Bipartisan senators file NDAA fix to restore ADS‑B rules after DC crash; Thune backs separate aviation bill
Sens. Maria Cantwell and Ted Cruz filed Senate amendments on Dec. 11 to strip NDAA language weakening helicopter ADS‑B requirements and replace it with their earlier aviation safety bill, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the issue could be resolved by quickly passing a separate bill requiring ADS‑B In for airlines and revoking DoD ADS‑B transmission exemptions. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy warned the NDAA language could undermine safety and invite a repeat of the 67‑fatality January crash, major transportation unions condemned the provisions as reckless, and the House has advanced the NDAA though it’s unclear if Senate GOP leaders will permit changes that might delay its passage.
📌 Key Facts
- On Dec. 11, Sens. Maria Cantwell (D) and Ted Cruz (R) filed two Senate amendments to strip NDAA provisions that weaken helicopter ADS‑B requirements and replace them with language from their earlier aviation safety bill.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the concerns could be resolved by quickly passing the separate aviation safety bill, which would require ADS‑B In for airlines and revoke Department of Defense ADS‑B transmission exemptions.
- The House has advanced the NDAA, and it is unclear whether Senate GOP leadership will permit changes that could delay the bill’s passage.
- NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy called the current NDAA language a “significant safety setback,” warning it could invite a repeat of the January crash that killed 67 people.
- Major transportation labor unions, including the Association of Flight Attendants and its leader Sara Nelson, criticized the NDAA provisions as reckless.
📊 Relevant Data
The rate of severe accidents in the US Army per 100,000 flight hours increased from 0.76 in 2020 to 2.02 in 2024.
Military aircraft crashes skyrocketed from 2020 to 2024, new data shows — Defense One
ADS-B In equipped aircraft show a reduction in relevant accident rates from 40 to 60 percent.
Measured Impact of ADS-B In Applications on General Aviation and Air Taxi Accident Rates — Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
Nearly a quarter of all midair close calls over 34 years involved at least one military aircraft, with more than 2,000 near midair collisions involving military aircraft and 258 involving a military aircraft and a commercial airliner.
Nearly a quarter of all midair close calls over 34 years involved at least one military aircraft — CBS News
The rate of severe accidents in the US Marine Corps per 100,000 flight hours nearly doubled from 1.33 in 2020 to 3.91 in 2024.
Military aircraft crashes skyrocketed from 2020 to 2024, new data shows — Defense One
The rate of severe accidents in the US Air Force per 100,000 flight hours increased from 1.72 in 2020 to 1.9 in 2024.
Military aircraft crashes skyrocketed from 2020 to 2024, new data shows — Defense One
📰 Sources (2)
- Sens. Maria Cantwell and Ted Cruz filed two Senate amendments on Dec. 11 to strip NDAA provisions weakening helicopter ADS‑B requirements and replace them with their earlier aviation safety bill.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune said concerns could be resolved by quickly passing the separate aviation safety bill requiring ADS‑B In for airlines and revoking DoD ADS‑B transmission exemptions.
- The House advanced the NDAA on Wednesday, and it is unclear if Senate GOP leadership will allow changes that could delay passage.
- NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy called the current NDAA language a 'significant safety setback' inviting a repeat of the 67‑fatality January crash.
- Major transportation labor unions, including the Association of Flight Attendants (Sara Nelson), criticized the NDAA provisions as reckless.