Improving Safety in Our Skies

The fatal air collision over the Potomac River last January, which claimed 67 lives, was a completely preventable tragedy. Our military aircraft are equipped with some of the most advanced technology in the world, and our commercial aviation system is built on rigorous safety standards. 

But this horrific accident made it clear that even the strongest systems can fall short, and I took the crash as a call to action. The helicopter involved in this crash was a Black Hawk, one of the models I piloted in the Army, and I knew I could use my experience to lead the charge to ensure a catastrophe like this never happens again. 

That’s why this week, I introduced the Safety in Shared Skies Act (H.R. 8072) to ensure aircraft location systems remain in optimal condition at all times. Specifically, it would require military aircraft, like the Army helicopter involved in last year’s crash, to have the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Out (ADS-B Out) system checked every 90 days. This system transmits real-time data about the airplane or helicopter’s location to other aircraft and air traffic control. 

The Black Hawk helicopter involved in the D.C. crash had not transmitted ADS-B positioning data in the two years leading up to the crash and had malfunctioning software that likely contributed to the collision. Requiring regular testing and maintenance will ensure this lifesaving technology stays up to date so military aircraft can fly safely in busy, shared skies near other aircraft.

This bill builds on three others I’ve led to make air travel safer:

• The Military Helicopter Training Safety Act, which President Trump signed into law in December, began the process of equipping military helicopters with the same anti-crash technology as commercial airplanes.
• The Military ADS-B Out Loophole Act would prevent military helicopter pilots from turning off ADS-B Out transmissions during non-sensitive portions of flight missions.
• The Next-Gen Collision Avoidance Assistance Act, which takes steps to deploy the next generation of anti-crash technology in civilian and military aircraft.

Together, these bills will reduce the risk of catastrophic air incidents by strengthening safety technology and standards. I will keep pushing until we close every safety gap and loophole to keep American troops and travelers safe.