S. 1985: Safe Operations of Shared Airspace Act of 2025

The Safe Operations of Shared Airspace Act of 2025 focuses on improving aviation safety by implementing several key measures. These measures include:

Enhanced Safety Management

The bill calls for a thorough review of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Safety Management System. This aims to identify weaknesses and improve safety protocols and procedures within the aviation sector.

Expert Evaluations

It requires expert compliance evaluations to ensure that safety standards are met effectively. This will involve assessments conducted by professionals in aviation safety.

Training Requirements

The legislation emphasizes the need for better training for air traffic controllers. This includes developing an improved training curriculum to ensure that controllers are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle various situations that may arise during air operations.

Collaboration with Defense

To enhance safety, the bill mandates stronger information sharing about safety between the FAA and the Department of Defense. This collaboration aims to align both organizations' efforts and improve the overall safety of shared airspace.

Comptroller General's Role

The bill tasks the Comptroller General with consulting stakeholders and producing a report on aviation safety within one year of the bill's enactment. This report will contribute to the ongoing examination of aviation safety practices.

Staff Recruitment and Retention

It also tackles recruiting and retaining qualified personnel, specifically targeting medical examiners and air traffic control instructors. The FAA will be required to develop strategies to attract and keep skilled staff in these critical positions.

Accident Safety Assessments

The Act mandates that the FAA conduct safety assessments related to airplane accidents. This is intended to understand better the causes of accidents and develop strategies to prevent future occurrences.

Summary

Overall, the Safe Operations of Shared Airspace Act of 2025 is designed to strengthen aviation safety through comprehensive evaluations, improved training, better collaboration with defense entities, stakeholder involvement, and enhanced recruitment and retention efforts within the FAA.

Relevant Companies

• BA - Boeing: As a major aircraft manufacturer, Boeing may be impacted by changes in safety regulations and compliance requirements.
• LMT - Lockheed Martin: This company is heavily involved in defense and might be affected by increased safety coordination between the FAA and the Department of Defense.
• AAL - American Airlines: As a major airline operator, American Airlines will likely need to adhere to new safety training standards and compliance measures resulting from this legislation.