The Regional Airline Association (RAA) has released a statement on the ALERT Act. The association says it appreciates the thoughtful effort reflected in the amendment in the nature of a substitute (ANS) and the continued focus on improving safety across the National Airspace System.
RAA commented: “The tragic accident at LGA this week has reinforced that safety risk in mixed-traffic environments arises from interactions across different types of operations. This risk is not limited to larger airports. Ensuring safety requirements are applied consistently to all operations in shared airspace is an essential component of a comprehensive approach.
“Communication and situational awareness in mixed-traffic environments remain foundational safety tools, particularly at non-towered and limited-service airports. Establishing a clear, mandatory expectation for pilots operating in mixed-traffic airspace around airports to communicate on Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) would provide an immediate safety benefit. In addition, requiring all operators in these environments to be equipped with and operate ADS-B In and Out would further enhance situational awareness and reduce the risk of close-proximity events. RAA also supports the addition of a comprehensive FAA-conducted airport safety risk assessment to evaluate operational risk across airport types, including smaller and mixed-use facilities.”
RAA stated that it supports the bill’s safety objectives, including advancing technologies to improve situational awareness, and looks forward to working with the committee to ensure that implementation and supply chain pathways are developed and in place for all fleet types as solutions are identified, certified, and deployed across the system.
“We are grateful for the Committees’ leadership on safety and look forward to continuing to work together to advance safety across the National Airspace System.”
