Army Report Underscores Why Congress Must Finish the Job on ADS-B In

McLean, Va. — Following the release of the U.S. Army’s report on the PSA Flight 5342 midair collision, Capt. Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), issued the following statement calling on Congress to require integrated ADS-B In technology for civilian and military aircraft and ADS-B Out transmission by military aircraft nationwide.

“The Army’s report is another call to action to honor the 67 lives lost over the Potomac on January 29, 2025, by making sure a tragedy like this never happens again. This accident could have been prevented if the PSA Flight 5342 aircraft and the U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter had been equipped with integrated ADS-B In technology.

“In addition, the Army’s report affirms multiple National Transportation Safety Board recommendations and validates the need for legislation requiring all military aircraft to transmit ADS-B Out nationwide. These improvements are needed to close safety gaps identified during the accident investigation by ensuring airline pilots can see all other aircraft, including military aircraft.

“Aviation has a long history of learning from tragedy, and we are continuing that work today in honor of our fallen colleagues, all those lost, and their families. Integrated ADS-B In and ADS-B Out transmission could have made the difference that night, which is why they are the foundation of our advocacy coming out of this tragedy.

“We owe it to the 67 people we lost, and to the millions who trust us with their lives every day, to finish this job. Pilots deserve every second technology can give them.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us @ALPAPilots on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X.

CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org