FAA Eyes Exemption for Victor Lee: Pilots, Weigh In by January
Published Date: 12/29/2025
Notice
Summary
Victor Lee & Associates, Inc. asked the FAA for a special exemption from some aviation rules. This could change how certain flights or operations are handled, affecting pilots and companies involved. People have until January 20, 2026, to share their thoughts before any decisions are made.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Request to Reduce Filming Separation Distance
Victor Lee & Associates asked the FAA to allow reduced horizontal separation for consenting filming personnel from 100 feet down to a minimum of 50 feet during closed-set operations. The petitioner says these reduced-distance operations would occur only inside a sterile, access-controlled set with no public present within or beyond a 500-foot buffer (docket FAA-2025-0001).
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-17212, Adoption of Categorical Exclusion Under the National Environmental Policy Act
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has identified a categorical exclusion (CATEX) established by the Department of the Air Force (DAF) that it intends to adopt and describes the categories of proposed actions for which the FAA intends to use this CATEX. The FAA has consulted with the DAF, as described herein, and obtained concurrence on FAA's use of this CATEX.
2026-17209, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-17-03, which applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters. AD 2025-17-03 requires inspecting the emergency sea anchor and, depending on the result, replacing the emergency sea anchor. Since the FAA issued AD 2025-17-03, it has been determined that an additional inspection of an affected emergency sea anchor must be accomplished. This proposed AD would retain all of the requirements of AD 2025-17-03, would also require an additional inspection, and depending on the result, replacing the emergency sea anchor. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-16954, Airworthiness Directives; International Aero Engines AG Engines
The FAA is requiring certain International Aero Engines AG models to replace some 3rd stage high pressure compressor blades because they can wear out and break, which is unsafe. This rule starts on September 24, 2026, and affects airlines using these engines. Fixing this might cost some money but keeps flights safe and sound.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23836, Advisory Committee on the Readjustment of Veterans, Notice of Meeting
The Advisory Committee on the Readjustment of Veterans is meeting in Oklahoma on January 27-28, 2026, to review how well VA services help Veterans adjust to civilian life. These meetings affect Veterans who served in combat and aim to improve benefits and support. Some parts are open to the public, while private discussions protect Veterans’ privacy—no direct money changes announced yet, but better services could mean big wins for Veterans.
Next: 2025-23839, Petition for Exemption; Summary of Petition Received; Honda Research Institute USA, Inc.
Honda Research Institute USA is asking the FAA for a special exemption from some aviation rules to help speed up their research and testing. This could affect how certain aircraft or tech are tested and might save time and money. The public can share their thoughts on this petition until January 20, 2026.