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Talking Points for Select Regulatory Updates December 2025

December 13, 2025 | Florida Aviation Network |

This is a monthly list of select regulatory and safety items of interest to General Aviation users, especially FAASTeam Volunteers in the Orlando District.  Sources are in the public domain.  This is not a forum to debate reg’s or policy, nor discuss specific accidents or enforcements.

Common, Open sources including, but not limited to…(See end of this report for numerous additional Internet links):

  • Official current FAR’s free on-line: Visit the Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS) https://drs.faa.gov/browse for the current Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) and other Agency regulatory documents.  Get some practice navigating this site before you really need it; it is not intuitive.     

Selected Regulatory and Other Updates:              

  1. AAM update 1: Congress hears case for ADS-B privacy during AAM hearing.  AvWeb reports that a House Aviation Subcommittee hearing on advanced air mobility (AAM) last week gave lawmakers a fresh opportunity to revisit long-running concerns about how ADS-B data is used. Reliable Robotics CEO Robert Rose offered a new perspective on ADS-B data use when he told the panel that encouraging wider ADS-B Out adoption remains essential and pointed lawmakers to the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (PAPA; see link at end of newsletter) as a key step. The measure, backed by AOPA, would restrict ADS-B use to safety functions and prohibit airports or other entities from using the data to identify aircraft for fee collection.

    Responsive image That provision would bar any person or government agency from using ADS-B to impose charges on aircraft owners or operators. This has been a point of heightened concern in recent months, particularly as several U.S. airports have considered charging landing fees. At the same time, ADS-B equipment is also becoming harder for many to avoid, particularly as the proposed text of Part 108 could make ADS-B equipment on manned aircraft critical for the safety of flight as autonomous operations expand.  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/aviation-law/congress-presses-case-for-ads-b-privacy/?oly_enc_id=6088E0246256I1A and https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-12-05/aam-inches-closer-clear-guidelines-still-necessary?utm_campaign=AIN%20Alerts&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-95vvcVFkYL8AazVPlYpfc59hyK53v6FDD-diCMmZxCukQ8eu6mcUE5VLTlII2BGuvmEJ2qx_JoGuIH7XjOOlToIwrosw&_hsmi=393524571&utm_content=393524571&utm_source=hs_email 
  1. DOT, FAA select contractor for ATC modernization.  AOPA reports that Peraton has been named the “Prime Integrator” of the air traffic control modernization effort that began earlier this year.  AOPA and the Modern Skies Coalition welcome announcement.  The company will oversee the design, testing, deployment, and maintenance of a fully modernized ATC system.  The December 4 announcement by Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford marks the next phase in ATC modernization, which received a “strong” $12.5 billion down payment in July, according to Bedford.  The announcement said Peraton’s “expertise with integrating complex tech platforms and successful collaboration with federal government agencies have positioned them well to execute on this ambitious timeline.”  “Working together, we are going to build on the incredible progress we’ve already made and deliver a state-of-the-art air traffic control system that the American traveling public—and our hard-working air traffic controllers—deserve,” said Duffy.  FMI: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2025/december/05/dot-faa-pick-company-to-lead-atc-modernization?utm_source=epilot&utm_medium=email 
  1. Jared Isaacman [re]nominated to lead NASA. Responsive image On Wednesday 3 Dec, Jared Isaacman testified before a Senate committee overseeing his second nomination to become the NASA Director.  The post is currently being held by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.  His testimony included the significance of competing with China on a new Moon race.  Isaacman is a private astronaut who has funded and commanded two SpaceX missions to Earth orbit, and was widely considered to be a shoo-in for administrator after his first hearing before the committee on April 9. But on May 31, President Donald Trump abruptly revoked the nomination, citing concerns with Isaacman’s past donations to Democratic political candidates and his ties with SpaceX. (At the time, Isaacman said some people had “axes to grind” and that he was “a good, visible target.”)  FMI: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/the-us-must-beat-china-to-moon-trump-pick-for-nasa-chief-jared-isaacman-tells-senate-if-we-make-a-mistake-we-may-never-catch-up?utm_term=6A2C0E1C-E567-40B3-A8FF-AB7CCF4191E7&lrh=c778d6679eb957988d550a72caa7b4ccd54d050c672f1dffe7a684ef936e6244&utm_campaign=58E4DE65-C57F-4CD3-9A5A-609994E2C5A9&utm_medium=email&utm_content=32D00D03-78DC-4863-B191-05EFA328F6EF&utm_source=SmartBrief 
  1. Orlando Int’l Airport tests facial recognition technology.  In a story published by WKMG  (News 6; clickorlando.com) on 8 Dec, Orlando International Airport (KMCO) is testing new biometric technology to improve passenger experience and enhance safety as more than 56 million people pass through annually. Responsive image

The airport is partnering with U.S. Border Patrol and Customs for a 90-day pilot program to evaluate three different facial recognition systems. The goal is to see how the technology could fit into daily airport operations.  According to the report, facial recognition technology could obviate the need for boarding passes and passports.  

The pilot program involves three companies: Embross; Aware Inc.; and iProov. The technology uses facial recognition to screen passengers arriving and departing on flights.  “As the state’s busiest airport, the nation’s 9th busiest, and the world’s 25th busiest airport, our five-year vision is to partner with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to pilot enhancements throughout the airport that will reduce passenger processing time by 60%,” CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Lance Lyttle said.  FMI and the video news story: https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2025/12/08/orlando-international-airport-tests-biometric-facial-recognition-technology-heres-the-goal/ 

  1. Airport landing fees update: Florida proposes legislation, HB 387 and SB 422, to prohibit collection of landing fees based on ADS-B data.  Contact your state Representative to urge their support for this legislation!  The proposal would apply to Part 91 operators and to aircraft weighing less than 12,500 Lbs. MGW.  Sincere thanks to AOPA’s Stacey Heaton for this one.  The full text of HB 387 (and its Senate counterpart) is just two pages: https://www.flhouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h0387__.docx&DocumentType=Bill&BillNumber=387&Session=2026 .  The bill, if passed, is favorable to GA and would go into effect on July 1, 2026.  Please contact your State Representative, House Speaker (Daniel Perez; (850) 717-5000) (daniel.perez@flhouse.gov) ) and State Senator (see links below) to tell them that these bills are important to you and to the health of the general aviation industry. Respectfully request their support of these two bills and encourage their co-sponsorship. 

Heaton says “Feel free to share why this legislation is important to you. Here are some suggestions.  

The misuse of ADS-B data for fee collection: 

Discourages vital aircraft operations for pilot training and proficiency. 

Threatens the important flight training industry in Florida. 

Disincentivizes pilots to equip with this safety technology. 

Undermines a pilot’s right to privacy. 

To be clear, this proposed legislation does not prohibit airports from collecting fees.  It would simply prevent the use of ADS-B data to collect fees. The intended purpose of ADS-B is to improve air traffic safety and efficiency.  It was never intended to be used for airport economics.  Also, airports have alternative methods for collecting and generating revenue.” 

Contacting your elected officials is a straightforward process and is of course, free.  To get started, check your Voter Registration Card if you have one; it will tell you which political districts you reside in.  If you don’t have that document, request it from your county Supervisor of Elections.  Then, to find your Florida Representative, go to https://www.flhouse.gov/FindYourRepresentative .  To find your Florida Senator, go to https://www.flsenate.gov/senators .  Word to the wise: Compose your letter first, then paste it into the appropriate online form.  Many elected officials have on-line contact forms, and since you would be reaching out to at least two of them, you should compose and edit your brief message in advance for pasting into their form. Some letters must be limited in length; check beforehand if this is the case for your elected official.

  1. FAA updates antidepressant protocol.  AvWeb reports that the FAA has made a series of updates to its Antidepressant Protocol, including reducing the required stabilization period for pilots and air traffic controllers last week from six months to three. The revision was released Dec. 3 as part of the FAA’s Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners and accompanies broader updates to how antidepressant use is assessed during aeromedical certification.Responsive image
    Those changes in recent months include an expanded list of conditionally acceptable medications, moving beyond SSRIs to incorporate several SNRIs—duloxetine, venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine—along with bupropion and vilazodone. FAA officials have said in recent years that it would make mental health revisions as part of a wider initiative to ensure pilots and controllers have clearer, more efficient pathways for evaluation under the Pilot Mental Fitness framework.  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/faa-updates-antidepressant-protocol/ and https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2025/december/09/aopa-backs-mental-health-medication-bills?utm_source=epilot&utm_medium=email 
  1. FAA issues NPRM regarding proposed AD for PA 25 Pawnee aircraft.  Numerous outlets have reported a proposed NPRM that would affect the familiar [ex-Piper] PA 25 Pawnee aircraft.  The Pawnee is a popular glider and banner tow aircraft, originally designed for crop-dusting (aerial pesticide application).  Piper sold the Type Certificate in 1988 to a company in Argentina, Latino Americana de Aviacion SA (Lavia Argentina, SA, aka LAVIASA), and the aircraft is still in production.  A high-profile fatal accident in Mexico (https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JRixLr5-ex4; Warning – may be inappropriate for sensitive viewers) two years ago triggered the proposed AD, which is already in effect in Argentina and is presumably intended for all Pawnees.  Wing spar failure was identified as a factor in the accident, and is the focus of the proposed AD.  Comment period ends on 2 Jan, so there is not much time.  The full NPRM is available here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/18/2025-20084/airworthiness-directives-lavia-argentina-sa-airplanes .  FMI: https://www.ssa.org/faa-issues-nprm-proposing-ad-for-pa-25-aircraft/ 
  1. AAM update 2: Archer Maps Out Miami eVTOL Air Taxi Vertiport Network.  

Here is your cool pic of the month:Responsive image
Archer Aviation has revealed the locations in South Florida where it intends to introduce vertiport infrastructure for electric air taxi operations with its four-passenger Midnight eVTOL aircraft.  The company’s proposed vertiport network would connect Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach. The plan includes three major airports—Miami International Airport (KMIA), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (KFLL), and Palm Beach International Airport (KPBI)—as well as some smaller general aviation airports and existing helipads in the region, where Archer has been preparing to introduce eVTOL services since 2021. Announcing the planned Miami vertiport network on December 3, Archer also revealed new partnerships with Hard Rock Stadium and Apogee Golf Club to enable commercial eVTOL air taxi operations at their existing helipads. Located in Miami Gardens, Hard Rock Stadium is the home field for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League and the Miami Hurricanes, the University of Miami’s college football team. Apogee Golf Club is located about 75 miles north of the stadium in Martin County, the northernmost extent of Archer’s planned South Florida vertiport network.

FMI:  https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-12-03/archer-maps-out-miami-evtol-vertiport-network?utm_campaign=FutureFlight&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–WyDtgJO7VIfb6nOu6ysB01Yyg0uhvwULJTV3WOLdejOyPvLuukVubLaDpHaSBw74o7FUG6tXfylZHqxv8QFygUgLRag&_hsmi=392830164&utm_content=392830164&utm_source=hs_email and https://electrek.co/2025/12/03/archer-aviation-air-taxi-network-miami-area-airports/ 

  1. UAS update: US deploys kamikaze drones to Middle East.  AvWeb reports that  U.S. Central Command announced Wednesday (3 Dec) that it has established “Task Force Scorpion Strike” to oversee the military’s first operational squadron of one-way attack drones in the Middle East. The command confirmed that Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (“LUCAS”) expendable drone aircraft are already positioned in the region and described them as long-range, autonomous platforms capable of launches from catapults, vehicle-mounted systems and rocket-assisted mechanisms.   An interesting analytical video by Alex Hollings has been posted to YouTube; link is shown below.  The design appears to be based on the Iranian Shahed drone and the deployment strategy seems intended to turn the tables on regional adversaries.Responsive image
    FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/us-deploys-attack-drone-to-middle-east/?oly_enc_id=6088E0246256I1A and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRCIg5ftZvs 
  1. TSA resumes monthly FTSP (Flight Training Security Program) webinars for CFIs.  The Transportation Security Administration has initiated a series of monthly webinars for the Flight Instructor community, to provide an overview of any policy updates or FTSP Portal changes and to answer audience questions.  It is not required to attend these webinars; think of them as a customer service function from the FTSP staff.  These webinars are free, but pre-registration is required.  The webinar schedule is as follows:

Tuesday Jan 13 at 1300 EST: https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/2e91b09e-feca-487f-8131-adf965de233f@1eb95f14-6f2a-4544-b2f6-6bd35a1766ab 

Tuesday Feb 10 at 1300 EST: https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/81cc373c-be7f-4b06-a331-d34995480b66@1eb95f14-6f2a-4544-b2f6-6bd35a1766ab 

Tuesday Mar 10 at 1300 EDT: https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/db810788-38ec-4fe7-9158-b47ba38c7201@1eb95f14-6f2a-4544-b2f6-6bd35a1766ab 

Remember, IAW 49 CFR 1552.3, all current CFI’s are required to register with the TSA and create an account.

  1. DAB FAASTeam to host Rep Refresher Training in January.  The Daytona Beach FAASTeam will host Rep Refresher Training synchronization on Wednesday 14 Jan at the Sheltair FBO at Daytona Beach Int’l Airport (KDAB) at 1900L.  Seating is limited to 15 people total.  Fortunately, not everyone will need this training; it is merely intended to synchronize and top-off required training for the entire DAB team.  See SPANS Select ID SO15140626 for details.
  1. GAJSC Topics of the Month (formerly NPP14) for FY-2026.

The new list of Topics of the Month (TOM’s; NPP14) and Airworthiness Topics of the Quarter (TOQ’s; NPP41) from the General Aviation Joint Safety Committee (GAJSC) for FY-2026 have been released.  Reps can download this media off the FAASTeam National Collaborative Center (NFRCC) Sharepoint site at FAASafety.gov. Volunteers who mail me a USB flash drive with at least 1 GB of capacity can obtain the full catalog of media, including NPP14 and NPP41, for the current year.  Previous years are available, depending on memory capacity.  Here are the topics of the month (TOM’s) for FY-26; I can provide a slightly more detailed description with your download (and available on request!).  The TOM / TOQ media for FY-2026 are posted in the FAASTeam Sharepoint site; editor will obtain these as soon as practicable.

   Oct 2025: Human Performance.  

   Nov 2025: CFIT.    

   Dec 2025: Winter Ops.   

   Jan 2026: Risk Management.  

   Feb 2026: Multi-Engine Transition.

   Mar 2026: Human Factors and WINGS.    

   Apr: 2026: Angle of Attack Awareness.  

   May 2026: Owner-Operator and Mechanic Relations.    

   Jun 2026: Hindsight Bias.    

   Jul 2026: Tailwheel Endorsement.  

   Aug 2026: Pre-and In-Flight Wx Resources

   Sep 2026: Advanced Air Mobility. 

  1. GAJSC Airworthiness Topics of the Quarter (formerly NPP41) for FY-2026.  Along with the Topics of the Month shown above, national FAASTeam also publishes a series of Airworthiness Topics of the Quarter.  For FY-26, the selected topics are as follows:
  1. First Quarter (Oct – Dec): Wiring.
  2. Second Quarter (Jan – Mar): Airworthiness.
  3. Third Quarter (Apr – Jun): Field Approvals. 
  4. Fourth Quarter (Jul – Sep): Helicopter Mx Accidents.

The same structure surrounds these topics as for Topics of the Month.  In other words, resources are available; just add speaker and venue!  Note: all FY-23 thru FY-25 topics available.  Contact the Orlando FSDO FPMs for more info!

Stories 13 through 15 are related to the new MOSAIC regulations.

  1. FAA publishes new Sport Pilot Advisory Circular, revises another.  In mid-November, the FAA (AFS 800 and 200 branches) published Advisory Circular AC 61-146, “Pilot Certification and Operations for Sport Pilots, Flight Instructors with a Sport Pilot Rating, and Simplified Flight Controls”.  The FAA also published updates to Sport Pilot endorsements in AC 61-65K, a must-have for any CFI. FMI: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/1044081 ; for the full AC 61-146 (26 pages), see https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_61-146.pdf .  Also check out https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2025/december/11/post-mosaic-guidance-for-sport-pilots-updated?utm_source=epilot&utm_medium=email and https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2025/november/pilot/for-the-record-details-matter?utm_source=epilot&utm_medium=email [AOPA membership required]
  1. Airmen Certification Standards (ACS) and Practical Test Standards (PTS) updates.  Make sure you go to your next Practical Test armed with the latest ACS or PTS as appropriate!!!  The FAA is gradually replacing all PTS with the new and improved ACS; only a few PTS have not yet been converted.  All current ACS’s can be found at this website: http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/ .   An ACS Companion Guide for Pilots is available to help explain ACS and integrate ACS into one’s training plans:  https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/acs_companion_guide_pilots.pdf .  

There are two brand new ACS’s to report:
Responsive imageAirmen Testing Community Advisory website: https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing .  The national ACS Focus Team encourages and invites all users of the ACS to please let them know if you see any possible problems or issues with the ACS, or questions not covered already in the Airman Certification Standards FAQ link on the webpage above. You do not have to go through anyone or any organization to reach the ACS Focus Team – just send an email to:  9-AVS-ACS-Focus-Team@FAA.gov  The ACS Focus Team welcomes your feedback.  

PTS. PTS’s are still around!  The link to Practical Test Standards (PTS) is at the end of this report in the FAA resources section.  Although many PTS are still in use, they are not being substantially updated, and ACS will eventually replace all PTS pubs.

  1. FAA publishes DPE qualification guidance under recent MOSAIC rule.  The FAA (AFS-800 branch) has just published FAA Notice 8000.837, titled “Qualification of Designated Pilot Examiners in Accordance with the MOSAIC Final Rule”.   The purpose of the Notice is to provide guidance to inspectors and designees who conduct practical tests under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61 for sport pilot certificates and flight instructor certificates with a sport pilot rating. This notice contains guidance that is pertinent to the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) final rule (90 FR 35034), dated July 24, 2025.  FMI: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/orders_notices/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/1044159 ; the full Notice (5 pages) is available here: https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Notice/N_8000.387.pdf 
  1. FAA Safety Briefing magazine.  No change to report.  The September/October 2025 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine remains the current issue due.  The staff issued the following statement: Due to the lapse in appropriations, the magazine staff was not able to produce the November/December 2025 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine. The next issue will be published in January 2026.  FMI: You can view the magazines past and present on-line at https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-safety-briefing-magazine or via www.faasafety.gov. 

Attention FAASTeam Lead Reps: If you have not been receiving these magazines lately, but expected to, contact your FPM.  Also, please let the FPMs know if your needs change. 

  1. Regulatory trivia.  Question: What authority does the FAA have to issue an AD on an aircraft whose type certificate is held in another country?  (For context, see story #4 above)   

Answer: The FAA is citing Title 49 of the United States Code, which specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority.

The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This [proposed] regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

In the case of the Pawnee, these [aircraft] have been approved by the civil aviation authority of another country [Argentina] and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA’s bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI referenced [herein]. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Thanks to Bob Youngblood of Treasure Coast Soaring for bringing this issue forward!

FMI: See Story #4 above; the preamble to the NPRM cites the authority to initiate the rulemaking process that may lead to an AD.

  1. Runway Safety Action Team (RSAT) Calendar (NPP05).   FY-26 RSAT calendar is developing, and will fill up quickly in the next several months, and once the shutdown is over.  This info is surely incomplete; look for much more info starting next month.  Here’s what we had as of 9 Dec, on upcoming RSAT’s within the Orlando District. Responsive image

The public is invited to attend any of these meetings.  FAASTeam Lead Reps: Please coordinate with ATC and help get the word out via SPANS message, and incentivize attendance with WINGS Knowledge credit.  RSAT meetings combined with a Pilot – Controller Forum are an excellent draw.  Airports highlighted in green and bearing a -V suffix are virtual events (Zoom or equivalent), not in-person meetings unless stated.

Please note the airports within your area.  Please work well ahead of the schedule: Submit the associated SPANS message 3 weeks prior to any RSAT meeting in your area of responsibility.  Set up any virtual event as a webinar in SPANS and obtain the meeting link from ATC.  Contact the ATM for the respective airport or contact the FPM at the Orlando FSDO for more info relating to the RSAT’s at the airports in your area.  RSAT info can and does change!!!  Data courtesy of FPM Javier Calderin, Orlando FSDO.

  1. Florida Airshows and Aviation Events calendar.  Here is the latest compilation of known shows and events coming up within Florida.  Cancellations will be shown in strike-through font.  As always, be vigilant for associated TFR’s with any airshow, rocket launch, racing event, wildfires or VIP visits (see Review of Current TFR’s below).  Please check the official show websites for more info.  Boldface means the event is within the Orlando FSDO.  ICAS source: https://www.airshows.aero/Page/ASCalendar ; 

Also, AIN Online is a worldwide source. Another overall source for Florida: https://floridareview.co.uk/florida-events/florida-air-shows 

2025:

   Upset Prevention and Recovery Training Assn (UPRTA) Safety Summit (Online; free!), 17 Dec at 0900 ET (See https://uprta.org/events/ and https://generalaviationnews.com/2025/12/08/confronting-loss-of-control-in-flight-a-practical-path-forward-for-general-aviation/?utm_source=TPOA&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20251209)  

2026:

   Aerospace and Aviation Day (KSFB), 24 Jan

   Daytona 500 Flyover (KDAB), 15 Feb

   NBAA Opa Locka – Miami Regional Forum (KOPF) – 25 Feb

   Planes, Tunes, and Barbecue (Tavares SPB), 27 – 28 Feb (?????)

   Gator Fly-In Armed Services Appreciation Day (KGNV), XX Mar

   Space Coast Warbird Air Show (KTIX), 21 – 22 Mar

   Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) Safety Symposium (ERAU – KDAB) – 7-9 Apr

   Gulf Coast Salute and Air Show (Panama City Beach), 10 – 12 Apr

   Salute to Spaceflight 250 (Cocoa Beach), 11 – 12 Apr

   Air-Space Expo (Kennedy Space Center), 11 – 12 Apr

   Sun-n-Fun Aerospace Expo (KLAL), 14 – 19 Apr

   Forum 82 – The Future of Vertical Flight (KPBI) – 5 May

   Air Dot Show Fort Lauderdale (Ft. Lauderdale), 9 – 10 May

   Vero Beach Air Show (KVRB), 16 – 17 May

   Hyundai Air and Sea Show (Miami Beach), 24 – 25 May

   Melbourne Air Show (KMLB), 6 – 7 Jun

   Tallahassee Balloon Festival (North Florida Fair), 13 Jun

   Pensacola Beach Air Show (P’cola Beach), 18 – 19 Jul

   Air Dot Show Orlando (KSFB), 17 – 18 Oct

   NAS Jacksonville Air Show (KNIP), 17 – 18 Oct

   Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show (KNPA), 6 – 7 Nov

   Florida Int’l Air Show (KPGD), 7 – 8 Nov

   Vintage Weekend Ocean Reef Air Show (Key Largo), 4 – 5 Dec

  1. Current GA aeronautical charts & pubs for central Florida.  Make sure your chart database is current.  Here are the current and future Dates of Latest Editions (DOLE’s) for the 56-day aeronautical pubs.  Most pubs are on a 56-day cycle, and digital pubs follow suit:

2025: 27 Nov. 

2026: 22 Jan, 19 Mar, 14 May, 9 Jul, 3 Sep, 29 Oct, 24 Dec. 

These dates cover the following pubs and their digital equivalents on your EFB:

   IFR Low Alt En-route Charts (e.g., L-23);

   IAP’s – US Terminal Procedures Publication (e.g., SE-3);

   Chart Supplement (formerly the A/FD) [Man, I sure miss those back-cover indices!] 

Jacksonville and Miami VFR Sectionals;

Tampa / Orlando and Miami Terminal Area Charts.

FMI: Check out the following website for current chart editions: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/productcatalog/doles/

Also: Check out the following official website as a navigation training resource: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/digital_products/aero_guide/

for a link to all chart symbology used for all FAA aeronautical charts and pubs.

  1. Review of current TFR’s.  The ones shown in the screen shots below were valid just within Florida at the time of final editing, but can and do change or expire, and this newsletter is not to be construed as an official source. Also check “USA” NOTAM FDC 0/0367 to be sure of details; see note “a” below.  Note the long-term TFRs over Mar-A-Lago and another one, FDC 5/9325 over Alligator Alcatraz.  Always check NOTAM’s each time before you fly!  FAA’s official TFR NOTAM website is http://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.jsp .  Also, check out their interactive TFR map page at https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=map .  Other resources are available as well, including via www.1800wxbrief.com , www.AOPA.org/go-fly/tfrs  and on many flight planning apps.  In flight, contact with ATC including VFR flight following, or contacting Flight Service could be helpful.  For planning info regarding other Special Use Airspace, visit www.SUA.FAA.gov.  Responsive image
  1. Nationwide: “USA” NOTAM FDC 0/0367 covers flights near “qualified stadiums” (defined in the NOTAM) during certain sporting events.  Going to the Bahamas or across the ADIZ?  Check this one out: “USA” NOTAM FDC 2/8783, covers operations across the ADIZ.  
  2. UAS Operators: Check out the following:
    1. FDC 3/9568, covering UAS ops near naval submarine bases (Kitsap, WA and Kings Bay, GA).  This NOTAM replaces FDC 1/8373.
    2. FDC 3/0104, covering UAS ops near DOE energy facilities and DOD mobile assets, including convoys and ships.  This NOTAM replaces FDC 1/8374.
    3. FDC 3/2496, addressing UAS restrictions near “National Defense Airspace”.  This NOTAM replaces FDC 1/0488. 
    4. FDC 3/6405, addressing UAS ops over the territorial and navigable waters of the US.
    5. FDC 3/4452, addressing UAS ops in the vicinity of Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center.
  3. Don’t forget to always check other FDC NOTAM’s for “USA” on the above web page, in addition to FL or wherever else you may be going.  Set the “Center” filter to “USA”, then hit “Go” next to that box, and you’ll see the desired search results.  Most of these NOTAM’s are effective nation-wide. 
  4. Finally, if filing IFR, remember to check FDC NOTAM’s for the instrument approaches at your destination.  Like TFR’s, these NOTAM’s are regulatory, too, so you have to adhere to their applicable portions.  The easiest way to obtain this info is via commercial flight planning software / approved sites when filing and obtaining a standard wx brief.
  1. GA awards update.  Submit nominations NOW for next year’s cycle.  

The deadline for submissions has been moved back to Friday, December 19 (not November 30 as shown below) due to the shutdown, with other adjustments TBA as needed.  The process now turns to submission of nominations for the 2026 cycle.  The Orlando district has produced many national honorees, including Obie Young, Walt Schamel, Vicki Sherman, the late Rock Rockcastle, and three national winners since 2017: Mark Ducorsky (2017 Rep of the Year), Ron Timmermans (2021 CFI of the Year, Flight Instructors’ Hall of Fame) and Bob Raskey (2023 CFI of the Year).  FMI: www.generalaviationawards.com .  The most recent award calendar from the website is shown here, and it generally remains perennially stable:

  1. Tip of the hat to Dick Peiffer.  Dick is a kindred spirit and has been editing the Melbourne Area Pilots Association (MAPA) monthly newsletter, for 20 years, and retires from that dedicated service this month.  The MAPA newsletter will continue under Rick Bugado starting in January.  Dick Peiffer has a “servant’s heart”, and I enjoyed reading through his publication each month.  I often shared with you, my readers, things I had learned from Dick in the MAPA newsletter.  Best wishes to Rick Bugado as he takes up the flag!
  1. Contacting Bob Jex.  Bob Jex, editor of this newsletter, can be e-mailed at  bob.jex@yahoo.com.  Please update your contact info and use this new address as the primary.  The earthlink.net email is secondary; for the time being, both addresses work. 

Merry Christmas and 
Happy New Year!

Archived Links to select official pubs and sites of interest:

Each story above contains a reference link when available.  Looking for a particular web resource not listed?  Ask me and I’ll look for it.  Once I find it, I’ll list it here!  E-mail requests to bob.jex@yahoo.com . New listings in yellow for first month or so.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); see elsewhere within this newsletter

https://www.aopa.org/advocacy/100-unleaded-avgas?_gl=1*1oqz114*_gcl_au*NTU2ODA4MjU0LjE3MzgwNjg1OTQ.&_ga=2.47614759.1268920621.1740398802-1115559188.1738068595

Zoom in on areas of interest; click for pop-up schedule

Snail-Mail:

FAA, Aeronautical Information Services

1305 East West Highway

SSMC-4, Suite 4400

Silver Spring, MD  (209) 103-281 Ph: (800) 638-8972

They have an approx. 2-mo-prior publication cut-off date.

Federal Register (Exit pipe for all federal regulations)

https://www.federalregister.gov

Another broad-based, multi-agency regulatory updates website: www.regulations.gov 

MOSAIC Rule (not all-encompassing; many sources are available):

“New” CFI Rule (Effective 1 Dec 2024):

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/10/01/2024-22018/removal-of-expiration-date-on-a-flight-instructor-certificate-additional-qualification-requirements#:~:text=The%20final%20rule%20also%20adds,is%20discussed%20in%20section%20III.

Also, AOPA offers a FAQ adjunct to assist the transition to the new CFI rule: https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/cfis/flight-instructor-resources/faa-ruling-on-removal-of-the-expiration-date-on-cfi-certificates 

Aviation Funding Stability Act (HR 5451)

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5451

Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)

https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/index.html

GAJSC – General Aviation Joint Safety Committee

Reports and Documents

NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) 

Space Operations

General public interest websites: 

www.space.com 

www.nasa.gov 

Home

Worldwide launch schedule: https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/ 

Space Station (ISS) flyover schedule: https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/ 

General Aviation Awards Info, Nomination Procedures, List of National Winners, etc.

www.generalaviationawards.com (or .org)

State of Florida (FDOT and State Gov’t)

Local Airports (Landing Fee candidates): Public Meeting Info at County / City level

Information on upcoming meetings and meeting minutes are posted online at the websites for each political subdivision.  In addition to the respective local Airport Advisory Committees at each airport, this is where the public can attend and speak at meetings affecting a given airport.  The airports listed below are considering adopting landing fees.

KDED: DeLand City Commission; first and third Mondays (https://www.deland.org/512/City-Meetings) 

KORL: Orlando City Council; second Mondays or additional Mondays as published online (https://www.orlando.gov/Events/City-Council-Meeting) .  

KFIN: Flagler County Board of County Commissioners; first and third Mondays (https://www.flaglercounty.gov/departments/administration/upcoming-bocc-agendas) 

KISM: Kissimmee City Commission; first and third Tuesdays (https://www.kissimmee.gov/My-Government/City-Meetings), 

KOMN: Ormond Beach City Commission; first and third Wednesdays (https://www.ormondbeach.org/122/Agendas-Minutes-Meeting-Recordings)

Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (PAPA; S.2175) (To prevent ADS-B data exploitation)

Congressional tracker: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2175

Sun-n-Fun select web links:

Aviation Community Service

WINGS Industry Network: https://www.wingsindustry.com/ 

WINGS Sweepstakes info and entry forms: https://www.mywingsinitiative.org/ 

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)

Seaplane Operations

Helicopter Safety

  • US Helicopter Safety Team (USHST): https://ushst.org/ This is an excellent repository of a series of safety video series called 56 Seconds to Live, which is of value to all pilot communities.

National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI): https://www.nafinet.org

Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE): http://ww2.safepilots.org

National Flight Training Alliance (NFTA): https://www.nftaus.org/ 

Flight School Association of North America (FSANA): https://fsana.com/ 

Aeronautical Knowledge Training (ORL FAASTeam Library)

Open source Aviation Accident Reports:

  • FAA Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing (ASIAS)

https://www.asias.faa.gov/apex/f?p=100:1:::::: ; In the “What’s New” section on the left side, FAA-derived preliminary (last 10 days in which a reportable event was received) accident and incident reports are available by clicking on “Accident and Incident Preliminary Reports”.  A grid is presented with info sorted by aircraft manufacturer.

https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Pages/GA.aspx

  • See also AIN Online,com for recent accident / incident summary involving business aviation, charters, airlines

UAS Reporting (non-FAA)

Islands of the Bahamas / Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

What else do you want to see listed here??? Let me know and I’ll look it up!

Prepared by:

Robert Jex, Ops FPM Emeritus
(M) (772) 713-1169 (text, no voice mail)
Bob.jex@yahoo.com

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