FAA Quietly Tweaks Airport Approach Rules Again

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.

2026-15599, Amendment of United States Area Navigation Route T-388 in the Vicinity of Kodiak, Alaska

This action amends United States Area Navigation Route (RNAV) T-388 in the vicinity of Kodiak, Alaska. The FAA is taking this action to increase the route structure connectivity in Alaska.

2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems

In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.

2026-15451, Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of Renewed Approval of Information Collection

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 renewal of information collection. The collection for visitors involves individual names, driver's license number and vehicle license plate at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center. The information to be collected will be used to authenticate individuals attempting to access the Aeronautical Center.

Previous: 2026-11729, Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments

The FAA is updating the rules for how pilots approach and take off from certain airports to keep flights safe and smooth. These changes include new or revised flight paths and obstacle rules based on new technology and airspace updates. Pilots and airports affected need to follow these updates starting June 11, 2026, with no extra costs involved.

Next: 2026-11731, Finding of Failure To Attain the 2006 24-Hour PM2.5 Standards; California; San Joaquin Valley; Error Correction

The EPA fixed a mistake and said California’s San Joaquin Valley didn’t meet clean air rules for tiny pollution particles by the 2019 deadline. Because of this, California must now speed up plans to cut pollution by 5% each year to clean the air faster. This change starts July 13, 2026, and means the state needs to act quickly to protect people’s health and meet air quality goals.