[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 16 (Wednesday, February 1, 2012)]
[House]
[Pages H230-H304]



 CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 658, FAA REAUTHORIZATION AND REFORM ACT OF 
                                  2012

  Mr. Mica submitted the following conference report and statement on 
the bill (H.R. 658) to amend title 49, United States Code, to authorize 
appropriations for the Federal Aviation Administration for fiscal years 
2011 through 2014, to streamline programs, create efficiencies, reduce 
waste, and improve aviation safety and capacity, to provide stable 
funding for the national aviation system, and for other purposes:

                  Conference Report (H. Rept. 112-381)

[...]

                 Subtitle B--Unmanned Aircraft Systems

     SEC. 331. DEFINITIONS.

       In this subtitle, the following definitions apply:
       (1) Arctic.--The term ``Arctic'' means the United States 
     zone of the Chukchi Sea, Beaufort Sea, and Bering Sea north 
     of the Aleutian chain.
       (2) Certificate of waiver; certificate of authorization.--
     The terms ``certificate of waiver'' and ``certificate of 
     authorization'' mean a Federal Aviation Administration grant 
     of approval for a specific flight operation.
       (3) Permanent areas.--The term ``permanent areas'' means 
     areas on land or water that provide for launch, recovery, and 
     operation of small unmanned aircraft.
       (4) Public unmanned aircraft system.--The term ``public 
     unmanned aircraft system'' means an unmanned aircraft system 
     that meets the qualifications and conditions required for 
     operation of a public aircraft (as defined in section 40102 
     of title 49, United States Code).
       (5) Sense and avoid capability.--The term ``sense and avoid 
     capability'' means the capability of an unmanned aircraft to 
     remain a safe distance from and to avoid collisions with 
     other airborne aircraft.
       (6) Small unmanned aircraft.--The term ``small unmanned 
     aircraft'' means an unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 
     pounds.
       (7) Test range.--The term ``test range'' means a defined 
     geographic area where research and development are conducted.
       (8) Unmanned aircraft.--The term ``unmanned aircraft'' 
     means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of 
     direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.
       (9) Unmanned aircraft system.--The term ``unmanned aircraft 
     system'' means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements 
     (including communication links and the components that 
     control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the 
     pilot in command to operate safely and efficiently in the 
     national airspace system.

     SEC. 332. INTEGRATION OF CIVIL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS INTO 
                   NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM.

       (a) Required Planning for Integration.--
       (1) Comprehensive plan.--Not later than 270 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
     Transportation, in consultation with representatives of the 
     aviation industry, Federal agencies that employ unmanned 
     aircraft systems technology in the national airspace system, 
     and the unmanned aircraft systems industry, shall develop a 
     comprehensive plan to safely accelerate the integration of 
     civil unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace 
     system.
       (2) Contents of plan.--The plan required under paragraph 
     (1) shall contain, at a minimum, recommendations or 
     projections on--
       (A) the rulemaking to be conducted under subsection (b), 
     with specific recommendations on how the rulemaking will--
       (i) define the acceptable standards for operation and 
     certification of civil unmanned aircraft systems;
       (ii) ensure that any civil unmanned aircraft system 
     includes a sense and avoid capability; and
       (iii) establish standards and requirements for the operator 
     and pilot of a civil unmanned aircraft system, including 
     standards and requirements for registration and licensing;
       (B) the best methods to enhance the technologies and 
     subsystems necessary to achieve the safe and routine 
     operation of civil unmanned aircraft systems in the national 
     airspace system;
       (C) a phased-in approach to the integration of civil 
     unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system;
       (D) a timeline for the phased-in approach described under 
     subparagraph (C);
       (E) creation of a safe
       (F) airspace designation for cooperative manned and 
     unmanned flight operations in the national airspace system;
       (G) establishment of a process to develop certification, 
     flight standards, and air traffic requirements for civil 
     unmanned aircraft systems at test ranges where such systems 
     are subject to testing;
       (H) the best methods to ensure the safe operation of civil 
     unmanned aircraft systems and public unmanned aircraft 
     systems simultaneously in the national airspace system; and
       (I) incorporation of the plan into the annual NextGen 
     Implementation Plan document (or any successor document) of 
     the Federal Aviation Administration.
       (3) Deadline.--The plan required under paragraph (1) shall 
     provide for the safe integration of civil unmanned aircraft 
     systems into the national airspace system as soon as 
     practicable, but not later than September 30, 2015.
       (4) Report to congress.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to 
     Congress a copy of the plan required under paragraph (1).
       (5) Roadmap.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall approve and make 
     available in print and on the Administration's Internet Web 
     site a 5-year roadmap for the introduction of civil unmanned 
     aircraft systems into the national airspace system, as 
     coordinated by the Unmanned Aircraft Program Office of the 
     Administration. The Secretary shall update the roadmap 
     annually.
       (b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 18 months after the date on 
     which the plan required under subsection (a)(1) is submitted 
     to Congress under subsection (a)(4), the Secretary shall 
     publish in the Federal Register--
       (1) a final rule on small unmanned aircraft systems that 
     will allow for civil operation of such systems in the 
     national airspace system, to the extent the systems do not 
     meet the requirements for expedited operational authorization 
     under section 333 of this Act;
       (2) a notice of proposed rulemaking to implement the 
     recommendations of the plan required under subsection (a)(1), 
     with the final rule to be published not later than 16 months 
     after the date of publication of the notice; and
       (3) an update to the Administration's most recent policy 
     statement on unmanned aircraft systems, contained in Docket 
     No. FAA-2006-25714.
       (c) Pilot Projects.--
       (1) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a 
     program to integrate unmanned aircraft systems into the 
     national airspace system at 6 test ranges. The program shall 
     terminate 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
       (2) Program requirements.--In establishing the program 
     under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall--
       (A) safely designate airspace for integrated manned and 
     unmanned flight operations in the national airspace system;
       (B) develop certification standards and air traffic 
     requirements for unmanned flight operations at test ranges;
       (C) coordinate with and leverage the resources of the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the 
     Department of Defense;
       (D) address both civil and public unmanned aircraft 
     systems;
       (E) ensure that the program is coordinated with the Next 
     Generation Air Transportation System; and
       (F) provide for verification of the safety of unmanned 
     aircraft systems and related navigation procedures before 
     integration into the national airspace system.
       (3) Test range locations.--In determining the location of 
     the 6 test ranges of the program under paragraph (1), the 
     Administrator shall--
       (A) take into consideration geographic and climatic 
     diversity;
       (B) take into consideration the location of ground 
     infrastructure and research needs; and
       (C) consult with the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration and the Department of Defense.
       (4) Test range operation.--A project at a test range shall 
     be operational not later than 180 days after the date on 
     which the project is established.
       (5) Report to congress.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     the termination of the program under paragraph (1), the 
     Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives a report setting forth the Administrator's 
     findings and conclusions concerning the projects.
       (B) Additional contents.--The report under subparagraph (A) 
     shall include a description and assessment of the progress 
     being made in establishing special use airspace to fill the 
     immediate need of the Department of Defense--
       (i) to develop detection techniques for small unmanned 
     aircraft systems; and
       (ii) to validate the sense and avoid capability and 
     operation of unmanned aircraft systems.
       (d) Expanding Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Arctic.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a plan and 
     initiate a process to work with relevant Federal agencies and 
     national and international communities to designate permanent 
     areas in the Arctic where small unmanned aircraft may operate 
     24 hours per day for research and commercial purposes. The 
     plan for operations in these permanent areas shall include 
     the development of processes to facilitate the safe operation 
     of unmanned aircraft beyond line of sight. Such areas shall 
     enable over-water flights from the surface to at least 2,000 
     feet in altitude, with ingress and egress routes from 
     selected coastal launch sites.
       (2) Agreements.--To implement the plan under paragraph (1), 
     the Secretary may enter into an agreement with relevant 
     national and international communities.
       (3) Aircraft approval.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     entry into force of an agreement necessary to effectuate the 
     purposes of this subsection, the Secretary shall work with 
     relevant national and international communities to establish 
     and implement a process, or may apply an applicable process 
     already established, for approving the use of unmanned 
     aircraft in the designated permanent areas in the Arctic 
     without regard to whether an unmanned aircraft is used as a 
     public aircraft, a civil aircraft, or a model aircraft.

     SEC. 333. SPECIAL RULES FOR CERTAIN UNMANNED AIRCRAFT 
                   SYSTEMS.

       (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other requirement of 
     this subtitle, and not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     determine if certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate 
     safely in the national airspace system before completion of 
     the plan and rulemaking required

[[Page H248]]

     by section 332 of this Act or the guidance required by 
     section 334 of this Act.
       (b) Assessment of Unmanned Aircraft Systems.--In making the 
     determination under subsection (a), the Secretary shall 
     determine, at a minimum--
       (1) which types of unmanned aircraft systems, if any, as a 
     result of their size, weight, speed, operational capability, 
     proximity to airports and populated areas, and operation 
     within visual line of sight do not create a hazard to users 
     of the national airspace system or the public or pose a 
     threat to national security; and
       (2) whether a certificate of waiver, certificate of 
     authorization, or airworthiness certification under section 
     44704 of title 49, United States Code, is required for the 
     operation of unmanned aircraft systems identified under 
     paragraph (1).
       (c) Requirements for Safe Operation.--If the Secretary 
     determines under this section that certain unmanned aircraft 
     systems may operate safely in the national airspace system, 
     the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe 
     operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace 
     system.

     SEC. 334. PUBLIC UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.

       (a) Guidance.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     issue guidance regarding the operation of public unmanned 
     aircraft systems to--
       (1) expedite the issuance of a certificate of authorization 
     process;
       (2) provide for a collaborative process with public 
     agencies to allow for an incremental expansion of access to 
     the national airspace system as technology matures and the 
     necessary safety analysis and data become available, and 
     until standards are completed and technology issues are 
     resolved;
       (3) facilitate the capability of public agencies to develop 
     and use test ranges, subject to operating restrictions 
     required by the Federal Aviation Administration, to test and 
     operate unmanned aircraft systems; and
       (4) provide guidance on a public entity's responsibility 
     when operating an unmanned aircraft without a civil 
     airworthiness certificate issued by the Administration.
       (b) Standards for Operation and Certification.--Not later 
     than December 31, 2015, the Administrator shall develop and 
     implement operational and certification requirements for the 
     operation of public unmanned aircraft systems in the national 
     airspace system.
       (c) Agreements With Government Agencies.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall enter into 
     agreements with appropriate government agencies to simplify 
     the process for issuing certificates of waiver or 
     authorization with respect to applications seeking 
     authorization to operate public unmanned aircraft systems in 
     the national airspace system.
       (2) Contents.--The agreements shall--
       (A) with respect to an application described in paragraph 
     (1)--
       (i) provide for an expedited review of the application;
       (ii) require a decision by the Administrator on approval or 
     disapproval within 60 business days of the date of submission 
     of the application; and
       (iii) allow for an expedited appeal if the application is 
     disapproved;
       (B) allow for a one-time approval of similar operations 
     carried out during a fixed period of time; and
       (C) allow a government public safety agency to operate 
     unmanned aircraft weighing 4.4 pounds or less, if operated--
       (i) within the line of sight of the operator;
       (ii) less than 400 feet above the ground;
       (iii) during daylight conditions;
       (iv) within Class G airspace; and
       (v) outside of 5 statute miles from any airport, heliport, 
     seaplane base, spaceport, or other location with aviation 
     activities.

     SEC. 335. SAFETY STUDIES.

       The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     shall carry out all safety studies necessary to support the 
     integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the national 
     airspace system.

     SEC. 336. SPECIAL RULE FOR MODEL AIRCRAFT.

       (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law 
     relating to the incorporation of unmanned aircraft systems 
     into Federal Aviation Administration plans and policies, 
     including this subtitle, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration may not promulgate any rule or 
     regulation regarding a model aircraft, or an aircraft being 
     developed as a model aircraft, if--
       (1) the aircraft is flown strictly for hobby or 
     recreational use;
       (2) the aircraft is operated in accordance with a 
     community-based set of safety guidelines and within the 
     programming of a nationwide community-based organization;
       (3) the aircraft is limited to not more than 55 pounds 
     unless otherwise certified through a design, construction, 
     inspection, flight test, and operational safety program 
     administered by a community-based organization;
       (4) the aircraft is operated in a manner that does not 
     interfere with and gives way to any manned aircraft; and
       (5) when flown within 5 miles of an airport, the operator 
     of the aircraft provides the airport operator and the airport 
     air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is 
     located at the airport) with prior notice of the operation 
     (model aircraft operators flying from a permanent location 
     within 5 miles of an airport should establish a mutually-
     agreed upon operating procedure with the airport operator and 
     the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic 
     facility is located at the airport)).
       (b) Statutory Construction.--Nothing in this section shall 
     be construed to limit the authority of the Administrator to 
     pursue enforcement action against persons operating model 
     aircraft who endanger the safety of the national airspace 
     system.
       (c) Model Aircraft Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``model aircraft'' means an unmanned aircraft that is--
       (1) capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere;
       (2) flown within visual line of sight of the person 
     operating the aircraft; and
       (3) flown for hobby or recreational purposes.

[...]

     SEC. 903. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.

       (a) Research Initiative.--Section 44504(b) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (6) by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (2) in paragraph (7) by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(8) in conjunction with other Federal agencies, as 
     appropriate, to develop technologies and methods to assess 
     the risk of and prevent defects, failures, and malfunctions 
     of products, parts, and processes for use in all classes of 
     unmanned aircraft systems that could result in a catastrophic 
     failure of the unmanned aircraft that would endanger other 
     aircraft in the national airspace system.''.
       (b) Systems, Procedures, Facilities, and Devices.--Section 
     44505(b) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (4) by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (2) in paragraph (5)(C) by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting a semicolon; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(6) to develop a better understanding of the relationship 
     between human factors and unmanned aircraft system safety; 
     and
       ``(7) to develop dynamic simulation models for integrating 
     all classes of unmanned aircraft systems into the national 
     airspace system without any degradation of existing levels of 
     safety for all national airspace system users.''.

[...]

                 Subtitle B--Unmanned Aircraft Systems


                              DEFINITIONS

     H321/S--

     House bill
       Section 321 defines the terms: ``certificate of waiver'', 
     ``sense and avoid capability'', ``public unmanned aircraft 
     system'', ``small unmanned aircraft'', ``test range'', 
     ``unmanned aircraft'', and ``unmanned aircraft system 
     (UAS).''
     Senate bill
       No similar provision.
     Conference Substitute
       House and Senate bills merged to include all of House 
     definitions and Senate definition of ``Arctic''.


 INTEGRATION OF CIVIL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS INTO NATIONAL AIRSPACE 
                                 SYSTEM

     H322/S320, 607(a)(b)(d)(e)(f)

     House bill
       Section 322 requires the Secretary of Transportation to 
     develop a plan, in consultation with aviation and Unmanned 
     Aircraft Systems (UAS) industry representatives, within nine 
     months of enactment, for the safe integration of civil UASs 
     into the Nation Airspace (NAS). This plan must contain a 
     review of technologies and research to assist in this goal, 
     recommendations for a rulemaking on the definition of 
     acceptable standards, ensure civil UAS have sense and avoid 
     capability, develop standards and requirements for operator 
     and pilots of UASs, and recommendations. The plan must 
     include a realistic time frame for UAS integration into the 
     NAS, but no later than September 30, 2015. The plan must be 
     submitted to Congress within one year of enactment. The FAA 
     is required to initiate a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 
     (NPRM) for site integration of UAS within 18 months of the 
     date of enactment of the integration plan.
     Senate bill
       Section 320 requires the FAA to develop a plan within one 
     year to accelerate the integration of UASs into the NAS. This 
     plan must include: 1) a pilot project that includes the 
     integration of UAS into six test sites, representing 
     geographic and climate differences within the United States, 
     by 2012; 2) development of certification, flight standards, 
     and air traffic requirements for UAS; 3) the dedication of 
     funding for research on UAS certification, flight standards, 
     and air traffic control (ATC); 4) coordination of research 
     between NASA and DOD; and 5) verification of the safety of 
     UAS before their integration into the NAS. This section would 
     allow the FAA Administrator to include testing at six test 
     sites as part of the integration plan by 2012. The FAA is 
     directed to work with DOD to certify and develop flight 
     standards for military unmanned aerial systems and to 
     integrate these systems into the NAS as part of the UAS 
     integration plan. The FAA Administrator is required to submit 
     a report describing and assessing the progress made in 
     establishing special use airspace for DOD to develop 
     detection techniques for small UASs.
       Section 607 allows the FAA to conduct developmental 
     research on UASs. It would direct the FAA and the National 
     Academy of Sciences to create an assessment of UAS 
     capabilities and would require the National Academy of 
     Sciences to submit a report to Congress on the subject. It 
     requires the FAA to issue a rule to update the most recent 
     policy statement on UASs. The FAA is directed to identify 
     permanent areas in the Arctic where UASs may operate 24 hours 
     a day. The FAA is to take part in cost-share pilot projects 
     designed to accelerate the safe integration of UASs into the 
     NAS.
     Conference Substitute
       House and Senate bills merged. The conference committee 
     directs the Secretary to develop a plan to accelerate the 
     safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into 
     the national airspace system. The Secretary is directed to 
     develop the plan in consultation with the aviation 
     industry, federal agencies using UASs, and the UAS 
     industry as soon as practicable, but no later than 
     September 30, 2015. Concurrent with the integration 
     planning, the Secretary is directed to publish, and update 
     annually, a five-year roadmap describing the activities of 
     the FAA's Unmanned Aircraft Program Office, and its 
     efforts to safely integrate UASs into the national 
     airspace system. The conference committee also directs the 
     Secretary to promulgate rules to allow for integration of 
     small UASs into the national airspace system. The 
     conference committee also directs the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration to establish six test 
     ranges until September 30, 2020. Test range locations are 
     not designated in the legislation.

[[Page H280]]

      Instead, the Administrator is directed to coordinate 
     with, and leverage resources from, the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Department of 
     Defense to select the test ranges based on the criteria 
     set forth in this section. This language is consistent 
     with legislative direction in the National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112-
     81). The intent of the committee is for the Administrator 
     to establish a total of six test ranges under both laws, 
     and not six ranges to be established under each law for a 
     total of twelve. The conference committee directs the 
     Secretary to develop a plan for the use of UASs in the 
     arctic, as defined in this subtitle. Finally, the term 
     ``non-exclusionary airspace'' was removed as the FAA does 
     not recognize that term. The conference committee intends 
     that when the FAA establishes the program to integrate 
     UASs into the national airspace system at six test ranges, 
     the Administrator shall safely designate airspace for 
     integrated manned and unmanned flight operations in the 
     national airspace system.


          SPECIAL RULES FOR CERTAIN UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS

     H323/S--

     House bill
       Section 323 directs that within 180 days the Secretary of 
     Transportation, prior to completing of the Commercial UAS 
     integration plan, will determine if certain UAS may operate 
     in the NAS. Assessment of the UASs will determine which types 
     of UAS do not create hazard to users of NAS or national 
     security, and whether a certificate of waiver or 
     authorization of airworthiness is required. If the Secretary 
     determines UAS may operate safely in the NAS, the Secretary 
     shall establish requirements of the safe operation of such 
     systems.
     Senate bill
       No similar provision.
     Conference Substitute
       House bill.


                    PUBLIC UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS

     H324/S--

     House bill
       Section 324 directs that within 270 days the Secretary of 
     Transportation will issue guidance on the operation of public 
     UASs to expedite the certificate of authorization process, 
     provide a collaborative process for expansion of access to 
     the NAS, and provide guidance on public entities responsible 
     when operating UASs. By December 31, 2015, the Secretary is 
     required to implement operational and certification 
     standards. The Secretary is directed to enter in agreements, 
     within 90 days, with appropriate government agencies to 
     simplify and expedite the process for issuing certificates of 
     waiver or authorization regarding applications seeking 
     authorization to operate public UAS in the NAS.
     Senate bill
       No similar provision.
     Conference Substitute
       House bill.


                             SAFETY STUDIES

     H325/S--

     House bill
       Section 325 directs the Administrator to conduct all safety 
     studies necessary to support integration of UAS into the NAS.
     Senate bill
       No similar provision.
     Conference Substitute
       House bill.


                    SPECIAL RULE FOR MODEL AIRCRAFT

     H--/S607(g)

     House bill
       No similar provision.
     Senate bill
       Section 607(g) exempts most model airplanes used for 
     recreational or academic use from any UAS regulations 
     established by the FAA.
     Conference Substitute
       Senate bill with modifications. Language including model 
     aircraft for the purposes of sports, competitions and 
     academic purposes is removed and replaced with ``hobby''. The 
     modified section includes language requiring that the model 
     aircraft must be operated in a manner that does not interfere 
     with and gives way, to all manned aircraft. In addition, 
     language that requires that model aircraft flown within five 
     miles of an airport will give prior notification to the 
     airport and the air traffic control (ATC), and that model 
     aircraft that are flown consistently within five miles of the 
     ATC will do so under standing agreements with the airports 
     and ATC. Lastly, language is added that will ensure that 
     nothing in this provision will interfere with the 
     Administrator's authority to pursue enforcement action 
     against persons operating model aircraft who endanger the 
     safety of the national airspace system. In this section the 
     term ``nationwide community-based organization'' is intended 
     to mean a membership based association that represents the 
     aeromodeling community within the United States; provides its 
     members a comprehensive set of safety guidelines that 
     underscores safe aeromodeling operations within the National 
     Airspace System and the protection and safety of the general 
     public on the ground; develops and maintains mutually 
     supportive programming with educational institutions, 
     government entities and other aviation associations; and 
     acts as a liaison with government agencies as an advocate 
     for its members.


                  UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS TEST RANGE

     H326/S607(c)

     House bill
       Section 326 directs the Administrator no later than one 
     year after enactment to establish a program to integrate UASs 
     into the national airspace system at no fewer than four test 
     ranges. The program will include safely designating 
     nonexclusionary airspace for integrated unmanned flight 
     operations, develop certification standards and air traffic 
     requirements, coordinate and leverage the resources of 
     National Air and Space Administration and Department of 
     Defense, address both civil and public UAS, ensure the 
     program is coordinated with NextGen, and provide for 
     verification of safety of UASs. In determining test range 
     locations the Administrator shall consider geographic and 
     climate diversity and consult with NASA and the Air Force.
     Senate bill
       Section 607(c) is a similar provision, but it allows the 
     Administrator to include testing at three test sites as part 
     of the integration plan by 2012. It directs the FAA to work 
     with DOD to certify and develop flight standards for military 
     UASs and to integrate these systems into the NAS as part of 
     the UAS integration plan.
       Section 320 establishes a test range program for 10 sites.
     Conference Substitute
       House and Senate bills merged into language that is 
     included in Section 332 ``Integration of civil unmanned 
     aircraft into the national airspace system''.

[...]

                       UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS

     H1004/S607(a)

     House bill
       Section 1004 requires the Administrator in conjunction with 
     other appropriate federal agencies to develop technologies 
     and methods to assess the risk and prevent defects, failures, 
     and malfunctions of products, parts and processes for use in 
     all classes of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) that could 
     result in catastrophic failure of UAS or endanger other 
     aircraft in the NAS. The Administrator is required to 
     supervise research which will develop better understanding of 
     the relationship between human factors and UAS safety and 
     develop simulation models for integration of all UASs into 
     the NAS without degrading safety for current users.
     Senate bill
       Section 607(a) permits the FAA to conduct developmental 
     research on UASs. It authorizes the FAA, in conjunction with 
     other federal agencies as appropriate, to develop 
     technologies and methods to assess the risk of and prevent 
     defects, failures, and malfunctions of products, parts, and 
     processes, for use in all classes of unmanned aircraft 
     systems that could result in a catastrophic failure.
     Conference Substitute
       House bill.