Aviation stakeholder organizations expressed their continued support for the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act of 2026 in statements released March 25, as the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee prepares to consider its portion of the legislation.
The ALERT Act was introduced following the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation into the midair collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a UH-60 Army Black Hawk helicopter at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in January 2025. The bill aims to address a broad range of aviation safety issues raised by that accident, with updates based on discussions with stakeholders since its introduction.
Multiple aviation groups have endorsed the updated text. The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association said, “AMFA applauds the bipartisan leadership in the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and the House Armed Services Committee for advancing the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act of 2026. This legislation strengthens safety, improves transparency, and reinforces the shared commitment to protecting the flying public and professionals who maintain our nation’s aircraft.”
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association stated, “The aviation industry has been unified in making every effort with our government partners to bring forward solutions to improve aviation safety. The ALERT Act addresses NTSB's recommendations... ensures a pilot’s privacy remains protected... We support [its] passage.” Airlines for America said, “A4A appreciates strong leadership shown by Representatives Graves, Larsen, Rogers and Smith... The ALERT Act takes a holistic approach in making safety improvements across our aviation system.”
Other organizations echoed similar sentiments. Allegiant Travel Company called it legislation that "provides for holistic solutions to safeguard the flying public," while Allied Pilots Association described it as "a critical step forward in ensuring our National Airspace System remains safest." Experimental Aircraft Association supported measures promoting proper use of ADS-B equipment; National Air Carrier Association praised its outcomes-based framework; National Air Traffic Controllers Association thanked committee leaders for an amendment addressing NTSB recommendations; National Business Aviation Association noted its aim "to dramatically improve safety" by closing identified gaps.
Industry voices such as NetJets highlighted collaboration among lawmakers: “We appreciate Chairman Graves and Ranking Member Larsen working in a collaborative manner... while meaningfully incorporating all NTSB’s final recommendations.” Reliable Robotics called attention to how thoroughly it responds to NTSB findings from last year’s crash. Vertical Aviation International commended Congress for advancing "a bill that addresses all 50 safety-related recommendations identified by NTSB."
