Introduced By Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) In Wake Of 2016 Accident

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) has filed a bill in the U.S. Senate that would require balloon pilots to undergo the same kind of medical examination as other pilots following an accident last July that resulted in the fatal injury of 16 people.

The NTSB determined in its investigation of the accident that the pilot, Alfred "Skip" Nichols, was suffering from unreported medical conditions when the accident occurred, and he was using oxycodone, Valium, Prozac and other prescription drugs in the day of the accident. The aircraft flew into power lines near Lockhart, TX and caught fire.

The San Antonio Express-News reports that the bill is opposed by the Balloon Federation of America, which says that medical exams and drug tests for balloon pilots are unnecessary due to the low number of balloon flights in comparison to other types of aircraft. Some FAA officials agree with that assessment.

However, NTSB Acting Chairman Robert Sumwalt told Senator Cruz at a hearing on the bill earlier this month that it "really really is alarming that this pilot was able to hang out a shingle and fly people for hire.”

An online petition has been created on the "We the People" website operated by the White House supporting the legislation. "Hot air balloon pilots are not required to be drug tested nor have medical exams as other tour operations. It is time for FAA to ensure all tour passengers have oversight and the same safety benefits as passengers of helicopter and airline tour operations. All Lives Matter," the petition states. So far, fewer that 1,000 people have signed the petition against a stated goal of 100,000 signatures.

(Image from file)

FMI: Original Story, Petition