Policy + Cert
01
On May 16, 2024, President Biden signed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 into law, marking a significant milestone for the aviation industry. Passed by the House and Senate with broad support, this legislation recognizes the significant safety benefits of emerging automation technologies and ensures the United States remains a global leader in aviation safety and innovation. Merlin applauds the bipartisan efforts to make this forward-looking legislation a reality.
What is the FAA Reauthorization?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for regulating civil aviation in the United States, with the ultimate goal of providing the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world. The agency requires regular reauthorization by Congress, a process that stems from the Airport and Airway Revenue Act of 1970. Prior to 2024, the most recent FAA reauthorization occurred in 2018 and expired in 2023.
Reauthorization bills are periodic legislation that extend an agency’s mandate. They allow Congress to amend existing laws and provisions, adding new language or authority as needed. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 in particular is a comprehensive package that allocates over $105 billion to the FAA and $738 million to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) through fiscal year 2028 to ensure the continued safety, efficiency, and advancement of the nation’s aviation sector.
Key Highlights of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 is the culmination of countless hours spent developing, discussing, and refining the policies housed in more than 1000 pages of legislative text. One of the most exciting aspects of this reauthorization is its emphasis on embracing reduced-crew and unmanned operations — in fact, Unmanned Aerial Systems, or UAS, is referenced an incredible 52 times throughout the rulemaking.
Along with funding the FAA’s various regulatory functions, the Act establishes the Unmanned and Autonomous Flight Advisory Committee, a group designed to keep pace with industry developments. This committee will provide additional resources and technical expertise to the FAA, facilitating the safe integration of large uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) into controlled airspace. The Act also establishes an Airspace Modernization Office that will lead the development of an integrated plan for the future of the NAS.
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 is a transformative step for the aviation industry, enabling a regulatory pathway for unmanned aircraft. Merlin is excited to see how these changes will help Americans realize the full potential of autonomous flight, promising a safer, more efficient, and technologically advanced national airspace.