SOAR Act

The SOAR Act requires high-altitude balloon operators (those flying above 10,000 feet) to install systems that continuously track and broadcast the balloon's altitude, location, and identity to air traffic controllers and other airspace users. Within 180 days of enactment, the FAA must form a committee with industry representatives and safety experts to recommend updates to existing FAA rules (like 14 CFR 91.215) for these tracking systems. The committee must submit its recommendations within 18 months, after which the FAA has 180 days to propose new regulations. Until final rules are issued, operators must comply with current FAA tracking standards for balloons.