Agricultural aircraft may be used to fight forest fires. The text, authored by Senator Carlos Fávaro (PSD-MT), amends the Forest Code and Decree-Law 917/69, which deals with the use of this type of aircraft in the country.

The proposal had already been approved in the Senate and, last Wednesday (22/06), received the approval of deputies. "The measure is a necessity of the country," said Deputy José Medeiros (PL-MT), rapporteur in the Constitution and Justice and Citizenship Committee. In Mato Grosso last year, the association of aviators was willing to do the work, but there were a number of bureaucratic obstacles," he said.

Contingency plans

According to the text that now proceeds to the presidential sanction, contingency plans to fight forest fires, drawn up by environmental agencies, should outline the guidelines for the use of the aeroagricultural fleet.

Aircraft must meet technical standards defined by the public authorities and be piloted by professionals qualified for the activity. In addition, the employment policy of agricultural aviation in firefighting activity in all types of vegetation should be proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply.

According to the text, the activity may be encouraged by the government and include policies, programs and government plans for the prevention and fight of forest fires, including training and training of pilots.

Source: Um só Planeta