ENGINE CONDITION MONITORING SYSTEMS.

SEC. 9117. ENGINE CONDITION MONITORING SYSTEMS. (a) Study.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall conduct a study of the potential use of engine condition monitoring systems on aircraft. In conducting such study, the Administrator shall evaluate— (1) the availability of technology for such systems; (2) the capabilities of such systems in terms of enhancing safety and reducing maintenance costs associated with civil and military aircraft; 104 STAT. 1388–365 (3) the commercial viability of developing computer software to enable maintenance workers to efficiently use data gathered by such systems; (4) the costs and benefits of using such systems as compared to engine fault detection methods which rely on the use of data relating to historical performance and statistical failure; (5) the types of aircraft engine failures which may be prevented by using such systems; and (6) the operational reliability of such systems. (b) Report to Congress.—Not later than 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit to Congress a report containing the results of the study conducted pursuant to this section together with such legislative and administrative recommendations as the Administrator considers appropriate.