FAA and Regs

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Whitaker announced on Thursday that he will step down from his role on Jan. 20, 2025, after just over a year in the position. Whitaker, who was appointed in October 2023, shared the news in an email to staff that was later posted on X.   “Serving as Administrator […]

The FAA has enacted a final rule that, among dozens of other fine print details, allows certain types of pilot training, testing and checking in experimental aircraft without the need for a letter of deviation authority (LODA). The rule fixes a situation that resulted from a court decision five years ago concerning for-hire sightseeing rides […]

The FAA will likely issue an emergency AD in coming days directing pilots of Boeing 737 MAXes to shut off bleed air from at least one engine during takeoff and initial climb to prevent bird strikes from filling the flight deck with smoke. The Seattle Times has obtained a memo from FAA investigators to their […]

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) is conducting an audit to check if the FAA is consistently applying its rules for Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs), as required by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. In a Nov. 13 memo, the watchdog noted the audit would be the first in a series […]

On Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it has set a new record, overseeing 148 licensed space operations in Fiscal Year 2024—a 30% jump from last year.  The agency also forecasted that the number of commercial space operations could more than double by 2028, signaling unprecedented growth in the sector. To keep pace with […]

The Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) shortage is improving, according to officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). During this year’s 2024 annual Flight School Association of North America (FSANA) Designated Pilot Examiner Symposium, FAA leaders highlighted ongoing efforts to expand the DPE pool—noting that more than 100 DPEs have been added to the system. The […]

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an airworthiness directive (AD) on Thursday targeting specific Lycoming engines that are equipped with certain connecting rod assemblies. The AD was issued in response to multiple reports of connecting rod failures that led to serious engine issues and in-flight shutdowns. According to the agency, the AD requires regular oil […]

The FAA is eliminating National Weather Service forecasters at all 21 of its Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCC) in favor of an automated system. The alarm was raised by the National Weather Service Employees Organization Monday. The group says forecasters will get their walking papers on April 20. The FAA didn’t confirm the decision […]

Sonex recently announced an increase in the maximum gross weight for all Sonex and Waiex aircraft equipped with 100-horsepower engines. The approval comes after extensive engineering studies and flight tests, the new limit is now 1,220 pounds, a 70-pound boost from the previous 1,150-pound cap. Mark Schaible, owner and president of Sonex, stated that these […]

The Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) group seems to be suggesting that OEMs, not the FAA, will have the final word on the approval of unleaded replacement fuels for 100LL developed through the STC process. In an update posted late last week, the group, of which the FAA is a central member, described OEMs […]