Authorizes Funding For The FAA's Research, Engineering, And Development Account Through 2019

The Science, Space, and Technology Committee today approved the FAA Leadership in Groundbreaking High-Tech R&D Act, or FLIGHT R&D Act, a bill introduced by Rep. Steve Knight (R-CA).

The FLIGHT R&D Act authorizes funding for FAA’s Research, Engineering, and Development account through 2019, consistent with the FAA’s National Aviation Research Plan for 2015, in a fiscally responsible manner. The act enhances Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) R&D. It directs the FAA to coordinate UAS research to ensure efficient and effective use of taxpayer funding.

The bill instructs the FAA to report to Congress on its efforts to coordinate research and development between the public and private sector, among test sites, by the Center of Excellence, and with other government agencies such as NASA. The FLIGHT R&D Act also strengthens the FAA’s ability to defend against cybersecurity threats. It organizes and bolsters cybersecurity research and development at FAA.

Finally, the bill calls for the FAA to initiate or plan for emerging research and development fields. These include single-piloted commercial cargo aircraft safety, air traffic surveillance over oceans and other remote locations, advanced fuels, and certification of new technologies into the national airspace system.

“The FLIGHT R&D Act ensures that America remains at the forefront of civil aviation innovation and strengthens the FAA’s ability to defend against cybersecurity threats," said committee chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX). "We should make strategic investments today that will enable America to continue to push the boundaries of aerospace science, maintain a safe and secure aviation transportation system, and allow for a healthy and growing aviation economy.”

The Science Committee has jurisdiction over all civil aviation research and development.

(Source: House science committee)

FMI: http://science.house.gov