Bipartisan bill addresses 50 safety recommendations following collision that killed 67 people near Washington airport last year

United States lawmakers have introduced comprehensive aviation safety legislation following a fatal mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional jet and Army Black Hawk helicopter that claimed 67 lives in January last year.

Bipartisan group from House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Armed Services Committee unveiled the bill on Thursday. Legislation aims to address deficiencies in Federal Aviation Administration's safety culture, enhance air traffic control training procedures, and strengthen airspace safety around Reagan Washington National Airport where collision occurred.

Representative Sam Graves, House Transportation Committee chair, said the comprehensive bill will make aviation system safer by directly addressing various factors that contributed to the accident. Representative Rick Larsen, panel’s top Democrat, confirmed the bill addresses all 50 National Transportation Safety Board recommendations to improve airspace safety and protect travellers from future accidents.

Bill calls for comprehensive independent audit of FAA’s safety culture and safety management system. Legislation also mandates improved helicopter route design and addresses multiple concerns about military aviation practices.

House is separately scheduled to vote Monday on ROTOR Act, legislation that passed Senate unanimously in December. That bill requires aircraft operators to equip fleets with automatic dependent surveillance broadcast system, known as ADS-B, by end of 2031. Senate bill also boosts oversight of commercial jet and helicopter traffic and flight routes near commercial airports.

Lawmakers have not clarified whether House might incorporate parts of Thursday's unveiled bill into Senate legislation.

NTSB investigation last month found systemic failures by FAA led to collision, which marked worst US aviation disaster since 2001. Safety board determined accident was caused by FAA's decision to allow helicopters to travel close to airport with no safeguards separating them from airplanes. Investigation also cited FAA's failure to review data and act on recommendations to move helicopter traffic away from airport.

NTSB issued more than 30 recommendations to FAA, citing series of failures before Washington crash. Safety board identified problems with helicopter route design near busy commercial airport and lack of separation protocols between military and civilian aircraft.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, speaking at conference on Thursday, acknowledged agency needed to improve its culture. He vowed to implement safety board recommendations following devastating collision.

Crash occurred when American Eagle flight 5342 collided with military helicopter over Potomac River near Reagan Washington National Airport. Coast Guard, local, state and federal agencies responded to aftermath as debris scattered across river.

Investigation revealed helicopters were operating in airspace designated for commercial aircraft arrivals and departures without adequate separation measures. NTSB found FAA had received previous warnings about helicopter traffic patterns near airport but failed to take corrective action.

Proposed legislation represents bipartisan effort to prevent similar tragedies. Bill's supporters emphasize need for systemic reforms across military and civilian aviation operations, particularly in congested airspace around major metropolitan airports.

For Bangladeshi aviation sector, developments highlight global emphasis on airspace management safety standards. Bangladesh's growing aviation industry, with expansion of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and increased domestic flights, may benefit from international best practices emerging from US safety reforms.

Legislation demonstrates how major aviation accidents drive regulatory improvements worldwide. Aviation experts expect similar safety protocols could influence international aviation standards set by International Civil Aviation Organization, which Bangladesh follows.

Source: Reuters