Man sitting at table with microphone, mug.

Talking Points for Select Regulatory Updates January 2026

January 13, 2026 | 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):

Selected Regulatory and Other Updates:              

  1. FAA Administrator makes first testimony before House committee.   FAA Administrator Brian Bedford appeared before Congress for the first time since his confirmation, reporting on the state of American aviation.  According to sources, the FAA learned in early December of the controversial Section 373 in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which eases certain safety measures put in place after the January 29 collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA), rather than being given the traditional heads-up, according to Bedford.  However, testifying before the U.S, House aviation subcommittee, Bedford stressed that the Department of Defense has been a “great partner” surrounding the restrictions implemented around KDCA, and the FAA does not plan to revert to the safety standards in place before the accident.
    Smiling man in suit, blurred background.
    He also updated the progress of ATC modernization, saying the FAA has committed more than $6 billion of the $12.5 billion allocated in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law in early July.  Providing insight into the selection of Peraton to act as a prime integrator, he said the organization will guide the FAA on modernization execution, particularly on challenging issues from analog systems into digital systems. “These are not competencies the FAA has internally. We need assistance from people who’ve done this before. Peraton brings us that experience.”  Much of the hearing focused on air traffic control staffing and infrastructure. Bedford said the FAA met its fiscal year 2025 hiring goal of 2,026 controllers, and aims to add 8,900 more by 2028 while expanding training capacity. He said longstanding shortages cannot be resolved through incremental changes alone.  FMI: https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2025-12-16/bedford-vows-continued-vigilance-regardless-ndaa?utm_campaign=AIN%20Alerts&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_wa-qaqbVRcTOYKrAWQ00wEMewI1J69VNqOLMJqLBQuy93QOCW2FeYI6B5tyQztdxfY7oouaS8i5z3WFJOiPC4NxC0cQ&_hsmi=394763746&utm_content=394763746&utm_source=hs_email  and  https://avweb.com/aviation-news/bedford-on-state-of-american-aviation/?oly_enc_id=6088E0246256I1A  .  For AIN’s coverage of NDAA Section 373, check out https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2025-12-11/national-defense-act-undermines-dc-airspace-safety 
  1. DOT IG cites safety, ATC upgrades as top FAA challenges.  A government watchdog this week cited aviation safety and air traffic control modernization as two of the top management challenges confronting the FAA. The Department of Transportation Inspector General (DOT IG) releases a list of top management challenges facing the various agencies within the department every year, evaluating safety impacts, established vulnerabilities, fiscal accountability, and the DOT’s ability to effect change, it said.  Safety was a common theme among all of the transportation modes, and for the FAA, the DOT IG pointed to recent aviation accidents, runway incursions, mechanical failures, and the Jan. 29, 2025 midair collision in Washington, D.C. These events, it said, “continue to keep serious safety concerns at the forefront.”  Addressing these concerns will depend in part on the FAA’s ability to address ATC and airspace modernization and improve staffing shortages.  The IG report warned that the FAA has yet to unveil a plan to anticipate and mitigate implementation challenges. “Since 2013, we have reported several underlying causes for FAA’s difficulties in advancing NextGen, including the lack of an executable plan and unresolved critical design decisions regarding implementation costs and how technologies would be developed or integrated,” the DOT IG said. “To avoid these longstanding challenges that delayed NextGen, FAA will need a comprehensive…plan that also addresses the potential impact of external factors beyond the agency’s control, such as inflation and supply chain challenges.”  FMI: https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2026-01-08/watchdog-cites-safety-atc-updates-top-faa-challenges?utm_campaign=AIN%20Alerts&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–U7jKuqLsRQqNhRLC9XSl7IKsC1FjJPlKUHcR7MFcdlw3jwwfK-UXxLZV8pPvKFUpQX9XQ0oxLppYwJIY9kDh9dWE2hg&_hsmi=397562655&utm_content=397562655&utm_source=hs_email 
  1. AAM update 1: DOT Secretary unveils Advanced Air Mobility strategy. 
    Man speaking at aviation-themed event podium.
    On December 17, Wright Brothers Day un-coincidentally, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy delivered public remarks at the Advanced Air Mobility Interagency Working Group unveiling the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) strategy.  He explained the Trump Administration’s coordinated push to keep the US out front in aviation.  At the forefront of this push is the development of AAM technology, just one technology in the context of many DOT initiatives and advancements involving the aviation sector (IPP, drones, ATC infrastructure upgrades and hiring, etc.).  His 10-minute speech was recorded for re-broadcast on YouTube.  I invite readers to watch the whole thing, which features other government agency leaders who spoke after Secretary Duffy, including the Director of White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Michael Kratsios, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, Deputy FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau, Representative Tracey Mann (R-KS-01) and others.  Even James Viola, former FAA Director of Safety Assurance, and now GAMA President, delivered remarks at the forum.  FMI: Check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVEFeXoTPKs . Full video runs 39-1/2 min.  Also check out https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-12-19/dots-national-aam-roadmap-draws-broad-industry-support?utm_campaign=FutureFlight&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8dyx7kNXrXeN50P3jX3ezcjtIKocijBTN5yCA4Y0_Y5tMqoe5BHdA-8Slj9K8SHDUyFJcFRnvbs6ZQH7Bji-B4Io1Jpg&_hsmi=397334838&utm_content=397334838&utm_source=hs_email for more on how the new strategy is being hailed by many industry observers.
  1. AAM update 2: AAM aircraft to watch for in 2026.  Audiences unfamiliar with the rapid development of the AAM industry will find Interesting Engineering’s 12 December article, well, interesting.  The article spotlights, among the many upstarts in the AAM industry, Joby’s S4, Archer’s Midnight, Vertical Aviation’s VX4, the Lilium Jet*, and the Wisk Aero Generation 6.  *Note: Lilium Aviation has declared bankruptcy, as our readers would know, with asset liquidation under litigation amongst the competitive bidders.  FMI: https://interestingengineering.com/transportation/top-5-air-taxis-urban-mobility 
  2. UAS update 1: FAA’s BVLOS overhaul approaches finish line.     With the FAA now deep in its review of public comments on the agency’s long-anticipated proposal to allow routine beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations in U.S. airspace, 2026 is poised to be a pivotal year for the drone industry and the aviation sector at large. Designed to enable scaled drone operations, the new rulemaking could be finalized by the end of the first quarter. 
    If approved, it could shape up to be the most consequential policy shift for drones in the U.S. since 2016, when the FAA implemented its first operating requirements for commercial uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) weighing up to 55 pounds. That so-called “small UAS rule,” established in 14 CFR Part 107, enabled daylight-only flights within visual line of sight, with limited BVLOS operations permitted under waivers and exemptions. Under the FAA’s newly proposed rules, operators would no longer need waivers or exemptions to conduct routine BVLOS flights below 400 feet AGL with UAS weighing up to 1,320 pounds.
    FMI: https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2026-01-01/faas-bvlos-overhaul-approaches-finish-line?utm_campaign=FutureFlight&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_uOBBGPyb02MX7d5dvRLZCc8_I7_l2ap-roogC4UADj1iV5YuSWWVe4la6H8aO-GKyPgFVxoyzUCtG-qKVSV5T3ECIpQ&_hsmi=397334838&utm_content=397334838&utm_source=hs_email 
  3. UAS update 2: FCC rolls back foreign drone ban. 
    Drone flying over field at sunset.AvWeb reports that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) updated its “Covered List” to temporarily exempt certain drones and drone components from recently imposed restrictions, allowing them to be imported and sold in the United States through Jan. 1, 2027. The Covered List is an FCC-maintained inventory of communications equipment and services deemed to pose unacceptable risks to U.S. national security, and equipment placed on the list is barred from receiving FCC authorization required for import, marketing or sale. Under the new update, the FCC said drones and components included on the Department of War’s Blue UAS Cleared List, as well as those that qualify as domestic end products under Buy American standards, are excluded from the ban during the exemption period.  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/fcc-rolls-back-foreign-drone-ban/?oly_enc_id=6088E0246256I1A
  4. UAS update 3: First deliveries by drone to Orlando City Hall. 
    Local news anchors discussing drone delivery.On Tuesday, 16 December, a commercial drone delivered a small package, containing hot cocoa and chocolate, to Mayor Buddy Dyer outside City Hall, in what city leaders call Orlando’s first official drone delivery.  The drones are operated through a partnership between Walmart and Wing (Walmart’s drone affiliate).  Although this was only a trial demonstration, it is a watershed event and heralds an new era in the evolvement of UAS technology.  FMI: https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/delivery-drones-make-first-official-drop-orlandos-city-hall .  Video runs just under 2 minutes.
  5. FAA proposes applicants complete DPE survey after checkrides.  The FAA is seeking public comments on a proposal to survey pilot applicants who take a check ride on the conduct of the Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).  Designated Pilot Examiners: Post-Activity Survey, posted to the Federal Register Dec. 19, 2025, is required by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, in which Congress mandated that the FAA enhance its oversight of DPEs, including “deploying a survey system to track the performance and merit of such examiners.”  “Because such a survey will necessarily constitute a time burden on applicants,” the FAA is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to collect feedback on the proposed survey system, which led to the request for public comments, agency officials explained.  Once approved, the FAA will ask pilots to complete a survey following practical examinations, which will consist of approximately 12 yes-or-no questions regarding the DPE’s level of professionalism, the suitability of the exam environment, the content of the exam, and the duration of the ground portion and the flight portion of the exam. The comment period ends Feb. 27, 2026.  As of Jan. 5, 2026, 18 comments had already been received.  You can find out more and post a comment on the Federal Register at Docket No. FAA-2025-5568.  FMI: https://generalaviationnews.com/2026/01/06/faa-proposes-pilots-complete-dpe-survey-after-check-rides/?utm_source=TPOA&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20260107 
  6. FAA proposes updating standards for radio altimeters.  Avweb reports that the Federal Aviation Administration issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on 8 January that would require new minimum performance standards for aircraft radio altimeters to ensure continued safe operations amid expanding wireless services in the Upper C-band. The proposal follows recent congressional direction for the Federal Communications Commission to auction at least 100 megahertz of spectrum in the 3.98–4.2 GHz range, a band adjacent to frequencies used by aviation radio altimeters.  Radio altimeters, also known as radar altimeters, are commonly installed on commercial airliners, business jets, helicopters and some general aviation aircraft and provide critical data for applications such as terrain awareness and warning systems, traffic collision avoidance systems, wind shear detection and certain helicopter automation modes.  The FAA said interference affecting these systems could lead to inaccurate altitude readings during low-altitude phases of flight, including approach and landing.  Aircraft not currently equipped with radio altimeters would not be required to install them under the proposal.  The comment period closes 9 March.  Link to the article for the NPRM in the Federal Register.  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/faa-proposes-new-radio-altimeter-standards/?oly_enc_id=6088E0246256I1A 
  7. ForeFlight cuts NAFI / SAFE discount, adds referral program.  [Not really a regulatory update, but potentially having a broad impact among the readership!]  In a story published by AIN Online on 16 Dec, ForeFlight has informed flight instructors that it has reduced the subscription discount for members of the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE) and the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) to 15%. The previous discount was 33%, and anyone can join SAFE and NAFI; there is no requirement to be a flight instructor.  ForeFlight also notified SAFE and NAFI members that the 15% discount applies only to the Essential or Premium plans and not to the Starter subscription.  Flight instructors can earn a higher discount by participating in the recently announced ForeFlight CFI Referral Program. When CFIs refer student pilots to ForeFlight, the CFI can earn 20% off for the first referral and 5% off for each subsequent referral—up to 100% off. However, CFIs cannot use both the CFI Referral Program discount and the SAFE / NAFI membership discount for the same subscription.  A private equity firm recently purchased Boeing’s digital division, creating the newly independent Jeppesen ForeFlight.  Sources: AIN Online and AvWeb: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/jeppesen-foreflight-under-private-equity/ .
  8. FAA issues Revised Advisory Circular for Repairmen under new MOSAIC ruling.  Last month we reported on the new AC 61-65K and AC 61-146 for pilots and CFIs.  Now the FAA has also issued a revised AC for the LSA Repairman community, AC 65-32B, which supersedes 65-32A, and outlines how individuals may obtain a repairman certificate (Light-Sport) with maintenance or inspection ratings. It also describes the privileges and limitations associated with these certificates and offers direction for training providers seeking FAA acceptance of Light-Sport Repairman courses.  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/faa-issues-new-mosaic-advisory-circulars/ 
  9. First steps taken to replace FAA ATC radars.  The U.S. Department of Transportation and the FAA have awarded contracts to begin the replacement of the nation’s “aging” ground-based radar systems and other support equipment, according to agency officials.  Under newly awarded contracts to RTX and Indra, 612 radars will be replaced by June 2028. Replacements are scheduled to begin the first quarter of 2026 and will proceed on a rolling basis, prioritizing high-traffic areas, FAA officials explained.  In addition to modernizing the FAA’s network of air surveillance radars, the agency will consolidate the 14 different configurations in the NAS today, simplifying maintenance and logistics, FAA officials added. FMI: https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/trumps-transportation-secretary-duffy-faa-administrator-bedford-announce-radar-contracts ; this it the FAA press release.  Also check out https://generalaviationnews.com/2026/01/07/first-step-taken-to-replace-faas-radar-system/?utm_source=TPOA&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20260108 .
  10. Airport landing fees update: (A repeat call to action from December) Please write your Florida Rep, Senator, and the Speaker of the Florida House.  As reported in December, Florida proposes legislation, HB 387 and SB 422, to prohibit collection of landing fees based on ADS-B data.  There is still time to contact your Florida Representative, Senator, and the Speaker of the Florida House 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 “roomy” 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. 
  11. Unleaded fuel update: ASTM issues first specification for UL100E prototype unleaded fuel for piston aircraft engines.  The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has published its first specification for UL100E, the unleaded aviation fuel co-developed by LyondellBasell and VP Racing.  UL100E is undergoing full scale testing by the FAA and engine and aircraft Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) under the FAA’s Piston Aircraft Fuel Initiative (PAFI) program. These evaluations are expected to be completed by September 2026, according to Lyondell officials.  PAFI is the only collaborative fuel certification program designed and conducted by the FAA and OEMs, requiring an ASTM specification as a condition of fleet authorization, company officials added.  FMI: https://generalaviationnews.com/2026/01/07/astm-spec-granted-for-ul100e/?utm_source=TPOA&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20260108 
  12. Upcoming TSA 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 at TSA.  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 with that agency.
  13. DAB FAASTeam to host Rep Refresher Training on Wednesday.  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, most Reps will not need this training; it is merely intended to synchronize and reset required training deadlines for the entire DAB team.  See SPANS Select ID SO15140626 for details.
  14. GAJSC Safety Promotion Outreach Topics of the Month (NPP63; formerly NPP14) for FY-2026.
    The new list of Topics of the Month (TOM’s; NPP63) and Airworthiness Topics of the Quarter (TOQ’s; NPP60) 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 NPP60 and NPP63, 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 make these available to other Reps with prior coordination.
       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.
  15. GAJSC GA Maint. Safety Outreach Topics of the Quarter (NPP60; 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:
    • First Quarter (Oct – Dec): Wiring.
    • Second Quarter (Jan – Mar): Airworthiness.
    • Third Quarter (Apr – Jun): Field Approvals.
    • 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!
  16. 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 very recent ACS’s to report, but no new ones this month:
    Certification standards publication dates and status table.
    Airmen 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.
  17. FAA Safety Briefing magazine.  The January / February issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine has been released and mailed, but the website has not been updated at time of this editing.  The issue’s theme is “Getting to Know the GAJSC”.  GAJSC is the General Aviation Joint Safety Committee.  As stated in the editor’s remarks, “As aviation technology and operations evolve, the GAJSC continues to adapt its focus to address emerging safety challenges.”  The new issue of Safety Briefing acquaints the reader with the oversight functions of the GAJSC.  Look for it at a FAASTeam event near you soon.  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.
    FAA Safety magazine cover with airplane landing.
    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. 
  18. And now, Regulatory trivia. 
    Federal Aviation Administration emblem with globe.
    Question: I might have a snag in my medical application.  Before I go through all the trouble, I want to read what the FAA tells Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) regarding policy and standards before I go to the AME with a medical concern.  Is there some sort of handbook on this topic?
    Answer: Yes there is!  The FAA has developed a policy guide for AMEs and they are the primary audience, but anyone can access the same guidance.  Moreover, the FAA just revised this guidance in early December.
    FMI: Check out the AME Guide: https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/media/ame_guide.pdf  The full guide is 854 pages, so think carefully before printing it!
  19. Runway Safety Action Team (RSAT) Calendar (NPP05).   FY-26 RSAT calendar is developing, and will fill up quickly in the next several months.  Here’s what we had as of 9 Dec, on upcoming RSAT’s within the Orlando District.
    Airport schedule with contact information table.
    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.
  20. Florida Airshows and Aviation Events calendar.  Here is the latest compilation of known shows and events coming up within Florida (besides events you can find in faasafety.gov).  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 

    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
  21. 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.
  22. FAA publishes SAFO 26001 relating to airspace management around space flight ops.  On Wednesday 8 Jan, the FAA published its first Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) number 26001.  The intended audience includes GA operators.  SAFO 26001 includes a number of safety tips and considerations as well as a link to the FAA’s Operational Information System (OIS) for real-time updates on air traffic operations, including special airspace restrictions due to space launches.  The OIS link has also been added to the resources list at the end of this newsletter.  FMI: https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/USAFAA/2026/01/09/file_attachments/3516308/SAFO26001.pdf 
  23. 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.  The revised deadline for submissions has passed and now it’s on to the FPM (FSDO) for district judging.  The Orlando district has produced many national honorees, including Obie Young, Walt Schamel, Vicki Sherman, the late Rock Rockcastle, and three national winners between 2017 and 2023: 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 below, and it generally remains perennially stable (government shutdowns notwithstanding!):
  2. 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. 

As always, fly safe!

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

Snail-Mail:

FAA, Aeronautical Information Services

1305 East West Highway

SSMC-4, Suite 4400

Silver Spring, MD  20910-3281 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
https://www.gajsc.org/docs/

NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) 

Space Operations
General public interest websites: 
www.space.com 
www.nasa.gov 
https://spaceflightnow.com/

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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