FAA Updates Airspace Around Alaska's Ketchikan Airport

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.

2026-16970, Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of a Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Flight Attendant Fatigue Risk Management Plan

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 to renew an information collection. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on June 18, 2026. The collection involves submission of Fatigue Risk Management Plans (FRMP) for flight attendants of certificate holders operating under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 121. The certificate holders will submit the information to be collected to the FAA for review and acceptance as required by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

2026-16956, Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-11-15, which applies to all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Model Trent7000-72 and Trent7000-72C engines. AD 2022-11-15 requires initial and repetitive on-wing borescope inspections (BSIs) of the high-pressure turbine (HPT) blades to detect axial cracking and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of the HPT blade set. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-11-15, RRD issued updated service material providing improved instructions for inspection of the HPT blades, removing the reduced life limit for affected HPT blades, and revising the HPT blade limits for axial cracking. This proposed AD would continue to require initial and repetitive on-wing BSIs of the HPT blades to detect axial cracking and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of the HPT blade set. This proposed AD would also remove the reduced life limit for affected HPT blades. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Previous: 2026-04455, Rescinding New Construction Requirements Related to Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs or Activities

The Department of Energy is delaying a rule that would remove certain building rules tied to fairness in programs getting federal help. This delay pushes the rule’s start date to July 6, 2026, giving more time to review feedback and follow legal guidance. Anyone involved in federally funded projects should watch this space, as the change could affect construction rules and timelines.

Next: 2026-04465, Airworthiness Directives; MHI RJ Aviation ULC (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes

If you fly or maintain MHI RJ Aviation ULC regional jets (formerly Bombardier), listen up! The FAA is updating safety checks to catch power control unit problems earlier by requiring more frequent tests on rudder and elevator controls. These new rules kick in March 23, 2026, so operators should get ready to keep these jets flying safe without breaking the bank.