Senate Commerce Committee Passes Cruz’s ROTOR Act

The Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act, introduced by Chairman Ted Cruz and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell, is making steady progress in its legislative journey, being cleared through the US Senate Commerce Committee on October 21.

The legislation comes in direct response to the January crash of PSA Airlines Flight 5342, which killed 67 people near Washington, DC, after a military helicopter collided with a regional jet.

The ROTOR Act aims to address potential factors involved in the crash of Flight 5342 by closing gaps in aircraft visibility and coordination. The most immediate measure ends Department of Defense exemptions that allowed military and government aircraft to fly near major airports without transmitting their location using ADS-B Out. Training and proficiency flights will no longer qualify for those exceptions, and the law mandates annual audits and reporting to ensure compliance.

The bill also creates the first-ever national mandate for ADS-B In technology, which is a type of equipment that allows pilots to see other aircraft on cockpit displays, by the end of 2031. Operators are already required to have ADS-B Out, transmitting location and aircraft data to other traffic and controllers. The technology is designed to improve pilot situational awareness and reduce both midair and runway collision risks.

Beyond equipment upgrades, the ROTOR Act expands FAA oversight and coordination with the Department of Defense. Each branch of the military will be required to establish a memorandum of understanding with the FAA to improve information sharing on flight activity and airspace safety. The legislation also mandates an Army Inspector General audit of pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and loss-of-separation incidents, with findings to be reported publicly.

Another key provision calls for comprehensive FAA safety reviews of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and other major and mid-sized airports. The reviews will evaluate how civil, military, and drone operations interact with commercial traffic and identify high-risk procedures that require modification.

The bill further calls on the FAA to develop a roadmap for next-generation Airborne Collision Avoidance System-X (ACAS-X) technology, a concept that aims to provide more advanced conflict alerts for helicopters and low-altitude operations.

FMI: www.commerce.senate.gov