In response to growing concerns following a tragic midair collision over Washington, D.C., senators from both parties are advocating for amendments to a significant defense bill. This legislation is under scrutiny due to warnings from crash investigators and victim families about potential safety setbacks.
Senators Push for Amendments on Military Operations
On Thursday, legislation that advanced in the House faced backlash for possibly reversing critical safety reforms. These reforms were introduced after an airliner collided with an Army helicopter in January, resulting in the loss of 67 lives. Both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and affected families argued that the proposed changes would jeopardize aviation safety.
Concerns Over Military Aircraft Operations
Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell and Republican Senator Ted Cruz have proposed amendments to remove problematic helicopter safety provisions from the bill. Their proposal aims to enhance safety requirements established earlier. However, approval from Republican leadership remains uncertain, potentially stalling progress on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
- Current bill includes allowances for military helicopters to operate in D.C. airspace without critical safety systems.
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandated the use of these systems in March.
NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy condemned the bill as a significant safety setback. She highlighted that it poses unacceptable risks to both commercial and military aircraft, urging lawmakers to uphold safety measures to honor the families affected by the tragedy.
Aviation Unions Oppose the Bill
Major unions representing pilots and flight attendants joined the effort in expressing their opposition. Sara Nelson, President of the Association of Flight Attendants, labeled the provisions as “reckless and indefensible.”
Potential Legislative Solutions
Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledged these concerns and hinted at the possibility of addressing them through a separate aviation safety bill introduced by Cruz and Cantwell last summer. This bill proposes comprehensive requirements for ADS-B technology that tracks aircraft positions, enhancing overall airspace safety.
- Most aircraft are already equipped with ADS-B Out technology.
- The new legislation seeks to eliminate exemptions for military aircraft on ADS-B transmissions.
Tim and Sheri Lilley, parents of a victim, criticized the current bill for simply offering a superficial fix. They stressed the importance of thorough assessments rather than allowing military exceptions.
Investigation Insights and Future Steps
The NTSB’s report outlining the collision’s causes will not be available until next year, but preliminary findings point to operational issues, such as the helicopter’s altitude and insufficient separation between aircraft. Key recommendations have been made for better collision alert systems.
Despite the urgency, the White House and military have not publicly addressed the legislation’s safety implications. As Congress prepares for a holiday break, the NDAA remains a priority, necessitating swift passage. Observers anticipate the Senate’s upcoming discussions on this crucial defense bill, amidst calls for enhanced air safety regulations.
