FAA Wants Helicopter Pilots to Flip a Page for Power Safety

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.

2026-10047 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

The FAA wants all Airbus A330-841 and A330-941 airplanes to get regular checks for cracks on certain wing parts to keep flights safe. If cracks are found, fixes must be done right away. Comments on this plan are open until July 6, 2026, and these inspections might cost airlines some time and money but will help prevent bigger problems.

2026-10076 — Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines

The FAA wants to make sure Rolls-Royce Trent7000-72 and Trent7000-72C engines stay safe by stopping certain lubrication pumps from being installed unless they meet new rules. This comes after some engines shut down mid-flight because parts failed too soon. If you own or work with these engines, you’ll need to follow these new rules soon, but no big costs are expected.

2026-09953 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Experimental Aircraft: Letters of Deviation Authority (LODA)

The FAA is renewing its approval to collect info from pilots who want special permission to give paid flight lessons in experimental aircraft. This helps make sure these lessons are safe. If you’re involved, you can comment by June 18, 2026, and there’s no new cost—just the usual paperwork.

2026-09972 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Mitsubishi MU-2B Series Airplane Training Requirements

The FAA is renewing its paperwork rules for pilots flying the Mitsubishi MU-2B airplane to make sure they get special training and follow safety steps. This affects MU-2B pilots who must keep records proving they completed the required training. Comments on this plan are open until June 18, 2026, and the goal is to keep flying safer without adding extra hassle or costs.

2026-09971 — Notice of Draft FAA Order 5100-38E, Airport Improvement Program Handbook

The FAA is updating its Airport Improvement Program Handbook to reflect new laws and policies since 2017. This affects airports, states, and contractors who rely on federal funding for airport projects. You can review the draft and share your thoughts by August 17, 2026, so the FAA can finalize the new guide and keep airport funding running smoothly.

Previous: 2025-07780 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Military Readiness Activities in the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing Study Area

The U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard want permission to accidentally affect marine mammals during their training and testing in the Atlantic Ocean from November 2025 to November 2032. The government is asking the public to share their thoughts before deciding on the rules that will protect these animals while supporting military readiness. This plan could impact marine life but helps keep our military sharp and ready.

Next: 2025-08078 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

If you fly or fix Airbus EC130 B4 or T2 helicopters, listen up! The FAA wants you to check a key tail rotor part called the tension-torsion bar because it might break and cause big damage. You’ll need to inspect it soon and follow new rules that stop using some old maintenance guides—keeping everyone safer without breaking the bank.