Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Aviation Subcommittee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
The Recreational Drone Empowerment Act seeks to clarify and expand the permissible operating areas for limited recreational unmanned aircraft. It specifically amends Section 44809(c)(2)(C) of title 49, United States Code, which outlines exceptions for such operations. The bill modifies the existing language to explicitly include certain Class E airspace , such as Class E airspace above Class G airspace, and Class E airspace designated as an extension to various controlled surface areas. This legislative change aims to provide recreational drone operators with greater flexibility by permitting operations in these additional Class E airspaces, alongside the already permitted Class G airspace, thereby empowering more widespread recreational drone use.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Subcommittee on Aviation Discharged
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 472.
Reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-549.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Subcommittee on Aviation Discharged
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 472.
Reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-549.
Transportation and Public Works
Recreational Drone Empowerment Act
USA119th CongressHR-6460| House
| Updated: 3/16/2026
The Recreational Drone Empowerment Act seeks to clarify and expand the permissible operating areas for limited recreational unmanned aircraft. It specifically amends Section 44809(c)(2)(C) of title 49, United States Code, which outlines exceptions for such operations. The bill modifies the existing language to explicitly include certain Class E airspace , such as Class E airspace above Class G airspace, and Class E airspace designated as an extension to various controlled surface areas. This legislative change aims to provide recreational drone operators with greater flexibility by permitting operations in these additional Class E airspaces, alongside the already permitted Class G airspace, thereby empowering more widespread recreational drone use.