H.R. 8597: Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act

The Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act aims to improve air traffic control systems in the United States. Here’s a breakdown of the key provisions:

1. Installation of Airborne Position Reference Tools

The bill mandates the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to acquire and install certified Airborne Position Reference Tools at specific air traffic control towers within one year of the law's enactment. The specific air traffic control towers targeted for this installation are those currently operating under contract with the FAA and do not have existing situational awareness tools such as the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems (STARS).

2. Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) Installation

Subsequent to the installation of the Airborne Position Reference Tools, the FAA is required to ensure that any tower that does not have STARS or similar tools will have a STARS system purchased, installed, and maintained. This measure also must be completed within one year of the law's enactment. The installation and maintenance of these systems must be conducted either by the original equipment manufacturer or by the FAA's services.

3. Funding for STARS

The bill seeks to modify funding provisions related to the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System. It emphasizes establishing a training program for air traffic controllers at contract towers to ensure effective integration and use of these situational awareness technologies.

4. Reimbursement for Previous Acquisitions

For airport sponsors or air traffic control towers that have independently acquired and installed situational awareness systems prior to the official installation date mandated in the bill, the Secretary of Transportation is required to provide reimbursement. This reimbursement would cover both the Airborne Position Reference Tools and any previously installed certified situational awareness systems.

5. Authorized Expenditures

The legislation also expands authorized expenditures related to air navigation facilities and equipment. It allows for the annual operating expenses associated with the certified Airborne Position Reference Tools at contract-operated air traffic control towers to be covered.

Relevant Companies

• BA (Boeing Company): Boeing may be impacted as a manufacturer of aviation equipment, potentially supplying the systems required by the bill.
• LMT (Lockheed Martin Corporation): Lockheed Martin could also be involved in the development or supply of the necessary air traffic control systems.