Cantwell and Cruz Propose Mitigations for All Major and Mid-Size US Airports

Following a January mid-air collision that left 67 people dead, US Senators Maria Cantwell and Ted Cruz have proposed mandatory safety reviews and expanded requirements for aircraft position broadcasting software, known as ADS-B. The 42-page agreement targets both airline and military operations.

“What happened at DCA on January 29th was a tragedy,” said Senator Cruz. “67 lives were lost, and their families have had to endure an unfathomable amount of grief. We owe it to them and every traveling American to make sure another accident never happens again.”

The so-called Cantwell-Cruz Aviation Safety Agreement primarily calls for mandatory upgrades to Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B). This system broadcasts aircraft position and movement data to air traffic controllers and nearby pilots through ADS-B In receivers, aiming to bolster situational awareness. The Black Hawk involved in the crash was allegedly not transmitting ADS-B Out signals at the time.

Under the plan, all commercial, military, and general aviation aircraft operating in controlled airspace would be required to install ADS-B In technology by 2031. This seals loopholes that have long exempted military and government aircraft from broadcasting their positions near busy airports. According to the legislation, “training flights, proficiency flights, and flights of Federal officials below Cabinet rank will no longer qualify for the exemption.”

Beyond technology, the agreement orders comprehensive FAA safety reviews of every Class B and Class C airport in the country. These assessments will search for conflicts between commercial, military, and emergency operations, which is a particular concern in congested mixed-use airspace regions like Washington, Seattle, and Los Angeles. The FAA would be required to recommend new safety protocols following each review.

While ADS-B and airport reviews take up most of the deal, the bill also contains multiple operational alterations stemming from previous safety efforts. This includes enforcing coordination between the FAA and the Department of Defense and laying the foundation for next-generation collision avoidance systems such as ACAS-X.

“We appreciate Senators Cruz and Cantwell for demonstrating that aviation safety transcends politics,” said the parents of Tim Lilley, who was the First Officer of Flight 5342. “We call on Congress to continue moving quickly and decisively to pass and fully implement these reforms because every person who boards an aircraft depends on it."

FMI: www.commerce.senate.gov