FAA Sets Rules for Helicopter Hoist Overload Gadgets

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.

2026-14820, Amendment of Domestic Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airways V-16, V-35, V-37, V-53, V-133, V-136, V-143, V-259, V-310, V-364, V-409, V-415, V-454, and V-605; Eastern United States

The FAA is updating several VOR airways across the eastern U.S. to improve navigation safety and support their VOR Minimum Operational Network program. Pilots, airlines, and air traffic controllers will see changes to routes V-16, V-35, V-37, and more, with comments open until August 21, 2026. These updates won’t cost you extra but will help keep flights smooth and on track.

2026-14582, Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of a Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Flight Engineers and Flight Navigators

The FAA is asking for your thoughts on bringing back a form that flight engineers and navigators use to get certified and for schools to get their training approved. This restart is needed because of past delays from a government shutdown and staff changes. If you’re involved in flight training or certification, now’s the time to weigh in before August 19, 2026—no extra costs, just your feedback!

2026-14577, Agency Advisory Circular: AC 413.5-1 Pre-Application Consultation and Lifecycle Overview for Licenses and Permits

The FAA just dropped a helpful guide for anyone wanting to get a commercial space license or permit. It explains the whole process from early chats with the FAA to final approval, making it easier and clearer to navigate. If you’re planning to launch or operate in space, check it out and send your thoughts by August 19, 2026!

Previous: 2025-05014, Television Broadcasting Services Las Vegas, Nevada

Channel 33, Inc., which runs KHSV in Las Vegas, wants to switch its TV broadcast from channel 2 to channel 23. The FCC is reviewing this request to update the official TV channel list for Las Vegas. If approved, this change could affect local viewers and broadcasters, with timing and costs to be decided later.

Next: 2025-05026, Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

If you fly Bombardier BD-700-1A10 or BD-700-1A11 planes, heads up! The FAA wants to fix some wrong info in the flight manual about slat-flap settings to keep flights safe. Pilots will need to update their manuals soon, but no big costs or delays are expected.