Drone Firm Petitions FAA for Easier Flight Rules

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.

2026-13685 — Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

If you fly or maintain Bell Model 430 helicopters, listen up! The FAA updated safety rules to change how long certain rotor parts can be used and how pitch link assemblies are labeled. These new rules kick in on August 11, 2026, and might mean some extra checks or part swaps to keep your chopper safe and sound.

2026-13655 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes

The FAA just made new rules for all Airbus Canada BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 airplanes because some important clips in the high pressure valve were missing or broken. These rules stop planes from flying if certain safety systems aren’t working right or if warning messages show up. The rules started July 7, 2026, and operators need to follow them to keep flights safe without extra costs right now.

2026-13541 — Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines

If you operate certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland BR700 engines, the FAA wants you to update your maintenance plans with new, stricter rules to keep parts safe and sound. This means checking and replacing some engine parts sooner than before to avoid problems. Comments on these changes are open until August 20, 2026, so get ready to adjust your schedules and budgets!

Previous: 2025-23105 — Name of Information Collection: NASA Astronaut Candidate Selection (ASCAN) Qualifications Inquiry

NASA is renewing its info collection to help pick the best astronaut candidates by gathering feedback from their past bosses and coworkers. This update keeps the process smooth and fair, affecting anyone involved in astronaut hiring. Comments on this renewal are open until February 17, 2026, with no new costs for participants.

Next: 2025-23107 — Petition for Exemption; Summary of Petition Received; FlightSafety International, Inc.

FlightSafety International, Inc. has asked the FAA for a special exemption from some aviation rules to help improve their training programs. This change could affect pilots and training schedules but won’t cost extra money right now. The public can share their thoughts on this petition until January 6, 2026.