FAA Shields Aviation Safety Tips to Encourage More Candid Reporting
Published Date: 10/28/2026
Notice
Summary
The FAA just made a big move to keep U.S. Aviation Safety Team (USAST) info under wraps to boost safety. This means anyone sharing safety tips with USAST can trust their info won’t be shared publicly, helping prevent accidents. Starting October 28, 2026, this protection applies across FAA groups, encouraging more open, honest safety talks without fear.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
USAST submissions protected from public release
If you are a non-FAA participant in the U.S. Aviation Safety Team (USAST)—for example air carriers, manufacturers, crewmembers, or aviation safety teams—safety and security information you voluntarily provide to the USAST will be protected from public disclosure under 49 U.S.C. 40123 and 14 CFR part 193. This protection applies to named items including meeting agendas, briefs, minutes, issue titles and descriptions, submitter information, supporting data, risk assessments, implementation reports, and related work products, and the protection is stated to last indefinitely starting October 28, 2026.
Public FOIA access limited for USAST data
Information the FAA receives from the USAST will not be disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act or other laws except as permitted by 14 CFR part 193 and the final order, effective October 28, 2026. The FAA may, however, release de-identified, aggregate, or summarized information in consultation with the USAST.
Serious misconduct reports not protected
The protection does not apply to voluntarily provided information that involves possible criminal activity, substance abuse, improper use of controlled substances or alcohol, intentional falsification, reckless conduct, or intentional conduct contrary to regulations. Such reports may be disclosed even if submitted to the USAST.
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Key Dates
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