Sec. 404. Unmanned aircraft systems testing
248 words·~1 min read·
/bill/116/s/2297/is/section-404A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Commandant shall carry out and update, as appropriate, a program for the use of a training area to facilitate the use of unmanned aircraft systems and small unmanned aircraft systems to support missions of the Coast Guard. Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall, as part of the program under subsection (a), designate an area for the training, testing, and development of unmanned aircraft systems and small unmanned aircraft systems.
In designating a training area under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall— select an area that leverages the capabilities of the common test site for unmanned aircraft systems of the Department of Homeland Security; and take into consideration all of the following attributes of the training area: Direct over-water maritime access from the site. The availability of existing Coast Guard support facilities, including pier and dock space. Proximity to existing and available offshore Warning Area airspace for test and training.
Existing facilities and infrastructure to support unmanned aircraft system-augmented, and small unmanned aircraft system-augmented, training, evaluations, and exercises. Existing and appropriate Federal Aviation Administration flight authorizations for the area. Existing facilities with a proven track record of supporting unmanned aircraft systems and small unmanned aircraft systems flight operations. In this section— the term existing means as of the date of enactment of this Act; and the terms small unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft system have the meanings given those terms in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code.