This article is based on an official press release from the U.S. Department of Transportation and background information regarding recent aviation safety developments.

Transportation Secretary Duffy Debuts Digital Flight Strip System at Reagan National Airport

On February 19, 2026, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy visited Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to officially mark a significant technological transition in the airport’s air traffic control tower. The event highlighted the operational shift from traditional paper flight strips to a fully digital interface, known as electronic flight strips.

According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), this upgrade is a key component of the Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) program. The modernization effort aims to replace the decades-old physical strips that controllers have historically used to track aircraft with a streamlined, real-time digital system. The initiative is funded through the $12.5 billion air traffic control allocation included in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act, signed by President Trump in July 2025.

During the visit, Secretary Duffy emphasized the administration’s focus on modernizing infrastructure to prevent future tragedies. In a statement provided by the DOT, Duffy remarked on the long-awaited nature of this upgrade.

“Electronic flight strips are gonna bring safety and efficiency to our airspace. And our air traffic controllers, they’ve been asking for this for years.”

, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy

Modernizing the Tower: The Terminal Flight Data Manager

The transition to the Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) represents a fundamental change in how air traffic is managed on the ground. For decades, controllers have relied on paper strips, physical slips of paper containing flight data, that are manually printed, marked, and passed between controllers to track an aircraft’s progress.

According to the DOT announcement, the new electronic system automates this process. The digital strips provide automatic updates on flight status, significantly reducing the potential for manual data entry errors. Furthermore, the system facilitates instant data sharing between the tower, ramp controllers, and airline operations centers. This connectivity allows for more precise coordination of gate pushbacks and taxi flows.

The DOT also noted environmental benefits associated with the technology. By better predicting and managing taxiway congestion, the system is designed to reduce fuel burn and CO2 emissions on the tarmac. DCA is reportedly one of 15 airports nationwide to have deployed this technology to date as part of the broader NextGen modernization effort.

Safety Context: Addressing the Shadows of 2025

While the announcement focused on technological progress, the upgrade arrives in the wake of a severe safety crisis in the region. The deployment of these systems is viewed by industry observers as a critical response to the tragic mid-air collision that occurred near DCA on January 29, 2025.

That incident, which involved American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, resulted in 67 fatalities and prompted an intense review of airspace safety protocols in the National Capital Region. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation into the crash cited limitations in the “see-and-avoid” concept and reliance on visual separation as probable causes.

Although the electronic strips primarily address surface management and data accuracy rather than mid-air separation directly, the administration has framed the rollout as part of a “new era” of safety. Following the 2025 tragedy, the FAA also formalized permanent restrictions for helicopters and powered-lift aircraft near DCA to mitigate conflict risks.

AirPro News Analysis: Technology vs. Workforce Realities

While the introduction of electronic flight strips at DCA is a verifiable technological leap, AirPro News notes that hardware upgrades address only one facet of the current aviation safety landscape. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has long advocated for this technology to improve situational awareness, yet the union continues to voice concerns regarding deeper systemic issues.

The efficiency gains from TFDM may be offset if workforce shortages persist. Following the government shutdown in late 2025, union representatives expressed that technology alone cannot resolve fatigue and understaffing. While the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act provides substantial capital for equipment, the operational resilience of the air traffic control system ultimately relies on the human controllers managing these new digital tools.

Funding and Legislative Support

The financial backing for the DCA upgrade stems from the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act, the cornerstone of the Trump administration’s second-term infrastructure agenda. Passed on July 4, 2025, the legislation allocated $12.5 billion specifically for air traffic control modernization.

Secretary Duffy, a former Congressman and media personality, has championed these expenditures as necessary to “purge” inefficiencies from the system. The administration continues to promote the rapid deployment of NextGen technologies as a primary method for restoring public confidence in aviation safety following the turbulent events of the previous year.

Sources

• U.S. Department of Transportation

This article is based on an official press release from the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

On February 19, 2026, the bipartisan leadership of the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) and Armed Services Committees introduced comprehensive legislation aimed at overhauling aviation safety protocols in the National Capital Region. The Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act of 2026 serves as a direct legislative response to the catastrophic midair collision between Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopters earlier last year.

The bill, sponsored by T&I Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL), and Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA), seeks to implement all 50 safety recommendations issued by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in its final accident report.

Legislative Response to the Flight 5342 Tragedy

The introduction of the ALERT Act comes just days after the NTSB released its final investigation into the January 29, 2025, disaster over the Potomac River, which claimed 67 lives. According to the joint committee release, the legislation is designed to address the systemic failures identified by investigators, specifically the lack of situational awareness and transparency between military and civil aircraft operating in shared airspace.

In a statement regarding the bill’s introduction, Rep. Sam Graves emphasized the weight of the tragedy on the legislative process:

“The collision… was a terrible tragedy… The best way to serve and honor the victims and their families is by thoughtfully addressing the broad range of safety issues raised by the now-complete accident investigation.”

, Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), Chairman, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

Key Provisions of the ALERT Act

Based on the text of the bill and the committee summary, the ALERT Act mandates several critical changes to aviation operations, particularly around high-density Airports like Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Key measures include:

• Mandatory Collision Mitigation Technology: The Act requires the installation and use of collision avoidance and alerting systems, such as ADS-B, for all civil fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft.
• Airspace Redesign: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is mandated to redesign helicopter routes and separation standards to ensure greater buffers between commercial flights and rotorcraft.
• ATC Reform: The bill directs enhanced training for Air Traffic Controllers to better manage mixed-use airspace involving both commercial jets and military helicopters.

Repealing the “Transparency Loophole”

A central and politically significant component of the ALERT Act is the repeal of Section 373(a) of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This provision had previously allowed military aircraft to waive requirements for military aircraft to broadcast their location via ADS-B while operating in the National Capital Region.

Critics and safety advocates have argued that this exemption created a dangerous “blind spot” in the airspace. The NTSB investigation into the Flight 5342 crash highlighted that the Black Hawk helicopter involved was not equipped with modern collision avoidance technology that could have alerted the crew to the incoming regional jet.

Rep. Mike Rogers, Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, noted the collaboration required to address this specific defense-related issue:

“Rather than take a piecemeal approach, the Armed Services Committee worked closely with our counterparts… to craft comprehensive legislation that makes our skies safer for airline passengers and for the servicemembers.”

, Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL), Chairman, Armed Services Committee

Background: The Crash and NTSB Findings

The urgency of this legislation stems from the events of January 29, 2025. American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ-700 operated by PSA Airlines, collided with a U.S. Army UH-60L Black Hawk approximately 0.5 miles from DCA. The crash resulted in the deaths of all 64 people aboard the jet and the 3 crew members of the helicopter.

The NTSB’s final report, released on February 17, 2026, concluded that the crash was not the result of a single error, but a convergence of flawed airspace design, altitude deviations, and a lack of technological interoperability. Specifically, the investigation found that the helicopter route was positioned directly beneath the active approach corridor for Runway 33 without sufficient vertical separation.

AirPro News Analysis

The speed at which the ALERT Act has moved from concept to introduction, just two days after the NTSB final report, signals a rare alignment between the House Transportation and Armed Services committees. Typically, jurisdictional friction between civilian aviation oversight and military operational security can slow such reforms. However, the explicit repeal of Section 373(a) suggests that Congress is prioritizing the “Written in Blood” doctrine, the grim reality that aviation regulations are often only strengthened following mass casualty events, over previous military transparency exemptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ALERT Act of 2026?
The Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act is a bipartisan bill introduced to overhaul aviation safety, specifically mandating collision avoidance tech and redesigning airspace routes following the Flight 5342 crash.

What was Section 373(a) of the FY26 NDAA?
It was a provision that allowed military aircraft to opt out of broadcasting their location data in the National Capital Region. The ALERT Act repeals this to ensure all aircraft are visible to ATC and other pilots.

What were the casualties of Flight 5342?
The collision resulted in 67 confirmed fatalities: 64 passengers and crew on the regional jet, and 3 crew members on the Army helicopter.

Sources

House Armed Services Committee Press Release
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

This article is based on an official preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and public FAA registry data.

NTSB Issues Preliminary Findings on Fatal Experimental Aircraft Crash in Arizona

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary report regarding the fatal accident involving an experimental amateur-built Pelegrin Tarragon aircraft in Arizona. The crash, which occurred on February 6, 2026, resulted in the death of the pilot and injuries to a surviving passenger.

According to the NTSB’s findings released on February 18, 2026, the aircraft, registered as N35RR, was destroyed after impacting terrain in a remote desert environment near Shawmut, Arizona. The accident site is located near a railroad siding southeast of Gila Bend in Maricopa County. Investigators confirmed that the flight was operating under Part 91 general aviation rules as a personal flight at the time of the incident.

The release of this preliminary document marks the first official step in an investigation that is expected to continue for at least a year. While the report establishes the factual circumstances gathered at the scene, the NTSB emphasizes that it does not yet determine the probable cause of the tragedy.

Crash Timeline and Site Details

The accident occurred at approximately 19:30 (7:30 PM) local time on Friday, February 6. The NTSB report indicates that the aircraft was navigating the Gila Bend area when the crash sequence initiated. Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) prevailed at the time, suggesting that weather may not have been a primary restricting factor, though specific visibility and wind data will likely be analyzed further in the full factual report.

The crash site in Shawmut is characterized by flat, open desert terrain often utilized for general aviation transit. However, the area presents significant challenges for emergency landings due to uneven ground and scrub brush. The aircraft reportedly sustained substantial damage upon impact.

“Preliminary data suggests the aircraft impacted terrain in a remote desert environment. The specific sequence of events leading to the impact is currently under investigation.”

— National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Preliminary Report

Investigative Focus

Federal investigators are currently examining several critical components of the wreckage. The NTSB has stated that the investigation will focus on the airframe, the flight controls, and the Rotax 915 iS engine (approximately 141 hp) to rule out or identify any pre-impact mechanical anomalies. Additionally, investigators noted that the statement from the surviving passenger will be a “critical component” of the ongoing inquiry.

Aircraft and Pilot Background

The aircraft involved was a Pelegrin Tarragon, a high-performance tandem-seat ultralight originally designed in Latvia. Known for its carbon-fiber construction and speed capabilities of up to 190 knots, the aircraft is often registered in the United States under the Experimental Amateur-Built category. This classification typically requires the owner to participate significantly in the aircraft’s construction.

According to FAA registry records cited in the report context, the aircraft (N35RR) was registered to Red Baron Snoop Dog LLC based in Lewes, Delaware. The airworthiness certificate was issued in August 2022, listing Robert G. Elves as the manufacturer.

Pilot Profile

The pilot, identified as Dr. Robert G. Elves, was the sole fatality in the accident. Background information included in the report context describes Elves as a retired U.S. Air Force officer and chemist. He was a recognized member of the aviation community and a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Elves was also known for advocating safety measures, specifically the use of helmets in general aviation cockpits.

AirPro News Analysis: The Path to a Final Report

The release of a preliminary report is a standard procedure for the NTSB, typically occurring within two weeks of an accident. It serves to inform the public and the aviation industry of the basic facts established on-site. However, stakeholders should note that the investigation is far from complete.

The next major milestone will be the release of the Factual Report, which usually arrives several months later. This document will provide a deep dive into pilot logs, maintenance records, and toxicology results, offering a comprehensive view of the human and mechanical factors involved. The final determination of probable cause is generally not released until the Final Report is completed, a process the NTSB estimates will take between 12 and 24 months.

As the investigation progresses, the NTSB will post publicly available factual data, including photos and witness statements, to its Docket Management System.

Sources

• NTSB Preliminary Report Data
• FAA Registry (N-Number Inquiry)
• 12News (KPNX)