More FAA Flight Rules: Because Pilots Need Extra Reading Material

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.

2026-16750, Establishment of Class E Airspace; DeKalb, IL

This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at Northwestern Memorial Healthcare Heliport, DeKalb, IL. The FAA is proposing this action to support new instrument procedures and instrument flight rule (IFR) operations.

2026-16754, Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance for Renewal of Information Collection: Privacy International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Address

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for an information collection renewal. The collection involves an aircraft operator's request for a privacy ICAO address through a web-based application process. The information to be collected is necessary to qualify for the authorized use of the privacy ICAO address services and for monitoring to support continued airworthiness and enforcement activities.

2026-16705, Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Model Trent XWB-75, XWB-79, XWB-79B, and XWB-84 engines. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of differential oil pressure measurements that were lower than expected on in-service engines. This proposed AD would require modification of the engine with an improved front bearing housing oil feed tube assembly. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of an affected front bearing housing oil feed tube assembly on any engine. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Previous: 2026-04202, Holding Foreign Insiders Accountable Act Disclosure

Starting March 18, 2026, foreign company leaders who own or trade their company’s stock must share more info with the SEC. This new rule makes sure foreign insiders are just as open as U.S. insiders about their stock moves. If you’re a director or officer of a foreign company with registered stock, get ready to file updated reports—no extra fees, just more transparency!

Next: 2026-04213, Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments

Starting March 3, 2026, the FAA is updating how pilots approach and take off from certain airports to keep flights safe and smooth. These changes affect pilots and airports by adjusting flight paths and rules based on new tech and obstacles. No big costs here—just smarter skies and safer flights for everyone flying under instrument rules.