Regulations & Safety
Senator Ted Cruz Proposes ROTOR Act to Enhance Aviation Safety
The ROTOR Act mandates ADS-B technology and reforms helicopter routes to improve aviation safety after a fatal D.C. mid-air collision.
(Edited 7-31-2025) In the wake of a tragic mid-air collision near Washington, D.C., that claimed 67 lives, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) has introduced the ROTOR Act, a legislative effort aimed at closing critical gaps in safety. The crash, involving an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, marked the deadliest aviation disaster in the United States in over two decades. The incident has since spurred a national conversation about flight-tracking technologies and airspace accountability, particularly when military and civilian aircraft share congested skies.
The ROTOR Act, short for Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform, seeks to mandate the use of Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) technology across virtually all aircraft, including military helicopters. The bill also proposes enhanced oversight of helicopter routes near commercial service airports and demands increased transparency from military aviation operations in civilian airspace, including quarterly reports on ADS-B Out compliance and a study on potential improvements to the airspace around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). With support from several Republican senators and concern from key aviation agencies, the legislation reflects a significant shift in how the U.S. might manage mixed-use airspace moving forward.
The legislation is not only a response to a singular tragedy but also a broader attempt to modernize U.S. air traffic control and align with international safety standards. As the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, the ROTOR Act represents a proactive step toward preventing similar incidents in the future.
On January 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700 operated by PSA Airlines, collided mid-air with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter designated Priority Air Transport 25 (PAT25). The crash occurred during the jet’s final approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, resulting in both aircraft plunging into the Potomac River and the loss of all 67 people on board (64 on the jet, including 2 pilots, 2 flight attendants, and 60 passengers; and 3 crew on the helicopter).
Investigators identified multiple contributing factors, including the Black Hawk’s ADS-B Out system being turned off and altimeter discrepancies that led the helicopter to fly above the maximum allowable altitude for its route. The ADS-B system, which broadcasts an aircraft’s position, altitude, and speed to air traffic control and other aircraft, is a cornerstone of modern airspace safety. With it off, the helicopter did not broadcast enhanced position data, though its Mode S transponder remained active, allowing it to be tracked by ATC radar and visible to the jet’s Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS).
Military aircraft are currently allowed to disable ADS-B systems during certain operations, even in non-sensitive missions. In this case, the helicopter was flying a routine training mission, not a classified or sensitive operation, yet its ADS-B system remained off. The NTSB later revealed that between October 2021 and December 2024, there were over 15,000 close proximity events (aircraft within one nautical mile) in the DCA airspace, underscoring the systemic risks posed by such exemptions and route overlaps.
The cornerstone of the ROTOR Act is the requirement for universal adoption of ADS-B Out and ADS-B In systems across all aircraft in controlled airspace. ADS-B Out ensures that an aircraft’s location and velocity are broadcast to air traffic control and nearby aircraft. ADS-B In allows pilots to receive this data in real-time, providing a comprehensive view of surrounding traffic on cockpit displays.
Under the bill, all aircraft, including military and civilian, must operate with ADS-B Out enabled when flying in congested or controlled airspace. Exceptions are granted only for sensitive government missions, which must be coordinated with the FAA and require temporary airspace closures. It closes a loophole allowing the Department of Defense to fly domestically without ADS-B Out. This mandate aligns with long-standing NTSB recommendations and reflects growing consensus among aviation experts that ADS-B technology is essential for preventing mid-air collisions, particularly in busy corridors like the D.C. region.
“ADS-B In is a game-changer… It will save lives by giving pilots and controllers a clear view of what’s happening in the skies.”, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy The ROTOR Act also addresses the physical routes taken by helicopters near major airports. One key provision is enhanced oversight of helicopter corridors, including those that pass close to commercial flight paths near Reagan National Airport. Helicopter Route 1, which the Black Hawk was following and had been flagged in earlier assessments, had a maximum altitude of 200 feet but remained active until the January 2025 crash.
The FAA is now tasked with redesigning helicopter corridors to ensure they do not intersect or closely parallel commercial aircraft approaches. These changes are intended to reduce the chances of future conflicts between slow-moving helicopters and fast-approaching jets.
By codifying these route changes into law, the ROTOR Act prevents future administrative reversals and ensures that safety improvements remain in place regardless of changes in leadership or policy priorities.
The bill includes several oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance and transparency, such as quarterly reports to the FAA detailing any flights conducted without ADS-B Out in civilian airspace. These reports will be made available to Congress and the public, increasing pressure on agencies to adhere to safety protocols.
This level of scrutiny is designed to ensure that military training does not compromise the safety of civilian air traffic and that any deviations from standard procedures are justified and documented.
In July 2025, the NTSB held a three-day public hearing to investigate the crash. Key topics included the operational status of the Black Hawk’s ADS-B system (which was off), the transponder (which was active), and the actions of air traffic controllers in the moments leading up to the collision. Findings confirmed altimeter discrepancies on the Black Hawk, with the helicopter flying at approximately 278 feet—above the 200-foot limit—and potential issues with ATC transmission reception.
The NTSB issued urgent safety recommendations, including mitigating mid-air collision risks at DCA through route redesigns and ADS-B mandates. These recommendations are reflected in the ROTOR Act, indicating a strong alignment between investigative findings and legislative action. The hearings also revealed that air traffic controllers received a conflict alert about 20 seconds before the crash, and the jet’s TCAS issued a traffic advisory at the same time, but they were unable to resolve it in time due to the rapid closure and altitude overlap.
In response to the crash and subsequent investigations, the FAA temporarily suspended use of the helicopter route involved in the collision. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also announced a $31.5 billion modernization plan for U.S. air traffic control systems, which includes widespread deployment of ADS-B technology.
This plan aims to replace outdated radar systems and integrate more advanced surveillance tools, enhancing situational awareness for both pilots and controllers. Though the ROTOR Act focuses on immediate safety gaps, the broader modernization effort represents a long-term commitment to airspace safety.
The FAA has also begun reviewing its policies on military flight exemptions and is expected to issue new guidance in coordination with the Department of Defense.
The ROTOR Act has received support from victims’ families, aviation industry leaders, and safety advocates. Doug Lane and Tim Lilly, who lost family members in the crash, publicly endorsed the bill, calling it a necessary step to ensure that no other families suffer a similar loss.
American Airlines also voiced its support, emphasizing that the bill would enhance safety for all passengers and crew members. Industry analysts have highlighted that the cost of installing ADS-B systems is minimal compared to the human and economic toll of a major aviation disaster.
With backing from cosponsors including Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and others, and endorsements from key stakeholders, the ROTOR Act appears poised to become a cornerstone of U.S. aviation safety reform.
The introduction of the ROTOR Act marks a significant shift in how the United States approaches aviation safety, particularly in mixed-use airspace where military and civilian aircraft operate side by side. By mandating universal ADS-B usage, reforming helicopter routes, and increasing oversight, the legislation addresses long-standing vulnerabilities that were tragically exposed in the January 2025 crash. As the bill moves through Congress, its passage could set a new standard for transparency and accountability in aviation operations. With strong support from regulators, industry leaders, and the public, the ROTOR Act has the potential to reshape the future of airspace safety in the U.S. and bring it in line with global best practices.
What caused the D.C. plane crash in January 2025?
The crash was caused by a mid-air collision between a regional jet and a military helicopter. Key factors included the helicopter flying above its route’s maximum altitude due to altimeter discrepancies, incomplete reception of ATC instructions, and the helicopter’s ADS-B Out system being turned off, which limited enhanced visibility—though the helicopter remained trackable via its transponder and the jet’s TCAS issued an alert about 20 seconds prior.
What is ADS-B technology?
ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) is a surveillance technology that allows aircraft to broadcast and receive real-time position data, improving situational awareness for pilots and controllers.
Who supports the ROTOR Act?
The bill is supported by Senator Ted Cruz and cosponsors including Sens. Jerry Moran, Marsha Blackburn, Ted Budd, Shelly Moore Capito, Roger Marshall, Eric Schmitt, Tim Sheehy, and Todd Young; Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy; NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy; victims’ families; and American Airlines, among others.
Sen. Ted Cruz Unveils Aviation Safety Bill After Deadly D.C. Plane Crash
Background: The Tragic Catalyst
Key Provisions of the ROTOR Act
Universal ADS-B Requirements
Helicopter Route Reforms
Accountability and Oversight
Recent Developments and Support
NTSB Hearings and Recommendations
FAA and Department of Transportation Actions
Public and Industry Support
Conclusion
FAQ
Sources
Photo Credit: Austin American-Statesman
Regulations & Safety
NJASAP Supports H.R. 7148 Enhancing FAA Funding and Aviation Safety
NJASAP applauds H.R. 7148 for securing FAA funding, staffing increases, and infrastructure upgrades to strengthen U.S. aviation safety and stability.
This article is based on an official press release from the NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP).
The NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP), the independent labor union representing more than 3,700 pilots who fly for NetJets Aviation, Inc., has issued a formal statement applauding the enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148). Signed into law by the President on February 3, 2026, the legislation secures full-year funding for the federal government, averting the operational risks associated with government shutdowns.
According to the union’s statement, the passage of H.R. 7148 represents a critical victory for the stability of the National Airspace System (NAS). NJASAP leadership highlighted that the bill not only ensures continuous operation of essential agencies but also directs significant resources toward modernizing avionics infrastructure and addressing long-standing staffing shortages at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
A primary focus of the NJASAP’s praise centers on the specific financial allocations designed to bolster the FAA’s operational capacity. The union noted that the legislation provides $13.71 billion for FAA operations, a figure intended to stabilize the agency’s day-to-day functions.
In its release, NJASAP emphasized the importance of the bill’s provisions for workforce expansion. The legislation funds the hiring of approximately 2,500 new air traffic controllers. This surge in staffing is aimed at mitigating the persistent shortages that have strained the air traffic control system, contributed to delays, and reduced safety margins across the network.
Additionally, the bill allocates resources for 54 additional aviation safety inspectors. NJASAP views these hires as essential for maintaining rigorous oversight within the industry.
Beyond operational staffing, the union highlighted the bill’s investment in physical and technological infrastructure. The Consolidated Appropriations Act allocates $4 billion to the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). According to the press release, these funds are designated for replacing aging radar systems and telecommunications infrastructure, as well as upgrading navigation and surveillance systems.
The union also drew attention to a $100 million allocation for the FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine. This funding is targeted at modernizing technology systems to reduce the backlog in pilot medical certifications, a bureaucratic bottleneck that has historically kept qualified pilots grounded for extended periods. On the policy front, NJASAP celebrated the inclusion of language explicitly prohibiting the privatization of the U.S. air traffic control system. The union has long opposed privatization efforts, arguing that the NAS must remain a public asset accountable to safety standards rather than profit motives.
Capt. Pedro Leroux, President of NJASAP, commented on the significance of the legislation in the official release:
“Congress has taken a decisive step to protect the safety and continuity of the National Airspace System by passing a full-year appropriation that prioritizes modernization, staffing and FAA readiness. As professional aviators who rely on these systems every day, we commend lawmakers for recognizing that airspace safety and stability are not optional, but are fundamental to the U.S. aviation industry.”
While the funding measures in H.R. 7148 benefit the entire aviation sector, they hold specific relevance for NetJets pilots. Unlike commercial airline pilots who primarily operate between major hubs with robust support infrastructure, fractional pilots frequently fly into a vast network of smaller, regional airports. The $4 billion investment in the Airport Improvement Program is therefore critical for maintaining safety standards at the diverse range of airfields utilized by business aviation.
Furthermore, the stability provided by a full-year appropriations bill is vital for long-term planning. Stop-gap funding measures often freeze training pipelines; by securing funding through the fiscal year, the FAA can proceed with the training of the 2,500 new controllers without interruption, a key factor in reducing system-wide congestion.
NJASAP Commends Congress on H.R. 7148 Passage, Citing Safety and Stability Wins
Strengthening FAA Operations and Staffing
Addressing the Controller Shortage
Infrastructure and Policy Protections
Aeromedical Reform and Privatization
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: The NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots
Regulations & Safety
Garmin GHA 15 Height Advisor Receives FAA Approval for Certified Aircraft
Garmin’s GHA 15 Height Advisor, a radar-based altitude device, gains FAA approval for over 500 certified aircraft models, enhancing general aviation safety.
This article is based on an official press release from Garmin.
Garmin has announced that its GHA 15 Height Advisor, a radar-based altitude monitoring device, has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval. Previously available only for the experimental market, this certification allows the installation of the device in over 500 models of Class I and Class II certified aircraft.
The approval marks a significant shift in the accessibility of radar altimetry for general aviation pilots. According to the company, the GHA 15 is available immediately at a price of $2,695. This pricing strategy positions the device as a cost-effective alternative to traditional radar altimeters, which have historically been priced significantly higher and reserved for business jets or commercial airliners.
The GHA 15 is designed to provide pilots with precise Height Above Ground Level (AGL) readings during the critical final phases of flight. While standard barometric altimeters rely on air pressure and can be subject to calibration errors or terrain variations, the GHA 15 uses radio frequency technology to measure the actual distance between the aircraft and the ground.
Garmin states that the device is capable of providing AGL data from 500 feet down to the surface. The system integrates with the Garmin GI 275 electronic flight instrument to display altitude data and generate audible callouts directly to the pilot’s headset. These callouts, such as “50 feet,” “20 feet,” and “10 feet”, are user-configurable and intended to assist pilots in judging flare height and landing timing.
“The GHA 15 provides a cost-effective solution that helps reduce pilot workload and provides confidence during the approach and landing phases of flight.”
, Garmin Press Release
The unit is a compact, all-in-one module that mounts to the underside of the aircraft fuselage. Weighing less than one pound (approximately 0.45 kg), the device is roughly the size of a deck of cards, minimizing the structural impact of installation. According to the technical details released by Garmin, the GHA 15 offers the following accuracy levels:
The FAA STC covers a broad range of single-engine and twin-engine piston aircraft (Class I and Class II). This includes popular general aviation airframes such as the Cessna 172, Piper PA-28, Beechcraft Bonanza, and Mooney M20 series. To function, the GHA 15 must be interfaced with a Garmin GI 275 electronic flight instrument. For experimental aircraft, the device remains compatible with the G3X Touch flight display.
The certification of the GHA 15 represents a notable development in the “democratization” of avionics safety features. Historically, radar altimeters (such as the Garmin GRA 55) have cost upwards of $7,000, placing them out of reach for the average private pilot. By offering a certified “Height Advisor” for under $3,000, Garmin is effectively bridging the gap between recreational flying and professional-grade situational awareness. We believe this technology will be particularly valuable in three specific scenarios:
It is important to note the distinction Garmin makes by labeling this product a “Height Advisor” rather than a TSO-certified radar altimeter. While it provides similar functionality, it is intended for advisory purposes and does not replace the higher-end equipment required for complex instrument approaches like CAT II or CAT III landings.
Sources: Garmin
Garmin GHA 15 Height Advisor Receives FAA Approval for Certified Aircraft
Bringing Radar Altimetry to General Aviation
Technical Specifications and Accuracy
Installation and Compatibility
AirPro News Analysis: The Democratization of Safety Tech
Sources
Photo Credit: Garmin
Regulations & Safety
Congress Approves $102.9B FY 2026 Transport and Housing Bill
The FY 2026 THUD Appropriations Act allocates $102.9B focusing on FAA modernization and housing assistance, rescinding CA High-Speed Rail funds.
This article is based on an official press release from the Senate Appropriations Committee and legislative summaries of the FY 2026 THUD Appropriations Act.
Following a brief partial government shutdown that spanned from January 31 to February 3, 2026, Congress has approved and President Trump has signed the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Act. The legislation, which provides $102.9 billion in total discretionary funding, marks a significant pivot toward stabilizing core Commercial-Aircraft infrastructure while enacting targeted cuts to specific rail initiatives.
According to the official summary released by the Senate Appropriations Committee, the bill allocates $77.3 billion to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and $25.1 billion in discretionary budget authority to the Department of Transportation (DOT). Lawmakers framed the legislation as a “back-to-basics” measure designed to address immediate Safety concerns in the national airspace and protect essential housing vouchers.
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, emphasized the dual focus of the bill in a statement following its passage:
“It is critical that we make significant investments to modernize our air traffic control systems… We must also ensure that a greater supply of safe, affordable housing is available to communities throughout the country.”
, Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)
The Department of Transportation’s portion of the budget heavily prioritizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which receives $22.2 billion. This funding level reflects a consensus among lawmakers that the national airspace system requires urgent modernization following recent operational strains.
A central component of the FAA funding is a $4 billion allocation specifically for “Facilities and Equipment.” This investment is aimed at upgrading aging air traffic control (ATC) systems that have been prone to outages. Furthermore, to address chronic staffing shortages that have plagued the industry, the bill funds the hiring and training of 2,500 new air traffic controllers.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) reportedly endorsed the measure, describing the staffing surge as a “critical lifeline” for maintaining safety standards. Additionally, the bill provides $4 billion in Grants-in-Aid for Airports to support physical infrastructure improvements. In a move described by Republican leadership as an effort to protect taxpayers from waste, the bill permanently rescinds approximately $929 million in unobligated federal funds originally designated for the California High-Speed Rail Authority. This rescission aligns with the administration’s focus on “America First” infrastructure projects, such as the $350 million allocated for bridge repair and $200 million for commercial truck parking projects under the Federal Highway Administration.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) received a $7 billion increase over FY 2025 levels, bringing its total to $77.3 billion. The primary goal of this funding is to maintain existing rental assistance programs and prevent a wave of evictions.
The legislation directs significant resources toward Section 8 rental assistance:
While these measures were welcomed by housing advocates, the bill maintains “flat funding” for other key programs. The Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) remain at $3.3 billion, and HOME Investment Partnerships are held at $1.25 billion. Industry groups, including the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), have noted that without inflation adjustments, the purchasing power of these programs effectively decreases, potentially slowing the development of new affordable housing supply.
The passage of the FY 2026 THUD Appropriations Act signals a clear legislative priority: stabilization over expansion. By decoupling this bill from the contentious Department of Homeland Security debates that triggered the shutdown, Congress has acknowledged that the U.S. aviation system is too fragile to be used as a bargaining chip.
For the Airlines industry, the funding for 2,500 new controllers is a victory, but it is a long-term fix; training these controllers will take years. In the immediate term, the $4 billion for equipment modernization is the more critical figure, as it addresses the technical failures that have caused ground stops and delays. Conversely, the rescission of California High-Speed Rail funds suggests that federal support for large-scale, state-specific rail projects will face high scrutiny under the current administration, with preference given to freight efficiency (truck parking) and bridge safety.
When was the bill signed into law? Does the bill cut housing benefits? What is the impact on Amtrak? Sources: Senate Appropriations Committee, Congress.gov
Congress Passes $102.9 Billion “Back-to-Basics” Transport and Housing Bill, Ending Partial Shutdown
Aviation Safety and Infrastructure Overhaul
Modernizing Air Traffic Control
High-Speed Rail Funding Rescinded
Housing Stability and Community Development
Protecting Rental Assistance
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The bill was signed by President Trump on February 3, 2026, effectively ending the partial government shutdown.
The bill increases funding for rental assistance vouchers to keep up with costs but flat-funds development grants like CDBG and HOME, which advocates argue is an effective cut due to inflation.
Amtrak receives $2.4 billion in total, split between the National Network ($1.6 billion) and the Northeast Corridor ($850 million).
Photo Credit: Montage
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