Bill > H895

This bill establishes the Emergency Citizen Pilot Training Program within North Carolina's Division of Emergency Management to create a standardized certification process for private pilots who can assist in disaster response and recovery operations. The program will offer training courses that teach pilots how to support state and federal emergency efforts, including understanding flight restrictions, communication protocols, and coordination methods. Participants will pay a fee (not exceeding $500) and receive a certification allowing them to be listed on an Emergency Citizen Pilot Registry. To maintain their active status, pilots must complete continuing training as determined by the Division of Emergency Management. The bill also modifies existing laws to include emergency citizen pilots in leave protection for volunteer emergency workers, ensuring they can take leave without pay when called to assist during a state emergency. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of "emergency management worker" to explicitly include certified emergency citizen pilots. The Division of Emergency Management is required to have the program operational by January 1, 2027, and must report on its implementation to the legislative oversight committee. The program aims to create a structured way for private pilots to contribute to disaster response efforts in a safe, coordinated manner.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H895