H.R. 6967, the Safe Airspace for Americans Act, would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to build a formal system for collecting, reporting, and analyzing UAP (unidentified anomalous phenomena) incidents reported by aviation workers. The bill was introduced on January 11, 2024, by Rep. Robert Garcia of California, with bipartisan co-sponsors, and was referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation on January 19, 2024.
What would the FAA have to do under this bill?
Within 180 days of the bill becoming law, the FAA Administrator would have to develop standardized procedures for collecting and analyzing UAP incident reports from civilian aircrew, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, aviation maintenance personnel, dispatchers, air carriers, and airports. That includes reports of adverse physiological effects and disruptions to flight instruments. The FAA would also need to archive pilot-controller communications, radar data, and air traffic management data that could help with investigations.
The Administrator would also have to choose a reporting system, either the existing Aviation Safety Reporting Program or a new dedicated system, and must include the ability to submit reports via an electronic flight bag if it can be done safely.
Who else would be involved?
The bill requires the FAA to coordinate with several other federal agencies, including the Secretary of Defense, the Director of National Intelligence, NASA, the Department of Homeland Security, NOAA, the National Science Foundation, and the Secretary of Energy. All reports and archived data would also be shared with the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) at the Department of Defense.
What protections does the bill include for reporters?
The bill includes several layers of protection for people who report UAP. Spotting or reporting a UAP could not be used against a pilot when evaluating their medical certificate or airmen certificate. Federal employees and contractors could not face retaliation, including loss of security clearances or termination, for reporting UAP. Air carriers and commercial operators could not fire workers or issue cease-and-desist letters to anyone who reports UAP to the FAA.
What does Congress say about stigma?
The bill includes a Sense of Congress stating that all UAP encounters by aviation personnel should be reported, especially when they involve a safety or national security concern, and that employers and government officials should take steps to reduce the stigma of reporting.