FAA and Regs

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 […]

On Tuesday, the Federal Aviation Administration announced that it will begin an audit to assess runway incursion risks at the 45 busiest airports in the U.S. According to Reuters, the audit will evaluate each airport’s risks, identify potential issues with procedures and equipment and make recommendations to improve safety. FAA’s Air Traffic Safety Oversight Service […]

Three European airlines have protested an AD they say will prevent their pilots from having a decent in-flight nap. On Oct. 8, the FAA issued a final rule for the AD that will require flight deck seats on most Boeing 787s to be modified to limit the amount they can recline. The agency says that […]

The FAA has published a final rule eliminating expiration dates on flight instructor certificates, replacing them with recent experience requirements every 24 calendar months. The agency says that removing the expiration date on certificates will increase efficiency, cut costs and put instructor certificates in line with other airman certificates such as private and commercial, which […]

The general aviation maintenance community is up in arms over the FAA’s so-called “Moss Interpretation” of how much direct, in-person supervision is required by FAA-certificated airframe and powerplant (A&P) technicians and inspectors when it comes to work being performed by owners or shop apprentices and trainees working toward certification. According to the Aircraft Owners and […]