Airbus A330 Owners Face Stricter Safety Inspections

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.

2026-14881, Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

This update affects owners and operators of Bell Textron Canada helicopters. It requires important safety checks and fixes to keep these helicopters flying safely. The changes must be done within set deadlines and might cost some money, but they help prevent serious problems in the air.

2026-14882, Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines

If you own certain Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, the FAA wants you to keep checking a part called the high-pressure turbine triple seal for wear and replace it if needed. They’re updating the rules to remove some engines from this check because a new fix now makes inspections unnecessary for those. Comments on this change are open until September 8, 2026, so get ready to act and keep your engines safe without breaking the bank!

2026-14886, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

If you own or operate an Airbus EC130B4 helicopter, heads up! The FAA wants to fix weak door locks by requiring changes to the swinging and sliding door supports. You’ll need to update your helicopter soon to keep flying safely, and no new affected doors can be installed unless they meet the new rules. Comments on this plan are open until September 8, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!

Previous: 2026-03483, Policy Clarifying Definition of “Actively Engaged” for Purposes of Inspector Authorization; Correction

The FAA fixed a mistake from 2011 about how people denied an Inspection Authorization (IA) can appeal. Now, if your IA application is denied, you can officially appeal to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). This update affects anyone applying for or renewing an IA and clears up the correct appeal path—no extra costs or deadlines changed.

Next: 2026-03504, Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Revised 2026 Atlantic Mackerel Specifications

Starting February 23, 2026, new rules change how much Atlantic mackerel fishermen can catch to help the fish population grow stronger. These updates affect fishermen and fishery managers in the Northeast and aim to keep the mackerel supply healthy and steady. You’ve got until March 25, 2026, to share your thoughts on these changes!