Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act
Sponsored By: Representative Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large]
Introduced
Summary
Accelerate deployment of airborne position reference and situational awareness tools at FAA contract towers. This bill would require the FAA to install certified Airborne Position Reference Tools at contracted air traffic control towers that do not already have STARS or similar situational awareness systems within one year and to integrate those tools into contract tower operations.
Show full summary
- Airports and contract towers: The FAA would be required to buy and install a STARS or equivalent system at any contract tower lacking such tools, with installation and maintenance done by the FAA or the original equipment manufacturer. The deadline for installation is one year.
- Controllers and contract tower operators: The bill would add a requirement for a periodic training program, developed with contract operators, to ensure controllers can use and integrate the new situational awareness equipment into daily operations.
- Past purchasers and funding: Airport sponsors or towers that already bought certified situational awareness systems before FAA installation would be eligible for reimbursement. The law would also authorize funding for acquisition, installation, and annual operating expenses of these tools.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New safety tools for contract towers
If enacted, the bill would require the FAA to buy and install certified Airborne Position Reference Tools at air traffic control towers that operate under contract and that do not already have STARS or similar situational awareness systems. The purchases and installs must be completed not later than 1 year after enactment, and installation and maintenance must be done by the original equipment manufacturer or the FAA. The bill would also require a periodic training program, developed with contract tower operators, to teach contract controllers to use the new situational awareness tools. The Secretary would have to reimburse airport sponsors or towers that already bought certified systems before the FAA installs them, and the bill would authorize acquisition, installation, and annual operating expenses for these tools.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large]
AK • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4]
NY • D
Sponsored 4/30/2026
Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large]
MP • R
Sponsored 4/30/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov