H.R. 9037: To direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to improve and expand electronic filing capabilities for Federal Aviation Administration Form 337, and for other purposes.

This bill aims to enhance the electronic filing process for a specific document used in aviation, known as FAA Form 337, which is used to report major repairs and alterations of aircraft. The key provisions of the bill are as follows:

1. Improvement of Electronic Filing

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is directed to improve and expand its electronic filing capabilities for FAA Form 337. This will allow individuals or entities who are authorized to file these forms to do so digitally, using methods approved by the FAA. The goal is to make the submission process more accessible and efficient.

2. Integration with Third-Party Software

Within 12 months of the bill's enactment, the FAA is required to create secure application programming interfaces (APIs). These APIs will enable third-party software platforms and service providers to connect with the FAA's electronic filing system for Form 337, making the process more versatile and integrated with existing industry tools.

3. System Safeguards

Any new capabilities developed must include:

• Authentication and access controls: To ensure that only authorized users can access the system.
• Data integrity and cybersecurity protections: These must comply with federal standards to protect against data breaches and ensure the accuracy of the information submitted.
• Protection of personally identifiable information: Personal data of those filing forms must be kept secure and confidential.

4. Voluntary Use and No New Compliance Burdens

Filers will not be required to use the new electronic filing systems or third-party interfaces, and the use of these systems will not create extra reporting, certification, or recordkeeping obligations beyond what is already required by law.

5. Stakeholder Engagement

In establishing these new interfaces, the FAA may consult with various stakeholders, including representatives from general aviation, repair stations, manufacturers, and software providers to ensure that the needs of all parties are considered. The FAA can also provide non-binding guidance regarding system use after the new interface is launched.

6. Protection of Privacy

The bill emphasizes privacy and data protection measures, stating that:

• The FAA must limit the collection and sharing of information to what is absolutely necessary for aviation safety and registration.
• Personal information of aircraft owners, operators, and mechanics should not be publicly disclosed, except as required by law.
• Information collected cannot be used for purposes such as commercial solicitation or surveillance.

7. Use of Existing Resources

The FAA is required to utilize existing technology and privacy frameworks to implement these improvements, aiming to avoid redundancy and additional regulatory burdens.

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