This bill amends various sections of Oklahoma's aerospace regulations, specifically focusing on definitions and permitting processes related to airports, heliports, and vertiports. It introduces new definitions for terms such as "heliport," "vertiport," and "VTOL aircraft," while also modifying existing definitions to enhance clarity. The bill expands the requirements for obtaining permits for the erection, alteration, or modification of structures that may exceed federal obstruction standards, now including a one-nautical mile radius around publicly owned or operated heliports and vertiports. Additionally, it mandates that certain airports be included in the statewide airport system plan and outlines considerations for local airport zoning authorities when issuing permits.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics as the clearinghouse for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM). It authorizes the Department to develop and implement strategies to position Oklahoma as a leader in the UAS and AAM industries, including conducting research, maintaining registries, and creating a statewide system plan for vertiports and related infrastructure. The Department is also empowered to enter into partnerships with various entities to facilitate the safe integration of these technologies into the state's air transportation system. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 3-102.1, 3-421