewmembers, including recurrent
    training events;
    (D) the best methods reliably to evaluate mastery by
    such flight crewmembers of aircraft systems, maneuvers,
    procedures, takeoffs and landings, and crew
    coordination;
    (E) classroom instruction requirements governing
    curriculum content and hours of instruction;
    (F) the best methods to allow specific academic
    training courses to be credited toward the total flight
    hours required to receive an airline transport pilot
    certificate; and
    (G) crew leadership training.

    [[Page 2362]]

    (3) Best practices.--In making recommendations under
    subsection (b)(2), the panel shall consider, if appropriate,
    best practices in the aviation industry with respect to training
    protocols, methods, and procedures.
    (4) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the
    Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
    Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
    Transportation of the Senate, and the National Transportation
    Safety Board a report based on the findings of the panel.
    SEC. 210. <>  DISCLOSURE OF AIR CARRIERS
    OPERATING FLIGHTS FOR TICKETS SOLD FOR AIR
    TRANSPORTATION.

    Section 41712 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding
    at the end the following:
    ``(c) Disclosure Requirement for Sellers of Tickets for Flights.--
    ``(1) In general.--It shall be an unfair or deceptive
    practice under subsection (a) for any ticket agent, air carrier,
    foreign air carrier, or other person offering to sell tickets
    for air transportation on a flight of an air carrier to fail to
    disclose, whether verbally in oral communication or in writing
    in written or electronic communication, prior to the purchase of
    a ticket--
    ``(A) the name of the air carrier providing the air
    transportation; and
    ``(B) if the flight has more than one flight
    segment, the name of each air carrier providing the air
    transportation for each such flight segment.
    ``(2) Internet offers.--In the case of an offer to sell
    tickets described in paragraph (1) on an Internet Web site,
    disclosure of the information required by paragraph (1) shall be
    provided on the first display of the Web site following a search
    of a requested itinerary in a format that is easily visible to a
    viewer.''.
    SEC. 211. <>  SAFETY
    INSPECTIONS OF REGIONAL AIR CARRIERS.

    The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall
    perform, not less frequently than once each year, random, onsite
    inspections of air carriers that provide air transportation pursuant to
    a contract with a part 121 air carrier to ensure that such air carriers
    are complying with all applicable safety standards of the
    Administration.
    SEC. 212. <>  PILOT FATIGUE.

    (a) Flight and Duty Time Regulations.--
    (1) In general.--In accordance with paragraph (3), the
    Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue
    regulations, based on the best available scientific information,
    to specify limitations on the hours of flight and duty time
    allowed for pilots to address problems relating to pilot
    fatigue.
    (2) Matters to be addressed.--In conducting the rulemaking
    proceeding under this subsection, the Administrator shall
    consider and review the following:
    (A) Time of day of flights in a duty period.
    (B) Number of takeoff and landings in a duty period.
    (C) Number of time zones crossed in a duty period.

    [[Page 2363]]

    (D) The impact of functioning in multiple time zones
    or on different daily schedules.
    (E) Research conducted on fatigue, sleep, and
    circadian rhythms.
    (F) Sleep and rest requirements recommended by the
    National Transportation Safety Board and the National
    Aeronautics and Space Administration.
    (G) International standards regarding flight
    schedules and duty periods.
    (H) Alternative procedures to facilitate alertness
    in the cockpit.
    (I) Scheduling and attendance policies and
    practices, including sick leave.
    (J) The effects of commuting, the means of
    commuting, and the length of the commute.
    (K) Medical screening and treatment.
    (L) Rest environments.
    (M) Any other matters the Administrator considers
    appropriate.
    (3) Rulemaking.--The Administrator <>
    shall issue--
    (A) <>  not later than 180 days after
    the date of enactment of this Act, a notice of proposed
    rulemaking under paragraph (1); and
    (B) not later than one year after the date of
    enactment of this Act, a final rule under paragraph (1).

    (b) <>  Fatigue Risk Management Plan.--
    (1) Submission of fatigue risk management plan by part 121
    air carriers.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
    enactment of this Act, each part 121 air carrier shall submit to
    the Administrator for review and acceptance a fatigue risk
    management plan for the carrier's pilots.
    (2) Contents of plan.--A fatigue risk management plan
    submitted by a part 121 air carrier under paragraph (1) shall
    include the following:
    (A) Current flight time and duty period limitations.
    (B) A rest scheme consistent with such limitations
    that enables the management of pilot fatigue, including
    annual training to increase awareness of--
    (i) fatigue;
    (ii) the effects of fatigue on pilots; and
    (iii) fatigue countermeasures.
    (C) Development and use of a methodology that
    continually assesses the effectiveness of the program,
    including the ability of the program--
    (i) to improve alertness; and
    (ii) to mitigate performance errors.
    (3) Review.--Not later than 12 months after the date of
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall review and accept
    or reject the fatigue risk management plans submitted under this
    subsection. If the Administrator rejects a plan, the
    Administrator shall provide suggested modifications for
    resubmission of the plan.
    (4) Plan updates.--
    (A) In general.--A part 121 air carrier shall update
    its fatigue risk management plan under paragraph (1)
    every 2 years and submit the update to the Administrator
    for review and acceptance.

    [[Page 2364]]

    (B) Review.--Not later than 12 months after the date
    of submission of a plan update under subparagraph (A),
    the Administrator shall review and accept or reject the
    update. If the Administrator rejects an update, the
    Administrator shall provide suggested modifications for
    resubmission of the update.
    (5) Compliance.--A part 121 air carrier shall comply with
    the fatigue risk management plan of the air carrier that is
    accepted by the Administrator under this subsection.
    (6) Civil penalties.--A violation of this subsection by a
    part 121 air carrier shall be treated as a violation of chapter
    447 of title 49, United States Code, for purposes of the
    application of civil penalties under chapter 463 of that title.

    (c) Effect of Commuting on Fatigue.--
    (1) In general.--Not
    later <>  than 60 days after
    the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall enter
    into appropriate arrangements with the National Academy of
    Sciences to conduct a study of the effects of commuting on pilot
    fatigue and report its findings to the Administrator.
    (2) Study.--In conducting the study, the National Academy of
    Sciences shall consider--
    (A) the prevalence of pilot commuting in the
    commercial air carrier industry, including the number
    and percentage of pilots who commute;
    (B) information relating to commuting by pilots,
    including distances traveled, time zones crossed, time
    spent, and methods used;
    (C) research on the impact of commuting on pilot
    fatigue, sleep, and circadian rhythms;
    (D) commuting policies of commercial air carriers
    (including passenger and all-cargo air carriers),
    including pilot check-in requirements and sick leave and
    fatigue policies;
    (E) postconference materials from the Federal
    Aviation Administration's June 2008 symposium titled
    ``Aviation Fatigue Management Symposium: Partnerships
    for Solutions'';
    (F) Federal Aviation Administration and
    international policies and guidance regarding commuting;
    and
    (G) any other matters as the Administrator considers
    appropriate.
    (3) Preliminary findings.--Not later <>
    than 120 days after the date of entering into arrangements under
    paragraph (1), the National Academy of Sciences shall submit to
    the Administrator its preliminary findings under the study.
    (4) Report.--Not later than 9 months after the date of
    entering into arrangements under paragraph (1), the National
    Academy of Sciences shall submit a report to the Administrator
    containing its findings under the study and any recommendations
    for regulatory or administrative actions by the Federal Aviation
    Administration concerning commuting by pilots.
    (5) Rulemaking.--Following receipt of the report of the
    National Academy of Sciences under paragraph (4), the
    Administrator shall--
    (A) consider the findings and recommendations in the
    report; and

    [[Page 2365]]

    (B) update, as appropriate based on scientific data,
    regulations required by subsection (a) on flight and
    duty time.
    SEC. 213. <>  VOLUNTARY SAFETY PROGRAMS.

    (a) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
    this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall
    submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the
    House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
    Transportation of the Senate a report on the aviation safety action
    program, the flight operational quality assurance program, the line
    operations safety audit, and the advanced qualification program.
    (b) Contents.--The report shall include--
    (1) a list of--
    (A) which air carriers are using one or more of the
    voluntary safety programs referred to in subsection (a);
    and
    (B) the voluntary safety programs each air carrier
    is using;
    (2) if an air carrier is not using one or more of the
    voluntary safety programs--
    (A) a list of such programs the carrier is not
    using; and
    (B) the reasons the carrier is not using each such
    program;
    (3) if an air carrier is using one or more of the voluntary
    safety programs, an explanation of the benefits and challenges
    of using each such program;
    (4) a detailed analysis of how the Administration is using
    data derived from each of the voluntary safety programs as
    safety analysis and accident or incident prevention tools and a
    detailed plan on how the Administration intends to expand data
    analysis of such programs;
    (5) an explanation of--
    (A) where the data derived from the voluntary safety
    programs is stored;
    (B) how the data derived from such programs is
    protected and secured; and
    (C) what data analysis processes air carriers are
    implementing to ensure the effective use of the data
    derived from such programs;
    (6) a description of the extent to which aviation safety
    inspectors are able to review data derived from the voluntary
    safety programs to enhance their oversight responsibilities;
    (7) a description of how the Administration plans to
    incorporate operational trends identified under the voluntary
    safety programs into the air transport oversight system and
    other surveillance databases so that such system and databases
    are more effectively utilized;
    (8) other plans to strengthen the voluntary safety programs,
    taking into account reviews of such programs by the Inspector
    General of the Department of Transportation; and
    (9) such other matters as the Administrator determines are
    appropriate.

    [[Page 2366]]

    SEC. 214. <>  ASAP AND FOQA
    IMPLEMENTATION PLAN.

    (a) Development and Implementation Plan.--The Administrator of the
    Federal Aviation Administration shall develop and implement a plan to
    facilitate the establishment of an aviation safety action program and a
    flight operational quality assurance program by all part 121 air
    carriers.
    (b) Matters To Be Considered.--In developing the plan under
    subsection (a), the Administrator shall consider--
    (1) how the Administration can assist part 121 air carriers
    with smaller fleet sizes to derive a benefit from establishing a
    flight operational quality assurance program;
    (2) how part 121 air carriers with established aviation
    safety action and flight operational quality assurance programs
    can quickly begin to report data into the aviation safety
    information analysis sharing database; and
    (3) how part 121 air carriers and aviation safety inspectors
    can better utilize data from such database as accident and
    incident prevention tools.

    (c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
    this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on
    Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and
    the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a
    copy of the plan developed under subsection (a) and an explanation of
    how the Administration will implement the plan.
    (d) Deadline for Beginning Implementation of Plan.--Not later than
    one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator
    shall begin implementation of the plan developed under subsection (a).
    SEC. 215. <>  SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.

    (a) Rulemaking.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation
    Administration shall conduct a rulemaking proceeding to require all part
    121 air carriers to implement a safety management system.
    (b) Matters To Consider.--In conducting the rulemaking under
    subsection (a), the Administrator shall consider, at a minimum,
    including each of the following as a part of the safety management
    system:
    (1) An aviation safety action program.
    (2) A flight operational quality assurance program.
    (3) A line operations safety audit.
    (4) An advanced qualification program.

    (c) Deadlines.--The Administrator shall issue--
    (1) <>  not later than 90 days after the date
    of enactment of this Act, a notice of proposed rulemaking under
    subsection (a); and
    (2) <>  not later than 24 months after
    the date of enactment of this Act, a final rule under subsection
    (a).

    (d) Safety Management System Defined.--In this section, the term
    ``safety management system'' means the program established by the
    Federal Aviation Administration in Advisory Circular 120-92, dated June
    22, 2006, including any subsequent revisions thereto.
    SEC. 216. <>  FLIGHT CREWMEMBER
    SCREENING AND QUALIFICATIONS.

    (a) Requirements.--

    [[Page 2367]]

    (1) Rulemaking proceeding.--The Administrator of the Federal
    Aviation Administration shall conduct a rulemaking proceeding to
    require part 121 air carriers to develop and implement means and
    methods for ensuring that flight crewmembers have proper
    qualifications and experience.
    (2) Minimum requirements.--
    (A) Prospective flight crewmembers.--Rules issued
    under paragraph (1) shall ensure that prospective flight
    crewmembers undergo comprehensive preemployment
    screening, including an assessment of the skills,
    aptitudes, airmanship, and suitability of each applicant
    for a position as a flight crewmember in terms of
    functioning effectively in the air carrier's operational
    environment.
    (B) All flight crewmembers.--Rules issued under
    paragraph (1) shall ensure that, after the date that is
    3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, all
    flight crewmembers--
    (i) have obtained an airline transport pilot
    certificate under part 61 of title 14, Code of
    Federal Regulations; and
    (ii) have appropriate multi-engine aircraft
    flight experience, as determined by the
    Administrator.

    (b) Deadlines.--The Administrator shall issue--
    (1) <>  not later than 180 days after the
    date of enactment of this Act, a notice of proposed rulemaking
    under subsection (a); and
    (2) <>  not later than 24 months after
    such date of enactment, a final rule under subsection (a).

    (c) <>  Default.--The
    requirement that each flight crewmember for a part 121 air carrier hold
    an airline transport pilot certificate under part 61 of title 14, Code
    of Federal Regulations, shall begin to apply on the date that is 3 years
    after the date of enactment of this Act even if the Administrator fails
    to meet a deadline established under this section.
    SEC. 217. <>  AIRLINE TRANSPORT PILOT
    CERTIFICATION.

    (a) Rulemaking Proceeding.--The Administrator of the Federal
    Aviation Administration shall conduct a rulemaking proceeding to amend
    part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to modify requirements
    for the issuance of an airline transport pilot certificate.
    (b) Minimum Requirements.--To be qualified to receive an airline
    transport pilot certificate pursuant to subsection (a), an individual
    shall--
    (1) have sufficient flight hours, as determined by the
    Administrator, to enable a pilot to function effectively in an
    air carrier operational environment; and
    (2) have received flight training, academic training, or
    operational experience that will prepare a pilot, at a minimum,
    to--
    (A) function effectively in a multipilot
    environment;
    (B) function effectively in adverse weather
    conditions, including icing conditions;
    (C) function effectively during high altitude
    operations;
    (D) adhere to the highest professional standards;
    and
    (E) function effectively in an air carrier
    operational environment.

    [[Page 2368]]

    (c) Flight Hours.--
    (1) Numbers of flight hours.--The total flight hours
    required by the Administrator under subsection (b)(1) shall be
    at least 1,500 flight hours.
    (2) Flight hours in difficult operational conditions.--The
    total flight hours required by the Administrator under
    subsection (b)(1) shall include sufficient flight hours, as
    determined by the Administrator, in difficult operational
    conditions that may be encountered by an air carrier to enable a
    pilot to operate safely in such conditions.

    (d) Credit Toward Flight Hours.--The Administrator may allow
    specific academic training courses, beyond those required under
    subsection (b)(2), to be credited toward the total flight hours required
    under subsection (c). The Administrator may allow such credit based on a
    determination by the Administrator that allowing a pilot to take
    specific academic training courses will enhance safety more than
    requiring the pilot to fully comply with the flight hours requirement.
    (e) Recommendations of Expert Panel.--In conducting the rulemaking
    proceeding under this section, the Administrator shall review and
    consider the assessment and recommendations of the expert panel to
    review part 121 and part 135 training hours established by section
    209(b) of this Act.
    (f) <>  Deadline.--Not later than 36 months
    after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a
    final rule under subsection (a).

    Approved August 1, 2010.

    LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 5900:
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 156 (2010):
    July 29, considered and passed House.
    July 30, considered and passed Senate.