Pub. L. 118-42, div. C, tit. I (as amended)

113.The Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere is authorized to designate one or more Cooperative Aviation Centers for the purposes of recruiting aviators for the NOAA commissioned officer corps from institutions that provide a four-year baccalaureate program of professional flight and piloting instruction that is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International: Provided, That Cooperative Aviation Centers shall be located in a geographic area that experiences a wide variation in climate-related activity, such as 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.