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Lawmakers ask FAA to pause use of new AI tool in DC-area flight management
The lawmakers want safety testing, training and accountability details before the FAA expands SMART beyond the region.
- On Tuesday, more than two dozen lawmakers urged the Federal Aviation Administration to pause the new SMART tool in the Washington-area, citing safety concerns and lack of testing data.
- The Strategic Management pilot launched September 21, 2026, at Reagan National, Washington Dulles, and BWI to predict traffic flows and improve air traffic management in the region.
- Representative April McClain Delaney, a Maryland Democrat, questioned accountability for the $875 million system and noted lawmakers had not seen safety evaluation reports or training documentation for aviation personnel.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy dismissed the software as "dumb AI" on Tuesday, emphasizing controllers remain in charge, while officials must respond by October 19.
- FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford previously called the technology "transformational," with plans to expand beyond the Washington-area using about 200 data streams to optimize flight scheduling.
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Lack of security testing and training triggered alarms for technology that could spread to more airports
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Total News Sources15
Leaning Left4Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left, 50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left, 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 50%
C 50%
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