ROTOR Act Passes Senate, Would Close ADS-B Equipage Loopholes | Aviation International News

Regulations and Government

ROTOR Act Passes Senate, Would Close ADS-B Loopholes

Legislation would tighten exemptions for military aircraft to operate without ADS-B in the D.C. region

ForeFlight Sentry Mini ADS-B In receiver — At $399, the ForeFlight Sentry Mini (manufactured by uAvionix) is among the lowest-cost ADS-B In portable receivers. It provides weather and traffic information displayed on the ForeFlight Mobile app on Apple iPhones and iPads.

By Matt Thurber • Editor-in-Chief

December 18, 2025

The U.S. Senate passed the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act yesterday, and now it moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. The passage of the act comes as the United States, in a 209-page court filing yesterday, admitted liability in the midair collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 (operated by PSA Airlines) and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on January 29 near Ronald Reagan National Airport (KDCA). The ROTOR Act is intended to mitigate the issues with government aircraft not broadcasting position information via ADS-B while flying in the Washington, D.C. region.

The 209-page complaint filed yesterday is a response by the United States in the case of Rachel Crafton, administratrix of the estate of Casey Crafton, who died in the accident, and is represented by attorney Robert Clifford.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Watchdog Warns of Lack of FAA Purchase Card Oversight

DOT OIG estimates as much as one-third of purchase card transactions did not have proper controls

Regulations and Government

FAA headquarters sign

Iran War Continues To Weigh on Gulf Bizjet Traffic

Lastest data from WingX shows further decline in traffic in region

Regulations and Government

MEBAA 2024 show business jets

Jury Sides with Aerosonic in Joby Trade Secrets Case

Probe maker wins $116.9 million verdict against eVTOL developer

Regulations and Government

Joby’s eVTOL flies at sunset

Charter Operators Grapple with Mexico’s FDR Requirements

Light to midsize jets typically aren’t equipped with FDRs

Regulations and Government

Delaware Court Overturns SmartSky Damages Award

Patent complaint was filed in 2022

Regulations and Government

Smartsky connectivity on a Citation CJ3

Mexico Ends Single-entry Charter Landing Permits

Operators should expect increased scrutiny and sanctions for permit violations

Regulations and Government

jets on ramp at Mexican airport

U.S. Marines Extend Regent’s Electric Seaglider Deal

Phase IV adds $5 million, bringing the contract’s total to $19.25 million

Regulations and Government

U.S. Marines trial Regent Craft seaglider

KanRus Owner Sentenced for Avionics Export Violations

Company sold controlled technology to Russian buyers without required export licenses

Regulations and Government