S.Amdt. 4126

The Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform Act (or ROTOR Act) is an amendment to H.R. 4016. Its purpose is to increase transparency, safety, and accountability regarding how rotorcraft and other aircraft operate within the national airspace system, particularly concerning the use of tracking technology and government exceptions.

The amendment aims to add the following to the bill:

• ADS-B Out Reforms: It narrows the definition of "sensitive government missions" to prevent routine, non-classified flights or flights of officials below Cabinet-level rank from avoiding ADS-B Out transmissions. It requires agencies to notify Air Traffic Control and Congress when using these exceptions.

• ADS-B In Requirements: It mandates that the FAA create a rule requiring aircraft (except unmanned systems) to be equipped with ADS-B In equipment by December 31, 2031, to improve situational awareness for pilots.

• Oversight and Audits: It establishes several layers of accountability, including:

  • Annual audits by the Department of Transportation Inspector General.
  • A specific audit by the Inspector General of the Army regarding coordination with the FAA and maintenance of UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.
  • GAO reviews of how government agencies use ADS-B Out exceptions.

• Safety Reviews and Coordination: It creates an Office of FAA-DOD Coordination to perform safety reviews of flight operations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and other Class B, C, and D airports.

• Information Sharing: It requires the FAA to enter into Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard to share aviation safety information.

• Additional Mandates: It requires an action plan for deploying ACAS-X technology and tasks the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee to assess equipment needs for aircraft in Class D airspace.