FAA Mandates Cyber Shields for Planes' Internet Connections
Published Date: 3/5/2025
Rule
Summary
The FAA is setting new safety rules for Universal Avionics’ updated airplane systems that connect to outside networks like the internet and wireless devices. These changes make sure the planes stay safe even with this new tech, starting March 5, 2025. If you have thoughts, you can share them by April 21, 2025, but no big costs or delays are expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Require threat assessment and protection strategies
The applicant must identify and assess electronic system security threats and implement effective protection strategies to prevent adverse impacts on safety, functionality, and continued airworthiness. The special conditions explicitly require these measures as part of the type certification basis for the AML-listed airplanes under STC No. ST04656CH.
Manufacturers must secure connected avionics
If you are the STC applicant (Universal Avionics) or a manufacturer applying the same design, you must ensure airplane electronic systems are protected from unauthorized external access. These special conditions apply to airplanes listed on the approved model list (AML) for STC No. ST04656CH and are effective March 5, 2025; they apply only to design changes applied for after that date.
Operators must maintain security safeguards
The applicant must establish procedures so operators can maintain continued airworthiness, including maintaining all electronic-system safeguards implemented in the original network design and managing post-type-certification modifications that affect those safeguards. Comments on these special conditions are due April 21, 2025.
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: 2025-03482, Amendment of VOR Federal Airways V-68, V-76, V-212, V-222, and V-558, and United States Area Navigation Route T-220 in the Vicinity of Industry, TX
The FAA is pushing back changes to several airways near Industry, TX, including V-68, V-76, V-212, V-222, V-558, and RNAV Route T-220, because some flight procedures near Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport didn’t pass inspections. This delay gives them more time to fix and test these routes properly. Pilots and airlines will see the new rules take effect on August 7, 2025, with no extra costs involved.
Next: 2025-03533, Amendment of Class E Airspace; Ahoskie, NC
The FAA is updating the airspace around Ahoskie, NC to include new controlled zones for the ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Heliport, making flying safer with new instrument approach rules. They’re also fixing the name and location info for Tri-County at Henry Joyner Field Airport. These changes kick in on April 17, 2025, and won’t cost anyone extra but will help pilots fly smarter and safer.