Anti-blocking technology

(a) Assessment Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate an assessment on the feasibility, maturity, hazards, and safety benefits of technology that serves to alert air traffic controllers or flight crews to instances of potentially blocked transmissions when simultaneous broadcasting occurs. (b) Considerations In conducting the assessment under subsection (a), the Administrator shall, at minimum, consider— (1) technologies currently in use domestically and internationally that alert an air traffic controller or flight crew to instances in which radio transmissions may have been blocked; (2) the technical standards written for, and associated with, the use of such technologies identified under paragraph (1); (3) existing and proposed technologies not in use that could alert an air traffic controller or flight crew to instances in which radio transmissions may have been blocked; (4) the technical standards that would be needed to implement the technologies identified under paragraph (3); (5) the potential benefits and enhanced awareness that the adoption of such technologies would provide; (6) the technological limitations associated with such technologies; (7) air traffic controller training requirements; (8) the effort of the FAA to modernize the air traffic control system, including timelines, the incorporation of new technologies, and planned training; and (9) any benefits and detriments to air traffic controller situational awareness, including availability of information, nuisance alerts, and human factors. (c) Consultation In conducting the assessment under subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult with stakeholders or standards organizations, including— (1) the exclusive bargaining representatives of air traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code; (2) the organization representing air traffic control operational supervisors and managers; (3) the certified bargaining representative of aviation safety inspectors and engineers for the FAA; (4) an organization representing manufacturers of air traffic management systems, equipment and technologies; (5) an organization representing helicopter aviation operators and pilots; (6) an organization representing general aviation operators and pilots; and (7) any other organization or agency the Administrator determines appropriate. (d) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of the assessment under subsection (a) that includes— (1) a list of technologies identified by the Administrator serving the purpose described in subsection (a); (2) a list of technologies the Administrator proposes that could serve the purpose described in subsection (a); (3) results of simulations and testing; and (4) a plan to implement the technologies listed under paragraphs (1) and (2) if the assessment under subsection (a) finds such technology can be safely implemented, including— (A) the scope of potential upgrades; (B) predicted costs; (C) a projected timeline; and (D) how the potential upgrades to facilities and equipment within the scope of subparagraph (A) would be prioritized.