Safe Operations of Shared Airspace Act of 2025
Sen. Cantwell Introduces Bill to Mandate New Safety Tech and Protect FAA Hiring
The Safe Operations of Shared Airspace Act of 2025 is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. It has been sent to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for review, where it is waiting for further action. The bill is considered active, but no future hearings or votes have been scheduled yet.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Active military pilots and aviation operations face new coordination requirements and safety reviews. The bill narrows the ADS-B Out exceptions that allowed military aircraft to fly without broadcasting their positions, and it requires the Department of Defense to share safety data with the FAA. While this adds operational burdens, it could also improve safety for military flights near civilian airports.
“The term `special mission aircraft' means an aircraft the Secretary of Defense designates, in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration, for a unique mission to which operating with ADS-B Out equipment installed and activated creates a unique risk”
State Impacts
Milestones
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
3 articlesNew Bill Would Mandate ADS-B In For U.S. Airlines
An aviation safety reform bill proposed by six Democratic senators would mandate ADS-B In for U.S commercial aircraft operating scheduled service within four years and narrow current exemptions used in military flying. The Safe Operations of Shared Airspace Act of 2025 is a direct response to...
WA senators pushing on federal legislation
S. 1985 – Safe Operations of Shared Airspace Act of 2025. June 5, 2025, read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

NTSB investigators will detail causes of the midair collision over Washington, DC, and recommend changes
Over the past year, the NTSB has already highlighted a number of the factors that contributed to the crash including a poorly designed helicopter route past Reagan Airport... and the Army's move to turn off a key system that would have broadcast the helicopter's location more clearly.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Safe Operations of Shared Airspace Act of 2025
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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