The "Safe Operations of Shared Airspace Act of 2025" seeks to significantly improve aviation safety across various domains. It mandates an independent expert panel to conduct a thorough review of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Safety Management System (SMS). This review will assess the SMS's compliance, effectiveness, and integration across all FAA lines of business, with findings and recommendations reported to Congress.

The bill introduces reforms to Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology. It strictly limits exceptions for ADS-B Out equipment for government missions, excluding routine and training flights, and requires a GAO review of their utilization. Furthermore, within four years, certain air carriers operating under Part 121 or 135 must install and operate ADS-B In equipment to enhance situational awareness and collision avoidance.

To address shared airspace concerns, the legislation establishes an Office of FAA-DOD Coordination. This office will conduct safety reviews of military, law enforcement, and civilian rotary wing, powered lift, and unmanned aircraft system operations in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area Special Flight Rules Area and other Class B airports. These reviews aim to evaluate risks to commercial transport airplane operations and involve aviation labor organizations.

The Act includes critical provisions to support the FAA workforce, prohibiting hiring freezes, furloughs, and staffing reductions for FAA employees. It extends the maximum hiring requirement for air traffic controllers to 2033 and enhances the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program to boost recruitment and training. Additionally, it improves Aviation Medical Examiner staffing and establishes an Air Traffic Control Instructor Recruitment Program.

The bill requires the FAA to establish Memoranda of Understanding with various military departments for enhanced safety information sharing. It also mandates Transport Airplane Risk Assessment Methodology (TARAM) analyses for all fatal transport airplane accidents and updates related policies. Finally, the Department of Transportation Inspector General will audit the FAA's Whistleblower Protection Program and review compliance with conflict of interest requirements.