FAA Administrator Grilled Over Mid-Air Collision Near DCA and ADS-B Out Exemptions

FAA Oversight and the DCA Mid-Air Collision

• ⚠️ Senator Cantwell questions the FAA's oversight following a mid-air collision near DCA, highlighting a lack of signaling messages.
• ❓ The core issue revolves around the FAA's knowledge and allowance of flights operating within 75 feet of each other without a required safety measure: ADS-B Out.

ADS-B Out Policy and Exemptions

• 🚫 It is revealed that ADS-B Out was not allowed for routine use by Army policy, yet the FAA seemingly permitted flights to operate without it.
• ✈️ The FAA Administrator states that effective immediately, ADS-B Out will be required in DCA Class B airspace, except in very limited circumstances.
• 📜 Concerns are raised about existing exemptions, including a letter from the Department of Homeland Security for US Customs and Border Protection air and Marine operations.

Accountability and Safety Measures

• 🧐 Cantwell expresses disbelief that the FAA would allow exemptions for operations that were previously prohibited, especially after an accident.
• 💰 The NTSB's requirements for ADS-B are mentioned, with the cost to equip a plane estimated at $20,000, a price deemed worth it for saving lives.
• 🏛️ The Senator emphasizes that it is the FAA's job to prevent such exemptions from becoming widespread and to ensure details are exposed, not hidden through lack of memos.