AOPA backs bill to equip all contract towers with ADS-B
More than 90 towers lack radar or other surveillance technology
A bipartisan group of senators introduced the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act, which would equip more than 90 air traffic control towers operating without radar or other surveillance technology with a cost-effective ADS-B-based solution.
The bill, introduced on February 26 by Sens. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), would authorize the installation of Airborne Position Reference Tools (APRTs) at federal contract towers currently operating without surveillance technology. Air traffic controllers can reference APRTs, which use ADS-B data to visualize the location of aircraft for situational awareness.
“As our airspace grows more congested and complex, far too many controllers do not have access to critical, 21st century technology. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan bill to close that gap, protect American families, and keep our airspace the safest in the world,” said Sheehy.
The bill quickly drew praise from across the aviation industry—including AOPA, the National Business Aviation Association, Airlines for America, the Regional Airline Association, Horizon Air, and the U.S. Contract Tower Association.
“Our simple bipartisan bill unlocks resources for these airports to make critical safety upgrades if they need it, something we should all get behind,” said Merkley.
“AOPA appreciates Senators Sheehy, Merkley, Daines, and Wyden for their leadership in introducing this important aviation safety bill,” said AOPA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy Jim Coon. “Federal contract towers are a vital part of our national airspace, and this legislation closes a longstanding gap. Installing these tools at the airports that currently lack them will give controllers greater situational awareness and enhance safety for pilots across the country.”
uAvionix, which gained FAA approval for the first APRT system, a cloud-based solution called FlightLine, in 2025, said this technology delivers a clearer picture of ground and airborne positions without the cost, complex infrastructure, or lengthy deployment timelines of traditional radar systems.
“Using ADS-B in these control towers aligns perfectly with the purpose of this technology—safety and airspace efficiency. Senator Sheehy is a general aviation pilot, a strong advocate for aviation safety, and an original supporter of the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act that would ensure ADS-B is used for its intended purpose and not as a tollbooth for airports and others. Hopefully, Congress can get both of these bills to the president’s desk,” added Coon.
