US Senate Passes ROTOR Act to Tighten ADS-B Rules After Fatal DCA Collision
December 19, 2025 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2025-1766171048251-1548
The US Senate has passed the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act in response to a fatal midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in January 2025. The legislation aims to eliminate exemptions for certain government aircraft operating without ADS-B Out, increasing situational awareness for pilots and air traffic controllers. AeroTime reports that the bill now moves to the US House of Representatives and is widely expected to pass into law. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford emphasized the importance of increased awareness and oversight in the Washington area following the accident.
Key Takeaways
- The US Senate has passed the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act.
- Legislation aims to tighten aircraft surveillance requirements in the Washington, D.C., region.
- Bill seeks to eliminate exemptions for certain government aircraft operating without ADS-B Out.
- FAA would have up to two years to issue implementing regulations.
Strategic Implications
The passage of the ROTOR Act may indicate a shift towards increased transparency and accountability in military and civilian aircraft operations. The bill’s provisions could strengthen safety measures in densely congested airspace, but also raise concerns about cost implications for general aviation aircraft owners. The inclusion of flexibility for smaller aircraft operating under Part 91 suggests an effort to mitigate these concerns.