Military ADS–B Out Loophole Act

Plain-English Summary: Military ADS–B Out Loophole Act

This bill addresses a gap in current aviation safety rules related to a technology called ADS-B Out (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast). ADS-B Out is a system that allows aircraft to automatically broadcast their location, speed, and altitude to air traffic controllers and other nearby aircraft. Since 2020, the FAA has required most aircraft flying in certain airspace to have this technology installed, making it easier to track planes and avoid mid-air collisions. However, military aircraft have generally been exempt from this requirement, and this bill appears aimed at closing that exemption.

The legislation would essentially require military aircraft to comply with the same ADS-B Out standards that civilian aircraft must already follow, at least in certain airspace situations. The idea is that when military planes share the same airspace as commercial and private aircraft, all planes should be visible to the same tracking systems to reduce the risk of accidents.

This bill would most directly affect the U.S. military and the Department of Defense, which would need to update or equip aircraft to meet the new standards. It could also benefit commercial airlines, private pilots, and air traffic controllers, who would gain better visibility of military aircraft operating nearby. The Federal Aviation Administration would likely play a role in overseeing or coordinating the new requirements.

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which is the standard first step in the legislative process. No official description has been provided by Congress, so some details about the bill's exact scope remain unclear until the full text is available.