ROTOR Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6222
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-21: Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-16T15:28:41Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 6222: Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform Act (ROTOR Act)
Purpose
The legislation aims to enhance aviation safety by mandating the installation and use of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast In (ADS-B In) technology on certain aircraft. ADS-B In is avionics equipment that receives position data from other aircraft and ground stations to improve pilots' awareness of nearby traffic. It also seeks to increase transparency and oversight of rotorcraft (helicopters) and other aircraft operations, particularly those involving government or military flights, by limiting exceptions to broadcasting requirements and improving coordination between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Defense (DOD).
Key Provisions
- Definitions (Sec. 2): Establishes terms like "ADS-B In" (receiving equipment for traffic awareness), "ADS-B Out" (broadcasting equipment for position data), "affected aircraft" (those required to use ADS-B Out under current rules), "rotorcraft," and "National Capital Region" (area around Washington, D.C.).
- Reforms to ADS-B Out Exceptions (Sec. 3):
- Narrows the definition of "sensitive government mission" to exclude routine flights like training or those by officials below Cabinet level (heads of major federal departments).
- Requires the FAA to update regulations within one year and revise agreements with other agencies.
- Mandates quarterly reports from agencies on ADS-B Out usage, including details of exceptions; the FAA must report biannually to Congress on safety risks.
- Directs a Government Accountability Office (GAO) review two years after enactment to assess exception usage, followed by FAA determinations on compliance.
- Requires annual audits by the Department of Transportation Inspector General starting three years after enactment to evaluate FAA oversight.
- ADS-B In Requirements (Sec. 4):
- Requires aircraft needing ADS-B Out (excluding unmanned systems) to install and operate ADS-B In by December 31, 2031, via a final rule within two years.
- Sets performance standards for traffic alerts (visual and audio) while flying or on the ground.
- Allows low-cost alternatives (e.g., portable receivers) for smaller aircraft under 12,500 pounds operating under general aviation rules (Part 91).
- Permits a one-year extension for fleet retrofits if disruptions to air travel are significant.
- Authorizes a negotiated rulemaking committee with stakeholders (e.g., airlines, manufacturers, pilots) to develop rules.
- Requires updates to air traffic separation rules, controller training, and an action plan for advanced collision avoidance (ACAS-X).
- Tasks the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) to review ADS-B needs in Class D airspace (controlled airspace around smaller airports).
- Army Inspector General Audit (Sec. 5):
- Initiates an audit within 60 days on Army-FAA coordination, pilot training in the National Capital Region, ADS-B Out usage on UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, maintenance protocols, and incident reviews.
- Requires unredacted reports to Congress and public release (except for national security), with interim briefings every 180 days.
- Airspace Safety Reviews (Sec. 6):
- Creates an FAA-DOD Coordination Office to manage military airspace use, handle whistleblower protections, and consolidate safety data.
- Mandates safety reviews of flight operations (military, law enforcement, civilian rotorcraft, powered-lift, fixed-wing, and drones) near key airports, starting with Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (within 150 days) and expanding to Class B, C, and D airports based on risk factors like traffic volume and incident rates.
- Reviews must analyze risks to commercial flights, coordination with DOD, and incident reports; reports to Congress every six months with recommendations.
- Safety Information Sharing (Sec. 7):
- Requires Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) within 60-90 days between the FAA and Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard to share aviation safety data from military systems, aiding civil aviation risk mitigation.
- Notifies Congress within seven days of each MOU.
- Repeal of DOD Exemption (Sec. 8): Eliminates a 2019 law exempting certain DOD aircraft from ADS-B equipage requirements.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Narrowing ADS-B Out Exceptions: Amends FAA regulations (14 CFR § 91.225(f)) to restrict "sensitive government mission" waivers, previously broadly applied to military and government flights, excluding non-essential activities and requiring justification.
- New ADS-B In Mandate: Introduces a nationwide requirement for ADS-B In on ADS-B Out-equipped aircraft, absent in current rules which only mandate broadcasting (ADS-B Out since 2020 in certain airspace).
- Repeal of Exemption: Removes a specific DOD carve-out from the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, subjecting more military aircraft to ADS-B rules.
- Enhanced Oversight and Reporting: Adds mandatory audits, GAO reviews, agency attestations, and FAA-DOD MOUs, shifting from voluntary coordination to structured accountability.
- Rulemaking and Training Updates: Directs new FAA rules on separation standards, controller training, and ACAS-X deployment, building on but expanding existing air traffic management.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: FAA faces increased rulemaking, reporting, and coordination burdens, potentially straining resources but improving safety data sharing with DOD branches. Military agencies (e.g., Army) must comply with stricter ADS-B use, audits, and transparency, which could limit operational flexibility for sensitive missions while reducing accident risks.
- Citizens and Aviation Users: Pilots and passengers benefit from enhanced traffic awareness, potentially lowering collision risks in busy airspace. General aviation owners (small aircraft) may face retrofit costs but have low-cost options; commercial airlines could see efficiency gains from updated separation rules.
- International Relations: Minor indirect effects through FAA consultations with foreign aviation authorities on ACAS-X standards, promoting global harmonization of safety tech without direct diplomatic changes.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: FAA (rulemaking and oversight), DOD components (Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard for equipage and data sharing), Department of Transportation Inspector General (audits), and GAO (reviews).
- Aircraft Operators: Commercial airlines, general aviation pilots, rotorcraft operators (e.g., medical transport, law enforcement), and military aviators required to upgrade equipment by 2031.
- Industry and Labor: Avionics/aircraft manufacturers (for compliant tech), air traffic controllers and pilots' unions (involved in rulemaking and training), and aviation safety experts.
- Congress: Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Commerce/Science/Transportation, and Armed Services (receiving reports and briefings).
- Public and Local Entities: Residents near high-risk airports (e.g., Washington, D.C. area) via safer airspace; state/local/Tribal agencies operating flights.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. § 553) for rulemaking, ensuring public input; mandates consultations with stakeholders and labor groups, promoting collaborative governance. Enforceability through FAA certifications and penalties for non-compliance (e.g., under 14 CFR Parts F/G for safety violations).
- Constitutional: No direct challenges; enhances federal oversight of interstate commerce (aviation) under Commerce Clause authority, with whistleblower protections aligning with free speech and due process norms.
- Political: Increases congressional scrutiny of military aviation transparency, potentially sparking debates on national security vs. public safety. Bipartisan sponsorship (Reps. Onder and Beyer) suggests broad appeal, but DOD resistance to reduced exceptions could fuel inter-branch tensions; emphasizes equity by providing small aircraft alternatives to avoid burdening non-commercial users.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Onder, Robert F. [R-MO-3]
Cosponsors (32)
Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8], Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1], Rep. Hoyle, Val T. [D-OR-4], Rep. Ellzey, Jake [R-TX-6], Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7], Rep. Hunt, Wesley [R-TX-38], Rep. Walkinshaw, James R. [D-VA-11], Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40], Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Rep. Gonzalez, Vicente [D-TX-34], Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1], Rep. Van Epps, Matt [R-TN-7], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Rep. Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6], Rep. Gomez, Jimmy [D-CA-34], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2], Rep. Conaway, Herbert C. [D-NJ-3], Rep. Friedman, Laura [D-CA-30], Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-21: Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
- 2025-11-20: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-11-20: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-11-20: Introduced in House
- 2025-11-20: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H4853)
- 2025-11-20: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform Act — issued 2025-11-20 — PDF (42 pages)