FAA Orders Airbus Chopper Manual Tweaks: Yawn-Worthy Safety Update

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.

2026-16566, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319 series airplanes; Model A320 series airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N, - 251NX, -252NX, -253NX, -271NX, and -272NX airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of a certain nose landing gear (NLG) sliding tube having widespread overheat damage and multiple cracks on the base metal during shop visits. This proposed AD would require a special detailed inspection (SDI) of the affected NLG sliding tube and replacement, as applicable. 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.

2026-16502, Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-26-03, which applies to certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Model Trent 1000-A, Trent 1000-AE, Trent 1000-C, Trent 1000- CE, Trent 1000-D, Trent 1000-E, Trent 1000-G, and Trent 1000-H engines. AD 2025-26-03 requires repetitive borescope inspections (BSIs) of the high-pressure compressor (HPC) rear drum cavity and cavities between each HPC rotor disc, and depending on the results of inspection, removal of the engine from service. AD 2025-26-03 also allows an alternative method of complying with the repetitive BSIs if certain actions are accomplished. Since the FAA issued AD 2025-26-03, RRD published updated service material with a revised bolting arrangement at the HPC rotor shaft to high-pressure turbine (HPT) rotor disc interface to address the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would require repetitive BSIs of the HPC rear drum cavity and cavities between each HPC rotor disc, and depending on the results of inspection, removal of the engine from service. This proposed AD would also allow an alternative method of complying with BSIs if certain actions are accomplished, and require modification of the bolting arrangement as a terminating action for the repetitive BSIs. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

2026-16512, Airworthiness Directives; BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG (Formerly BRP-Powertrain GMBH & CO KG and Bombardier-Rotax GmbH) Engines and Various Aircraft

The FAA is making sure certain BRP-Rotax engines used in various aircraft are safe by requiring a one-time check to see if an oil spray nozzle and screws are properly installed on the propeller gearbox. If they're missing, the gearbox must be replaced. This rule starts August 28, 2026, and helps keep pilots and passengers safe without big costs unless a replacement is needed.

Previous: 2026-16505, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, and AS355N helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the legs of the side supports of the tail rotor transmission fan. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the side supports of the tail rotor transmission fan for cracks and, depending on the results, replacing both side supports. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Next: 2026-16507, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of magnetization on the solenoid valves for the three main servo-controls, the regulator block, and the tail servo- control due to a diode not properly installed in the hydraulic circuit. This AD requires performing a cut-off test of the rear rotor actuator valve and, depending on the results of the test, performing corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.