Context:

In response to a tragic midair collision that resulted in 67 deaths, new legislation aims to address aviation safety gaps revealed by the incident. Senator Ted Cruz has introduced the ROTOR Act, mandating the installation of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology on all flights, and requiring the Army to maintain it active under most circumstances. The crash involved an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet, where the helicopter did not broadcast ADS-B data due to existing military leeway. The bill also necessitates the FAA's approval for military flights without ADS-B during sensitive operations and mandates a review of helicopter routes near congested airports. Several aviation stakeholders, including American Airlines, have expressed support for the bill, recognizing it as a significant step towards enhanced airspace safety.

Dive Deeper:

• The ROTOR Act, introduced by Senator Ted Cruz, addresses aviation safety weaknesses following a deadly midair collision that claimed 67 lives. It requires aircraft operators to equip flights with ADS-B technology to enhance collision prevention.

• The legislation mandates 'ADS-B in' technology, which provides cockpit displays of surrounding aircraft, in addition to the already required 'ADS-B out' that transmits location and speed data.

• The fatal crash involved an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet, with the helicopter not broadcasting ADS-B data due to a rule allowing the Army to operate without it.

• Senator Cruz criticized the FAA's previous allowances for military operations without ADS-B, emphasizing the technology's importance for pilot and air traffic control awareness of airspace activity.

• The bill stipulates that military flights can only be exempt from ADS-B requirements for sensitive government missions and requires FAA approval, while also calling for a review of helicopter routes near busy airports.

• American Airlines, whose aircraft was involved in the crash, supports the legislation, acknowledging the collective effort to enhance national airspace safety.

• The NTSB, which has long advocated for ADS-B In, will hold investigative hearings on the collision, underscoring the system's potential as a transformative safety measure.