McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act
Sponsored By: Representative Bentz, Cliff [R-OR-2]
Introduced
Summary
Focused review of low-altitude airspace safety would require the FAA to examine rules for temporary obstructions like slacklines and consider updates to markings, digital data, coordination, and outreach to reduce aircraft strike risk. The review would include input from pilots, operators, and other stakeholders and could lead to updated regulations or guidance.
Show full summary
- Pilots and aircraft operators: The FAA would assess whether marking and lighting rules for slacklines, tight ropes, highlines, wires, and similar temporary obstructions are clear and effective and could update those requirements. The review must be completed within 6 months and any regulatory or policy updates issued within 1 year.
- Recreationists and land managers: The FAA would consider improving coordination and outreach with Federal, State, Tribal, and local land managers, including the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the United States Forest Service, to reduce low-altitude hazards from temporary activities.
- Aviation safety stakeholders and Congress: The Administrator would consult helicopter pilots, air medical operators, general and agricultural aviators, unmanned aircraft operators, and safety experts. The FAA must brief designated House and Senate committees on findings and recommendations within 90 days after the review is complete.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
FAA review of slacklines and low-altitude safety
This bill would require the FAA Administrator to review low-altitude airspace safety within 6 months of enactment. The review would cover slacklines, tight ropes, highlines, wires, and similar temporary obstacles. It would consult pilots, helicopter and powered-lift operators, air medical services, agricultural and unmanned aircraft operators, and aviation safety experts. If the FAA finds marking or lighting rules inadequate, it would update guidance or regulations within 1 year after enactment. The FAA would brief specified House and Senate committees within 90 days after finishing the review. This would likely improve safety for pilots and nearby communities, but would also add marking or lighting costs for people who install temporary lines.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Bentz, Cliff [R-OR-2]
OR • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Hoyle, Val T. [D-OR-4]
OR • D
Sponsored 7/15/2026
Crane
AZ • R
Sponsored 7/15/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov