What does Preamble of S 2503 do?

This section establishes an act to improve aviation safety. The act requires all aircraft to be equipped with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast In.

What does SHORT TITLE. of S 2503 do?

This Act establishes a short title for legislative purposes.

What does DEFINITIONS. of S 2503 do?

This section defines terms used in the Act Definitions include Administrator, ADS-B In, ADS-B Out, and affected aircraft Terms related to aviation, such as rotorcraft and transport airplane, are defined Geographic areas, like the National Capital Region, are specified Cabinet members and committees of Congress are identified

What does REVISION TO EXCEPTION FOR ADS-B OUT TRANSMISSION. of S 2503 do?

This section revises the exception for ADS-B Out transmission under section 91.225(f)(1) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. It narrowly defines 'sensitive government mission' to exclude routine, non-classified, and proficiency flights, as well as flights of Federal officials below a certain rank. Operating agencies must notify Air Traffic Control and Congress when operating a sensitive government mission without ADS-B Out. The Administrator is required to update regulations related to ADS-B Out exceptions within one year of enactment. The Comptroller General will review the utilization of these exceptions and report findings to the Administrator and Congress within two years. The Administrator will determine whether non-compliant operators should continue to utilize exceptions based on the Comptroller General's report. Agencies performing sensitive government missions must submit quarterly reports to the Administrator regarding ADS-B Out transmission and mission details. The Administrator must submit biannual reports to Congress on the frequency and nature of ADS-B Out exceptions. Beginning three years after enactment, the Inspector General will conduct annual audits of FAA oversight of ADS-B Out exceptions.

What does ADS-B IN REQUIREMENTS. of S 2503 do?

The Administrator must issue a final rule for ADS-B In operation within 2 years. Aircraft must be equipped with ADS-B In by December 31, 2031. The Administrator will establish performance standards for ADS-B In equipment. Alternative equipment or technology may be used for aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of less than 12,500 pounds. The Administrator will brief Congress on the status of the ADS-B In rulemaking and implementation.

What does REPEAL OF MANNED ROTARY WING AIRCRAFT SAFETY PROVISIONS. of S 2503 do?

This section repeals Section 373(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. It directs that Chapter 157 of title 10, United States Code, be applied as if Section 373(a) had not been enacted.

What does INSPECTOR GENERAL OF THE ARMY AUDIT. of S 2503 do?

The Inspector General of the Army must initiate an audit within 60 days of enactment. The audit will evaluate the Army's coordination with the FAA and pilot training standards. The audit will assess the Army's use of ADS-B Out and adherence to policy, regulation, and law. The Secretary of the Army must transmit the audit report to Congress within 14 days of completion. The report will be publicly released, except for national security redactions.

What does SAFETY REVIEWS OF AIRSPACE. of S 2503 do?

This section establishes an Office of FAA-DOD Coordination within the FAA to coordinate airspace usage. The Administrator must initiate safety reviews of flight operations near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport within 30 days of the Office's establishment. Safety reviews will also be conducted at other Class B, Class C, and Class D airports based on risk criteria. The Administrator must consult with various stakeholders, including the Secretary of Defense, agencies, law enforcement, emergency responders, air carriers, and aviation labor organizations. Risk criteria for prioritizing airport reviews include airspace type, radar presence, air traffic operations, TCAS rates, runway configurations, and VFR procedures. Reviews must analyze air traffic management, coordination with the Secretary of Defense, and assess risks to transport airplanes. The Administrator must submit reports to Congress detailing the analyses and results of these safety reviews, along with recommendations. The Administrator must designate a Senior Executive Service employee to oversee the completion of these requirements.

What does FAA-DOD SAFETY INFORMATION SHARING. of S 2503 do?

The FAA Administrator must enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of the Army within 60 days. The MOU will facilitate sharing of safety information between the FAA and the Army. The Administrator must also enter into MOUs with the Department of the Navy, Department of the Air Force, and Coast Guard within 90 days. The purpose of these MOUs is to analyze impacts on civil aviation operations and mitigate risk in the national airspace system. The Administrator must notify Congress within 7 days of entering into any MOU.

What does TREATMENT OF MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN DEPARTMENT OF of S 2503 do?

This section concerns the treatment of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Department of Defense and the FAA. The MOA entered into on May 10, 2024, is considered notice submitted to congressional committees for purposes of section 1046 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. Section 9(a) ceases to be effective as of May 10, 2024. The Secretaries of Transportation and Defense must update the MOA, consistent with FAA regulations. The MOA remains in force, subject to modifications by the Secretaries, termination by either Secretary, or modification/termination by law.

Back to bills

S. 2503 — ROTOR Act

ROTOR Act

Updated: 2/23/2026

TL;DR (AI)

The bill mandates that all aircraft be equipped with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast In (ADS-B In) to enhance aviation safety.
It narrows the exceptions for aircraft operating without ADS-B Out transmission, particularly for sensitive government missions, requiring notification to Air Traffic Control and Congress.
The bill establishes an Office of FAA-DOD Coordination within the FAA to conduct safety reviews of airspace usage, prioritizing airports like Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The FAA Administrator must enter into Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the Department of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard to share safety information and mitigate risks in the national airspace system.
The bill repeals certain provisions related to manned rotary wing aircraft safety and directs an audit of the Army’s coordination with the FAA and pilot training standards.

119th Congressfailed houseHR. 6222(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 8 more.

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