Overview
- Senate Commerce Committee leaders announced a bipartisan agreement and scheduled a committee vote next week to advance the ROTOR Act, with House timing not yet set.
- The deal requires operators flying where ADS‑B Out is mandated to equip with ADS‑B In by December 31, 2031 to improve situational awareness in the air and on the ground.
- The legislation closes Pentagon ADS‑B Out exemptions, ending use for training flights, proficiency flights, and flights of federal officials below Cabinet rank.
- Oversight provisions include a GAO review of exemption use before and after the reforms, annual DOT Inspector General compliance audits, quarterly agency reporting, biannual updates to Congress, and rapid notice when exemptions are used frequently.
- The bill directs FAA safety modernization and coordination measures, including DCA and nationwide airport reviews, updated separation and controller training standards, an ACAS‑X action plan, a new FAA–DoD coordination office, and an Army Inspector General audit.