A measure that would close the loophole allowing some military aircraft to fly without using ADS-B navigation technology is one step closer to advancing out of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee.
Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) announced a deal Thursday that allows the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act to proceed out of committee in a vote next Tuesday. The proposed legislation requires all civilian and military aircraft to operate with ADS-B Out broadcasting, and to be equipped with ADS-B In.
The bill also strengthens oversight of mixed air traffic and flight routes near commercial airports and requires quarterly reports on ADS-B Out compliance. Also included are provisions meant to enhance flight safety specifically at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA) in Virginia.
Cruz introduced the ROTOR Act in July in response to the midair collision of an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., in January. The American CRJ700, operating as Flight 5324, was attempting to land at Washington National. A total of 67 people on both aircraft were killed.
The Black Hawk had ADS-B, but the system was not broadcasting at the time of the crash.
“What happened at DCA on January 29th was a tragedy,” Cruz said in a statement. “Sixty-seven lives were lost, and their families have had to endure an unfathomable amount of grief. We owe it to them and every traveling American to make sure another accident never happens again. The ROTOR Act makes common-sense safety improvements that are long overdue.”
Families of the American Airlines passengers killed in the collision have publicly backed the legislation, as have the parents of Flight 5342 First Officer Sam Lilley.
The January crash has raised awareness of close calls between civilian and military aircraft, especially around busy airports and U.S. Air Force bases.
