Cruz Seeks Army Helicopter Reform After Deadly Crash

Senator Ted Cruz, chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, is introducing the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act following a fatal January collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet near Reagan Washington National Airport that killed 67 people. The legislation targets a regulatory loophole that allows military helicopters to turn off ADS-B flight tracking technology, which was a key factor in the crash. The ROTOR Act would require Army helicopters near civilian planes to use ADS-B, mandate a nationwide review of helicopter flight routes, and direct the Army Inspector General to probe systemic issues related to the incident. Cruz has criticized both the Army and the FAA for inadequate enforcement and transparency regarding military flight practices. The issue is underscored by approximately 150 near-misses between helicopters and airplanes at Reagan airport since 2011. The National Transportation Safety Board is set to further investigate the crash.