U.S. Senator Young, colleagues introduce legislation to improve aviation safety

U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, joined eight of his Senate Republican colleagues in introducing the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act to improve aviation safety. The bill comes six months after the tragic January 29th midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

“The tragic accident near Reagan National Airport is a sobering reminder of the importance of airspace oversight and modernization,” said Senator Young. “Our bill takes a common-sense approach to better prevent future tragedies and ensure our skies are safer for everyone.”

The ROTOR Act would establish new requirements for virtually all aircraft and helicopters to use Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B). ADS-B Out technology allows aircraft to accurately communicate their location with greater precision than traditional radar. The ROTOR Act would also require all aircraft in controlled airspace to be equipped with ADS-B In, which would allow pilots to communicate better with other aircraft, air traffic control (ATC), and vehicles on the ground.

The legislation would also ensure that an aircraft be equipped with and using ADS-B Out technology unless the operation is for a sensitive government mission or for a national security event. Additionally, the bill would enhance oversight of helicopter routes near commercial service airports, require quarterly reports on ADS-B Out compliance, and require a study for potential improvements to the airspace around DCA.

In addition to Senator Young, U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelly Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) co-sponsored the legislation.

Read the full text of the legislation here.