# FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 is a bill that renews and updates the Federal Aviation Administration's authority and funding for several years. Think of it like renewing a driver's license—the FAA needs Congress to officially approve its budget and powers on a regular basis, and this bill does that. The act covers everything from how much money the FAA gets to run airports and air traffic control systems, to safety regulations, and new rules for emerging aviation technologies like drones.

This bill affects a lot of people in different ways. If you fly regularly, it impacts the safety standards and infrastructure that keep planes running smoothly. If you work in aviation—whether as a pilot, flight attendant, mechanic, or airport employee—it affects your industry's regulations and funding. The bill also addresses newer issues like drone delivery services and urban air mobility (think flying taxis), which could eventually change how goods are delivered to your neighborhood or how people get around cities. Additionally, it typically includes provisions about airport improvements, which can mean better facilities at your local airport or new routes for airlines.

The bill also deals with important safety and environmental matters. It sets standards for aircraft maintenance, pilot training, and air traffic control modernization. Some versions of FAA reauthorization bills have included provisions about noise reduction near airports, airline consumer protections (like what happens when flights are delayed or cancelled), and environmental considerations for aviation. Without this reauthorization, the FAA would lose its legal authority to operate and enforce these rules, which would essentially shut down the aviation system.

FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024

Cantwell, Maria

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 <ul> <li>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; </li> <li>prohibiting aircraft dispatchers from working remotely, with limited exceptions for emergencies;</li> <li>requiring the FAA to operationalize key programs under the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) by December 31, 2025;</li> <li>requiring air carriers to provide a full refund, upon request, to passengers who hold a nonrefundable ticket for a cancelled or significantly delayed flight; </li> <li>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;</li> <li>requiring DOT to issue rules on minimum training standards for airline personnel who assist wheelchair users; </li> <li>requiring air carriers to publish information related to the stowage of powered wheelchairs, including cargo hold dimensions; </li> <li>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;</li> <li>requiring the FAA to update safety standards for commercial air tour operators (i.e., sightseeing airplane and helicopter flights); and</li> <li>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.</li> </ul>