FAA Orders Inspections on Airbus Helicopter Booms

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.

2026-09972 — 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.

2026-09953 — 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.

2026-09971 — 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.

2026-09942 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Geneva, OH

The FAA wants to create new Class E airspace around the University Hospitals Geneva Medical Center Heliport in Geneva, Ohio. This change will help pilots use special instrument flying rules safely when landing or taking off. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until July 2, 2026, to speak up—no costs or fees involved!

2026-09771 — Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes

Pilatus PC-12 airplane owners and operators, heads up! The FAA is updating safety rules to fix a problem that could affect certain planes, meaning some extra checks or fixes might be needed. Comments on these changes are open until June 29, 2026, so get involved before then—these updates could cost some time and money but keep everyone flying safe.

Previous: 2025-17848 — Fisheries Off West Coast States; Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries; Annual Specifications; 2025-2026 Annual Specifications and Management Measures for Pacific Sardine

Starting July 1, 2025, most commercial fishing for Pacific sardines off Washington, Oregon, and California will be paused to help the sardine population bounce back. Fishermen can still catch sardines for live bait, small special fisheries, or as a small part of other catches, but strict limits apply. These new rules aim to protect sardines while keeping fishing fair and sustainable through June 30, 2026.

Next: 2025-17850 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

If you fly Airbus Helicopters Model AS 332L2 or EC 225LP, listen up! The FAA wants you to swap out some bolts on the main gearbox suspension bar because the old ones might be too long or bent. You’ll also need to check those bolts and tell Airbus what you find—keeping your chopper safe and sound without breaking the bank.