Manned Aircraft Clarification Act

House Votes

This bill narrows a federal crime so it only applies to manned aircraft. It changes the law on destroying or damaging aircraft or aircraft facilities to make clear that the penalties cover manned aircraft, not unmanned ones like drones.

In everyday terms, this means damaging a drone would no longer fall under this specific federal “destruction of aircraft” offense, while harming planes or helicopters with people on board would still be a serious federal crime.

Key points

• Who is affected: People who operate, work with, or interact with aircraft and drones.
• What changes: The federal penalties for destroying aircraft apply only to manned aircraft; unmanned aircraft are excluded from this offense.
• Everyday impact: Fewer federal criminal charges tied specifically to harming drones, though other laws could still apply to drone damage or misuse.