Drones Dodge Rules: Zipline Petitions FAA for Sky-High Exemptions
Published Date: 12/10/2025
Notice
Summary
Zipline International, Inc. asked the FAA for special permission to skip some usual flight rules. This affects Zipline’s drone delivery operations and could speed up their services without extra costs for the public. People have until December 30, 2025, to share their thoughts before the FAA decides.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Exemption from service difficulty reporting
Zipline asked the FAA for an exemption from parts of 14 CFR (Part 111, subparts B and C and sections 120.109(a), 120.109(b), 120.217(c)) so it would not have to submit service difficulty reports or mechanical interruption summary reports.
Exemption from employee drug and alcohol testing
Zipline petitioned for an exemption from 14 CFR requirements to conduct pre-employment and random drug testing and random alcohol testing of its covered employees (citing sections 135.415(a), 135.415(d), and 135.417(a)).
Exemption from pilot records reporting to PRD
Zipline asked the FAA for an exemption from reporting specified pilot records to the FAA's Pilot Records Database (PRD) under the cited provisions of 14 CFR.
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.
2026-10047 — 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 / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22430 — Meeting of the Advisory Committee; Meeting
The Advisory Committee for Actuarial Exams will meet by phone on January 12-13, 2026, to review recent pension exams and plan topics for upcoming actuarial tests. This affects actuaries preparing for May 2026 exams, as the committee will set exam content and passing scores. Some parts of the meeting are private to protect exam questions, but there’s a public session for open discussion and comments.
Next: 2025-22432 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; DC School Choice Incentive Program; Withdrawal
The Department of Education is pulling back a recent notice about collecting info for the DC School Choice Incentive Program because it had mistakes. They’re replacing it with a new, correct notice that starts a fresh 60-day comment period. This affects anyone interested in the program’s data and gives them more time to share their thoughts—no money changes, just clearer info and a do-over!