The ROTOR Act aims to revise exceptions for ADS–B Out transmission in government aircraft operations, ensuring strict compliance with regulations and preventing routine use of exceptions. It requires aircraft operators to equip and operate with ADS-B In equipment, setting compliance deadlines and establishing performance standards. The bill also addresses low-cost alternative methods of compliance, proactive equipage, separation standards, and controller training. Furthermore, it mandates a review of the need for aircraft to be equipped with ADS-B in Class D airspace. The Act instructs the Inspector General of the Army to conduct an audit evaluating the Army’s coordination with the FAA, pilot training, ADS–B Out usage, and safety protocols, with results disclosed to Congress and the public. Additionally, it requires the FAA to coordinate military aircraft usage with relevant FAA divisions, conduct safety reviews of airports, and share safety information with the Army.
Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform Act or the ROTOR Act
This bill addresses aviation safety by increasing requirements for aircraft tracking and communication using Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology and expanding oversight.
As background, ADS-B for broadcasting (Out) and receiving (In) transmits information (e.g., location and weather information) between aircraft and air traffic control.
Under the bill, aircraft must generally operate with ADS-B In equipment to provide the aircraft with location information of other aircraft and traffic advisories. Current law does not require this equipment.
Current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations allow aircraft performing a sensitive government mission to be excepted from requirements for using ADS-B Out equipment. This bill limits which flights may be considered sensitive government missions (e.g., not training flights) and requires additional reporting and notifications for the exception.
The Government Accountability Office must review the use of the ADS-B Out exception and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Transportation must annually audit FAA oversight of operations that use the exception.
Further, the bill repeals a 2025 law that exempts certain military helicopters from the ADS-B Out requirements for the Washington, DC, metropolitan area.
The bill also requires
- the OIG of the Army to audit the Army’s coordination with the FAA,
- the FAA to establish an office to coordinate airspace usage of military aircraft and review the safety of flight operations and routes around airports, and
- the FAA to enter into memoranda of understanding with military agencies for safety information sharing.