FAA Scraps Airbus Pre-Cooler Safety Checks as Unneeded

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.

2026-16657, Airworthiness Directives; ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-21- 10, which applied to certain ATR-GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500 and ATR72-212A airplanes. AD 2023-21-10 required an inspection of the horizontal stabilizer (HS) left- and right-hand leading edge lateral ribs, the box in between, the center box upper panel, and HS forward back-up fitting for discrepancies and applicable corrective action. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-21-10, it was determined that additional airplanes are affected and additional areas must be inspected. This AD continues to require the actions in AD 2023-21-10 and requires expanding the applicability and inspecting the HS front spar web and center box internal area for discrepancies and accomplishing applicable corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

2026-16659, Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Gulfstream 200 and Galaxy airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

2026-16641, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-25- 14, which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC130T2 helicopters. AD 2023-25-14 revised the procedures for inspecting the vibration level on the tail rotor drive shaft and, depending on these results, required replacing certain parts. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-25-14, the manufacturer developed a modification of the rear drive shaft, sliding flange, and equipped splined sleeve. This AD requires installing this modification and repetitively inspecting the vibration level of the tail rotor drive shaft. This AD also prohibits the installation of certain parts and prohibits the performance of a balance correction unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Previous: 2025-20575, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

If you own or operate an Airbus EC130B4 or EC130T2 helicopter, listen up! The FAA found that the center shaft assembly can crack sooner than expected, so they’re requiring you to replace it with a safer, approved part by December 8, 2025. This keeps your helicopter flying safely and avoids costly repairs down the road. Comments on this rule are open until January 5, 2026.

Next: 2025-20598, Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines

If you fly planes with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, listen up! The FAA found some fan blades might crack because they were dressed wrong, so they’re making sure these blades get checked and replaced if needed. This rule kicks in December 8, 2025, and could save money by preventing costly engine problems down the road.