S-1939 : Still Just a Bill

FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023

This bill reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through FY2028, including activities and programs related to airport planning and development, facilities and equipment, and operations.

The bill also addresses a wide range of issues, including by

• expanding air traffic controller training capacity and requiring the FAA to update the training process for air traffic controllers and the FAA Contract Tower Program;
• prohibiting aircraft dispatchers from working remotely, with limited exceptions for emergencies;
• requiring the FAA to operationalize key programs under the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) by December 31, 2025;
• requiring air carriers to provide a full refund, upon request, to passengers who hold a nonrefundable ticket for a cancelled or significantly delayed flight;
• requiring the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a policy directing certain air carriers to seat a young child next to an accompanying adult if adjacent seats are available without charging an additional fee;
• requiring DOT to issue rules on minimum training standards for airline personnel who assist wheelchair users;
• requiring air carriers to publish information related to the stowage of powered wheelchairs, including cargo hold dimensions;
• establishing a new DOT grant program for airports to dispose of products that contain per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), such as certain firefighting equipment, and purchase fluorine-free firefighting alternatives;
• requiring the FAA to update safety standards for commercial air tour operators (i.e., sightseeing airplane and helicopter flights); and
• requiring the FAA to establish a regulatory pathway for the certification or approval of commercial unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones) to operate beyond the visual line of sight.