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.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the Wildfire Response Aviation Modernization and Safety Act
.
Wildfire suppression
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—
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
the noise standards described in part 36 of such title shall not apply to such an operation.
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).
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.
Definitions
For purposes of this section:
Administrator
The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
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.