Senate Committee Set to Vote on ROTOR Act

Bill requires civilian and military aircraft to use ADS-B navigation technology.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 04:49 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

A U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter [Courtesy: U.S. Army]

Key Takeaways:

The Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act is advancing in the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee.
Prompted by a fatal midair collision in January near Washington National Airport (KDCA) involving a military Black Hawk helicopter (whose ADS-B was not broadcasting) and an American Airlines jet, the bill aims to mandate ADS-B Out broadcasting and ADS-B In equipment for all civilian and military aircraft.
The legislation seeks to close a loophole allowing some military aircraft to fly without ADS-B, while also strengthening oversight of mixed air traffic and enhancing flight safety, particularly around commercial airports like KDCA.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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.