ROTOR Act (H.R. 6222)

Summary

Makes rules for aircraft to use new tools that show their location to other planes and tightens rules for government flights to make flying safer.

What problem does this solve?

Some government and military planes can turn off their location trackers, creating a safety risk for other aircraft that cannot see them. This bill requires most planes to have equipment to see each other and limits when government planes can be hidden.

What does this bill do?

Mandates new aircraft safety equipment (ADS-B In)

Requires all aircraft that currently must broadcast their position (ADS-B Out) to also be equipped with technology to receive those signals (ADS-B In). This lets pilots see other nearby aircraft.

Restricts government's ability to fly without tracking

Narrows the 'sensitive government mission' exception, preventing federal officials below Cabinet rank from turning off their aircraft's location broadcast for training or routine flights.

Requires safety reviews of busy airspace

Directs the FAA to review flight operations around major airports, starting with Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, to find and fix safety risks between commercial, military, and other aircraft.

Orders an audit of U.S. Army aviation

Directs the Inspector General of the Army to audit its pilot training, coordination with the FAA, and use of tracking equipment, especially for flights in the Washington, D.C. area.

Establishes an FAA-DOD coordination office

Creates a special office within the FAA to improve coordination on airspace use between civilian air traffic control and the military.

Requires information sharing between FAA and military

Mandates that the FAA and branches of the Department of Defense create agreements to share aviation safety information to help prevent accidents.

Develops low-cost options for small planes

Requires the FAA to find and approve low-cost ways for smaller, private aircraft to meet the new ADS-B In equipment rule, such as using portable devices with tablets.

Repeals a defense act provision

Removes a part of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 related to ADS-B equipment on certain Department of Defense aircraft.

Who does this affect?

Aircraft operators (including commercial, private, and government)
U.S. Department of Defense
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

What is the real world impact?

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Improves pilot awareness to prevent accidents

Mandates that aircraft be equipped with ADS-B In technology. This allows pilots to see the location of other nearby aircraft on a screen, which helps prevent mid-air collisions and accidents on the ground.

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Increases transparency of government flights

Narrows the rules that let government and military aircraft turn off their location broadcasting equipment (ADS-B Out). This makes these flights more visible to air traffic controllers and other pilots, improving safety for everyone.

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Addresses specific safety concerns in busy airspace

Requires safety reviews of busy airspace, like the area around Washington, D.C., and an audit of Army helicopter operations. This suggests the bill was created in response to specific incidents or growing concerns about military and civilian aircraft flying too close to each other.

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Could create costs for aircraft owners

Requires aircraft owners to buy and install new ADS-B In equipment by 2031. While the bill asks for low-cost options for smaller planes, this new rule could still be a financial burden for some private pilots and small companies.

When does this start?

This bill sets multiple deadlines for new rules, reports, equipment installation, and safety reviews over the next several years.

ADS-B In Equipment Mandate

Aircraft must be equipped with ADS-B In technology no later than December 31, 2031.

Final Rule for ADS-B In

The FAA must issue a final rule requiring ADS-B In equipment within 2 years after the bill is enacted.

Revised Rules for Government Flights

The FAA must update its regulations to narrow the exception for 'sensitive government missions' within 1 year of the bill's enactment.

Army Aviation Audit

The Inspector General of the Army must begin an audit of its aviation practices within 60 days of the bill's enactment.

FAA-DOD Coordination Office

The FAA must establish an office for coordinating with the Department of Defense within 30 days of the bill's enactment.

Safety Review of Reagan National Airport

The FAA must begin a safety review of the airspace around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport within 30 days of establishing the FAA-DOD office.