FAA Orders Crack Checks on Leonardo Helicopters

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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2026-16956, 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.

2026-16961, Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-13-11, which applies to all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. AD 2025-13-11 requires replacing the affected spoiler electrical units (SPECUs) and prohibits the installation of affected parts. Since the FAA issued AD 2025-13-11, it was determined that additional SPECUs are subject to the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would continue to require the actions in AD 2025-13-11 and would require replacing additional SPECUs. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of affected parts. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Previous: 2026-10167, Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

If you own or operate certain Bell Textron Canada Model 407 helicopters, listen up! Starting June 25, 2026, you’ll need to inspect the electrical wiring in the instrument panel for wear and fix any problems. You’ll also have to rotate some connector parts and add new supports to keep everything safe and sound—no surprise costs mentioned, just safer flights ahead!

Next: 2026-10176, Safety Zone; Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal, Chesapeake, VA

From June 19 to June 21, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone near the Great Bridge Bridge on the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal in Chesapeake, VA. This zone keeps boats and people at least 250 yards away to stay safe during blank cannon fire from a visiting Tall Ship. If you want to enter, you’ll need special permission, but no fees or costs are involved.