Neighborhood Skies Act of 2026

The Neighborhood Skies Act of 2026 proposes a new transparency requirement for military aviation activities within the National Capital Region. If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would be required to submit an annual report to Congress detailing the number of proficiency and currency-maintenance flights conducted by military pilots over the metropolitan area. These flights are typically performed to ensure pilots maintain the necessary flight hours and skills to remain active and mission-ready.

The bill aims to provide local communities and lawmakers with specific data regarding the volume of military air traffic in their neighborhoods. By requiring a formal tally of these training missions, the legislation seeks to address public concerns regarding noise levels and the frequency of low-altitude military aircraft operating near residential zones. The first report would be due within one year of the bill's passage, with subsequent reports following for two additional years.

For everyday citizens living in the Washington, D.C. region, this bill would not directly restrict or change flight paths, but it would create a public record of how often military training occurs overhead. This information could be used by local leaders and residents to better understand the impact of military aviation on their quality of life and to facilitate more informed discussions with the Department of Defense regarding noise mitigation and flight schedules.