Senate Vote Aims to Enhance Situational Awareness for Pilots and Controllers

The US Senate has passed the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act, aimed at tightening aircraft surveillance requirements in the Washington, D.C. region. The bill seeks to eliminate exemptions for some government aircraft to operate without ADS-B Out, while allowing for flexibility for smaller aircraft. The FAA will have up to two years to issue implementing regulations. The measure was prompted by a midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in January 2025. The Senate vote comes after a recent House aviation hearing highlighted concerns about situational awareness for pilots and controllers. The bill now moves to the US House of Representatives and is widely expected to pass into law. The measure was first reported by AeroTime.