ADVOCATING FOR YOU
traditional aviation and emerging technologies such as drones and advanced air mobility. As the aviation industry evolves, a modernized, efficient, and unified ATC network is essential to ensuring continued safety, economic competitiveness, and operational resilience in the National Airspace System. Furthermore, the FAA intends to replace more
than 25,000 aging radios and nearly 800 voice switches—many of which are over 30 years old— with modern digital systems that meet current cybersecurity and interoperability standards. Without accelerated funding, these existing components would remain into the 2030s, threat- ening system stability and the safe integration of new airspace users such as drones and AAM aircraft. In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the
FAA plan proposes deploying Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) technology at 200 additional air- ports, especially those currently lacking surface surveillance tools. This follows close-call incidents that highlight the need for real-time situational
awareness on airport surfaces to prevent runway incursions. The FAA also plans to streamline and replace
outdated automation platforms such as STARS (Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System) and ERAM (En Route Automation Modernization) with a unified system capable of handling growing traffic volumes and emerging- technology integration.
Modern Skies Coalition Supports ATC Upgrade VAI is a member of the Modern Skies Coalition, an organization that advocates to Congress on the need to modernize the US ATC system. In early May, VAI joined nearly 60 aviation organizations in signing the Modern Skies Coalition letter support- ing Secretary Duffy’s plan. The coalition has outlined three goals:
▪ Replace the antiquated technology that runs the US ATC system, which will require signifi- cant investment from the federal government, while upholding the highest standards of safety.
▪ Divest old and outdated technologies and facil- ities to reduce costs and inefficiencies while strengthening the industry’s competitiveness.
▪ Foster understanding that it is paramount for Congress, the administration, and the aviation community to come together to embrace bold, decisive action that ensures we don’t squander this opportunity to enhance aviation safety. The letter also applauded the work of House
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.-06) in moving for- ward the $12.5 billion “down payment” to address systemic, ongoing problems. VAI continues to engage directly with con-
gressional leaders and administration officials to ensure that low-altitude and vertical flight operations are fully represented and prioritized throughout the modernization process. As always, we welcome your questions and concerns at
Advocacy@verticalavi.org.
Cade Clark is VAI’s chief government affairs officer. Theresa Marr is VAI’s director of government affairs. Katia Veraza is VAI’s assistant director of state government affairs and regional relations.
10 POWER UP JUN 2025
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