Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act
- Bill Number
- S. 3929
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-26: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-19T17:25:20Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act aims to improve safety and efficiency in air traffic control at smaller airports by requiring the installation of advanced monitoring tools. These tools help air traffic controllers better track aircraft positions, reducing the risk of errors or collisions, especially at facilities without modern equipment.
Key Provisions
- Installation of Airborne Position Reference Tools: Within one year of the bill's enactment, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator must acquire and install certified "Airborne Position Reference Tools" (devices that provide real-time aircraft location data) at qualifying air traffic control towers. These towers are those operated under contract with the FAA (per 49 U.S.C. § 47124) and lacking the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS—a radar-based system for monitoring aircraft) or similar tools.
- STARS Installation and Maintenance: The FAA Secretary must purchase, install, and maintain STARS (or an equivalent system) at the same qualifying towers within one year, using services directly from the original equipment manufacturer or FAA staff.
- Training Program: The FAA must create and implement a training program, developed with input from contract tower operators, to train air traffic controllers on using the new equipment effectively.
- Reimbursements for Prior Installations: Airports or towers that already installed similar certified tools (like Airborne Position Reference Tools or STARS) before the bill's effective date can receive reimbursements or retroactive grant funding from the Department of Transportation.
- Funding Authorization: The bill allows FAA funds to cover the acquisition, installation, and ongoing operating costs of Airborne Position Reference Tools at qualifying contract towers.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends 49 U.S.C. § 47124(f)(2) to mandate the purchase, installation, and maintenance of STARS or equivalents at under-equipped contract towers, shifting from optional to required actions with specific timelines and service providers.
- Revises 49 U.S.C. § 47124(f)(3) by simplifying funding rules and adding a new requirement for a controller training program, removing prior subparagraphs (C) through (E) that addressed other funding details.
- Adds a new paragraph to 49 U.S.C. § 48101(c), explicitly authorizing federal expenditures for Airborne Position Reference Tools, ensuring dedicated budget support for these upgrades.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The FAA will face increased responsibilities and costs for procurement, installation, maintenance, and training, potentially straining budgets but improving overall aviation safety oversight. This could lead to more efficient operations at contract towers, which handle traffic at smaller airports.
- On Citizens and Aviation Users: Pilots, passengers, and airport users at smaller facilities may benefit from enhanced situational awareness, reducing accident risks. However, short-term disruptions during installations could occur.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though improved U.S. air traffic systems could indirectly support safer international flights routing through smaller U.S. airports.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- FAA and Department of Transportation: Responsible for implementation, funding, and maintenance.
- Contract Tower Operators and Air Traffic Controllers: Gain access to advanced tools and required training, improving job performance and safety.
- Airport Sponsors (e.g., local governments or airport authorities): Eligible for reimbursements on prior investments and potential grants for upgrades.
- Aviation Industry (pilots, airlines, and manufacturers): Benefits from safer airspace; equipment manufacturers may see new contracts.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens federal mandates under the Contract Tower Program (49 U.S.C. § 47124) by enforcing timelines and funding, potentially setting precedents for technology upgrades in aviation infrastructure. The retroactive reimbursement provision ensures fairness for early adopters without violating existing grant rules.
- Constitutional: No major issues; aligns with Congress's authority to regulate interstate commerce and aviation safety under the Commerce Clause.
- Political: Bipartisan support (introduced by senators from both parties) highlights focus on aviation safety at underfunded rural or smaller airports. It may influence future FAA budgets, emphasizing modernization amid growing air traffic demands, but could spark debates over federal spending priorities.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-26: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2026-02-26: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act — issued 2026-02-26 — PDF (5 pages)