September 15, 2026
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee today approved a USCTA-backed bill that would require the FAA to equip contract towers with Airborne Position Reference Tools (APRT) unless they already have STARs systems. The proposal is aimed at increasing airborne situational awareness for controllers at contract towers.
The Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act (H.R. 8597), which was introduced by Rep. Nick Begich (R-AK), would require the FAA to acquire, install, and operate APRT at contract towers that lack STARs within two years. USCTA has been urging Congress and the administration to equip contract towers with airborne situational awareness technology to enhance aviation safety.
The 2024 FAA reauthorization bill opened the door for APRT at contract towers by including two other USCTA-backed provisions: One would allow contract tower controllers to use airborne situational awareness equipment. The other would allow airports to procure, install, and maintain that equipment within two years of enactment.
The revised Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act takes the next step and authorizes funding for acquisition, installation, and operation of this cost-effective safety upgrade. Most notably for airports, the measure would authorize funds from the FAA’s Facility and Equipment account to pay for APRT at contract towers. And it would allow the FAA to reimburse airports that have installed that equipment prior to enactment.
Upcoming Senate Action: Tomorrow, the Senate Commerce Committee is scheduled to mark up several bills including a slightly different version of the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act. In February, Republican Senators Tim Sheehy and Steve Daines from Montana joined with Democratic Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden from Oregon to introduce S. 3929 in the upper chamber. More information on the introduction may be viewed here.