Draft executive order signals major changes for US wildland firefighting operations A draft executive order (EO) from the Trump administration is poised to significantly reshape the way wildland firefighting is conducted in the United States—changes that will directly affect operators and other Vertical Aviation International (VAI) members who conduct and support aerial firefighting operations. According to a draft obtained by VAI, the EO outlines an ambitious federal effort to transform wildfire response across the country. Among the most immediate impacts are changes to aircraft certification, contract award criteria, and workforce development. Key Provisions Here are some of the key provisions in the draft EO: • Elimination of Aircraft Manager Dispatch Requirements. The EO eliminates the requirement for aircraft managers to be assigned to assets in order for them to be dispatched. • Prioritization of US-Based Assets. The EO includes a “Buy America” provision requiring agencies to prioritize domestic assets over foreign-owned ones. • Suspension of Procurement and Dispatch Rules. Within 30 days of the EO being signed by the president, federal firefighting agencies will be required to temporarily suspend rules that hinder rapid wildfire response. These include: – Allowing dispatch centers and contract managers more flexibility in selecting contractors – Suspending use of “Lowest Price Technically Acceptable” as the sole criterion for contract awards – Requiring the US Forest Service to accept FAA certifications in place of duplicative carding and inspections. • Workforce Development and Training. The EO directs the Departments of Agriculture, Interior, and Homeland Security to launch new mechanic apprenticeship programs and third-party certification systems for aircraft and pilots. Broader Overhaul and National Coordination In addition to these aviation-specific items, the EO proposes the establishment of a national task force to unify wildland firefighting response across federal, state, local, and tribal agencies. Replacing the existing Wildland Fire Leadership Council, the National Wildland Firefighting Task Force would be charged with implementing new performance metrics, modernizing dispatch systems, and consolidating wildfire preparedness funding into a single account. The EO outlines more long-term goals, including the creation of a permanent National Wildland Fire Agency by 2026, to be led by a chief of National Wildland Fire. What Comes Next? VAI members are encouraged to contact VAI’s Operations Team with questions or comments on the draft EO. Your feedback on how these changes will affect your operations and your business will inform our ongoing advocacy efforts. VAI is actively reviewing the draft EO and will continue to engage with federal agencies and industry partners to ensure its members’ voices are heard during this restructuring of federal wildland firefighting efforts.
