Pilots Sound Alarm: US Air Safety Stretched Thin

The U.S. aviation system, renowned for its safety, is currently experiencing strain due to increased air traffic, system complexity, and aging infrastructure. Pilots highlight recent incidents, including a runway collision and numerous near misses, as clear warning signs that the system is being stretched thin. They emphasize the need for sustained investment in technology, infrastructure, and personnel, particularly in modernizing the air traffic control system and addressing controller shortages.

Essential to enhancing flight deck safety is the mandatory use of ADS-B In technology, which allows pilots to see nearby aircraft in real-time. Current regulations require ADS-B Out but not the complementary ADS-B In. Pilots argue that this gap, especially when military and government aircraft are not fully integrated into the tracking system, increases collision risks. They advocate for Congress to pass legislation that mandates a comprehensive ADS-B In suite, learning from both the ALERT Act and the ROTOR Act to ensure a robust safety net.