FAA fixes flight path oops near DC with WV waypoint
Published Date: 2/27/2025
Rule
Summary
The FAA fixed a small but important mistake in their recent update to flight routes in the eastern U.S. They added the Martinsburg, WV navigation point to RNAV Route T-356 to keep planes on the right path near Washington, DC. This change kicks in on April 17, 2025, and won’t cost anyone extra or change the route much, just makes it safer and clearer for pilots.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Martinsburg VORTAC added to RNAV T-356
The FAA added the Martinsburg, WV (MRB) VORTAC to the RNAV Route T-356 description. The addition is required so T-356 overlays VOR Federal Airway V-143 between the Martinsburg VORTAC and the KERRE, VA fix for air traffic control routing west of Washington, DC, and because the route includes a turn of more than one degree. The change is effective 0901 UTC on April 17, 2025, and does not substantively alter the route.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2025-04846, Extension of the Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Territory and Airspace of Libya
The FAA is extending the ban on certain flights over Libya for three more years, until March 20, 2028. This affects U.S. airlines, commercial operators, and pilots with FAA certificates flying in Libyan airspace, due to ongoing safety risks. The rule also reminds everyone how to apply for special approvals or exemptions if needed.
2025-03853, Enforcement Policy Regarding “Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States; Correction”
The FAA is giving repair stations outside the U.S. a break by delaying enforcement of new drug and alcohol testing rules until March 20, 2025. This means affected repair stations don’t have to worry about penalties if they aren’t fully following the updated rules just yet. The delay helps everyone get ready without rushing or extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-03091, List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: NAC Multi-Purpose Canister (NAC-MPC) System, Certificate of Compliance No. 1025, Amendment No. 9, and Revision to Amendment Nos. 6, 7, and 8
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is updating the rules for the NAC Multi-Purpose Canister system used to store spent nuclear fuel. They’re adding a new amendment and tweaking older ones to clearly separate rules for the canister’s concrete body and lid. These changes take effect May 13, 2025, and mainly affect companies managing nuclear fuel storage, with no big cost changes expected.
Next: 2025-03147, Name Change From Office of Child Support Enforcement to Office of Child Support Services; Reopening of Comment Period and Delaying Effective Date
The government is changing the name from the Office of Child Support Enforcement to the Office of Child Support Services. They’re giving people more time to share their thoughts by reopening the comment period until March 31, 2025, and pushing back the new name’s start date to April 28, 2025. This affects families and agencies involved in child support, with no extra costs or fees announced.