Drone Company Buzzes FAA for Lighter Flight Rules

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.

2026-18162, Modernizing Medical Standards for Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus Cases

FAA proposes to amend its regulations to allow applicants with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus to apply for airman medical certification that may be issued at the time of their medical examination instead of requiring Special Issuance review by FAA. This action would reduce the burden associated with the process of review for Authorization for Special Issuance while recognizing that modern medical advancements have significantly improved the manageability of certain forms of diabetes.

2026-18143, Agency Information Collection Activities: Request for Comments; Clearance of a New Approval of Information Collection: Safety Management System Voluntary Program

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for an information collection. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on July 19, 2023. Two comments were received (one comment was submitted twice with an editorial correction) and responded to in the supporting statement accessible following the instructions outlined in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. The collection involves collecting safety data from FAA Flight Standards Service, Safety Management System Voluntary Program participants. The collection is necessary to evaluate participating certificate holders and their compliance with voluntary program requirements.

Previous: 2025-04547, Petition for Exemption; Summary of Petition Received; ATL Europe.

ATL Europe has asked the FAA for a special exemption from some aviation rules to help them operate more smoothly. This change could affect pilots and airlines by making certain rules easier to follow, possibly speeding up flights or cutting costs. The FAA is sharing this info now to get public feedback before making a final decision.

Next: 2025-04550, Petition for Exemption; Summary of Petition Received; Helicopter Consultants of Maui dba Blue Hawaiian Helicopters.

Helicopter Consultants of Maui, also known as Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, asked the FAA for a special exemption from some flight rules. This change could affect their helicopter tours and might speed up operations or reduce costs. The FAA wants everyone to know about this and join the conversation before any decisions are made.