This bill temporarily extends specific Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs and activities through December 31, 2023.
For example, the bill extends the FAA
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) pilot programs (e.g., the UAS Test Site Program and the UAS remote detection and identification pilot program),
weather reporting programs,
Remote Tower Pilot Program, and
Essential Air Service Program.
The bill also extends the authorization for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). (This program provides grants for planning, development, and noise compatibility projects at or associated with certain public-use airports.)
Further, the bill extends through December 31, 2023, the FAA's authority for expenditures from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund (AATF) and to collect various taxes and fees to fund the AATF, including taxes on aviation fuel and airline tickets. (The AATF is the primary funding source for all major FAA accounts that fund federal aviation programs, with the remainder coming from general fund appropriations.)
