McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act

New FAA review of low-altitude safety

If enacted, the bill would require the FAA Administrator to review low-altitude airspace safety rules within 6 months. The review would include helicopter, powered-lift, air medical, general aviation, agricultural, and unmanned aircraft stakeholders. It would check whether marking and lighting rules for slacklines and other temporary obstructions are clear; whether Notices to Airmen and obstacle data (coordinates, radius, max height above ground, dates, and responsible party) need better digital consistency; whether coordination with Federal, State, Tribal, and local land managers should improve; whether penalties are sufficient; and how to better reach non-aviation communities. If the FAA finds gaps, it would update regulations, guidance, or policies within 1 year after enactment. The FAA would brief specified House and Senate committees within 90 days after finishing the review.