A bill to require aircraft operating in Class B airspace in the national airspace system to install and operate ADS-B In and ADS-B Out equipment, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 8, 2025
Bottom line
The bill expands mandatory ADS-B In and Out equipage to all aircraft in Class B airspace, including military, aiming to improve aviation safety and air traffic management by eliminating regulatory exemptions.
What it actually does
This bill mandates that all aircraft, including military aircraft, operating in Class B airspace must install and continuously operate ADS-B In and ADS-B Out equipment that meets FAA performance requirements. It explicitly prohibits the Secretary of Transportation or the FAA Administrator from issuing any exemptions to this requirement and repeals a previous exemption for Department of Defense aircraft from ADS-B mandates. The goal is to enhance air traffic surveillance and collision avoidance capabilities in busy airspace.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue this bill significantly enhances air safety by ensuring all aircraft in the busiest airspace are visible to air traffic control and to each other, reducing the risk of mid-air collisions. They contend that universal ADS-B equipage, especially for military aircraft previously exempted, closes a critical safety gap and improves the efficiency of air traffic management by providing a complete picture of air traffic.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that mandating ADS-B In for all aircraft, particularly smaller general aviation aircraft, imposes an unnecessary financial burden on operators, as ADS-B Out is already widely required for ATC purposes. They may also raise concerns about the substantial cost implications for military branches to retrofit older aircraft or the potential for data overload for pilots with ADS-B In displays in already congested airspace, while also limiting necessary operational flexibility for the military.
The bill is very short and can be read quickly, allowing ample time for stakeholders to understand its direct implications.
Section 1(a)(1)
Mandatory ADS-B In and Out for Class B Airspace Operations
This provision requires all aircraft, including those operated by the military, to have Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) In and ADS-B Out equipment installed and operational whenever they are taxiing or flying in Class B airspace. Class B airspace typically surrounds the busiest airports and extends upwards, making it a critical area for air traffic control and collision avoidance. The equipment must meet performance standards set by the FAA Administrator.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that mandating ADS-B In for all aircraft in Class B airspace, alongside ADS-B Out, creates a more complete picture of air traffic for both pilots and controllers, drastically improving collision avoidance and overall safety in the most congested airspaces. This ensures no aircraft, regardless of operator, remains a "blind spot."
Critics contend
Critics may contend that while ADS-B Out is crucial for ATC, mandating ADS-B In for all aircraft, especially smaller general aviation planes, imposes an undue financial burden on operators for a system that primarily benefits the pilot's situational awareness, which can be achieved through other means. They might also argue that military operations sometimes require flexibility that universal equipage might hinder.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances enhanced aviation safety and air traffic management efficiency against the financial costs and operational burdens placed on aircraft owners and operators, including the military, to upgrade their avionics.
Section 1(a)(2)
Prohibition on Exemptions
This part of the bill explicitly forbids the Secretary of Transportation or the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from creating or enforcing any regulations that would exempt any aircraft, including military aircraft, from the mandatory ADS-B In and Out requirements for operating in Class B airspace. This ensures the universal application of the mandate without administrative loopholes.
Section 1(b)
Repeal of DoD ADS-B Exemption
This section repeals a specific provision (Section 1046 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019) that previously exempted certain Department of Defense aircraft from Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipment requirements. This repeal directly supports the bill's broader mandate by removing a significant existing carve-out for military aircraft.