OKC Standard

U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) issued a statement following his affirmative vote on H.R. 3935, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024. This legislation aims to reauthorize the FAA and aviation safety and infrastructure programs for the subsequent five years.

The bill, which received Senate approval on Thursday evening, incorporates Mullin’s amendment #1944. This amendment instructs the FAA to permit non-legacy Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) sites, such as the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, to be eligible for a 44803c waiver among other provisions specifically benefiting the state.

At present, only legacy UAS testing sites can operate as both Public and Civil Aircraft Operators through an FAA administered 44803(c) waiver. Mullin's amendment seeks to establish parity between legacy and non-legacy UAS testing sites by enabling non-legacy sites to apply for a 44803(c) waiver.

“FAA reauthorization is crucial to maintaining the excellence of America’s aviation industry,” said Sen. Mullin. “This reauthorization includes provisions that directly benefit Oklahoma, including a plan to expand the Air Traffic Controller (ATC) academy in Oklahoma City and a $300,000 increase in funding for both Lawton-Ft. Sill Regional (LAW) and Stillwater Regional (SWO) airports."

Furthermore, he added that "the legislation includes my amendment to allow Choctaw Nation the ability to apply for a waiver to permit financial transactions for commercial testing to continue their successes in UAS integration into our national airspace.”

Mullin’s amendment is cosponsored by Senator James Lankford (R-OK). It has garnered support from entities such as the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, the Commercial Drone Alliance, Percepto, and Zipline.