This bill requires turbine-powered helicopters that carry two or more paying passengers to meet safety equipment, training, and maintenance standards like those that apply to airlines under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. Required equipment includes terrain awareness, cockpit voice recording, and flight data recording or FAA-approved equivalents. Operators must follow part 121 standards for pilot qualification, duty and rest, and maintenance programs. The rule does not apply to operations conducted only for emergency medical services under subpart L of part 135. The FAA must issue final regulations within 18 months of enactment, and operators must reach full compliance within 24 months (with a possible 6-month extension). The FAA must also rescind or modify any exemptions or guidance that conflict with this law. Failure to comply carries the same penalties and certificate actions that apply to part 121 operators under chapter 447 of title 49, United States Code. The bill authorizes $50,000,000 a year for fiscal years 2026–2030 to support rulemaking, enforcement, oversight, and hiring and training of aviation safety inspectors. The FAA must report to congressional committees within 12 months on staffing needs, hiring and training steps, and progress integrating rotorcraft into part 121–style oversight. The Act’s requirements take effect two years after enactment.
Supporters say that some helicopter passenger operations under part 135 are substantially similar to airline operations under part 121 but avoid more rigorous standards. The bill’s findings state that recurring issues in recent helicopter accidents—such as pilot fatigue, inadequate maintenance, and insufficient equipment—show the need to harmonize standards with part 121. Proponents see the Act as building on the FAA Safety Management System rule and closing gaps the FAA has not yet finalized by rulemaking.
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