What Is the HR 302 FAA Reauthorization Act?

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 authorizes funding for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through the 2028 fiscal year. Signed into law on May 16, 2024, the act provides stability and clear direction for the nation’s aviation authority. The legislation introduces new policies and regulations impacting airline passengers, commercial operators, and aircraft manufacturers. It also addresses emerging technologies, updates safety protocols, and refines the responsibilities of federal agencies that oversee air travel.

New Rules for Air Travelers

The new law addresses the common frustration of families being separated on flights. It mandates that the Department of Transportation finalize rules requiring airlines to seat children 13 and under next to an accompanying adult at no additional cost. Several major U.S. airlines have already committed to guaranteeing free family seating.

Under a new Department of Transportation rule, airlines must provide a refund for any baggage fee if the checked bag is not delivered within 12 hours of a domestic flight’s arrival. For international flights, the refund is required if the bag is delayed between 15 and 30 hours, depending on the flight’s length. The rule also requires airlines to refund fees for any other service that a passenger paid for but did not receive.

The legislation maintains a passenger protection that prohibits airlines from involuntarily removing a passenger from a flight due to an oversold situation after that passenger has already boarded. This was a response to high-profile incidents where paying customers were forcibly removed from planes.

Finally, the act clarifies regulations for transporting animals in the cabin. It directs the Department of Transportation to issue rules defining a service animal and to develop standards for their carriage. This includes allowing airlines to require documentation to verify the animal’s training and health, aiming to balance accommodating passengers with disabilities and preventing issues with untrained animals.

Regulations for Unmanned Aircraft Systems

The FAA has established a regulatory framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, distinguishing between recreational and commercial use. The law mandates that all recreational drone operators pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety test. This led to the creation of The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), a free online course and exam.

All drones weighing more than 0.55 pounds must be registered with the FAA and marked with a unique registration number. These rules are designed to safely integrate recreational drones into the national airspace.

For commercial drone operations, the legislation aims to expand their use, including for package delivery. Widespread commercial delivery is still in a developmental phase, as operations beyond the pilot’s visual line of sight (BVLOS) require special waivers from the FAA. The agency is developing new rules to streamline these operations.

A technological mandate now in effect is Remote ID. As of March 16, 2024, all drones that require registration must broadcast identification and location information during flight. This “digital license plate” allows law enforcement and aviation officials to identify a drone and its operator in real-time.

The act also addresses drone-related threats. Previous legislation granted the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security authority to counter drones perceived as a credible threat, but this authority was temporary and required multiple extensions. New legislation is under consideration to renew and expand these powers to some state and local law enforcement agencies.

Changes to Aviation Infrastructure and Safety

The act allocates financial resources to maintain and upgrade aviation infrastructure. A component of this is the authorization of billions of dollars for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). This program provides federal grants to airports for safety, capacity, and efficiency projects, including new runways, terminal renovations, and modern safety systems.

The legislation continues federal support for modernizing the nation’s air traffic control system through the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). This project aims to shift air traffic management from a ground-based radar system to a satellite-based one. However, the program has faced challenges and is behind schedule, with the 2024 Act continuing to fund the modernization effort.

Recognizing the risk of digital attacks, the act also strengthens aviation cybersecurity. The 2024 law grants the FAA authority to create cybersecurity rules for aircraft. In August 2024, the FAA issued a formal proposal for new design standards to protect aircraft and their systems from cyber threats.