CLOUD Aircraft Act

This bill orders the Defense Department, working with the FAA, to study whether it’s possible and how much it would cost to add air-to-air collision warning systems to all military planes and helicopters that fly in busy U.S. airspace. A report is due within 180 days after the law takes effect, with recommendations and a timeline for next steps. The bill also mentions air-to-ground systems, but the study section focuses on air-to-air systems. “Busy” airspace here means the Class B, C, or D airspace around commercial service airports where these aircraft are based nearby and fly regularly. The systems described use tools like radar and digital terrain maps to warn pilots and, if needed, can take control to avoid a crash.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Military pilots and crews; people living near busy airports where military aircraft operate.
• What changes: A safety study on equipping aircraft with collision warning systems; results must include recommendations and a rollout timeline.
• When: Report due 180 days after the law is enacted.