FAA Refines Aircraft Safety Approval Handbook
Published Date: 11/21/2025
Notice
Summary
The FAA just released Revision C to their big rulebook on how companies get special approval to do important aviation work. This update adds a new type of approval for airmen certification, reshuffles the info for easier use, and improves how the FAA watches over these companies. If you’re part of an organization with this approval, expect clearer rules and better communication starting now—no extra costs announced.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New Airmen Certification ODA Type
The FAA added a new Airmen Certification (AC) Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) type. Commenters said the AC ODA could let Part 147 schools conduct certification exams in-house, which they said may reduce certification bottlenecks, lower costs, and help maintenance technician students finish on time and move into the workforce.
Protections and Direct FAA Communication for ODA Members
Revision C implements policies to prevent interference with ODA unit members (UMs) and explicitly allows UMs to communicate with the FAA. It also provides for FAA approval of UM selections by Type Certificate (TC) ODA holders and assignment of FAA advisors to UMs at TC ODA holders.
Organizations May Hold Multiple Authorizations
The Order incorporates the ability for an organization to hold more than one ODA authorization when doing so will facilitate efficiency in oversight of the associated types. This change was added in response to public comment.
Flexible Use of Customized FAA Forms
Revision C updates Order language on use of FAA forms to align with deviation memorandum AIR-100-17-160-DM09, allowing organization management teams (OMT) to accept certain customized forms for documenting ODA certification activities and clarifying when forms may be replicated or modified.
Training Requirements Clarified for Flexibility
The FAA refined ODA holder training requirements to clarify that the Order focuses on how to deliver training content rather than specifying who must present it. This sets quality standards for delivery while allowing flexibility in assigning trainers.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-10293 — Prohibition of Remote Dispatching
The FAA wants to stop airplane dispatchers from working remotely, except in emergencies when the main center is down. This change affects all domestic, flag, and supplemental airline operators and aims to keep flight safety tight and clear. Comments on this rule are open until July 21, 2026, so airlines and dispatchers should get ready for a new way of working that could shake up their routines.
2026-10270 — Airworthiness Directives; Embraer S.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Yaborã Indústria Aeronáutica S.A.; Embraer S.A.) Airplanes
The FAA is requiring certain Embraer ERJ 190-100 ECJ airplanes to get a close check on their overheat detection sensors because some parts might not work right. If problems are found, those parts must be replaced, and no faulty parts can be installed anymore. This rule kicks in on June 26, 2026, helping keep flights safe without breaking the bank.
2026-10256 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
If you fly Airbus EC130T2 helicopters, the FAA wants you to install a new fix on the tail rotor drive shaft and keep checking its vibration regularly. This update replaces old rules and stops certain parts from being used unless they meet new safety standards. You’ve got until July 6, 2026, to share your thoughts, and while this might cost some bucks, it’s all about keeping flights safe and smooth.
2026-10271 — Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes
The FAA is making sure certain Bombardier BD-700 airplanes are safe by checking and fixing bolts on the baggage door that might have been tightened wrong. Owners need to inspect and adjust or replace these bolts by June 26, 2026, to keep flying safely. This fix helps avoid any door problems and keeps passengers secure without breaking the bank.
2026-10272 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
If you fly or work with Airbus A330 planes, listen up! The FAA found a problem where a backup fuel pump might fail quietly, trapping fuel that can’t be used. Starting June 8, 2026, airlines must regularly check these pumps and fix any issues to keep flights safe—no big wallet hits expected, just smart safety moves.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20519 — Administrative Declaration of an Economic Injury Disaster for the State of Colorado
Colorado businesses in Rio Blanco and nearby counties hit by the Lee and Elk fires, mudslides, and debris flows can now apply for special low-interest disaster loans. These loans help cover economic losses from August 2-29, 2025, and applications are open until August 18, 2026. This means affected small businesses and nonprofits have a financial lifeline to bounce back stronger!
Next: 2025-20521 — Notice of Appointments of Individuals To Serve as Members of Performance Review Boards
The National Labor Relations Board just named new members to their Performance Review Boards for the year starting October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. These folks will help review how well employees are doing, making sure everyone gets fair feedback. This update affects staff performance checks but doesn’t change any budgets or deadlines.