The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation favorably reported S. 2503, the ROTOR Act, introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) along with Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation; Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN); Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC); Sen. Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV); Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS); Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO); Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT); and Sen. Todd Young (R-IN). The bill would enhance oversight of helicopter routes near commercial service airports, require quarterly reports on ADS-B Out compliance, and study potential improvements to the airspace around DCA.
The OAA and several other organizations communicated with members of the committee, including Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) on several concerns about amending provisions of S. 2175, the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act, introduced by Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), into the bill.
S. 2503, the ROTOR Act – OAA supports this legislation as currently drafted
This legislation:
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Prohibits the Army from turning off location-transmitting equipment on various helicopter flights near airports.
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Sets a deadline for relevant aircraft to install ADS-B In technology no later than the end of 2031.
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Requires safety reviews at major airports nationwide rather than only at DCA as the original bill would have required.
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Strengthens oversight of mixed air traffic and flight routes near commercial service airports and requires quarterly reports on ADS-B Out compliance, annual DOT Inspector General audits, and a safety review of potential improvements to airspace safety around DCA.
S. 2175, the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act – OAA is opposed to the bill as currently drafted. Concerns surrounding the bills potential to limit an airports’ rights to collect fees in order to support and maintain infrastructure is a concern for Ohio airports. OAA is committed to work with supporters of S. 2175 in order to develop language that will not raise operational concerns for airports.
