The US Senate has passed a $105bn bill focussing on the improvement of safety and customer service for air travellers on May 9, 2024. It reauthorises the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through to 2028, ahead of the law governing the FAA expiring on May 10. The Senate passed the bill almost unanimously at an 88-4 vote.
The bill directs the FAA to increase air traffic controller hiring targets, establish a workforce development programme to procure aviation professionals, and to also prohibit aircraft dispatchers from working remotely, with ""limited exceptions for emergencies"". In addition, it raises the commercial airline pilot retirement age from 65 to 67 years old.
It also establishes an FAA ombudsman to oversee inquiries or objections related to issues such as aircraft certifications and registrations, pilot certificates, and operational approvals, waivers, or exemptions.
The bill also includes prevents the FAA from requiring passengers, air carrier employees, or FAA employees to wear masks or to have COVID-19 vaccines.
The FAA will also issue rules on updated requirements for testing and operating drones and similar unmanned aircraft, as well as issuing rules on certifying pilots for vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
Other policies include standardising the aircraft boarding and deplaning process for individuals with disabilities and removing additional fees for seating a young child next to an accompanying adult (if the adjacent seat is available).
The Senate also passed a week extension to the law to ensure it doesn't expire before the bill is considered by the House next week.
US Senate passes FAA reauthorisation bill
