FAA Reauthorization Bill Includes Space Launch Congestion, Spectrum Provisions
A final bipartisan, bicameral bill reauthorizing the FAA includes a provision directing the Government Accountability Office to undertake a study of airspace congestion and DOT's inspector general to audit the FAA's internal processes for communicating civil aviation operators' positions to…
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NTIA when it comes to spectrum reallocation or auctions. The FAA Reauthorization Act, released Monday, says the GAO will examine issues including commercial space launch and reentry activity. The bill directs the DOT IG to "improve internal processes by which proposed spectrum reallocations or auctions are thoroughly reviewed in advance" to ensure civil aviation stakeholders' stances get submitted to NTIA and then the FCC. The IG also must seek ways of improving communication with those aviation stakeholders about proposed spectrum reallocation or auctions that could affect the national airspace system, the bill says. It directs the FAA to conduct R&D in consultation with NTIA and the FCC on "effective and efficient use and management of radio frequency spectrum in the civil aviation domain." The legislation also directs that the FAA, with NTIA and FCC consultation, start an R&D program for development of standards for next-generation radio altimeters.