; and (3) establish a process to approve standards, means of compliance, and declarations of compliance. (d) Unmanned aircraft associated elements standards (1) In general In carrying out subsection (b)(1)(B), the Administrator shall establish a process to accept or approve the associated elements of an unmanned aircraft that, when considered collectively with other associated elements and an unmanned aircraft, meet an acceptable performance-based safety standard. (2) Considerations In establishing the process under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consider the ways associated elements of an unmanned aircraft system interact with other associated elements and unmanned aircraft. (e) Remote pilot qualifications (1) In general In carrying out subsection (b)(1)(C), the Administrator shall establish qualifications and standards, or a means to accept proposed qualifications and standards, for remote pilots operating unmanned aircraft systems. (2) Considerations In carrying out subsection (e)(1), the Administrator shall account for the varying levels of automation of unmanned aircraft systems. (3) Rule of construction Nothing in this subsection may be construed to allow for the establishment of type-ratings that apply specifically and exclusively to an aircraft manufactured by 1 manufacturer. (f) Interim approvals Before the date on which the Administrator issues a final rule under this section, the Administrator shall use the process described in section 44807 of title 49, United States Code, to authorize unmanned aircraft system operations conducted beyond visual line of sight. (g) Final rule Not later than 16 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a final rule establishing the regulations required under this section. (h) Definitions In this section: (1) Associated elements The term associated elements means any component of an unmanned aircraft system, not permanently affixed to the unmanned aircraft, required for the remote pilot to operate such aircraft safely and