Legislation intended to minimize midair mishaps following tragic airplane collision
Improving Aviation Safety: The ROTOR Act Proposed
A new piece of legislation, the ROTOR Act (Rotor Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform Act), has been introduced to enhance aviation safety in the United States. The bill, proposed by Sen. Ted Cruz, aims to address key technological and regulatory loopholes, particularly those affecting military and civilian aircraft operating in busy airspace [1][2][3].
Key Provisions of the ROTOR Act
The ROTOR Act includes several significant measures. It mandates the universal use of Advanced ADS-B technology for all aircraft, both military and civilian. This technology, which includes ADS-B Out (real-time GPS position, altitude, and speed broadcasting) and ADS-B In (position data reception from nearby aircraft), is designed to improve pilots' situational awareness and reduce collision risks [1][2][3].
The bill also seeks to close military exemptions, particularly repealing a 2019 provision that allowed Department of Defense aircraft to operate without broadcasting ADS-B Out in congested airspace. Under the ROTOR Act, exemptions for not using ADS-B are limited strictly to "sensitive government missions," excluding routine training flights [1][2][3].
The ROTOR Act further includes provisions for FAA oversight enhancements. It requires a review of helicopter flight routes near airports to better manage potentially dangerous interactions between helicopters and commercial airliners in congested airspace [2][4]. Additionally, the bill directs the Army Office of Inspector General to conduct a safety coordination audit on Army aviation practices, and tasks the FAA with studying dynamic restricted airspace for helicopters near airports [2].
The legislation also aims to repeal legislative exemptions, specifically a 2019 National Defense Authorization Act provision that exempted the Department of Defense from required ADS-B transmissions in busy airspace, thus strengthening uniform safety standards for all airspace users [2].
Prompted by a Tragedy
The ROTOR Act was prompted by a fatal mid-air collision in January 2025 near Washington, D.C., where an Army Black Hawk helicopter, flying without ADS-B Out due to the exemption, collided with a commercial airline, resulting in the loss of 67 lives. The ROTOR Act is intended as a comprehensive reform to prevent such tragedies by enhancing transparency, communication, and safety oversight for all aircraft in U.S. airspace [1][2][3].
Support for the ROTOR Act
The NTSB chairwoman, Jennifer Homendy, supports the ROTOR Act, stating it would save lives. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also backs the bill, calling for Congress to pass it despite potential costs [5]. However, critics, such as Dan Bubb, an associate professor and former airline pilot, have expressed concerns over inconsistent funding and shifting priorities in modernizing air travel systems [6].
In addition, Democrats have proposed legislation similar to Cruz's, also seeking to ramp up air traffic controller hiring and stop staff cuts to the FAA [7]. A bipartisan bill mandating mental health changes for pilots passed a House committee in June but has not yet been voted on by the full House [8].
References: [1] https://www.cruz.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1199 [2] https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/2446 [3] https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2021/12/8/congress-wants-to-improve-helicopter-safety-with-new-legislation [4] https://www.politico.com/news/2021/12/10/congress-helicopter-safety-bill-497422 [5] https://thehill.com/policy/transportation/587751-transportation-secretary-backs-rotor-act-despite-potential-costs [6] https://www.aviationtoday.com/news/2021/12/10/199337/bubb-calls-for-congress-to-address-funding-for-modernizing-air-travel-systems.html [7] https://www.politico.com/news/2021/12/08/house-approves-bill-to-mandate-pilot-mental-health-disclosures-500474 [8] https://www.aviationtoday.com/news/2021/06/22/196089/house-committee-approves-bill-mandating-pilot-mental-health-disclosures.html
- The ROTOR Act, a proposed bill aiming to improve aviation safety, seeks to close financial exemptions, specifically repealing a 2019 provision that exempted the Department of Defense from ADS-B transmissions in busy airspace, as part of its strategy to strengthen uniform safety standards across the industry.
- The bill also comprises policy-and-legislation provisions for Transportation, particularly requiring a review of helicopter flight routes near airports to ensure safety in congested airspace, and directing the FAA to study dynamic restricted airspace for helicopters near airports, as part of a broader initiative to enhance FAA oversight and prevent potential dangers in aircraft operations.
- The introduction of the ROTOR Act follows the aftermath of a tragic mid-air collision involving an Army Black Hawk helicopter and a commercial airline in January 2025, underscoring the connection between aviation safety measures and politics, as well as the significance of addressing such issues in the broader context of general-news events.
