Safe Operations of Shared Airspace Act

Full Title:
Safe Operations of Shared Airspace Act of 2025

Summary#

This measure directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other agencies to take a set of steps aimed at improving aviation safety in shared airspace. Key actions include: creating an independent expert panel to review the FAA's Safety Management System (SMS) and report findings; tightening exceptions to ADS-B Out broadcast rules for sensitive missions; requiring many commercial aircraft to carry and use ADS-B In equipment within four years; setting up an FAA Office of FAA-DOD Coordination to review military, law enforcement, rotorcraft, powered-lift, and unmanned aircraft operations near Class B airports; establishing memoranda of understanding for safety data sharing between the FAA and military departments; protecting FAA hiring and staffing from hiring freezes, furlough offers, and reductions in force; extending a controller hiring deadline to 2033; expanding air traffic controller training and instructor recruitment programs; directing Transport Airplane Risk Assessment Methodology (TARAM) analyses after fatal transport airplane accidents; requiring an audit of FAA whistleblower handling; and issuing an interim rule on conflicts of interest with a subsequent Inspector General compliance review.

What it means for you#

  • Airlines and operators under part 121 and many part 135 operators would need ADS-B In equipment installed and operational within four years unless air traffic control authorizes otherwise.
  • Pilots, air traffic controllers, and airport staff can expect new safety reviews, training programs, and expanded data sharing between the FAA and military departments.
  • Military and other government flight operations that used ADS-B Out exceptions face a stricter definition of "sensitive government mission" and annual joint council reviews.
  • FAA employees are protected from certain hiring freezes, voluntary furlough offers, and reductions in force under the timelines in the measure.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

Supporters in the text emphasize improving safety through stronger SMS oversight, better surveillance equipment on commercial aircraft, coordinated reviews of mixed-use airspace near Class B airports, and faster sharing of safety information with military departments. The measure also aims to stabilize FAA staffing, expand controller training pathways, and ensure prompt risk analyses after fatal transport airplane accidents.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.