ROTOR Act

On July 29, the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation issued a press release announcing that Committee Chairman Senator Ted Cruz has introduced the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act to improve aviation safety. The bill comes six months to the day after the tragic January 29th midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

The ROTOR Act establishes new requirements for virtually all aircraft and helicopters to use Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B). ADS-B technology allows aircraft to accurately communicate their location with greater precision than traditional radar. The ROTOR Act requires all aircraft in controlled airspace to be equipped with ADS-B In, which will allow pilots to communicate better with other aircraft, air traffic control (ATC), and vehicles on the ground.

The legislation also closes a loophole that permits the Department of Defense to fly aircraft domestically without having to use so-called “ADS-B Out” technology. Additionally, the bill enhances oversight of helicopter routes near commercial service airports, requires quarterly reports on ADS-B Out compliance, and studies potential improvements to the airspace around DCA.

You can read the press release HERE, which includes a link to the full text of the bill.

It will be interesting to see how this legislation progresses as it goes Congress. I'm sure our alphabet groups will be responding to this announcement in the near future.

We'll stay tuned!

Thanks for reading!

Joe