S. 3929: Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act

This bill, known as the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act, proposes several key actions aimed at improving air traffic control systems in the United States.

Installation of Airborne Position Reference Tools

The bill mandates that within one year of its enactment, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must acquire and install certified Airborne Position Reference Tools at certain air traffic control towers. Specifically, this applies to towers that:

• Operate under a contract with the FAA
• Are not equipped with existing Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems (STARS) or other situational awareness tools

Installation and Maintenance of Standard Terminal Automation Systems

The bill also requires the Secretary of Transportation to ensure that any air traffic control tower operating under the Contract Tower Program without situational awareness tools must have a Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (or an equivalent system) installed and maintained. This must be completed within one year of the bill's enactment.

Funding for Systems and Training

Regarding funding, the bill proposes amendments for how funds can be used to establish systems and train air traffic controllers on the operation of these tools. It stresses the importance of training programs that facilitate the proper and efficient use of the equipment integrated into contract tower operations.

Reimbursement Provisions

The bill includes provisions for reimbursement to airport sponsors or controllers for any certified situational awareness systems, including the Airborne Position Reference Tools or Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems. If a system was independently acquired and installed before the enactment of the bill, the Secretary of Transportation is required to provide reimbursement or grant funding for these systems.

Authorized Expenditures

Additionally, the bill clarifies expenditures authorized for air navigation facilities and equipment. It allows for the acquisition, installation, and annual operating expenses of the certified Airborne Position Reference Tools at relevant air traffic control towers.

Relevant Companies

• BA (Boeing): Potential impact related to increased operational efficiency and safety in air traffic management which may benefit product demand.
• RTX (Raytheon Technologies): As a provider of aviation technology, they could see increased business opportunities related to the development and deployment of air traffic control systems.