Sec. 1206. Remote towers
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/bill/115/s/1405/rs/section-1206·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall establish— in consultation with airport operators and general aviation users, a pilot program at public-use airports to construct and operate remote towers; a selection process for participation in the pilot program; and a clear process for the safety and operational certification of the remote towers. In establishing the pilot program, the Administrator shall consult with operators of remote towers in foreign countries to design the pilot program in a manner that leverages as many safety and airspace efficiency benefits as possible.
In selecting the airports for participation in the pilot program, the Administrator shall— to the extent practicable, ensure that at least 2 different vendors of remote tower systems participate; include at least 1 airport currently in the Contract Tower Program and at least 1 airport that does not have an air traffic control tower; and clearly identify the analysis relating to the feasibility, safety, cost, and benefits of remote towers that will be addressed at each airport.
In selecting an airport for participation in the pilot program, the Administrator shall consider— how inclusion of that airport will add value to assist the Administrator in evaluating the feasibility, safety, costs, and benefits of remote towers; the amount and variety of air traffic at an airport; and the costs and benefits of including that airport. The Administrator shall clearly identify and collect air traffic control information and data from participating airports that will assist the Administrator in evaluating the feasibility, safety, costs, and benefits of remote towers.
Not later than 1 year after the date the first remote tower is operational, and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report— detailing any benefits, costs, or safety improvements associated with the use of the remote towers; and evaluating the feasibility of using remote towers, particularly in the Contract Tower Program, for airports without an air traffic control tower, or to improve safety at airports with towers. Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall select airports for participation in the pilot program.
In this subsection: The term Contract Tower Program has the meaning given the term in section 47124(e) of title 49, United States Code, as added by section 1204 of this Act. The term remote tower means a remotely operated air navigation facility, including all necessary system components, that provides the functions and capabilities of an air traffic control tower whereby air traffic services are provided to operators at an airport from a location that may not be on or near the airport.
Not later than 30 days after the date on which the first remote tower is commissioned to operate under this section, the Administrator shall establish a process to authorize the construction and commissioning operation of additional remote towers, that are certificated under subsection (a)(1)(C), at other airports. For purposes of the pilot program under subsection (a), and after certificated remote towers are available under subsection (b), constructing a remote tower or acquiring and installing air traffic control, communications, or related equipment for a remote tower shall be considered airport development (as defined in section 47102 of title 49, United States Code) for purposes of subchapter I of chapter 471 of that title if components are installed and used at the airport, except, as needed, for off-airport sensors installed on leased towers.