In response to the tragic midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on January 29, 2025, which resulted in 67 fatalities, the Federal Aviation Administration has mandated the activation of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology for most aircraft operating in the DCA vicinity.
During a Senate hearing, FAA Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau acknowledged oversight failures, stating, "Something was missed at the DCA crash." He emphasized the agency's commitment to reviewing and improving safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies.
Pilots operating in the DCA area must ensure their aircraft are equipped with functional ADS-B Out systems and that these systems remain active during flight. This requirement underscores the critical role of ADS-B technology in maintaining airspace safety and situational awareness.
» iFlightPlanner ADS-B Compatibility
