Helicopter SOS Antennas Flubbed: FAA Demands Manual Fix

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.

2026-19843, Notice of Policy Change and Rescission of Single-Pilot Training Exemptions for Certain Cessna Aircraft

Starting September 29, 2026, the FAA is stopping all exemptions that let certain Cessna planes, which normally need two pilots, be flown by just one. Pilots who got special single-pilot training under these exemptions must now follow the two-pilot rule or stop flying those planes solo. This change is all about safety and making sure everyone follows the rules—no more shortcuts!

2026-19729, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

The FAA wants to fix a safety issue on certain Airbus Helicopters because gaps in the engine seals could let fires spread and stop fire extinguishers from working well. They’re proposing to add angle-brackets to the engine firewalls to keep everyone safer. Helicopter owners need to comment by November 12, 2026, and get ready for these changes, which might cost some time and money but will boost safety big time.

Previous: 2026-19760, Airworthiness Directives; Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. Airplanes

If you own a Tecnam P2006T airplane, listen up! The FAA found a problem where the left aileron could come loose because a hinge pin might be missing. Starting October 13, 2026, you’ll need to do a one-time check of the aileron hinges and fix any issues to keep flying safe—no big costs expected, just some careful inspecting.

Next: 2026-19762, Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. Engines

If you own or maintain Safran Arrius 2B2 helicopter engines, listen up! The FAA is updating the rules to make sure your engine maintenance manuals include new, stricter safety checks and limits. These changes kick in on November 2, 2026, helping keep flights safer without surprising costs.