FAA outlines runway‑safety technology deployments, AWOS expansion and PFAS foam transition needs
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Summary
FAA officials said they are deploying surface‑awareness technologies at dozens of airports, expanding AWOS and weather systems in Alaska, and prepared guidance for transitioning away from PFAS firefighting foam pending appropriations.
FAA witnesses described several equipment and airport safety initiatives committee members said are essential to reduce runway incidents and to improve service in remote areas.
Jody Baker and Franklin McIntosh told senators the FAA has added the surface awareness initiative at 18 sites since November 2024 and has plans for more than 30 additional sites by the end of calendar year 2025. McIntosh described three surface safety tools—ADS‑B based surface awareness, runway incursion alerts and approach runway verification—that, when combined, give controllers better situational awareness on the ground.
On weather systems in Alaska, senators including Sullivan praised recent announcements of investments in AWOS (automated weather observing systems) and satellite support. McIntosh and other FAA officials said the agency is deploying dozens of AWOS and related visual weather observation systems and weather cameras, and that guidance is being finalized to expand funding under the Airport Improvement Program for AWOS projects in Alaska.
On replacing fluorine‑containing firefighting foams, the FAA said it has published a transition plan and guidance and has established the framework for a non‑PFAS foam transition grant program developed in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency, but that actual grant awards await appropriation of funds. Wayne Hybeck, deputy associate administrator for airports, and other FAA witnesses said the program will require specific appropriations to cover disposal and replacement costs.
Why it matters: Surface surveillance technologies and reliable weather reporting are safety measures that can reduce runway incursions and support operations in remote areas, especially Alaska. The PFAS transition is a federal priority for environmental and public‑health reasons but requires funding to implement at airports.