HF3916

Purpose and scope

The bill aims to strengthen aircraft tracking and airspace security in Minnesota by requiring aircraft operating in the state’s navigable air space to have an operable and activated transponder that automatically responds to air traffic control radar. It also creates a formal process for exemptions in cases of compelling security concerns or extraordinary circumstances, with controls on who can receive an exemption, when, and for what duration.

Main provisions

• Transponder requirement
  • No person may operate an aircraft in the navigable air space over Minnesota without an operable and activated transponder that automatically transmits responses to air traffic control radar interrogation.
• Exemption possibility
  • The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of public safety, may issue exemptions from the transponder requirement.
  • Exemption criteria: must be based on a compelling security concern or extraordinary circumstances.
• Exemption details and limits
  • Exemptions must be granted by application submitted in the manner specified by the commissioner.
  • Each exemption applies to a single aircraft on a specified date.
  • Exemptions are limited to:
  • a geographic area necessary for the flight, and
  • a duration that does not exceed the necessary flight time between two identified locations or the duration of the identified activity necessitating the exemption.

Changes to existing law

• Adds a new subdivision (Subd. 13) to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 360.018.
• Establishes a mandatory transponder requirement for flight in Minnesota airspace and creates a structured exemption framework with specified limits and application procedures.

Practical implications

• This change would require pilots and operators to ensure their aircraft have a functioning transponder when flying over Minnesota, subject to the exemption process for special cases.
• The exemption system allows targeted, time- and area-specific relief for security or extraordinary circumstances, rather than broad allowances.

Summary of notable terms from the bill

• transponder
• operable and activated transponder
• air traffic control radar interrogation
• navigable air space
• exemption
• commissioner (and commissioner of public safety)
• compelling security concern
• extraordinary circumstances
• application
• geographic area
• duration
• identified locations
• identified activity

Relevant Terms - transponder - operable and activated transponder - air traffic control radar interrogation - navigable air space - exemption - commissioner - commissioner of public safety - compelling security concern - extraordinary circumstances - application - geographic area - duration - identified locations - identified activity