With all the noise in Washington, D.C., these days, it is refreshing to point to a success story, or at least a meaningful step forward in the broader effort to enhance aviation safety.
On April 15, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act in a bipartisan vote of 396 to 10. The ALERT Act serves as the House’s alternative to the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act, which was unanimously approved by the U.S. Senate on Dec. 17, 2025.
Why this matters
Following the investigation of the tragic midair collision of American Airlines Flight 5342 and a United States Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the National Transportation Safety Board made 50 recommendations to improve aviation safety. These recommendations address both the immediate airspace surrounding Reagan National Airport and broader safety concerns applicable to other high-density airports.
The ROTOR Act would require most aircraft to be equipped with ADS-B In to provide real-time traffic awareness and location information. It also narrows the definition of “sensitive government missions” and repeals a 2025 provision that exempted certain military helicopters from ADS-B Out requirements in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
The bill emphasizes rapid implementation of technology-based solutions to mitigate midair collision risk, reflecting the urgency of the NTSB’s findings following the January 2025 accident. It has garnered support from the NTSB, the White House, and the Department of Defense, but has faced opposition in the House due to concerns about operational burden and its more prescriptive approach.
In contrast, the U.S. House of Representatives advanced its own proposal – the ALERT Act of 2026 – which seeks to implement the NTSB’s recommendations using a less prescriptive, more flexible framework.
The ALERT Act requires certain aircraft to be equipped with collision-mitigation technology, enhances helicopter routing and separation near airports, and calls for updates to air traffic control procedures. It also addresses safety considerations related to Department of Defense operations within the national airspace system.
Additionally, the legislation mandates coordination between the Department of Defense and the Department of Transportation on the use of collision-prevention technologies. Under the bill, Department of Defense aircraft must be equipped with and operating integrated ADS-B In technology by Dec. 31, 2031. It also directs the FAA to consider expanding ADS-B In equipage requirements for aircraft already mandated to carry ADS-B Out.
Overall, the ALERT Act promotes the adoption of advanced technologies to improve situational awareness and enhance operational safety across the U.S. aviation system.
Next steps
When the House and Senate pass differing versions of legislation, the bills are referred to a House–Senate conference committee to reconcile the differences and produce a unified version for final approval.
In this case, the reconciliation may prove to be a classic clash of titans: Representative Sam Graves (R-MO-6) sponsored the ALERT Act, while Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) sponsored the ROTOR Act, each advancing a distinct vision, yet both firmly committed to aviation safety and FAA oversight.
Once a compromise bill is agreed upon and passed by both chambers, it is sent to the president for signature. Upon enactment, implementation will fall primarily to the Federal Aviation Administration.
From an industry perspective, this is where the real work begins. Based on typical rulemaking timelines, new equipment mandates and operational requirements could emerge within the next three to five years.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry affairs, by email at ricp@aea.net or by phone at 202-589-1144.