S. 2503: Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform Act

This bill, known as the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform Act (ROTOR Act), aims to enhance safety and oversight of aircraft operations, particularly for rotorcraft (like helicopters) and other powered-lift aircraft. Here are the main provisions of the bill:

Mandatory Surveillance Equipment

The bill requires that all newly manufactured manned aircraft in the United States must be equipped with a system called Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast In (ADS–B In). This requirement is to be implemented within three years following the enactment of the legislation.

Exceptions and Clarifications

The bill revises existing rules about when certain aircraft can opt out of using ADS–B Out, which transmits the aircraft's location. Specifically:

• It clarifies that proficiencies evaluation or training missions within specific airspace classifications do not count as sensitive government missions, thus should not be exempt from using ADS–B Out unless for national security events.
• It mandates the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue guidelines for using other technological systems for national defense and law enforcement operations.

Reporting Requirements

The bill establishes new reporting regulations for government agencies operating ADS–B Out systems:

• Agencies must submit quarterly reports to the FAA, detailing their use of ADS–B Out systems, including any instances when the system was not transmitting.
• The FAA must report biannually to Congress on the frequency of exemptions granted from ADS–B Out requirements and whether the exemptions compromise aviation safety.

Study on Dynamic Restricted Areas

The FAA will conduct a study on implementing dynamic restricted airspace over specific areas, including over the Potomac River near Washington D.C. This study will evaluate:

• The costs and benefits of such restricted areas.
• Technological improvements necessary to operationalize these areas.
• The training requirements for automated systems used in these restricted zones.

Audit of Army Coordination with FAA

The bill calls for the Inspector General of the Army to audit the Army's coordination with the FAA regarding pilot training and the use of ADS–B Out systems.

Review of Traffic Patterns

The FAA is tasked with reviewing existing helicopter routes to identify where fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft may be too close to each other, potentially compromising safety. Based on this review, the FAA will modify flight routes as necessary.

Repeal of Previous Provisions

The bill also repeals a previous provision concerning ADS–B equipment on certain Department of Defense aircraft, simplifying regulatory requirements regarding those aircraft.

Timeline for Implementation

The bill includes specific timelines for the FAA to issue regulations and guidelines, detailing the deadlines for these new requirements and studies.

Relevant Companies

• BA (Boeing): As a major manufacturer of both commercial and military aircraft, Boeing may need to adjust its aircraft models to comply with the new ADS-B In requirements.
• LOCK (Lockheed Martin): Similar to Boeing, Lockheed Martin may be impacted as it produces military aircraft that could require modifications to meet the new surveillance standards.
• RTX (Raytheon Technologies): This company, involved in aerospace systems and defense technologies, may be affected if it needs to provide new technology for compliance with the bill's requirements.