FAA tweaks safety fixes for various Airbus widebody jet models

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.

2026-18752, RIN 2120-AA64

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain CFM International, S.A. (CFM) Model CFM56-5B, CFM56-5C, and CFM56-7B engines with a certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) inner stationary seal installed. This proposed AD was prompted by multiple reports of honeycomb separation from the surface of HPT inner stationary seals. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive borescope inspections (BSIs) of the rotating air HPT front seal for cracks and, depending on the results, replacement with a part eligible for installation. This proposed AD would also require removal and replacement of the affected HPT inner stationary seal. This proposed AD would also require inspection of the affected HPT inner stationary seal for honeycomb separation and, depending on the results of the inspection, removal and replacement of the rotating air HPT front seal, HPT rotor blades, and No. 3 ball bearing. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

2026-18749, Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 6X and FALCON 7X airplanes, and certain Model FALCON 900EX and FALCON 2000EX airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of passenger seats sliding without passenger input, which subsequent investigation determined to be caused by the ring brakes and ring brake housing being out of allowed adjustment tolerances, failing to lock the seat in place. This proposed AD would require an inspection of each affected seat for discrepancies and applicable on-condition actions. This proposed AD would also limit the installation of affected seats under certain conditions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Previous: 2026-18759, Approval and Promulgation of State Air Quality Plans for Designated Facilities and Pollutants; District of Columbia; Negative Declaration for Existing Other Solid Waste Incinerators

The EPA is proposing to approve a statement from the District of Columbia saying they have no solid waste incinerators that need special air pollution rules. This means no new pollution controls or costs for these facilities in DC. People can share their thoughts on this by October 14, 2026.

Next: 2026-18799, Use of Certain Restricted Category Aircraft for the Transport of Firefighters for Wildfire Suppression

FAA is evaluating a future amendment to its regulations to permit firefighters to be transported to and from the site of a wildfire aboard certain restricted category aircraft when the purpose of that transportation is to permit those firefighters to perform ground wildfire suppression. The amendment would apply to civil aircraft operations and public aircraft operations when the restricted category aircraft is owned by a civilian operator. This action responds to a statutory mandate, and FAA has determined it needs additional information to address both the mandate and the assessment of its economic impact. This ANPRM invites public comments on the current availability of firefighter transportation resources, hindrances and needs influencing their transport, and cost-benefit considerations affecting the transport of firefighters on certain aircraft.