Volatus Aerospace begs FAA: Pretty please, no rules?

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.

2026-18956, Airworthiness Directives; De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Model DHC-8-401 and DHC-8-402 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that instructions for fay, fillet, and rivet dome sealing were omitted for a bracket installed on the inboard surface of the tank rib, which could allow fuel to leak from the wing fuel tank into the wing dry bay. This proposed AD would require a detailed visual inspection of the affected bracket assembly for signs of fuel leakage and for the presence of fillet seal and fastener dome seal, and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

2026-18804, Modification of Class D and Class E Airspace Areas; Roberts Field/Redmond Municipal Airport, Redmond, OR

This action proposes to modify the Class D and Class E airspace area designated as a surface area, modify the Class E airspace area designated as an extension to a Class D or Class E surface area, and modify the Class E airspace area extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Roberts Field/Redmond Municipal Airport, Redmond, OR. This action would support the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

Previous: 2026-18983, Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and its implementing regulations, FRA seeks approval of the Information Collection Request (ICR) summarized below. Before submitting this ICR to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval, FRA is soliciting public comment on specific aspects of the activities identified in the ICR.

Next: 2026-18985, Call for Nominations to the National Geospatial Advisory Committee

The Department of the Interior is looking for awesome people to join the National Geospatial Advisory Committee, which helps guide how the government handles mapping and location data. If you’re involved in geospatial work—like from state, local, tribal governments, or private companies—this is your chance to share your ideas! Hurry, nominations close November 16, 2026, and there’s no pay, but you get to shape the future of geospatial programs.