Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)
Since the start of 2025, the U.S. has experienced the deadliest domestic plane crash in a generation and several near misses.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI) and Congressman Stephen Lynch (D-MA) are calling on the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study relocating the Air Traffic Safety Oversight Service (AOV). To improve the safety of our national airspace system, this review would explore if AOV realignment could strengthen the independence and effectiveness of safety oversight of the air traffic control system.
Excerpts from Congressmen Amo and Lynch’s letter to GAO:
“The AOV plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of our national airspace system. Specifically, the AOV establishes safety standards and provides independent oversight of the Air Traffic Organization (ATO). The AOV’s core functions include validating ATO safety processes, approving new and modified separation standards and waivers, evaluating hazard mitigation controls, and overseeing the ATO’s Safety Management System. AOV also participates in operational reviews, develops regulatory guidance, and contributes to international standards. The AOV conducts oversight through audits, inspections, investigations, surveillance, and coordination with other FAA safety divisions. Its work is fundamental to maintaining public trust and upholding the FAA’s core mission of safety.”
“Ensuring AOV’s independence is critical as modernization initiatives, such as NextGen and the integration of unmanned aerial systems, add new complexities to air traffic operations. Recent events, such as the January 2025 fatal midair collision near Washington National Airport (DCA), underscore the importance of strong, independent oversight. That incident, involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, tragically claimed 67 lives and brought to light potential safety oversight gaps. In its aftermath, the National Transportation Safety Board issued a recommendation urging the FAA to permanently restrict certain helicopter operations near DCA when specific runways are active, citing an “intolerable risk to aviation safety.” Further concern has been raised by the FAA’s recent decision to halt an independent air traffic oversight panel, highlighting the need to reevaluate the FAA’s internal oversight structures.
“Amid ongoing modernization, the increasing complexity of air traffic operations, and the recent fatal midair collision near DCA, it is timely to reassess whether moving AOV outside the FAA but within the federal government could enhance the independence, accountability, and effectiveness of aviation safety oversight.”
Read the Full Letter Here.
BACKGROUND
On January 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter as the passenger jet approached DCA.
Additionally, there have been several additional near misses of commercial aircraft at airports around the U.S. and notable air traffic control outages at several major airports.
In the January 29, crash 3 servicemembers operating the helicopter, and all 64 passengers and crew on the American Airlines flight were killed in the collision, including Rhode Island residents Christine and Spencer Lane. The mother and son were traveling with the Boston Skating Club returning from the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships where Spencer had competed.
On June 12, 2025, Congressman Amo and Congressman Ron Estes sent a letter to the Department of Transportation Inspector General calling for an audit of airspace around DCA.
On May 23, 2025, Congressman Amo, Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, and Congressman Don Beyer led 16 of their colleagues inrequesting that the Department of Transportation facilitate an independent review of Washington, DC airspace as part of the Appropriations Committee’s Fiscal Year 2026 transportation funding bill.
On March 3, 2025, Congressman Amo supported the House passage of a resolution to commemorate the victims of the DCA crash.
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