What This Bill Does · Plain English
Summary · Congress.gov
Recreational Drone Empowerment Act This bill expands the areas in which recreational unmanned aircraft systems (i.e., drones) are authorized to fly. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has various classifications for airspace, including Class E airspace, which is controlled airspace that is comprised of multiple sectors (e.g., Classes E1 to E5). Class E airspace includes sectors that (1) generally begin where Class G airspace (i.e., uncontrolled airspace) ends, and (2) are associated with an airport surface area or a surface level extension to another class of airspace. Under current law, recreational drones may generally operate in certain circumstances from a fixed site, including within Class B, C, or D airspace. They may also operate within Class G airspace (1) up to 400 feet above ground level, without prior FAA authorization; and (2) over 400 feet above ground level with prior FAA authorization. The FAA has interpreted current law to allow recreational drone operations in Class E2 airspace designated for an airport and prohibit recreational drone operations in other Class E sectors. The bill specifies that the FAA may authorize recreational drones to operate at fixed site locations in Class E airspace that is above Class G airspace; or designated as an extension to a Class B, C, D, or E surface area.
Action Timeline
2026-03-25
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
2026-03-24
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6460.
2026-03-24
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2026-03-24
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2659)
2026-03-24
Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
2026-03-24
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2659-2660)
2026-03-24
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
2026-03-16
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 472.
2026-03-16
Reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-549.
2026-03-16
Reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-549.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did HR.6460 pass?
HR.6460 is still alive. Current stage: PASSED_ONE. Pass likelihood: pending.
What does HR.6460 do?
Recreational Drone Empowerment Act This bill expands the areas in which recreational unmanned aircraft systems (i.e., drones) are authorized to fly. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has various classifications for airspace, including Class E airspace, which is controlled airspace that is comprised of multiple sectors (e.g., Classes E1 to E5). Class E airspace includes sectors that (1) generally begin where Class G airspace (i.e., uncontrolled airspace) ends, and (2) are associated with an airport surface area or a surface level extension to another class of airspace. Under current law…
Who sponsored HR.6460?
HR.6460 was sponsored by Tracey Mann (R-Kansas).
Full Bill Text
119 HR 6460 EH: Recreational Drone Empowerment Act U.S. House of Representatives text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IB 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6460 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To amend title 49, United States Code, to clarify exceptions for limited recreational operations of unmanned aircraft, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Recreational Drone Empowerment Act . 2. Clarifying recreational operations of drone systems Section 44809(c)(2)(C) of title 49, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the heading by inserting and Class E after Uncontrolled ; and (2) by inserting , Class E airspace above Class G airspace, or a Class E airspace designated as an extension to a Class B, Class C, Class D, or Class E surface area after Class G airspace . Passed the House of Representatives March 24, 2026. Kevin F. McCumber, Clerk.
Loading intelligence layer…