LOCKHART, Texas -- It's been two years since a deadly hot air balloon crash in Lockhart.
Sixteen people were killed when the balloon flew into power lines.
Federal investigators believe the pilot was probably impaired, and recommended stricter regulations on balloons. Those changes were part of an amendment to the FAA reauthorization bill, which passed the House in April. The section of the bill, titled the "Commercial Balloon Pilot Safety Act of 2018, states:
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall revise section 61.3(c) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (relating to second-class medical certificates), to apply to an operator of an air balloon to the same extent such regulations apply to a pilot flight crewmember of other aircraft.
Rep. Lloyd Doggett's hot air balloon pilot safety amendment was approved as a part of the act. The bill is co-sponsored by Lamar Smith, the Representative for Texas’ 21st congressional district. The Senate has not voted on the bill yet.
CONTINUING COVERAGE:
US House OKs balloon pilot medical exams after Texas crash
Texas Rep. Doggett's hot air balloon pilot safety amendment approved
One-year anniversary of fatal Lockhart hot air balloon crash marked
Family of Lockhart balloon crash victims' petition receives US Senate attention
NTSB: Hot Air Balloon Pilot's Medical History Questioned