Backers of Aviation Safety Bill Cite Recent Near Miss to Make Their Case
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by Kate Kelly and Karoun DemirjianFebruary 24, 2026
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A recent near-miss incident involving two private planes near Teterboro, N.J., has sparked renewed calls for stronger collision prevention technology in aviation. On Feb. 13, a Learjet carrying eight people received an urgent warning from its traffic-alert system to descend quickly to avoid a midair collision with another plane. The pilot of the Learjet described the encounter as the closest he had ever come to such an accident without it actually occurring. This incident has become a key talking point for advocates of the ROTOR Act, a bill aimed at enhancing aviation safety by improving collision avoidance systems.
The legislation, which passed unanimously in the Senate in December but faces resistance in the House, seeks to mandate advanced collision prevention technology for private and commercial aircraft. Proponents argue that such measures are critical given the increasing number of near-misses reported in recent years. However, opponents, including some Republican lawmakers and the Defense Department, have raised concerns about the potential costs and impact on national security.
The incident near Teterboro highlights the risks posed by the growing number of private aircraft sharing
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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/24/2026