119-HR-6460 Journalist Public Summary
119 · HR 6460 Recreational Drone Empowerment Act
A bipartisan House bill would clarify that certain Class E airspace counts for hobby‑drone exceptions at approved flying fields, aiming to reduce confusion without changing the basic “no‑authorization near airports” rule; it was taken up the week of March 23, 2026 under suspension and, per House floor notes, agreed to by voice vote, moving next to the Senate. (docs.house.gov)
Headline Summary
A small, bipartisan fix to FAA hobby‑drone rules that lets approved model‑aircraft sites keep operating above 400 feet even where the airspace above them is certain kinds of Class E (not just Class G). (congress.gov)
What It Does
The bill amends 49 U.S.C. § 44809(c)(2)(C) so the existing exception for recreational flyers at designated sites applies when the airspace above a site is Class E (for example, Class E that begins above Class G or certain Class E extensions), not only when it is Class G. In plain terms: approved model‑aircraft fields that have long, safe operations won’t be tripped up by technical airspace boundaries overhead. It does not change the longstanding rule that hobby drones need prior FAA authorization in Class B, C, D, or within the surface‑area boundaries of Class E at an airport. (congress.gov)
Who’s For It
- Lead sponsors: Rep. Tracey Mann (R‑KS) with Rep. Sharice Davids (D‑KS). (congress.gov)
- Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and hobby/model‑aviation groups, who argue it corrects past wording that caused confusion around Class E overlays while preserving safety practices at established sites. (amablog.modelaircraft.org)
Who’s Against It
- No formal, bill‑specific opposition noted yet on official status pages as of March 25, 2026. (congress.gov)
- However, pilot organizations have recently cautioned, in broader FAA rulemakings, against expanding drone privileges in or near controlled airspace without strong safety safeguards (e.g., concerns about right‑of‑way and operations around airports). (aopa.org)
What’s Next
The House considered the bill under suspension the week of March 23, 2026; per House floor notes, it was agreed to by voice vote on March 24. The next step is Senate consideration. (Note: official action logs sometimes update after floor activity.) (docs.house.gov)
Discussion