Airport Alert: Senate Committee Scheduled to Review ADS-B-Related ROTOR Act Next Week — Legislation Limiting Use of ADS-B Data for Fee Collection May Be Considered

October 15, 2025

Next Tuesday October 21, the Senate Commerce Committee is scheduled to consider legislation known as the ROTOR Act that would establish new requirements for the utilization of Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) technology by virtually all aircraft and helicopters. Specifically, the measure – which was introduced by Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz (R-TX), Aviation Subcommittee Chair Jerry Moran (R-KS) and seven other Republican Senators in July following the tragic late January accident at DCA – would require all aircraft in controlled airspace to be equipped with “ADS-B In” and close a loophole that permits the Department of Defense to fly aircraft domestically without having to use “ADS-B Out” technology. Additionally, the bill – S. 2503 – would enhance oversight of helicopter routes near commercial service airports, require quarterly reports on ADS-B Out compliance, and study potential improvements to the airspace around DCA.
 
Given the focus of S. 2503 on ADS-B utilization, it is possible that supporters of the so-called Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (S. 2175/H.R.4146) could seek to amend the ROTOR Act in committee next week to include that legislation, which AAAE, ACI-NA, and many airports adamantly oppose. As you will recall from recent weekly calls and elsewhere, the AOPA-backed Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act, sponsored by Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) and Rep. Bob Onder (R-MO), would prohibit airports from using ADS-B data to assess or collect landing or takeoff fees on any aircraft operator and impose significant new administrative hurdles on airports prior to imposing takeoff or landing fees on any general aviation aircraft. 
 
While it is unclear at this point whether or not an amendment will materialize, we urge you to weigh in with your Senators, particularly those on the Commerce Committee, to relay concerns about adoption of the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act, is troubling legislation, which would significantly limit the ability of airport operators to impose reasonable and necessary fees on both commercial and general aviation aircraft. Additional background on the measure can be found here and a joint AAAE/ACI-NA document in opposition to the bill that you can share with your contacts on Capitol Hill is accessible here.
 
Stay tuned for updates on the state of play with the markup next week and possible further calls to action with additional details and specifics.