SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 701

BYRepresentatives Patrick, Gallagher, Brough, Baugher, Schmidt, S. Wilson, Fisch, Dellwo and Walk

Requiring survival kits on aircraft.

House Committe on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 25, 1987

Majority Report:     Do pass as amended.

     Signed by Senators Peterson, Chairman; Hansen, Vice Chairman; Tanner, Vice Chairman; Bailey, Bender, Conner, DeJarnatt; Halsan, Johnson, Nelson, Patterson, Sellar, von Reichbauer, West.

Senate Staff:Gene Baxstrom (786-7303)

                March 30, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, MARCH 25, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Aircraft used to carry persons or property for compensation are required to be equipped with a downed aircraft rescue transmitter.  Aircraft which are rented or leased without a pilot are exempt from this requirement.

Current law does not require that aircraft be equipped with survival kits.

SUMMARY:

Aircraft are required to be equipped with a fully functional downed aircraft rescue transmitter.  Aircraft that are leased or rented without a pilot are not exempt from this requirement.

All aircraft that carry persons or property for compensation are required to be equipped with a survival kit containing a tent, horn capable of emitting a signal one-quarter of a mile, a mirror, matches, a candle and survival instructions.  Certain aircraft are exempt from this requirement.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The Department of Transportation is granted authority to prescribe the contents of a survival kit.  Obsolete language is deleted.

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   Bill Hamilton, Assistant Secretary for Aeronautics, DOT; Ray Costello, Northwest Pilots Association; John Barutt, Washington Pilots Association; Jared Karstetter, King County Police Union