ADS-B LEGISLATION ADVANCES IN U.S. SENATE WITH BIPARTISAN SUPPORT
November 14, 2025
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On October 21, 2025, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation unanimously advanced the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform Act for consideration by the full U.S. Senate. A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers are strongly advocating for the ROTOR Act, citing a need for all manned aircraft operating in ADS-B Out airspace to be equipped with ADS-B In technology as a critically important aviation safety matter considering the fatal DCA crash earlier this year. In addition to closing the loophole permitting military aircraft to operate in domestic airspace without ADS-B capabilities, the legislation also directs the FAA to conduct comprehensive safety reviews at congested airports with nearby helicopter traffic (e.g., Chicago O’Hare International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport). If enacted into law, the ROTOR Act would require all aircraft in controlled airspace to be equipped with ADS-B In by 2031 with a potential one-year extension for aircraft retrofits.
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