Sec. 804. Extending special authority for certain unmanned aircraft systems

349 words·~2 min read·/bill/118/s/1939/is/section-804

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Section 44807(d) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking September 30, 2023 and inserting on the date the rules described in section 44811 take effect . Section 44807(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting or chapter 447 after Notwithstanding any other requirement of this chapter . In exercising authority under section 44807 of title 49, United States Code (as amended by subsection (a)), the Administrator shall, taking into account the statutory mandate to ensure safe and efficient use of the national airspace system and without requiring a rulemaking or imposing the requirements of part 11 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, grant exemptions— to enable— low-risk beyond visual line of sight operations, such as certain package delivery operations or shielded operations within 100 feet of the ground or a structure; or extended visual line of sight operations that rely on visual observers to keep the aircraft or airspace within view; or that are aligned with FAA exemptions that enable beyond visual line of sight operations with the use of acoustics, ground based radar, and other technological solutions.

Any rulemaking published prior to the date of enactment of this section under the authority described in section 44807 of title 49, United States Code, shall continue to be in effect following the expiration of such authority. Any exemption granted under the authority described in section 44807 of title 49, United States Code, and in effect as of September 30, 2023, shall continue to be in effect until the date that is 3 years after the date of termination described in such exemption.

The authority granted to the Secretary in such section 44807 may continue to be delegated to the Administrator in whole or in part. Nothing in this section shall be construed to interfere with the Secretary's— authority to rescind or amend the granting of an exemption for reasons such as unsafe conditions or operator oversight; or ability to grant an exemption based on a determination made pursuant to such section 44807 prior to the date described in subsection

(d)of such section.