NC H895

Establishes the Emergency Citizen Pilot Training Program within the Division of Emergency Management to certify private pilots to assist with disaster response and recovery operations after declared emergencies

Training covers coordination with State and federal agencies, flight paths, restricted airspace, standard operating procedures, permissible aircraft, and emergency communication protocols

Division may charge a fee up to $500 per candidate and must maintain a registry of all certified emergency citizen pilots with active or inactive status

Certified emergency citizen pilots receive the same employment protections as volunteer firefighters and rescue squad workers, including the right to take unpaid leave when called into service during declared emergencies

Program must be operational by January 1, 2027, with implementation reports due to the Joint Legislative Emergency Management Oversight Committee by October 1, 2026