Context:

Senator Ted Cruz announced plans to introduce the ROTOR Act, aiming to close a regulatory loophole that allows Army helicopters to fly with the ADS-B out technology turned off. This decision follows a tragic incident where an Army Black Hawk collided with an airliner near Washington, DC, resulting in 67 fatalities. Cruz criticized the Federal Aviation Administration for permitting the Army's current practices and emphasized the need for stricter flight tracking regulations. The ROTOR Act proposes a review of helicopter flight routes across the United States and mandates an investigation by the Army inspector general into systemic issues contributing to the crash. Additionally, the National Transportation Safety Board is set to conduct a three-day hearing on the incident later this month.

Dive Deeper:

• Senator Ted Cruz, overseeing aviation, is set to introduce a bill named the ROTOR Act to address regulatory gaps concerning Army helicopter flight tracking technology.

• The initiative comes in response to a fatal collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and an airliner near Washington, DC, which resulted in the loss of 67 lives.

• Cruz has expressed sharp criticism towards the Federal Aviation Administration for allowing Army helicopters to operate without the ADS-B out technology, which is crucial for broadcasting aircraft locations to nearby planes.

• The proposed ROTOR Act will mandate a comprehensive review of helicopter flight routes at various airports nationwide to enhance aviation safety.

• An essential aspect of the ROTOR Act is the requirement for the Army inspector general to investigate and report on any systemic issues that may have contributed to the crash.

• The ADS-B out technology offers a significant advantage over traditional radar by providing faster updates on an aircraft's position, which is vital for preventing mid-air collisions.

• The National Transportation Safety Board plans to hold a three-day investigative hearing to further examine the circumstances surrounding the crash and explore potential safety improvements.