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InfrastructureH.R. 6460Comments

Recreational Drone Empowerment Act

Official title: To amend title 49, United States Code, to clarify exceptions for limited recreational operations of unmanned aircraft, and for other purposes.

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Where the Bill Stands

  1. Introduced, done
  2. Committee, done
  3. Floor Vote, done
  4. Outcome, current stage

What This Bill Does

This bill expands the areas in which recreational unmanned aircraft systems (i.e., drones) are authorized to fly.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has various classifications for airspace, including Class E airspace, which is controlled airspace that is comprised of multiple sectors (e.g., Classes E1 to E5). Class E airspace includes sectors that (1) generally begin where Class G airspace (i.e., uncontrolled airspace) ends, and (2) are associated with an airport surface area or a surface level extension to another class of airspace.

Under current law, recreational drones may generally operate in certain circumstances from a fixed site, including within Class B, C, or D airspace. They may also operate within Class G airspace (1) up to 400 feet above ground level, without prior FAA authorization; and (2) over 400 feet above ground level with prior FAA authorization.

The FAA has interpreted current law to allow recreational drone operations in Class E2 airspace designated for an airport and prohibit recreational drone operations in other Class E sectors.

The bill specifies that the FAA may authorize recreational drones to operate at fixed site locations in Class E airspace that is

  • above Class G airspace; or
  • designated as an extension to a Class B, C, D, or E surface area.

Sponsors

Related Documents

Bill on Congress.govWeb Page ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Timeline

  1. SenateReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
  2. House floor actionsMr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
  3. Library of CongressPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
  4. Floor Vote
  5. Passed the House
  6. House floor actionsReported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-549.
  7. House committee actionsSubcommittee on Aviation Discharged
  8. House committee actionsReferred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
  9. Library of CongressIntroduced in House
  10. House floor actionsReferred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
  11. Introduced
  12. Committee

Comments

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