Senate Passes FAA Reauthorization Act 93-6

The Senate voted 93-6 Wednesday to pass the FAA Reauthorization Act (HR-302), sending the bill to President Donald Trump. The House passed a five-year recertification last week 398-23 (see 1809270050). HR-302 would direct the Department of Transportation to issue regulations banning in-flight voice use of cellphones and other mobile devices, would clarify how wireless towers should be marked to protect low-flying aircraft and includes several provisions aimed at unmanned aerial vehicle systems. The UAV language includes text of the Preventing Emerging Threats Act, which would let the Department of Homeland Security and DOJ react in real-time to stop terrorism threats and would provide clear public disclosure about no-fly areas (see 1809270055). Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune, R-S.D., and ranking member Bill Nelson, D-Fla., applauded the five-year authorization. “Innovators also get a needed boost from provisions enhancing the competitiveness of our aircraft manufacturers and the continued integration of unmanned aircraft,” Thune said. Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International CEO Brian Wynne called the bill's inclusion of remote ID standards “critical for the ultimate realization of expanded operations, such as beyond line of sight and package delivery.” The also directs a rulemaking on a UAS Traffic Management system.