NEW: Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Aviation Safety After Slackline-Helicopter Tragedy

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and John Curtis (R-UT), and U.S. Representatives Cliff Bentz (R-OR-02) and Val Hoyle (D-OR-04) introduced the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act, with support from U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ).

The new bipartisan legislation would direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address urgent aviation safety issues by reviewing and updating existing safeguards for temporary obstructions in the low-altitude airspace, such as slacklines.

"Strengthening aviation safety is something that both Republicans and Democrats can get behind, especially following the tragic slackline collision that took the lives of four Oregonians earlier this year," said Merkley. "The FAA must do all it can to keep the flying public safe, and our bipartisan McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act directs the agency to prioritize aviation safety. We must move swiftly to reduce the risk of any similar tragedy in the future."

"High-adventure activities in Utah, like slacklining, should not come at the cost of aviation safety, particularly for helicopter pilots who transport patients, fight wildfires, and support search and rescue missions," said Curtis. "Our bipartisan bill takes a practical look at where the FAA can modernize its policies, improve coordination, and reduce unnecessary risks so everyone sharing our airspace can do so more safely."

"This tragic accident claimed cherished members of two Oregon families far too soon, and our hearts remain with everyone suffering this profound loss. As we look ahead, it is my hope that meaningful changes can be made to ensure a tragedy like this is never repeated," said Bentz. "This legislation directs the FAA to review and update low altitude airspace safety regulations to help prevent similar incidents in the future."

"Last January's deadly helicopter crash in Arizona exposed a serious safety challenge in low-altitude airspace. I've been vocal in the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee that action is needed so this kind of tragedy doesn't happen again," said Hoyle. "Oregonians know the value of both outdoor recreation and aviation, and we all share a responsibility to ensure that pilots, first responders and wildfire crews have the visibility and information they need to operate safely."

"Congress must act with urgency to ensure federal regulators are taking every possible step to prevent low-flying aircraft crashes with slacklines like the tragedy that cost the lives of four Oregonians earlier this year," said Wyden. "This bill would accomplish that goal by setting deadlines for the Federal Aviation Administration to update and improve its policies and regulations for low-altitude airspace safety."

"David, Katelyn, Rachel, and Faith lost their lives in an Arizona helicopter crash that never should have happened. I've met with their family. No one should have to go through what they've been through. This bill makes sure the FAA acts quickly to prevent tragedies like this from happening again," said Kelly.

The McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act follows a deadly helicopter crash caused by a collision with a slackline on January 2, 2026, that tragically claimed the lives of four Oregonians-David McCarty and his three nieces Rachel McCarty, Faith McCarty, and Katelyn Heideman. The bipartisan bill would instruct the FAA to use its authorities to review existing policies and regulations related to low-altitude airspace safety, including identifying appropriate policy, operational, or technical improvements such as updated requirements related to markings on slacklines.

Previously, Oregon's U.S. Senators pressed the FAA on implementing emergency safety actions following the deadly crash.

The bipartisan McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act is supported by key stakeholders and organizations, including the Vertical Aviation International (VAI), National Transportation Aviation Association (NATA), Balloon Federation of America (BFA), United Aerial Firefighters Association (UAFA), Air Medical Operators Association (AMOA), Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS), National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), BackcountryPilot.org, American Spray Drone Coalition, Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), Life Flight Network, National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA), Commercial Drone Alliance, and Southern Utah University (SUU) Aviation.

On behalf of the McCarty and Heideman family, "We are very grateful and excited to see the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act be introduced. It is a crucial and urgent step towards making the airspace safer for pilots, passengers, cargo, and anyone using the airspace for work or recreation. We look forward to working on getting this across the finish line!"

"No family should ever have to endure the heartbreak our community has experienced. While nothing can erase the unimaginable loss suffered by the McCarty and Heideman families, we are deeply grateful that Senator Merkley's legislation seeks to turn this tragedy into meaningful action. If it can prevent even one family from experiencing the same pain, it will stand as a lasting legacy to David, Rachel, Katelyn, Faith, and the families who have endured so much," said Oregon State Representative Bobby Levy.

"Sen. Merkley's bill takes an important step toward improving safety for pilots, crews, passengers, and the communities they serve. The Arizona accident was a tragic reminder of the serious risk temporary suspended obstructions can pose to low-altitude aircraft. This legislation focuses on practical steps to improve pilot awareness and help prevent future accidents," said François Lassale, President and CEO, VAI.

"The National Air Transportation Association appreciates Senator Merkley's attention to low-altitude airspace safety through the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act, which will improve awareness and communication around temporary obstructions. Safety is central to NATA's mission, and a thoughtful FAA review can help reduce avoidable risks in the National Airspace System," said NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna.

"Wildfire airspace overlaps public lands and recreation. Formal coordination with the FAA, Forest Service, BLM, and Park Service-paired with real outreach and right sized penalties for creating low altitude hazards-prevents tragedies before they happen. We strongly support this bill and urge swift passage," said Paul Peterson, Executive Director, United Aerial Firefighters Association.

"As a former Marine Corps helicopter pilot and the CEO of an air medical organization whose crews fly thousands of low-altitude flights each year, I know firsthand how critical it is to identify and mitigate hazards before they become tragedies. This legislation reflects the kind of collaborative, data-driven approach that has long made aviation safer. We appreciate Senator Merkley's leadership in bringing together industry and government to make our national airspace safer for everyone," said Ben Clayton, CEO, Life Flight Network.

"AMOA appreciates Senator Merkley's leadership in advancing this legislation and his commitment to improving helicopter safety through a thoughtful FAA review and collaboration with industry stakeholders," said Sally Veith, Executive Director, Air Medical Operators Association.

"NASAO supports efforts to strengthen aviation safety in low-altitude airspace. Ensuring that temporary obstructions are properly identified and that pilots have access to accurate, timely information is critical to a safe national aviation system. We commend Senator Merkley for his leadership in introducing this bill," said Gregory Pecoraro, President & CEO, National Association of State Aviation Officials.

"The National Agricultural Aviation Association firmly endorses the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act. The requirements this act places on the FAA will help ensure no more aviators operating in the low altitude airspace lose their life because of an unmarked slackline or other hazard strung across the landscape," said Matthew Woolard, President, National Agricultural Aviation Association.

"The American Spray Drone Coalition (ASDC) strongly endorses the 'McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act,' reflecting our deep commitment to promoting high standards of low-altitude airspace safety for both crewed and uncrewed aviators. By directing the FAA to review existing safety policies, this legislation takes a critical first step toward assessing necessary improvements for temporary obstruction markings and ensuring obstacle data can be seamlessly integrated into modern digital flight planning tools," said Eric Ringer, President, American Spray Drone Association.

"The tragic slackline crash earlier this year underscored the importance of ensuring pilots have better awareness of potential hazards when operating at low altitude," said Michael Robbins, President and CEO of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). "The McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act would direct the FAA to make common-sense but important changes to improve awareness for crewed and uncrewed aircraft alike, helping prevent tragedies like this one from happening again. We applaud Senator Merkley for his leadership on this issue and look forward to working with him to advance our shared vision of an airspace with zero collisions."

Full text of the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act as introduced in the Senate can be found by clicking here.

###