FAA Makes Routine Updates to Airport Approach and Departure Procedures
Published Date: 11/12/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating rules for how pilots approach and take off from certain airports to keep flights safe and smooth. These changes happen because of new tech, obstacles, or air traffic needs, and they take effect on November 12, 2026. Pilots and airports will need to follow the new procedures, but there’s no extra cost involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Pilots and Airports Must Follow New Procedures
If you are a pilot or an airport operator, you must follow the amended Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs), Takeoff Minimums, and Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs) beginning with this rule effective November 12, 2026. Each specific procedure becomes effective at 0901 UTC on the dates listed in the amendatory language.
No Additional Cost; Minimal Economic Impact
The FAA states these amendments impose no extra cost and that the anticipated economic impact is minimal; the agency certified the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The FAA also determined this is not a "significant regulatory action" and did not prepare a regulatory evaluation.
SIAPs and ODPs Available Free Online
All amended SIAPs, Takeoff Minimums, and ODPs are available free of charge online; you can register at the National Flight Data Center (nfdc.faa.gov) to view them. Individual copies may also be obtained from the FAA Air Traffic Organization Service Area or the FAA Aeronautical Information Services office.
Specific Approach Changes at Anchorage and Craig
The amendment lists specific procedures effective on the AIRAC date 24-Dec-26: Merrill Field (Anchorage, AK) RNAV (GPS) Y RWY 8 (FDC 6/2508, FDC date 10/6/2026), RNAV (GPS) Z RWY 8 (FDC 6/2510, FDC date 10/6/2026), RNAV (GPS) RWY 35 (FDC 6/2512, FDC date 10/6/2026); and Craig-Moffat (Craig, CO) RNAV (GPS) RWY 25 (FDC 6/3875, FDC date 7/9/2026), RNAV (GPS) RWY 7 (FDC 6/3877, FDC date 7/9/2026), and VOR RWY 25 Amdt 5 (FDC 6/3878, FDC date 7/9/2026).
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2025-04846, Extension of the Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Territory and Airspace of Libya
The FAA is extending the ban on certain flights over Libya for three more years, until March 20, 2028. This affects U.S. airlines, commercial operators, and pilots with FAA certificates flying in Libyan airspace, due to ongoing safety risks. The rule also reminds everyone how to apply for special approvals or exemptions if needed.
2025-03853, Enforcement Policy Regarding “Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States; Correction”
The FAA is giving repair stations outside the U.S. a break by delaying enforcement of new drug and alcohol testing rules until March 20, 2025. This means affected repair stations don’t have to worry about penalties if they aren’t fully following the updated rules just yet. The delay helps everyone get ready without rushing or extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-23072, Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments
The FAA is updating flight rules for certain airports to keep flying safe and smooth. They’re changing how pilots approach, take off, and avoid obstacles based on new tech and airspace updates. These changes kick in on November 12, 2026, and affect pilots and airports, but won’t cost anyone extra.
Next: 2026-23075, Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Oveporexton in Schedule IV
Starting November 12, 2026, the drug oveporexton (brand name Orzeyful), used to treat narcolepsy in adults, is officially placed in Schedule IV, meaning it’s recognized as having a low potential for abuse but still controlled by law. This change affects patients, doctors, and pharmacies by adding new rules for prescribing and handling the drug. You’ve got until December 14, 2026, to share your thoughts or request a hearing about this decision.