Policy

New Law Requires Planes to Share Location Data for Safety

United States House of Representatives

Who Decides

Congress is working on the ALERT Act, a federal law to make aircraft safer. The law requires military helicopters and civilian planes to use technology called ADS-B that broadcasts their location and receives location data from other aircraft. This helps air traffic controllers and pilots see where planes are and avoid mid-air collisions. The law sets deadlines for installing this technology by the end of 2031.

The Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act is a new federal law being considered by Congress to make aircraft safer. This law focuses on a technology called ADS-B that helps planes and air traffic control systems see where aircraft are located in the sky.

ADS-B works in two ways: ADS-B Out lets an aircraft broadcast its location and other information to other planes and ground control. ADS-B In lets an aircraft receive location data from nearby planes. Together, these tools help pilots and air traffic controllers avoid mid-air collisions and keep our skies safer.

The ALERT Act sets specific requirements for when aircraft must use this technology. Military helicopters must use ADS-B Out as their standard practice, except in cases where it could affect military operations. By December 31, 2031, all military aircraft must be equipped with ADS-B In technology. Civilian aircraft that are currently required to have ADS-B Out must also add ADS-B In by the same deadline. The law also requires air traffic controllers to have limits on how long they work without a break, and it requires the FAA to notify pilots when their planes get dangerously close to each other.

This law represents our community's commitment to aviation safety. By requiring these tracking and communication technologies, we make it safer for people to fly. The bill was placed on the Union Calendar in April 2026 and continues moving through Congress.

Community response

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