The "Maverick Act" aims to transfer three surplus F–14D Tomcat aircraft from the Navy to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission in Huntsville, Alabama. The conveyance will not incur costs for the United States and imposes conditions on the use, maintenance, and transfer of the aircraft, including limitations on their combat capabilities. Additionally, the bill allows the Commission to engage in agreements for the public display, airshows, and commemorative events related to preserving naval aviation heritage. The bill also clarifies the liability and applicability of various federal and state laws and regulations related to the transfer and use of the aircraft.
Maverick Act
This bill authorizes the Department of the Navy to transfer three surplus F-14D Tomcat aircraft to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission in Huntsville, Alabama. (The F-14D Tomcat was a naval fighter aircraft that was retired from service in 2006.)
The bill provides for certain conditions for the transfer, including that the transfer must be free of cost to the federal government. Additionally, the commission must not convey ownership interest in the aircraft to another party without Navy approval. If the commission breaches any conditions, the aircraft must revert to the United States.
The bill also specifies that such aircraft may not have any combat capability. The Navy may provide excess spare parts to the commission to make one of the aircraft flyable or complete for a static display.
The Navy may authorize the commission to enter into agreements with qualified nonprofit organizations to restore and operate the aircraft for public display, air shows, and commemorative events.