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S. 1535Senate118th Congress (2023-2025)In Committee

Wildfire Response Aviation Modernization and Safety Act

Sponsored by Mark KellySen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ)
Introduced May 10, 2023

AI-Generated Summary

Updated January 20, 2026 at 7:19 AM UTC

The Wildfire Response Aviation Modernization and Safety Act directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to create rules that let firefighters ride on certain aircraft while fighting wildfires. It also says noise rules don’t apply to those missions. The bill requires the FAA to update its certification order and related guidance within 90 days. The changes affect FAA regulations and the use of restricted‑category aircraft for wildfire suppression.

Key Provisions

  • The FAA Administrator must issue regulations allowing firefighters to be transported on covered (restricted‑category) aircraft during wildfire suppression missions.
  • Noise standards in part 36 of the aviation regulations are not applied to those wildfire‑suppression flights.
  • The FAA must amend Order 8110.56 and any related policy or guidance within 90 days to reflect the new rules.

Legislative Activity

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SenateIntro Referral Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

May 10, 2023

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SenateIntro Referral

Introduced in Senate

May 10, 2023

SenateIntro Referral

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

May 10, 2023

Bill Text

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Introduced in SenateIssued May 10, 2023

II

118th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. 1535

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

May 10, 2023

Mr. Kelly (for himself and Ms. Lummis) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

A BILL

To require the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to promulgate regulations to allow the transport of firefighters on board a covered aircraft operated on a mission to suppress a wildfire, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Wildfire Response Aviation Modernization and Safety Act.

2.

Wildfire suppression

(a)

In general

To ensure that sufficient firefighting resources are available to suppress wildfires and protect public safety and property, the Administrator shall promulgate regulations to clarify that—

(1)

an operation described in section 21.25(b)(7) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, shall allow the transport of firefighters on board a covered aircraft operated on a mission to suppress a wildfire; and

(2)

the noise standards described in part 36 of such title shall not apply to such an operation.

(b)

Conforming amendments to FAA documents

Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall amend FAA Order 8110.56, Restricted Category Type Certification (dated February 27, 2006), as well as any corresponding policy or guidance material, to reflect the requirements of subsection (a).

(c)

Savings provision

Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the Administrator’s authority to take action otherwise authorized by law to protect aviation safety or passenger safety.

(d)

Definitions

For purposes of this section:

(1)

Administrator

The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.

(2)

Covered aircraft

The term covered aircraft means an aircraft type-certificated in the restricted category under section 21.25 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.