Senate Bill Would Mandate APRT At Contract Towers

Sens. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) launched bipartisan laws final week that might require the FAA to put in Airborne Position Reference Tools (APRT) at federal contract towers that don’t have already got radar-integrated methods. The Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act would direct the company to accumulate and deploy the know-how at greater than 90 towers missing Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems (STARS) or comparable gear. Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) are co-sponsors of the measure.

Under the proposal, the FAA would want to put in APRT Within a yr of enactment and set up coaching to make sure controllers are in a position to combine the methods into every day operations. The invoice would additionally authorize funding from the company’s Facilities and Equipment account to cowl acquisition, set up and working bills. Airports which have already put in APRT can be eligible for reimbursement.

According to background info launched by the sponsors, greater than 90 federal contract towers function with out surveillance shows, relying totally on visible statement and radio communications to separate site visitors. Congress directed the FAA within the 2024 reauthorization act to approve applied sciences meant to enhance situational consciousness at these towers, and the company accredited the primary APRT final summer season.

Supporters say the measure would increase entry to ADS-B–based mostly situational consciousness instruments at smaller airports.

“America is the birthplace of aviation, and our hardworking air traffic controllers deserve the tools and support to do their jobs safely and effectively,” Sheehy stated.

Merkley stated the invoice would “unlock resources for these airports to make critical safety upgrades if they need it.”

In an announcement launched by the National Business Aviation Association, President and CEO Ed Bolen APRT is a obligatory software for decreasing danger at airports nationwide.

“APRT is critical to reducing risk and maintaining operational safety,” Bolen stated. “We are pleased to see this important safety legislation introduced in the Senate and urge its swift passage.”

The laws can be endorsed by the Airlines for America, Regional Airline Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the US Contract Tower Association, amongst others.