FAA tweaks more takeoff minimums and obstacles

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.

2026-15929, Improving Emergency Medical Kit Efficacy and Flexibility in Commercial Airline Operations

FAA proposes to eliminate the prescriptive list of required items in emergency medical kits and first aid kits and replace it with a performance-based requirement to ensure contents are practical and sufficient to allow crewmembers to address the most common medical emergencies that occur onboard commercial aircraft. FAA seeks to increase flexibility for operators while maintaining predictability for operators to equip their onboard medical kits. This rule would also remove an outdated reference to certain emergency medical kits modified on April 12, 2004. This action is necessary to address requirements in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.

2026-15758, Establishment of Class C Airspace and Removal of Class D Airspace; Wilmington International Airport, NC

This action proposes to establish Class C airspace and remove Class D airspace at Wilmington International Airport (ILM), NC. The FAA is proposing this action to enhance the efficient management of air traffic operations and reduce the potential for midair collision in the Wilmington, NC, terminal area. The Class C airspace would replace the existing Class D airspace at ILM. In addition, the non-regulatory Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA) would be removed.

2026-15771, Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of a Renewed Approval of Information Collection: National Air Tours Safety Standards

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 collection involves requirements in FAA regulations that set safety and oversight rules for a broad variety of sightseeing and commercial air tour flights to improve the overall safety of commercial air tours by requiring all air tours to submit information.

Previous: 2026-15852, Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments

This rule establishes, amends, suspends, or removes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPS) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure procedures (ODPs) for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of the adoption of new or revised criteria, or because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, adding new obstacles, or changing air traffic requirements. These changes are designed to provide safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports.

Next: 2026-15855, Safety Zones; Recurring Safety Zones in Captain of the Port Northern Great Lakes

The Coast Guard will enforce various safety zones for maritime events in the Captain of the Port Northern Great Lakes zone. Enforcement of these safety zones is necessary to protect the safety of life and property on the navigable waters immediately prior to, during, and immediately after the events. During the periods in question, the Coast Guard will enforce restrictions upon, and control movement of, vessels in a specified area immediately prior to, during, and immediately after events. During each enforcement period, vessels must stay out of the established safety zone and may only enter with permission from the designated representative of the Captain of the Port Northern Great Lakes.