NEW SAFETY REFORM BILL MANDATES ADS-B FOR COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT
July 28, 2025
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On June 5, 2025, lawmakers introduced the Safe Operations of Shared Airspace Act in response to the mid-air collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport earlier this year. The legislation mandates that safety-enhancing Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (“ADS-B”) technology (i.e., radio systems that aircraft use to share their positions with each other and with air traffic control) must be installed on covered aircraft. Air carriers operating scheduled service under Part 121 or Part 135 would be required to have ADS-B technology operational within four years. While not directly applicable to Part 129 carriers at this time, please note the ADS-B requirement on aircraft continues to be a priority among lawmakers and regulators. For instance, the FAA issued a Request for Comments on June 25, 2025, soliciting public input on ADS-B matters including installation, maintenance, and inspection. If lawmakers proceed with ADS-B requirements for commercial aircraft, additional air carriers could be covered by the subsequent regulatory framework. Additionally, the bill seeks to codify the FAA’s Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training program and establish a new FAA outreach program recruiting experienced controllers approaching retirement to become instructors at understaffed air traffic facilities. Lawmakers cite the installation of ADS-B technology on commercial aircraft and the continued investment in air traffic controller hiring/retention as critical aviation safety measures.
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