Bill introduced to address DC accident

In a news conference on July 29—the six-month anniversary of the midair collision between a regional airliner and a U.S. Army helicopter—Cruz said wider implementation of ADS-B is “critical for aviation safety.”

“This technology allows aircraft to broadcast their positions and to receive positions of others in real time—faster than other technology in use today. It gives pilots and air traffic control a clear view of what is happening in the skies,” said Cruz.

In addition, the bill directs the FAA to issue a rule requiring that new aircraft come equipped with ADS-B In.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the cost of adding this capability to existing commercial and military aircraft would be minimal.

“Sometimes people get concerned about cost, and I don’t think we should be concerned about cost when it comes to safety,” said Duffy.

While the bill states pilots will “be required to install and operate ADS-B In” in airspace where ADS-B Out is currently required, it would also require the FAA to determine whether portable ADS-B receivers can be used to meet the mandate for aircraft weighing 12,500 pounds or less.

“Clearly, tens of thousands of general aviation pilots use portable ADS-B In receivers today and they are very reliable,” said AOPA President Darren Pleasance. “Moreover, as mentioned by Senator Cruz, DOT Secretary Duffy, and NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy, ADS-B is meant to improve aviation safety and there is growing concern among pilots that the equipment is being used for other purposes including the collection of airport fees and other fees.”

Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) has introduced the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (PAPA), S.2175, which would prohibit the use of ADS-B data to assist in the collection of fees from pilots and aircraft owners.

“ADS-B is a safety tool that improves situational awareness for both air traffic controllers and pilots. We will work with Senator Cruz and other lawmakers on behalf of AOPA members as these bills make their way through the legislative process,” said AOPA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy Jim Coon.

Cruz and Duffy both pointed out the NTSB first recommended the use of ADS-B about 20 years ago.

“ADS-B—and I can’t stress this enough—is a game changer when it comes to safety,” said NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy. “This will save lives.”

In addition to expanding ADS-B requirements, the ROTOR Act would:

• Narrow exemptions that allow government aircraft to turn off ADS-B Out for “sensitive missions.”
• Prevent military training and proficiency flights in Class B and C airspace unless tied to a “national security event.”
• Require the FAA to review and, if needed, revise helicopter routes near airports.
• Direct the U.S. Army Inspector General to audit aviation safety practices and FAA coordination, after the IG declined to do so previously.