Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency Act of 2026
Description
This bill would mandate enhanced aircraft tracking technology for military and civil aircraft and update air traffic control safety rules.
Summary
What it does
This bill would expand requirements for aircraft to use Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology to transmit and receive location and weather data. It proposes that Department of Defense helicopters use ADS-B Out as a default in national airspace and requires most military and civil aircraft to be equipped with ADS-B In technology by the end of 2031. Additionally, the bill would direct the Federal Aviation Administration to set time-on-position limits for air traffic control supervisors, establish notification processes for near-miss incidents, and review helicopter routes near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Who is affected
This bill affects the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Transportation (DOT), specifically regarding the operation of DOD helicopters and aircraft within the national airspace. It also impacts owners and operators of civil aircraft currently required to use ADS-B Out technology, as they must transition to ADS-B In equipment by 2031. Additionally, the bill affects Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) supervisory air traffic control personnel and parties involved in certain near-miss aviation incidents.
Key provisions
- DOD Helicopter ADS-B Out Requirements. Requires the Department of Defense and Department of Transportation to agree on using ADS-B Out as the default for DOD helicopters in national airspace, except when it impacts operational security.
- Safety Assessments for Special Mission Helicopters. Mandates that DOD and DOT coordinate safety risk assessments and mitigations for special mission helicopters in the Washington, D.C. area that are exempt from ADS-B Out requirements.
- ADS-B In Equipment Mandates. Requires most DOD aircraft and civil aircraft currently using ADS-B Out technology to be equipped with and operating integrated ADS-B In technology by December 31, 2031.
- Air Traffic Control Personnel and Incident Notification. Directs the FAA to establish time-on-position limits for supervisory air traffic control personnel and create a process for timely notification of parties involved in specific near-miss incidents.
- Helicopter Route Evaluation. Requires the FAA to evaluate and potentially revise helicopter routes surrounding Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Fiscal impact
- H.R. 7613, ALERT Act· As reported by the House Committee on Armed Services on April 9, 2026
- H.R. 7613, ALERT Act· As reported by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 9, 2026
Effective dates
The bill establishes a deadline of December 31, 2031, for certain Department of Defense aircraft and civil aircraft to be equipped with and operating integrated ADS-B In technology.
Relationship to existing law
The bill expands existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology by mandating the adoption of ADS-B In capabilities for both civil and Department of Defense aircraft. It also modifies current oversight protocols for air traffic control personnel and revises established helicopter routes within the Washington, DC, metropolitan area.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to enhance aviation safety by expanding the use of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) tracking technology across military and civil aircraft. It also seeks to improve air traffic oversight through new personnel requirements, incident notification processes, and safety assessments for helicopter routes.