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CONTACT: Capt. Dennis Tajer, 847-902-8481/Gregg Overman, 817-312-3901
APA President First Officer Nick Silva Releases Statement on ROTOR Act and ALERT Act
FORT WORTH, Texas (Feb. 20, 2026) — Allied Pilots Association (APA) President First Officer Nick Silva released the following statement regarding the ROTOR Act and Alert Act:
“On behalf of the 16,000 pilots of American Airlines, the Allied Pilots Association (APA) expresses our support for the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act. This critical legislation is a long-overdue step toward modernizing our national airspace and ensuring the safety of every pilot, passenger, and crew member.
“The tragic midair collision on Jan. 29, 2025, involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and a military helicopter underscored a dangerous gap in our aviation infrastructure. To prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again, we must move beyond outdated systems and embrace the precision of ADS-B In technology.
“While the FAA currently requires ADS-B Out in certain airspaces, the ROTOR Act rightfully mandates that all aircraft already equipped with ADS-B Out must also carry ADS-B In by December 31, 2031. Unlike radar, ADS-B In allows pilots to receive data directly from surrounding aircraft, providing a comprehensive picture of nearby traffic on flight deck displays.
“While we do have concerns over language instituting membership for rulemaking, review, and consultation at FAA, the ADS-B In requirements in this legislation are too important. I would like to personally thank Chairman Ted Cruz for his steadfast leadership on this issue and his commitment to address our concerns and work with the FAA Administrator to ensure that independent pilots’ labor has a seat at the table in implementing the ROTOR Act. By collaborating with the pilots trained in ADS-B technology and approved by the FAA Administrator to utilize it, implementation of these recommendations will be grounded in the practical, front-line experience of professional pilots.
“APA also expresses support for the introduction of the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) of 2026 Act. This legislation represents a critical step forward in ensuring our National Airspace System remains the safest and most efficient in the world. Thank you to Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, Chairman Rogers, and Ranking Member Smith for their commitment to an inclusive legislative process. By ensuring that input from all pilot labor groups is integrated into the final language, the House has demonstrated its understanding that those on the front lines of aviation are best positioned to identify and address emerging safety risks.
“The inclusion of labor’s voice ensures this bill is not just a policy document, but a practical tool that supports aviation professionals in their daily mission. We are particularly encouraged to see provisions that prioritize transparency and operational integrity, which are essential for maintaining the safety and reliability our passengers expect.
“To that degree, ADS-B In technology needs to be integrated into all Part 121 aircraft as in-panel display and connected to the flight management system, validating the NTSB findings and recommendations. APA remains dedicated to working alongside Congress in advancing both pieces of legislation and reinforcing a culture where safety is never compromised for the sake of profit and where the expertise of professional pilots remains central to federal oversight.”
Founded in 1963, the Allied Pilots Association – the largest independent pilots union in the United States – is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. APA represents the 16,000 pilots of American Airlines, including several hundred pilots on full-time military leave of absence serving in the armed forces. The union’s website is AlliedPilots.org.