((a)) ** Definitions** In this section:
((1)) ** Administrator** The term “Administrator” means the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
((2)) ** Cooperative Aviation Center** The term “Cooperative Aviation Center” means a Cooperative Aviation Center designated under subsection (b)(1).
((b)) ** Cooperative Aviation Centers**
((1)) ** Designation required** The Administrator shall designate one or more Cooperative Aviation Centers for the commissioned officer corps of the Administration at institutions described in paragraph (3).
((2)) ** Purpose** The purpose of Cooperative Aviation Centers is to facilitate the development and recruitment of aviators for the commissioned officer corps of the Administration.
((3)) ** Institutions described** An institution described in this paragraph is an educational institution that—
((A)) applies to enter into an agreement with the Administrator providing for the establishment of the program at the institution;
((B)) has, as a part of its curriculum, a four-year baccalaureate program of professional flight and piloting instruction that is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International; and
((C)) is located in a geographic area that experiences a wide variation in climate-related activity, including frequent high winds, convective activity (including tornadoes), periods of low visibility, heat, and snow and ice episodes, to provide opportunities for pilots to demonstrate skill in all weather conditions compatible with future encounters during their service in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration.
((c)) ** Cooperative Aviation Centers Advisor**
((1)) ** Assignment** The Administrator shall assign an officer or employee of the commissioned officer corps of the Administration to serve as the Cooperative Aviation Centers Advisor.
((2)) ** Duties** The Cooperative Aviation Centers Advisor shall—
((A)) coordinate all engagement of the Administration with Cooperative Aviation Centers, including assistance with curriculum development; and
((B)) serve as the chief aviation recruiting officer for the commissioned officer corps of the Administration.
