CO HB1238

Extends civil liability immunity to volunteers (individuals, nonprofits, corporations, and private organizations) who arrange or operate helicopters for search and rescue operations, except for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or conscious indifference to safety

Requires volunteers to have a written agreement with the governmental entity leading the rescue operation and operate helicopters that meet specific safety and training standards approved by independent third parties

Mandates volunteer helicopter pilots have a commercial pilot license with instrument rating, minimum 1,500 total flight hours (including 500 mountainous helicopter hours and 100 hours in the specific aircraft type), and certification within the last 12 months from an approved instructor

Requires helicopters used in search and rescue operations to be capable of high-altitude and mountainous terrain operations, have been used in training with the rescue team within the prior 12 months, and operate under an approved safety management system

Addresses Colorado's lack of dedicated helicopter resources for backcountry rescue by protecting private helicopter owners and operators from liability to encourage their voluntary participation in search and rescue operations