New Aviation Bill Mandates ADSB In Tracking for Planes, Boosts Oversight on Military Flight Secrecy

The Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform Act, or the ROTOR Act, is all about making the skies safer and holding government flight operations more accountable. Think of it as a major technology upgrade for air traffic control, coupled with a deep dive into how and why military and government aircraft sometimes go dark on the radar.

The End of Going Dark: Transparency for Government Flights

This is where the rubber meets the sky, especially for anyone living near a military base or a major airport. Currently, government agencies can use exceptions to turn off their ADSB Out signal—the technology that broadcasts an aircraft’s position—if they are flying a “sensitive government mission.” This bill tightens that loophole significantly. Under Section 2, routine training flights in busy Class B (like around Chicago or LA) or Class C airspace (smaller regional hubs) can no longer be considered a “sensitive government mission” just to turn off the signal. The FAA has one year to update the rules. If you’ve ever wondered why a military helicopter was flying low without showing up on your flight tracking app, this section is designed to reduce those instances.

Furthermore, agencies using these exceptions now face serious reporting requirements. Every quarter, they must report to the FAA every single time their ADSB Out equipment was turned off, detailing the date, time, duration, and mission type. This creates a paper trail for accountability that simply didn't exist before. The FAA, in turn, has to report aggregated data to Congress and flag any agency that is using these exceptions too often and potentially jeopardizing safety. This oversight mechanism, however, is set to sunset after 10 years, meaning the transparency boost is temporary unless Congress renews it.

ADSB In: A New Cost for Aircraft Owners

Section 3 is the biggest change for pilots and aircraft owners, especially those operating in high-traffic areas. The bill mandates the installation of ADSB In equipment—the receiving side of the tracking technology—for virtually all new and many existing aircraft. ADSB In allows pilots to see nearby traffic displayed right in their cockpit, which is a massive safety boost, especially in non-towered airspace.

The FAA must issue rules within two years requiring ADSB In on all U.S.-manufactured and registered aircraft. Crucially, existing planes that already have ADSB Out (required in controlled airspace) will also have to install the 'In' receiver. This is a significant safety upgrade, but it comes with a price tag for aircraft owners and operators. While the FAA can grant up to a two-year extension on the deadline, the cost of installing this equipment will fall squarely on the owners of small planes and corporate jets. The FAA also has to determine if non-standard, potentially cheaper receivers are acceptable for smaller aircraft (under 12,500 pounds), which could offer some cost relief for general aviation pilots.

Safety Audit for Army Flights and the DCA Mystery Zone

Two sections focus intensely on safety and transparency near the nation's capital. Section 5 mandates an Army Inspector General (IG) audit of Army flight operations in the National Capitol Region (NCR). The IG will specifically check pilot training, compliance with ADSB Out rules, and maintenance procedures for Black Hawk helicopters. This is a direct response to safety concerns regarding military training flights in the highly restricted D.C. airspace, providing an independent check on adherence to safety protocols.

Meanwhile, Section 4 requires a study on creating a “dynamic restricted area” over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The idea is to use real-time data to automatically restrict helicopters and powered-lift aircraft when commercial jets are taking off or landing. The study will look at the feasibility, cost, and necessary technology—including automated visual and audio warnings—to keep rotorcraft out of the way. This could significantly enhance safety around DCA, but the study must also carefully consider the risk of pilot distraction from new warning systems.

One Step Forward, One Step Back for Defense

While the bill pushes for greater transparency and safety, Section 7 repeals a previous requirement (Section 1046 of the FY2019 NDAA) that mandated ADSB equipment on certain Department of Defense aircraft. This is a notable regulatory rollback. While the rest of the ROTOR Act demands more transparency from government agencies, this specific repeal removes a previous safety requirement for certain defense assets. It’s a point worth watching, as it could potentially reduce the number of military aircraft required to use this crucial tracking technology, creating a slight reduction in overall airspace visibility for those specific operations.