Aviation Safety Overhaul: New Legislation Takes Flight

The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee has taken significant steps towards improving aviation safety by approving new legislation. This move follows a tragic collision in January involving an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army helicopter, resulting in 67 fatalities and prompting urgent calls for reform.

The proposed legislation mandates that all aircraft operators equip their fleets with Advanced Aircraft Tracking Technology (ADS-B) by the year 2031. This technology aims to enhance aircraft visibility and tracking, thus preventing future accidents.

Additional measures introduced in the bill include stricter oversight of mixed jet and helicopter traffic, as well as enhanced management of flight routes in proximity to commercial service airports. Notably, the Army Black Hawk involved in the deadly crash was not equipped with ADS-B technology at the time, highlighting the need for these reforms.