Oregon Leaders Call for Temporary Flight Restrictions Over Slackline Events

State officials urge FAA and NTSB to act after deadly Arizona helicopter crash involving a highline

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Leaders in Oregon, including the governor, state legislators, and the Oregon Department of Aviation, are calling on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to implement emergency temporary flight restrictions over areas where active slacklining and highlining events are taking place. This comes after a January helicopter crash in Arizona that killed four East Oregonians, which officials say was an entirely preventable accident.

Why it matters

Slacklining and highlining have grown in popularity in recent years, particularly in scenic and recreational areas that may also attract low-flying aircraft. While these activities are often permitted and coordinated at the local level, state officials believe that the absence of clear federal airspace protocols creates potential hazards for both aviators and participants.

The details

Rep. Bobby Levy (R-Echo) said that as leaders, their job is to ensure there are rules and regulations to safeguard human life, and to respond swiftly when tragedy occurs. Earlier this month, Oregon's delegation to the U.S. Senate issued a similar call to the director of the FAA. Now, letters have been submitted to both the FAA and NTSB by Gov. Tina Kotek, the Oregon Department of Aviation, and a bipartisan coalition of Oregon state legislators.

  • On January 2, a helicopter crash in Arizona killed four East Oregonians.
  • Earlier this month, Oregon's U.S. Senate delegation called for action from the FAA.
  • This week, letters were submitted to the FAA and NTSB by state leaders in Oregon.

The players

Rep. Bobby Levy

A Republican state representative from Echo, Oregon.

Gov. Tina Kotek

The governor of Oregon.

Oregon Department of Aviation

The state agency responsible for aviation matters in Oregon.

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What they’re saying

“Our job as leaders is to ensure that there are rules and regulations to safeguard human life – and that when tragedy occurs, we respond swiftly.”

— Rep. Bobby Levy, State Representative (elkhornmediagroup.com)

“Recent events, including the tragic helicopter collision with a highline or slackline near Superior, Arizona, underscore critical gaps in how aerial hazards are communicated to pilots and warrant thoughtful, swift action by the FAA.”

— Oregon Department of Aviation (elkhornmediagroup.com)

What’s next

The FAA and NTSB will review the requests from Oregon's leaders and determine if temporary flight restrictions are warranted over areas with active slacklining and highlining events.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for better coordination and communication between recreational activities like slacklining and the aviation industry to ensure the safety of both participants and pilots. State leaders are taking proactive steps to address this issue and prevent future tragedies.