FAA Seeks Renewal for Flight Safety Data Sharing Program
Published Date: 4/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The FAA wants to keep collecting flight data through the voluntary Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) Program to help airlines spot and fix safety issues before they become problems. This renewal won’t cost anyone extra but asks for public feedback by May 22, 2026. Pilots, airlines, and safety fans all benefit from safer skies thanks to this smart data-sharing program.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Air Carriers Face Time Burden to Renew FOQA
If you are an air carrier (69 respondents: 57 existing programs and 12 new programs), the FAA is renewing the voluntary Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) information collection. New program requests require a one-time response averaging 100 hours; existing program holders submit data monthly with an estimated 30 hours annually; the notice lists estimated totals of 400 hours for new respondents and 2,070 hours for existing respondents. Comments are due by May 22, 2026.
FOQA Renewal Aims to Improve Aviation Safety
The FOQA renewal continues a voluntary program where de-identified, aggregated flight-recorded data is used so operators and the FAA can identify and correct safety deficiencies and national trends. The FAA states wide implementation could reduce air carrier accident rates and help the agency target resources to reduce operational risks in the National Airspace System; the public comment deadline is May 22, 2026.
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