US Senate Proposes ADS-B Safety Law After Washington Crash
The US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, chaired by Ted Cruz, has introduced the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act, mandating all fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters to be equipped with ADS-B In technology.
The proposed legislation seeks to close a loophole allowing the US Department of Defence to operate domestically without using ADS-B Out technology. By addressing this gap, the bill aims to enhance oversight of helicopter operations, particularly near commercial service airports. It would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to submit quarterly compliance reports and conduct a review of helicopter routes, focusing on airspace congestion at major airports nationwide.
The ROTOR Act follows the deadly January mid-air collision between a PSA Airlines CRJ700, operating for American Airlines, and a US Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk near Washington National Airport. The accident claimed the lives of 67 people on both aircraft and raised concerns over communication and airspace management between civilian and military flights.
According to Senator Cruz, the bill was developed in direct response to the operational failures identified in the crash investigation. He emphasised that reducing airspace conflicts and establishing stronger communication protocols are essential to prevent future tragedies.
The proposed law now moves into the legislative process in Congress, where it will undergo debate, amendments, and votes before it can be enacted. If approved, it could mark a significant step toward improving airspace safety and coordination in the United States.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com