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As Chair of the Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation, Sen. Moran introduced legislation this week to enhance flight safety by requiring all aircraft operating in Class B airspace to use active Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) devices. These devices allow aircraft to broadcast critical data—such as altitude, speed, and position—to nearby aircraft and air traffic controllers.

The importance of this technology was highlighted by the January 29th crash at Washington National Airport (DCA), where a helicopter equipped with ADS-B was not transmitting data just before the accident. Class B airspace covers the airspace around the country’s busiest airports, where flight safety is especially crucial.

Currently, the Secretary of Transportation can grant exemptions that allow aircraft to operate in Class B airspace without ADS-B. Given the recent fatal crash and two near misses at DCA, it’s clear these rules must be strengthened.

Introducing this legislation is just one step. Continued collaboration between Congress, the military, the FAA, and the NTSB is essential as the investigation moves forward and efforts to ensure safer skies continue.