The Federal Aviation Administration published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on September 14, 2026. The document, identified as 2026-18799, introduces an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM). This notice focuses on the Use of Certain Restricted Category Aircraft for the Transport of Firefighters for Wildfire Suppression.
Under the current framework, the FAA is evaluating a future amendment to regulations. This change would permit firefighters to be transported to and from a wildfire site aboard specific restricted category aircraft. The key condition is that the transportation must allow those firefighters to perform ground wildfire suppression.
The rule applies to civil aircraft operations and public aircraft operations. It specifically targets scenarios where the restricted category aircraft is owned by a civilian operator. This action responds to a statutory mandate. The FAA has determined that it needs additional information to address this mandate and assess the economic impact.
The agency is inviting public comments on several specific areas. These include the current availability of firefighter transportation resources. The FAA also wants to know about hindrances and needs influencing transport, as well as cost-benefit considerations.
Interested parties must submit their comments on or before November 13, 2026. The relevant docket is FAA-2026-10991, with Notice No. 26-16. The proposed changes would affect Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), specifically Parts 21, 91, and 119.
Summary written for CheckAero from the official document. It is not legal advice; read the full text before acting.