The ROTOR Act (Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform Act) makes two major changes to how aircraft operate in U.S. airspace. First, it tightens rules around when government aircraft can turn off their tracking systems. Currently, federal agencies can disable ADS-B Out (a system that broadcasts an aircraft's location to other planes and air traffic control) for "sensitive government missions." This bill narrows that exception significantly—only Cabinet-level officials and above can use it, eliminating exemptions for training flights, routine proficiency flights, and lower-ranking federal employees. The FAA must update its regulations within a year, and agencies using these exceptions must report quarterly to the FAA about which flights turned off their tracking systems. Second, the bill requires all commercial and general aviation aircraft to install ADS-B In equipment by the end of 2031. ADS-B In is a receiver that lets pilots see other aircraft on their displays and receive traffic warnings, improving safety by giving pilots better awareness of nearby planes. For smaller aircraft (under 12,500 pounds), the FAA can approve cheaper alternatives like portable receivers that display on tablets or existing cockpit screens. The FAA has until 2028 to finalize the rule, and the bill includes oversight mechanisms like annual audits by the Transportation Department's Inspector General to ensure agencies aren't abusing the government mission exception.

ROTOR Act

Onder, Robert F.

Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform Act or the ROTOR ActThis bill addresses aviation safety by increasing&nbsp;requirements for aircraft tracking and communication using Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology and expanding oversight.As background, ADS-B for broadcasting (Out) and receiving (In) transmits information (e.g., location and weather information) between aircraft and air traffic control.Under the bill, aircraft must generally operate with ADS-B In equipment to provide the aircraft with location information of other aircraft and traffic advisories. Current law does not require this equipment.Current&nbsp;Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations&nbsp;allow aircraft performing a sensitive government mission to&nbsp;be excepted from requirements for using ADS-B Out equipment. This bill limits which flights may be considered sensitive government missions (e.g., not training flights)&nbsp;and requires&nbsp;additional&nbsp;reporting for the exception.The Government Accountability Office must review the use of the ADS-B Out exception and the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Transportation (DOT) must annually audit FAA oversight of operations that use the exception.&nbsp;Further, the bill repeals a 2018 law that prohibits DOT from requiring certain military aircraft to install or use ADS-B equipment.The bill also requires<ul><li>the OIG of the Army to audit the Army’s coordination with the FAA,</li><li>the FAA to establish an office to coordinate airspace usage of military aircraft and review the safety of flight operations and routes around airports, and</li><li>the FAA to enter into memoranda of understanding with military agencies for safety information sharing.</li></ul>