Bipartisan lawmakers push for greater safety rules for slacklines
By Terry Murry on Friday, July 17th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WASHINGTON, D.C. – United States senators and representatives from both parties in Oregon and Arizona have introduced the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act.
The new legislation would direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address what they say are urgent aviation safety issues by reviewing and updating existing safeguards for temporary obstructions in low-level airspace, such as slacklines.
The act is in reaction to the tragic helicopter crash on Jan. 2 when a helicopter collided with a slackline in Arizona, killing four from Eastern Oregon. It took the lives of the pilot, David McCarty and his nieces Rachel McCarty, Faith McCarty, and Katelyn Heideman.
The bill has the support of key stakeholders and organizations. They include the Vertical Aviation International, Balloon Federation of America, United Aerial Firefighters Association, the National Association of State Aviation Officials, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the Life Flight Network, and the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International.
Sponsors of the act include Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah), Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-OR) and Rep. Val Hoyle (D-OR). Several other Congressional lawmakers are standing in support of it, as is State Rep. Bobby Levy (R-Echo). “No family should ever have to endure the heartbreak our community has experienced,” she said. “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.”
File photo of the victims of the crash from the Echo School District
