S.Amdt. 3652

The Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform Act (or ROTOR Act) is an amendment proposed by Mr. Cruz to be added to bill S. 2296. Its purpose is to increase oversight, transparency, and safety requirements for rotorcraft operations, specifically regarding tracking technology and airspace management.

The amendment aims to change or add the following to the bill:

• Tracking Technology (ADS-B): It requires the FAA to clarify that "sensitive government missions" do not include training or proficiency missions in Class B or C airspace unless they are for national security. It mandates that newly manufactured manned aircraft be equipped with ADS-B In and requires certain existing aircraft to install it. It also establishes reporting requirements for agencies that turn off their ADS-B Out transmissions.

• Safety Oversight and Audits: It directs the Inspector General of the Army to audit the Army's coordination with the FAA, pilot training standards, and the use of ADS-B Out. It also requires the FAA to review helicopter routes near commercial airports to ensure there is enough separation between rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft.

• Airspace Management: It mandates a study on the feasibility of creating a "dynamic restricted area" over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to prevent rotorcraft from transiting based on the data of fixed-wing aircraft.

• Legal and Reporting Changes: It repeals a specific provision from the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 regarding Department of Defense ADS-B equipment and expands which congressional committees must be notified regarding Department of Defense aircraft operations near commercial airports.