118 S1535 IS: Wildfire Response Aviation Modernization and Safety Act U.S. Senate 2023-05-10 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II118th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1535IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 10, 2023Mr. Kelly (for himself and Ms. Lummis) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and TransportationA BILLTo 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.