On March 2, 2026, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) publicly supported a bipartisan legislative proposal aimed at modernizing air traffic control infrastructure. The initiative, known as the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act, would mandate the installation of Airborne Position Reference Tools (APRTs) at over 90 non-radar air traffic control towers across the United States. These towers, which lack advanced surveillance technology, currently operate without real-time data about aircraft positions and movements.
This legislation, introduced by Senators Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), addresses a critical gap in aviation safety. More than 90 contract towers nationwide have been identified as having no radar or other surveillance technology, placing pilots and ground crews at risk due to limited situational awareness. The bill would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to install APRTs, which use ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) technology to provide precise, continuous tracking of aircraft.
ADS-B technology is already widely adopted by commercial and general aviation for aircraft positioning. However, its implementation at contract towers has been limited due to the absence of radar capabilities. By equipping these towers with APRTs, the bill aims to create a standardized system that enhances safety and operational efficiency. The legislation has gained support from AOPA and other aviation stakeholders who emphasize the critical need for reliable situational awareness in high-risk environments.
The bill's introduction reflects a growing recognition of the risks associated with outdated tower infrastructure. Without real-time tracking, controllers face challenges in monitoring aircraft movements, particularly during adverse weather conditions or in complex airspace environments. This initiative is part of a broader push to modernize the national airspace system through technology-driven solutions.
While the bill has strong backing from AOPA and aviation safety advocates, it faces potential challenges related to cost and implementation timelines. The FAA will need to coordinate with multiple stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of APRTs into existing infrastructure. Additionally, the bill requires careful consideration of how to maintain compatibility with existing systems without disrupting current operations.
The Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act is expected to be a significant step toward improving aviation safety. With over 90 towers identified as lacking surveillance technology, the bill could have a substantial impact on reducing incidents related to miscommunication or delayed responses. However, its success will depend on effective coordination between federal agencies and the aviation industry.
