FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018

FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018

This bill reauthorizes and extends the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and associated programs through FY2023 at increased levels.

The Department of Transportation's (DOT's) State block grant program is expanded.

The Air Traffic Control Contract Program is modified.

Grant authority for competitive land use planning and projects by state and local governments is extended.

Various requirements are imposed on the FAA, including those for: (1) conducting a review of the relationship between aircraft noise exposure and its effects on communities around airports; (2) establishing a Safety Oversight and Certification Advisory Committee; and (3) convening a multidisciplinary expert review panel to conduct a survey of Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) holders and ODA program applicants to document and assess FAA certification and oversight activities.

The General Accountability Office shall conduct a review to assess the workforce and training needs of the FAA Office of Aviation Safety in the anticipated budgetary environment.

Safety provisions are outlined, which include safety critical staffing provisions, as well as air service improvement provisions, which include a cell phone voice communication ban. Provisions with regard to aviation consumers with disabilities are also outlined.

The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act is amended with respect to wild fire prevention, eligibility for code implementation and enforcement, and program improvements.

FAA Leadership in Groundbreaking High-Tech Research and Development Act or the FLIGHT R&D Act

Appropriations are authorized with respect to various research and development (R&D) related matters including Safety Research and Development programs.

FAA shall appoint an Associate Administrator for Research and Development.

Provisions are set forth regarding unmanned aircraft systems, cybersecurity, and FAA R&D activities.

The Internal Revenue Code is amended with regard to: (1) expenditure authority from the airport and airway trust fund; and (2) extension of taxes funding such trust fund.