Summary
The U.S. House of Representatives did not pass a bill that would require aircraft flying around busy airports to have systems that help avoid midair collisions. This bill was proposed after a deadly crash near Washington D.C. involving an airliner and a helicopter. The Senate had already approved this bill.
Key Facts
- The House failed to pass a bill requiring important aircraft locator systems.
- The bill was crafted following a midair collision near Washington D.C. that killed 67 people.
- The National Transportation Safety Board recommended these systems since 2008.
- The proposed system allows aircraft to receive location data from other aircraft.
- A similar system that broadcasts an aircraft’s location is already mandatory.
- Victims' families supported the bill for increased safety.
- Some military and aviation groups favored a different, broader bill introduced recently.
