Runway SAFE-T Act

This legislation aims to significantly improve safety for airport drivers operating in the movement area at commercial service airports. It mandates the establishment of a Task Force on Airport Driver Training , to be convened by the FAA Administrator within six months of enactment. This task force will comprise a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from airport sponsors, air carriers, aviation training experts, FAA, NTSB, and labor organizations. The Task Force is charged with developing comprehensive recommendations to enhance and modernize training programs for personnel authorized to operate vehicles in airport movement areas. Their considerations will include improving training consistency, strengthening recurrent training requirements, exploring certification standards, and evaluating existing and emerging training technologies. The goal is to reduce the frequency and severity of vehicle-involved surface events and other safety incidents, with a final report due within one year. Furthermore, the bill authorizes new federal funding through grants for airport sponsors from fiscal years 2027 through 2031. These grants will support projects focused on acquiring vehicle movement area technology , such as hardware, software, sensors, and simulation systems, designed to improve safe vehicle operation. Eligible projects also include the acquisition and deployment of technology-enabled training systems and services for vehicle operators. Priority for these grants will be given to projects that directly reduce vehicle-involved surface events, enhance situational awareness and radio communications for operators, or are specifically tailored to an airport's unique airfield geometry and procedures. This dual approach of expert recommendations and targeted funding seeks to create a safer operating environment on airport runways and taxiways.