“The United States must mark a new age in aviation safety in the wake of the horrific plane crash at Reagan National Airport,” said Senator Blackburn. “The ROTOR Act would make American skies and passengers safer by requiring military and civilian aircraft to use modern location technology to communicate their location with greater precision.” 

This legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelly Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.). 

BACKGROUND:

• On January 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk military helicopter collided midair near DCA, tragically claiming 67 lives. Since then, there have been discoveries of known safety gaps.
  
  
• Immediately following the tragic January 29^th incident, the Senate Commerce Committee held a briefing with the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the Army.

THE ROTOR ACT

• The ROTOR Act would establish 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 would require 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, and vehicles on the ground.
  
  
• The legislation would also close 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 would enhance oversight of helicopter routes near commercial service airports, require quarterly reports on ADS-B Out compliance, and study potential improvements to the airspace around DCA.

Click here for bill text.