VAI Applauds Sen. Merkley for Introducing Aviation Safety Bill Addressing Slackline Hazards

Vertical Aviation International (VAI) applauds Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), for introducing the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act, which strengthens aviation safety by requiring the FAA to review and update policies related to low-altitude airspace hazards.

The bill follows the Jan. 2, 2026, accident near Superior, AZ, in which a helicopter struck a slackline, killing four people. The accident underscored the serious risks temporary suspended obstructions pose to helicopters and other aircraft operating at low altitudes, particularly when those hazards are not physically marked, communicated to pilots, or clearly depicted in aviation tools.

“Sen. Merkley’s bill takes an important step toward improving safety for pilots, crews, passengers, and the communities they serve," says François Lassale, president and CEO, VAI. "The Arizona accident was a tragic reminder that temporary suspended obstructions create serious risks in the National Airspace System. This legislation focuses on practical steps to improve pilot awareness, strengthen hazard communication, and help prevent future accidents.”

Following the Superior accident, VAI led a coalition of 37 aviation associations urging the FAA to review the risks posed by slacklines and similar suspended hazards. The coalition called on the agency to examine how these hazards are marked, communicated to pilots, and depicted in aviation planning, navigation, and situational-awareness tools.

Sen. Merkley’s legislation builds on many of those recommendations. The bill calls for a review of obstruction-marking and -lighting policies; improvements to NOTAMs and obstacle data; better digital depiction of low-altitude hazards in flight-planning tools and avionics systems; and stronger coordination with non-aviation communities whose activities create hazards in the National Airspace System.

Air-medical, aerial firefighting, law enforcement, utility patrol, and other low-altitude aircraft routinely fly in environments where suspended hazards are difficult to identify. Temporary lines, cables and similar obstructions present particular challenges because they are often installed in remote locations, span open terrain, and exist for limited periods without broad aviation awareness.

“Improving situational awareness is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk," Lassale continues. "Pilots need timely, accurate and accessible information about hazards in the airspace where they operate. VAI appreciates Sen. Merkley’s work to turn industry safety concerns into constructive legislation.”