McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act

Sponsor: Cliff Bentz (Republican-OR)July 15, 2026

AI-generated ?

Report an error

Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Pilots could see safer skies as FAA reviews low-altitude flight rules.

To make low-altitude flying safer, this bill would require the FAA to review and update its rules. It would especially look at how temporary obstacles like slacklines are marked. This aims to protect pilots and aircraft operators.

What Would Change

Currently, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has rules for low-altitude airspace safety, but their clarity for temporary obstructions like slacklines is being questioned. If this bill becomes law, the FAA would be required to review these rules within six months. If the rules are found to be unclear, the FAA would then have one year to update its regulations, guidance, or policies to improve safety.

Key Provisions

Requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to review its rules for low-altitude airspace safety within six months.
Requires the FAA to specifically check if current rules clearly identify when temporary obstructions (like slacklines, tight ropes, and wires) need marking or lighting.
Requires the FAA to consider improving how it shares obstacle data and other flight information digitally for pilots.
Requires the FAA to consult with various aviation groups, including helicopter, air medical, general aviation, agricultural, and drone operators, during its review.
Requires the FAA to update its rules, guidance, or policies within one year if it finds that requirements for marking temporary obstructions are not clear enough.

View on Congress.gov

HR 9695 · 119th Congress · July 15, 2026 · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 10/10

McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act

What Would Change

Key Provisions

Lobbying Activity