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

Summary

Directs the FAA to modernize airborne collision‑avoidance and collision‑mitigation systems, require selected aircraft and rotorcraft equipage, update air traffic procedures and controller training, and create numerous working groups, studies, and rulemaking deadlines to improve safety. Also alters Department of Defense aviation safety authorities by adding a new statutory chapter and voiding specified prior authorities once a required memorandum of agreement is submitted to Congress. The law sets concrete timelines for evaluations, committee reports, notices of proposed rulemaking (NPRMs) and final rules (including a latest compliance date no later than December 31, 2031 for collision mitigation), requires updated performance standards and human‑factors considerations, directs safety assessments and audits (including at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Potomac TRACON), and mandates frequent briefings and reports to Congress.

• Requires FAA to modernize airborne collision‑avoidance systems (ACAS‑Xa) and establish rotorcraft ACAS‑Xr standards, with firm deadlines for committee reports and rulemakings.
• Initiates negotiated rulemaking to mandate collision mitigation equipment (ADS‑B In capable) for covered aircraft with a compliance date no later than December 31, 2031.
• Creates many working groups, task forces, and studies focused on air traffic controller human factors, training, procedures, and technology improvements, with short reporting timelines.
• Directs FAA to assess arrival rates and rule changes for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and to implement time‑based flow management at Potomac TRACON.
• Requires FAA to contract with an FFRDC to develop a safety risk assessment tool and directs the Inspector General to audit Air Traffic Organization safety culture.
• Updates or mandates changes to FAA orders, conflict alert systems, communications blocking countermeasures, and helicopter route/charting practices.
• Adds a new DoD aviation safety chapter in Title 10 and nullifies two prior authorities once a required DoD‑FAA memorandum of agreement is provided to Congress; repeals an existing manned rotary wing statute.
• Emphasizes human factors, supply chain feasibility, certification impacts, and alternate means of compliance in all equipment and performance standard decisions.
• Includes recurring congressional reporting and briefings to track implementation and progress.