The FAA proposed updating its definition of 'aeronautical activity' to include unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), advanced air mobility (AAM), and commercial space launch operations, meaning federally obligated airports must provide non-discriminatory access to these emerging technologies. The policy clarifies that while these new operations qualify for airport access, the FAA retains authority to assess safety risks and set conditions for accommodating them. Recreational UAS, model aircraft, and model rockets are explicitly excluded from the updated definition.

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FAA proposes to update its definition of ‘aeronautical activity’ to include unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), advanced air mobility (AAM), and commercial space launch operations. The revised definition affects airport operators’ obligations under Federal grants to maintain airports for public aviation use.

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As the source for federal transportation grants, the Puget Sound Regional Council was charged with developing a system to meet the growing need for commercial aviation. When the search for a second airport failed, they authorized the Port of Seattle to build the Third Runway, with a mandate to develop a noise abatement and mitigation program. In their effort to stop the Third Runway, the ACC argued over every detail of the Port's efforts--including property buyouts and sound insulation. The dispute was meant to be settled by a three member Expert Arbitration Panel. This is their final report. It finds 2-1, that the Port's program was insufficient in several respects. Despite that, funding for the Third Runway was approved by the PSRC, and the 'Port Package' program, proceeded largely unchanged. Expert Arbitration Panel's final decision finding that the Port of Seattle had not shown sufficient reduction in real on-the-ground noise impacts to satisfy noise reduction conditions required for approval of a third runway at Sea-Tac International Airport. The majority decision concluded the Port's noise abatement programs were insufficient despite being impressive in scope.

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