Use of Certain Restricted Category Aircraft for the Transport of Firefighters for Wildfire Suppression
Key claim: The FAA is seeking public comment as it considers changing aviation rules so firefighters can be flown to and from wildfires on certain restricted-category aircraft for ground suppression work.
Abstract
(Proposed Rule · Transportation Department, Federal Aviation Administration) FAA is evaluating a future amendment to its regulations to permit firefighters to be transported to and from the site of a wildfire aboard certain restricted category aircraft when the purpose of that transportation is to permit those firefighters to perform ground wildfire suppression. The amendment would apply to civil aircraft operations and public aircraft operations when the restricted category aircraft is owned by a civilian operator. This action responds to a statutory mandate, and FAA has determined it needs additional information to address both the mandate and the assessment of its economic impact. This ANPRM invites public comments on the current availability of firefighter transportation resources, hindrances and needs influencing their transport, and cost-benefit considerations affecting the transport of firefighters on certain aircraft.
Why this matters
Restricted-category aircraft (typically former military or special-purpose airframes) are normally barred from carrying passengers, which limits how wildfire agencies can move ground crews. An FAA rulemaking to permit firefighter transport on these aircraft would expand the fleet available for rapid crew movement to remote fire lines. At this stage the agency is only gathering comments, so operational effects depend on whether and how a final rule is issued.