Aviation

To require certain aircraft to be equipped and operating with collision prevention technology, to improve helicopter route safety and separation around airports, to update air traffic control processes and procedures, to address national airspace system safety in Department of Defense activities, and for other purposes

Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency Act of 2026 or the ALERT Act This bill addresses aviation safety by increasing requirements for aircraft tracking and communication using Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology and expanding oversight. As background, ADS-B for broadcasting (Out) and receiving (In) transmits information (e.g., location and weather) among aircraft and air traffic control (ATC). The bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to enter into an agreement regarding the use of collision prevention technologies on DOD aircraft. The agreement must require the use of ADS-B Out as the default practice for DOD helicopters operating in the national airspace, unless such use would affect operational security. For DOD helicopters that are carrying out special missions in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area and are exempt from ADS-B Out transmission requirements, DOD must coordinate with DOT to conduct a safety risk assessment and implement appropriate mitigations. By December 31, 2031, DOD aircraft (other than certain special mission aircraft) must be equipped with and operating integrated ADS-B In technology. With respect to civil aircraft, by December 31, 2031, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must generally require aircraft that are currently required to be equipped with ADS-B Out to also be equipped with ADS-B In. Additionally, among other requirements, the FAA must establish time-on-position limits for supervisory ATC personnel; establish a process to timely notify parties involved in certain near-miss incidents; and evaluate and revise, as necessary, helicopter routes around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

Aviation-Impacted Communities Act

Aviation-Impacted Communities Act This bill increases access to noise mitigation measures for aviation-impacted communities. Under the bill, an aviation-impacted community is a community that is located not more than one mile from any point at which a commercial or cargo jet route is 3,000 feet or less above ground level. The bill expands noise mitigation program funding under the Airport Improvement Program to include aviation-impacted communities that are not currently within the 65 day-night average sound level (DNL) standard. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must conduct outreach to aviation-impacted communities to inform them of the opportunity to be a designated community. A designated community must form a community board to provide information to airport operators and the FAA concerning aviation impacts (e.g., aircraft noise). A community board may petition the FAA to conduct a community assessment and, based on the assessment, the FAA must devise an action plan that alleviates or addresses the community’s concerns. In addition, the FAA must enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study and provide the FAA with a framework and diagnostic tool for conducting community assessments. The FAA must provide grants for necessary noise mitigation in a designated community for residences, hospitals, nursing homes, adult or child day care centers, schools, and places of worship. Further, the FAA and airport operators must provide (1) noise mitigation grants for communities subject to significant frequency of overhead flights, and (2) noise mitigation for residences impacted by significant nighttime aircraft noise.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.

Aviation Noise and Emissions Mitigation Act

Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.

To designate the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia as the "Donald J. Trump International Airport".

This bill designates Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia as the Donald J. Trump International Airport.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.

National Training Center for Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act

National Training Center for Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish training and qualification standards for counter-unmanned aircraft systems, commonly referred to as counter-drone systems. Specifically, DHS and DOJ, in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration, must establish standards for initial and recurrent training programs or certifications for individuals seeking to operate counter-drone detection and mitigation systems, equipment, or technology. Further, DOJ, in coordination with DHS's Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, may provide training related to counter-drone systems, including detecting, identifying, monitoring, tracking, disrupting, and seizing control of drones. DOJ may establish or designate one or more facilities or training centers to provide such training related to counter-drone systems.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.

FLY Act

Fast Lane for Youths Act or the FLY Act This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to allow caregivers, parents, and guardians who already qualify for the TSA PreCheck program to accompany minors and passengers needing assistance to their flights. The TSA PreCheck program expedites traveler screening through participating TSA security checkpoints. Specifically, the FAA and the TSA must collaborate to establish a system to expedite gate passes and flight access procedures for these individuals. The system must ensure that these caregivers, parents, and guardians are provided up to two gate passes.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.