Regulations and Government
VAI Thanks Senator for Introducing Aviation Safety Bill
Proposed legislation aims to improve pilot awareness, hazard markings, and reports for low-altitude obstructions

VAI commended U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) for introducing the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act in response to a fatal helicopter accident earlier this year. The low-altitude accident involved a helicopter striking a slackline, killing all four passengers.

According to the International Slackline Association (ISA), the FAA was notified of the slackline and a notam had been issued before the collision. There were no individuals on the slackline during the collision, but aviation markers were in place.