FAA Orders Checks on Helicopter Fire Extinguishers for Safety

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: 2026-03507, Comprehensive Fishery Management Plans for Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas and St. John; Correction

The National Marine Fisheries Service fixed some mistakes in the fishery management rules for Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas and St. John that were first published in 2022. These corrections update species table references to make sure the rules are clear and accurate. This fix takes effect on February 23, 2026, and helps fishermen and managers follow the right guidelines without confusion.

Next: 2026-03520, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

If you fly or fix Airbus H160-B helicopters, listen up! The FAA is updating safety rules to add new checks on certain helicopter parts called scissors spherical bearings to keep flights safe. Starting March 10, 2026, owners must inspect more parts regularly and follow new rules before installing these bearings, helping avoid costly problems down the line.