Senator Moran Introduces Bill Requiring ADS-B Technology in High-Traffic

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation, has introduced new legislation aimed at enhancing aviation safety. The proposed bill would require all aircraft operating in Class B airspace—typically found around the nation’s busiest airports—to install and use Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) In and Out technology.

Class B airspace sees the highest volume of air traffic, making it critical for aircraft to be equipped with real-time tracking systems like ADS-B. Under current FAA regulations, the Secretary of Transportation can grant exemptions allowing certain aircraft to operate in Class B zones without active ADS-B systems. The proposed legislation would eliminate these exemptions and authorize the Department of Transportation to mandate ADS-B installation on all aircraft in this high-density airspace.

“The tragic midair collision on January 29, along with two recent near-miss incidents at Reagan National Airport (DCA), underscores the urgent need to strengthen aviation safety measures,” said Sen. Moran. “This bill ensures that all aircraft operating near high-volume airports like DCA are transmitting and receiving critical tracking data—enhancing situational awareness for both pilots and air traffic controllers.”

The bill follows the FAA’s recent rule, effective March 27, requiring all aircraft flying within the Class B airspace around Washington D.C.’s Reagan National Airport to activate ADS-B Out. This decision came after the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed that a military helicopter involved in the January 29 collision was not broadcasting ADS-B signals.

Sen. Moran emphasized the importance of full cooperation between the Army, FAA, and NTSB in ongoing investigations, and called for continued flight restrictions in the DCA airspace until all findings are complete.


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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, moran.senate.gov