FAA Updates Airbus Maintenance Rules, Yawn

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.

2026-13440, 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.

2026-18850, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Defence and Space GmbH Airplanes

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Defence and Space GmbH Model BO-209-150 FF, BO-209-150 FV, BO-209-150 RV, BO-209-160 FV, BO-209-160 RV, and B[ouml]lkow Jr. airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of corrosion damage on the rudder drive. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the rudder drive, corrective actions including replacement if corrosion is detected and the application of a corrosion inhibitor. 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.

2026-18927, Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, LLC Helicopters

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-23- 06, which applied to certain MD Helicopters, LLC Model 369, 369A, 369D, 369E, 369F, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters. AD 2024-23-06 required repetitively inspecting the torque tube assembly and roller bearings, and depending on the results, replacing parts or accomplishing additional inspections. Since the FAA issued AD 2024-23-06, the FAA has determined that additional torque tube assemblies are affected by this unsafe condition. This AD continues to require the actions of AD 2024-23-06 and expands the applicability. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Previous: 2026-15072, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that certain passenger seat assemblies were not correctly installed in the seat tracks. This proposed AD would require a detailed inspection of the seat track fittings of each left and right side track-mounted passenger seat assembly for correct installation and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Next: 2026-15080, Reducing Barriers to Medical Use Licensing

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing to amend its regulations to reduce barriers to medical use licensing. This proposed rule responds to Executive Order 14300, "Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission," which requires the NRC to conduct a review and wholesale revision of its regulations. This proposed rule, if adopted, would reduce overly prescriptive regulations, increase flexibility, and modernize radiation safety practices for the medical use of byproduct material. It also would enable more efficient and predictable licensing for emerging medical technologies and reduce unnecessary burden in training and experience requirements for medical authorized users. The NRC is revising guidance for this proposed rule. This proposed rule also would incorporate minor editorial corrections.