260808-Updates-v0-Autosaved-docx-08-07-2026_08_27_PM

Talking Points for Select Regulatory Updates July 2026

July 20, 2026 | Florida Aviation Network | ,

Revised: 260718

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):

Green hilight = Story intended for the upcoming edition; remove hilighting after editing.

Selected Regulatory and Other Updates:

1. AAM Update: Vertiport development brings AAM electric air taxis closer to reality in central Florida.  In a story that was broadcast this week on WFTV, the Orlando ABC affiliate, several AAM vertiports are in the advanced planning and demonstration stages at nearby airports.  According to several sources, vertiports (also sometimes referred to as vertistops) are planned for Orlando International Airport (MCO), Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM), Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), and a possible new vertiport at Lake Nona.  Matt Franklin of Signature Aviation ISM and Sean Germolus, Director of Aviation for ISM, provided supporting commentary.  According to the report, a new Florida law, House Bill 1093, allows FDOT to help fund public vertiport projects and develop them through public – private partnerships.

FMI: https://www.wftv.com/news/local/vertiport-development-brings-air-taxis-closer-reality-central-florida/XG6GTEDYHBGIDL7THIZQBLH22Y/ and https://tavistockdevelopment.com/projects/lilium-vertiport/ and https://www.orlando.gov/Our-Government/Orlando-plans-for-a-future-ready-city/Advanced-Air-Mobility and https://www.flhouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=83782

2. FAA proposes new rules for civil supersonic flight.  Here is your cool pic of the day:

The FAA has begun developing rules that could allow civil supersonic aircraft to operate over the U.S. under a new noise-based certification framework.  In a June 30 announcement, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the agency is taking “a pivotal step” toward enabling supersonic operations over the continental U.S., arguing that advances in aircraft design could allow supersonic flight without the disruptive sonic boom that led to a decades-long ban over land.  The FAA said the proposed rule would establish a noise-based certification framework for supersonic aircraft. A second rule, expected later this year, would set takeoff and landing noise standards for the new class of high-speed aircraft.  The FAA has long prohibited civil aircraft from exceeding Mach 1 over land, a restriction tied to concerns about noise from sonic booms. Current research programs, including NASA-led efforts and industry demonstrators, have focused on shaping aircraft designs and flight profiles intended to soften or redirect shockwaves.  Under the proposed framework, supersonic aircraft would be evaluated based on measurable noise thresholds rather than a blanket prohibition on breaking the sound barrier over land. The FAA said it is also coordinating with international regulators and industry stakeholders as it develops the new standards.  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/faa-new-rules-for-civil-supersonic-flight/ 

3. FAA accepts new MOSAIC Light Sport standards.

[Photo credit: Zenith Aircraft Factory]  The FAA has accepted new ASTM consensus standards for light-sport category airplanes, gliders, powered-lift aircraft and gyroplanes. The acceptance became effective July 16. Manufacturers can use the standards as a means of compliance under certification provisions created by the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification, or MOSAIC, rule [Phase 2] that takes effect July 24.  The agency accepted ASTM F3815-26a for airplanes, F3836-26 for gliders, F3840-26 for powered-lift aircraft and F3841-26 for gyroplanes. Each integration standard identifies a package of functional standards that applies to the corresponding aircraft category.  AOPA is said to have welcomed this development.  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/faa-accepts-mosaic-light-sport-standards/

4. Aura Aero to demonstrate its aerobatic trainer at Oshkosh.

In a story with significant local interest, Aura Aero will bring its two-seat Integral R aerobatic trainer to EAA AirVenture 2026 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, as the company moves closer to FAA certification for the aircraft. The INTEGRAL R is already certified in Europe and is usually based at AURA AERO’s U.S. headquarters in Daytona Beach, Florida.  “EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is an essential gathering for the global aviation community and a unique opportunity to meet pilots, flight schools and the wider U.S. aviation ecosystem,” Drew McEwen, chief commercial officer of AURA AERO, said. “With INTEGRAL R, we are bringing to market a modern, safe and high-performance aircraft, one that is ideally suited to North American expectations.”  AURA AERO launched its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing site in Daytona Beach in October 2025. The company said the site is planned to produce the INTEGRAL line in piston-engine and electric versions, along with ERA, its 19-seat hybrid-electric regional aircraft. According to the company, ERA will have a 900-nautical-mile range and has a projected 2030 availability date.  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/aura-aero-integral-r-airventure/ 

5. House bill targets foreign-adversary ownership of GA companies.  The General Aviation Protection Act would expand federal review of aviation acquisitions and certain airport-related transactions.  The General Aviation Protection Act, designated H.R. 9707, cites more than 20 acquisitions, investments or joint ventures involving U.S. aircraft manufacturers, avionics companies, engine producers and training organizations since 2005. The sponsors pointed to Cirrus Aircraft, which has been controlled by China’s state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China through CAIGA since 2011.  The bill would require filings with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States for qualifying purchases of covered aviation businesses. Those companies would include certain FAA production-certificate holders, avionics and flight-control developers, certificate holders for helicopters or light rotorcraft weighing 12,500 pounds or less, and qualifying Part 141 schools and Part 142 training centers located within 50 nautical miles of a military installation.  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/bill-targets-foreign-adversary-ga-owners/ 

6. FAA proposes new Inspection rating for mechanics.  The FAA has proposed replacing the inspection authorization currently held by some A&P mechanics with a new inspection rating on the mechanic certificate, according to a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published July 1 in the Federal Register.  Under the proposal, the new inspection rating would carry the same privileges and limitations now held under the inspection authorization, including approval for return to service after major repairs or major alterations and conducting annual or progressive inspections. The change would remove the current expiration date and the requirement for IA holders to renew in March of every odd-numbered year.  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/faa-proposes-new-inspection-rating/ 

7. Aviation coalition seeks $20B more for ATC overhaul.  The Modern Skies Coalition asked congressional leaders Wednesday to provide another $20 billion for the FAA’s air traffic control modernization program. The coalition said the money would build on an initial $12.5 billion allocation and help complete projects across the National Airspace System. The coalition identified a Common Automation Platform as a priority for future funding. Controllers currently use different surveillance and automation systems for en route, terminal and oceanic operations. The group estimates that replacing those systems through one platform would cost about $10 billion.  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/coalition-seeks-20-billion-atc-overhaul/

8. FAA makes Contract Tower hiring path permanent.  The FAA has made permanent a newer hiring pathway for Federal Contract Tower controllers, adding graduates from FAA-approved Control Tower Operator Partnership schools to the list of candidates eligible for hire by FCT companies.  The change appears in FAA Order JO 7210.3EE Change 3, effective July 9, 2026. The order sets FAA policy for facility operation and administration. Contract towers are FAA-funded air traffic control towers staffed by private companies, and many serve smaller airports with substantial general aviation activity.  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/faa-contract-tower-hiring-path-permanent/

9. FAA seeks members for overdue Noise Panel; GA pilots need not apply.  The panel’s recommendations could affect airport land-use policy, noise mitigation funding and environmental reviews. The FAA published a notice July 10 seeking members for an aircraft noise committee more than six months after the panel’s recommendations were due under a congressional timetable. Nominations for the Aircraft Noise Advisory Committee must be submitted by Aug. 10.  Congress directed the FAA to establish the committee within 180 days of the FAA Reauthorization Act’s May 16, 2024, enactment. The FAA chartered the panel Jan. 14, 2025. The law required the committee to recommend changes to federal aviation noise policy within one year of establishment, placing that deadline on Jan. 14, 2026, based on the FAA’s stated establishment date.  The committee will evaluate the FAA’s 65-decibel Day-Night Average Sound Level threshold, alternative noise metrics and existing mitigation strategies. Membership will include representatives from engine and aircraft manufacturers, airlines, airports, advanced air mobility companies, higher education and airport-adjacent communities. Those categories were established by Congress and do not include a dedicated seat for general aviation pilots, aircraft owners or GA organizations. Members will serve two-year terms and are expected to meet at least twice annually.  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/faa-overdue-noise-panel/.

10. FAA to decommission 674 Flight Service RCOs.  The FAA has issued its final decision to decommission 674 remote communications outlets used by Flight Service Stations in the continental U.S., Hawaii and Puerto Rico, according to a notice published Wednesday in the Federal Register.  The agency had previously proposed removing the full network of 936 outlets in the affected areas. Under the final plan, the FAA will retain 262 outlets and decommission 504 RCOs and 170 VOR voice outlets. The change comes after the agency reviewed 337 public comments and completed additional safety analyses. The FAA said the action begins Sept. 3. Alaska, ground communications outlets and frequencies designated for emergency or military use are not included in the plan. The agency said NOTAMs will be issued as individual frequencies are taken out of service.  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/faa-decommission-674-flight-service-rcos/ 

11. AAM Update 2: FAA breaks ground on AAM research facility on OKC.  The Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration have broken ground on a new advanced air mobility (AAM) research range at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City. The Vertical Takeoff and Landing Procedures and Analysis Range, or V-PAR, is planned as a dedicated test site for vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, including electric and hybrid designs. FAA announced the ground breaking on Thursday 25 June.  “The V-PAR is a critical step in helping the FAA better understand how to integrate advanced air mobility aircraft safely into the National Airspace System,” Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Steven Bradbury said. “This facility will strengthen our ability to conduct research, train people, and support the future of aviation.”  FMI: https://avweb.com/recent-updates/evtols-urban-mobility/faa-breaks-ground-on-aam-research-range/ 

12. UAS Update 1: FAA weighs drone restrictions near critical infrastructure.  The FAA has extended the comment period on its proposed rule to establish drone flight restrictions near certain fixed site facilities, giving the public until 5 Aug to submit comments.  The proposed rule would create a process for operators and proprietors of eligible facilities to request an unmanned aircraft flight restriction, known as a UAFR. Applicants would need to show the FAA that a restriction is needed for aviation safety, protection of people and property on the ground, national security or homeland security. The agency said the designation would apply only to unmanned aircraft and would not authorize facility operators to jam, capture or otherwise interfere with drones.  Under the proposal, eligible fixed site facilities could include certain critical infrastructure, energy facilities, oil refineries, chemical facilities, amusement parks, railroad facilities and state prisons. A standard UAFR would generally be limited to the applicant’s property boundaries and extend up to 400 feet above ground level, unless a taller structure required a higher ceiling. The FAA is also proposing a special UAFR category for sites where it determines there is a credible safety or security concern.  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/drones/faa-drone-restrictions-comments/ 

13. UAS Update 2: Pentagon to deploy new counter-drone system.

CACI International said Monday it has received a Pentagon contract to deploy its SkyValor counter-drone system along the U.S. southern border. The company said the award will move the system into full-rate production, though it did not disclose the contract’s value, the number of systems ordered or a deployment schedule. SkyValor is a transportable counter-unmanned aircraft system designed to detect, track and stop drones. CACI said the equipment uses automated sensing and non-kinetic electronic countermeasures, including capabilities intended to address drones controlled through cellular networks. The company has not identified the locations where the systems will operate.  “Drone threats are evolving quickly, and they are challenging the way we protect our forces, borders, and critical infrastructure,” CACI President and CEO John Mengucci said. “SkyValor gives defenders the advantage with earlier warning, faster decisions, and precise defeat of hostile drones with low-to-no collateral impact.”  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/pentagon-to-deploy-counter-drone-system/

14. Swift Fuels plans 100R unleaded fuel testing on seven powerplant models at FAA’s Hughes Facility in Atlantic City.  The evaluation will place emphasis on higher compression Continental and Lycoming engines.  Swift Fuels said Friday 17 July that it plans to expand FAA testing of its 100R unleaded aviation gasoline to seven high-performance piston engines. The company said the engines are being prepared for evaluation at the FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Swift said it entered into a memorandum of understanding with the FAA effective May 1. The agreement gives the company access to engines managed by the Technical Center and allows 100R to be evaluated under FAA test protocols. Swift said the work is intended to provide comparable performance data through the FAA and industry’s Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions initiative, commonly known as EAGLE.  The planned test group includes Continental IO-550D, TSIO-520-VB, O-470-U and W670-6N engines. Lycoming models include the IO-540-K1A5, TIO-540-J2B and TIO-540-AJ1A. Swift said the list could change as preparations continue.  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/swift-plans-seven-engine-100r-faa-testing/ 

15. FAA issues operator guidance on KDJT [ex-KPBI] name change.  The FAA has issued an Information for Operators (InFO) advising that Palm Beach International Airport has been renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport, effective 9 July. According to FAA InFO 26011, the airport’s ICAO and IATA codes will also change from KPBI/PBI to KDJT/DJT. The notice follows legislation signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on March 30 to rename the airport.  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/faa-issues-guidance-trump-airport-name/  A permanent link for all InFO’s is provided at the end of this report on page 10, and for July is highlighted in yellow.  The aforementioned InFO heads the 2026 list!

16. FAA Safety Briefing magazine, Summer edition now in publication.

As we reported previously, this popular print journal has now gone to quarterly publication.  The Summer 2026 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine focuses on aviation weather and its critical effect on safe GA flying. Articles review some basic causes of weather activity, how certain conditions can affect pilot safety, and tools you can use to aid your weather decision-making process.   FMI: https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/safety-briefing/faa-safety-briefing-magazine 

17. GAJSC Safety Promotion Outreach Topics of the Month (NPP63; formerly NPP14) for FY-2026.

The 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 moves into the fourth quarter.  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 GAJSC has a free subscription service to its e-newsletter; check out  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.

18. 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:

  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!

19. 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 .  

No new ACSs or PTSs to report this month.

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 very much 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.

20. And now, Regulatory trivia.

Question: Can night landing currency in an ASEL count for AMEL? Can it count for RH?

Answer:  

No.  Night landing currency is required if carrying passengers at night.  For purposes of night landing currency, “Night” begins 1 hour after sunset, and ends 1 hour before sunrise; in other words, serious dark time.  The regulation requires three night takeoffs and full-stop landings to be accomplished (i.e., logged) within the preceding 90 days in the same category, class and type, if a type rating is required.  A full-flight simulator is allowed in certain circumstances.  FMI:  Check out 14 CFR 61.57(b), which can be found in drs.faa.gov, the Dynamic Regulatory System.  Thanks, Shawn!

21. Runway Safety Action Team (RSAT) Calendar (NPP05).   Here’s our latest info on upcoming RSAT’s within the Orlando District. Thanks to Javier Calderin at the FSDO! s

Note: DAB Double-header: Daytona Beach (DAB) is also hosting a Pilot-Controller Forum on Tuesday 1 Sep at 1700 ICW the above-listed RSAT; Please see SPANS Select ID number SO15142662.  

The public is invited to attend any of these meetings and can earn WINGS Knowledge credit for doing so.  FAASTeam Lead Reps: Please coordinate with ATC at the respective airports 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.  

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 virtualevent as a webinarin 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.

22. 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:

     Pensacola Beach Air Show (Pensacola): 18 – 19 Jul

     Plane Time 34 (Florida Aviation Network live-stream): 15 Aug

    Plane Time 35 (Florida Aviation Network live-stream): 17 Oct

    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

    Stuart Air Show (KSUA): 13 – 15 Nov

    Forgotten Coast Freedom Festival Air Show (AAF): 20 – 21 Nov

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

    Plane Time 36 (Florida Aviation Network live-stream): 19 Dec

23. 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:

2026: 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.

24. Review of current Florida 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. Note the long-term TFR over Mar-A-Lago.  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. 

  1. Nationwide: 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 6/3366, addressing UAS restrictions near “National Defense Airspace”.  This NOTAM replaces FDC 5/2595. 
    2. FDC 5/3402, addressing UAS ops near US Navy, CBP, or USCG vessels
    3. FDC 5/6379, covering UAS ops near naval submarine bases (Kitsap, WA and Kings Bay, GA).  This NOTAM replaces FDC 3/9568.
    4. FDC 5/6874, 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.

25. GA awards update (NPP02).  Congratulations to the 2026 GA Award winners: Mike Kloch, CFI of the Year; Roger Whittier, Aviation Technician of the Year, and Mike Jesch, FAASTeam Rep of the Year, who will receive their awards at official ceremonies next week at AirVenture.  The cycle now rolls over for 2027.  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), the late Ron Timmermans (2021 CFI of the Year, NAFI Flight Instructors’ Hall of Fame 2022) and Bob Raskey (2023 CFI of the Year).  FMI: www.generalaviationawards.com The most recent GA Award calendar from the website is shown below, and it generally remains perennially stable (government shutdowns notwithstanding!):

26. 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 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 resourcenot 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

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 

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:

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

Reg Updates/F/Obie P/FAN Web/Monthly Reg Updates – Jex/260718

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