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Talking Points for Select Regulatory Updates March 2026

March 20, 2026 | Florida Aviation Network |

Revised: 260321

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.

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

Selected Regulatory and Other Updates:              

  1. Remembering Ron & Barbara Timmermans.  Ron and Barbara Timmermans perished in a tragic aircraft mishap in Murchison, TX on 11 February.  One could ask for no better friends than Ron and Barbara; they are forever in our hearts.  There are multiple planned celebrations of life in different parts of the country.  The Orlando portion will be on Saturday 18 April at 1300 (1 pm) at the Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, 1801 Rouse Rd., Orlando 32817.   

  2. Orlando district GA award winners honored. The Orlando FSDO honored its two GA award winners for the 2025 – 2026 cycle. They are:
    – CFI of the Year: Rafael Dubena (l) of Daytona Beach;
    – FAASTeam Rep of the Year: Brent Moran (r) of Sanford; Brent’s second award! An award
    ceremony was held at the Orlando Executive Airport on Thuresday, 12 Mar. to recognize them and their achievements.
    Congratulations to both of these outstanding individuals! FMI: See story number 35 below.
  3. FAA moves commercial space launch regulations under Part 450. 

    Flying magazine and other outlets report that following a record fiscal year 2025 that saw the FAA license more than 200 commercial space operations, orbital activity is set to explode in 2026 under a new licensing framework.  The FAA on Tuesday 17 Mar. announced that licensing for all commercial space operations, regardless of the spacecraft or mission, will now occur under Part 450—a regulation created in 2021 that is only now taking full effect.  The idea behind the regulation is to replace legacy rules—which contained separate provisions for different types of launch and reentry vehicles—with performance-based standards that apply to all vehicles, simplifying the licensing process and letting them launch more frequently.  The space launch industry found this latticework of rules cumbersome. Parts 415 and 417 covered launches of expendable spacecraft. Part 431 covered launch and reentry of reusable vehicles. Part 435 covered reentry of nonreusable vehicles.  FMI: https://www.flyingmag.com/faa-launch-regulations-commercial-space-part-450/
  4. Airport landing fees update: Florida lawmakers back ban on ADS-B billing; latest example of growing support for PAPA, similar bills.
    Lawmakers in Florida are sending a bill to Gov. Ron DeSantis’s desk that would prohibit the use of ADS-B data to charge fees to pilots. The Florida House of Representatives passed S.B.422 on March 10, after it passed the Senate in February.  The bill, once signed, would go into effect on 1 July.  “We’re grateful to Senator Tom Wright and Representatives Doug Bankson and Kim Kendall, who introduced this important legislation and recognized what’s at stake here. Not only will this go a long way to protect the privacy of pilots, but it also ensures this safety-enhancing tool is only used for its intended purpose,” said AOPA Southern Regional Manager Stacey Heaton.  The Florida bill’s passage comes as similar bills gain support and momentum in Congress, which is now considering the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act, in other state capitols, and among top aviation safety officials.  “ADS-B data should never be used for accessing a pilot’s personal information or for being used as a cash register. It should be used for its intended purpose—to give pilots situational awareness to help avoid midair collisions and for controllers to create airspace efficiencies. When the nation’s leading transportation safety expert, state legislatures, airports, companies, and hundreds of thousands of pilots all support PAPA, it’s time to address this situation,” said AOPA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy Jim Coon.
    Sincere thanks to AOPA’s Stacey Heaton for collaboration on this one.  FMI: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2026/march/12/florida-lawmakers-back-ban-on-ads-b-billing
  5. DPE class action lawsuit targets FAA termination process.  Multiple outlets reported on Thursday 19 Mar that two former Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) filed a class action lawsuit on Tuesday against the FAA, alleging that recent regulatory and policy changes led to examiner terminations that occurred without established procedural safeguards. The complaint, filed in federal court in Florida, names the FAA and Administrator Bryan Bedford and seeks relief on behalf of other DPEs whose designations were ended under similar circumstances.  At issue are changes tied to FAA enforcement procedures and internal policy updates that, according to the filing, altered how the agency handles examiner removals. The plaintiffs said that earlier processes allowed for some level of review following a termination, but that those mechanisms were removed in recent years.  The case seeks class action status and asks the court to review the FAA’s current framework for DPE terminations, along with related regulatory changes.  FMI: https://www.flyingmag.com/complaint-challenges-lack-of-due-process-in-dpe-terminations/ and https://avweb.com/aviation-news/aviation-law/dpe-class-action-targets-faa-termination/
  6. Tariff ruling means aircraft exempt from new US tariffs, but future unclear.  AIN reports that in a move called a “stunning sea change,” aircraft and associated products are once again exempt from U.S. tariffs as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court decision on Friday 20 Feb to strike down tariffs imposed through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and then subsequent actions by the White House, according to legal and trade experts.  As the Administration regroups, there will be much more activity in this arena.  FMI: https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2026-02-24/aircraft-exempt-new-tariffs-future-unclear?utm_campaign=AIN%20Alerts&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_9GRPkWnis7cwv-H8rj51kCHMvJ6unu-YqTNKl1KCQFpo02Mse6yrD0PdPGX802rb9SduaU65IxqYO4WqLSUO9CDWcmA&_hsmi=405359611&utm_content=405359611&utm_source=hs_email
  7. GA & Part 135 survey launches.  GA News reports that the FAA’s 48th annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey (GA Survey) has launched, with the agency asking general aviation aircraft owners to report on their operations during the calendar year 2025.  The GA Survey is the only source of information on the general aviation fleet, the number of hours flown, and the ways people use general aviation aircraft.  Each year, about one-third of all aircraft owners receive a postcard or email from the FAA and Tetra Tech, which administers the survey, inviting them to participate in the survey, according to officials with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).  Data from the survey are used by governmental agencies and industry to:
    – Compute safety metrics, such as fatal accident rates
    – Understand the impact of the GA industry on jobs, economic output, and investments in aviation infrastructure
    – Track the success of safety initiatives, including avionics recommendations
     – Determine funding for infrastructure and service needs
    – Assess the impact of regulatory changes
    If you receive an invitation to participate and have any questions, contact Tetra Tech toll-free at 1-800-826-1797 or email infoaviationsurvey@tetratech.com.
    FMI: https://generalaviationnews.com/2026/02/25/ga-survey-launches-2/?2utm_source=TPOA&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20260226
  8. Pilot union, NTSB Chair push back on ALERT bill (HR 7613).  In a story that ran in multiple sources on 23 Feb, as the House prepares to vote on its version of the ROTOR Act, aviation labor leaders and the head of the National Transportation Safety Board have publicly disputed claims that separate House legislation fully addresses the board’s recommendations following last year’s fatal crash involving PSA Airlines Flight 5342 near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.  In a statement released on Friday 20 Feb, Capt. Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, said the bipartisan Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency Act of 2026, known as the ALERT Act, “regretfully falls short by not implementing a critical NTSB recommendation to require the installation of ADS-B In technology on aircraft known as Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI).”  The House-passed ALERT Act directs the FAA to initiate rulemaking to require certain turbine-powered and other aircraft operating in specified airspace to be equipped with collision mitigation technology capable of receiving ADS-B transmissions. It establishes a negotiated rulemaking process, sets performance requirements and allows for alternative means of compliance, including the use of portable ADS-B In receivers and other equipment. The measure also includes provisions addressing ACAS-Xa and ACAS-Xr collision avoidance systems, air traffic controller training, helicopter route reviews and other operational issues.  By comparison, the ROTOR Act (Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform Act), unanimously passed by the Senate in mid-December, but failing by one vote in the House, requires the FAA to issue a final rule mandating that aircraft already required to carry ADS-B Out also be equipped with and operate ADS-B In equipment that provides traffic awareness and advisories. The ROTOR bill is presumably more strict than the ALERT bill and sets a compliance deadline of Dec. 31, 2031, directing the FAA to establish performance standards for integrated alerting capabilities. It also includes provisions narrowing certain ADS-B Out exceptions for sensitive government missions and expanding reporting and oversight requirements.  The ALERT bill is undergoing revisions known as mark-ups.  There is a lot to read if you are digging deeper…FMI: https://transportation.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409340&2utm_source=TPOA&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20260224 and https://avweb.com/aviation-news/pilot-union-ntsb-chair-push-back-alert-act/?utm_source=omeda&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Email-News0-AVW-260224-Daily&oly_enc_id=6088E0246256I1A  and https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2026-02-23/stakeholders-express-support-opposition-alert-act?utm_campaign=AIN%20Alerts&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9rxn4a9CLqKMSaZQomhax7by8mUGujdNc65WhQkCC1vCe1vlOfCMCNFTdO82np6xlXZ1Ew9f-EZuP4G6OIzg6rRe2Kww&_hsmi=405359611&utm_content=405359611&utm_source=hs_email and https://avweb.com/flight-safety/ntsb-alert-act-fall-safety-recommendations/ and https://avweb.com/aviation-news/senate-unanimously-passes-rotor-act/ and https://www.dlapiper.com/en-hu/insights/publications/2026/02/the-rotor-act-and-the-alert-act
  9. ROTOR Act fails in House by one required vote.  Multiple outlets have reported on the ROTOR act vote that took place in the House on Tuesday 24 Feb.  “The Hill” headline says House votes down aviation safety bill amid GOP, Pentagon concerns. The House on Tuesday narrowly voted down an aviation safety bill meant to address gaps discovered after the deadly January 2025 crash between an Army helicopter and a commercial plane over Washington, but not before some GOP infighting.  The House voted against the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act 264-133 under a fast-track procedure typically meant for uncontroversial legislation, which requires a two-thirds majority. The ROTOR act focuses on ADS-B In mandates. FMI: https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5752776-rotor-act-house-vote/
  10. Speaking of the NTSB Chair…  Homendy supports PAPA, is against ADS-B-derived landing fees. 

    AOPA reports that NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy voiced support for the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (PAPA) in an exchange with Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) during a February 12 Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing on aviation safety and the midair collision between a military helicopter and regional jet in January 2025 that killed 67 people.  PAPA was introduced to address growing concerns over the misuse of ADS-B, an aircraft collision avoidance technology, by some airports across the country to collect fees from pilots. It was introduced by Budd and Rep. Bob Onder (R-Mo.), who are both active general aviation pilots.  During the hearing on February 12, Budd also voiced support for ADS-B technology, but highlighted PAPA, which would close a needed gap as some airports are using this technology for revenue generation.  During the hearing, Budd asked Homendy if the use of ADS-B Out data to assess landing fees “aligns with the intent of ADS-B?”  Homendy responded directly: “Absolutely not. ADS-B is a safety tool and it should be used for safety, not as a revenue generator to charge… general aviation pilots and others ramp fees or landing fees.”  Homendy later said she believes ADS-B-derived fees could discourage pilots from installing or using ADS-B. On PAPA, Homendy added, “I hope it moves because I think it should be prohibited.”  FMI: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2026/february/19/ntsb-chair-voices-support-for-papa?utm_source=ebrief&utm_medium=email
  11. NTSB Warns First Responders of Ballistic Parachute Hazards.  This is a story that the FAA has been promoting for a long time.  The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a new safety alert Wednesday aimed at improving awareness of hidden risks posed by ballistic parachute recovery systems at aircraft accident sites.  The alert, SA‑102, cautions first responders about rocket‑powered parachute systems that may still be active after a crash, potentially endangering rescue personnel.  Ballistic parachute recovery systems (BPRS) — such as Cirrus Airframe Parachute Systems (CAPS) and similar manufacturer‑installed devices — are designed to save lives in flight by deploying a parachute to slow an otherwise catastrophic descent. However, the NTSB notes that undeployed systems can still pose a serious hazard on the ground if rescuers are unaware of their presence.  In its alert, the board highlights scenarios in which the rocket mechanism that extracts the parachute may not have fired prior to impact. In some cases, the activation cable can remain under strain and could trigger a sudden deployment even after the accident.  To mitigate risk, the NTSB advises emergency crews to identify and mark BPRS‑equipped aircraft, avoid areas near rocket tubes or activation cables, wait for deployed parachutes to fully deflate before approaching, and immediately notify the NTSB for guidance on safely disabling the system.  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/ntsb-warns-first-responders-of-ballistic-parachute-hazards/
  12. Senate bill would mandate APRT at contract towers; Measure calls for FAA acquisition, funding and training program.  Avweb reports that Sens. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) introduced bipartisan legislation last week that would require the FAA to install Airborne Position Reference Tools (APRT) at federal contract towers that do not already have radar-integrated systems. The Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act would direct the agency to acquire and deploy the technology at more than 90 towers lacking Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems (STARS) or similar equipment. Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) are co-sponsors of the measure.  Under the proposal, the FAA would need to install APRT within a year of enactment and establish training to ensure controllers are able to integrate the systems into daily operations. The bill would also authorize funding from the agency’s Facilities and Equipment account to cover acquisition, installation and operating expenses. Airports that have already installed APRT would be eligible for reimbursement.  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/aviation-law/senate-bill-poses-aprt-at-contract-towers/
  13. Pentagon, FAA plan counter-drone laser testing in New Mexico.  The Pentagon said Friday 6 Mar that it will conduct testing over the weekend in New Mexico with the FAA involving a high-energy counter-drone laser. According to Reuters, the testing will focus on evaluating how the system interacts with aircraft materials and on validating built-in safety mechanisms. The Defense Department said the event will also help collect information relevant to broader flight safety considerations.  “This upcoming event will specifically address FAA safety concerns while gathering data about the laser’s material effects on aircraft surrogates, validating the functionality of automated safety shut-off systems, and informing analyses for aircrew eye safety,” the Pentagon said.  U.S. Deputy Transportation Secretary Steve Bradbury told Reuters the testing will help regulators determine appropriate operational parameters for the technology as the military looks to deploy the technology more broadly. FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/pentagon-faa-counter-drone-test-new-mexico/
  14. Part 141 modernization project advances; Close-out conference held at DAB.  We have previously reported on an FAA / Industry collaborative project to modernize Part 141, the regulations for formal pilot schools.  The project is progressing and a well-attended close-out virtual conference took place 10 – 11 Mar at Embry-Riddle in DAB.  Elements of the Part 141 modernization report were debriefed.  A broadly held perception among attendees was that the rulemaking will increase Part 141 complexity and make compliance more difficult, esp for the smaller schools.  The rulemaking docket is still open, and closes 10 April.  FMI: Public Engagement for the Modernization of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 141 Pilot Schools | Federal Aviation Administration and https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/02/2026-02010/notice-of-public-meeting-and-request-for-comment-on-the-modernization-of-pilot-schools
  15. Florida House advances bill to rename KPBI airport after President Trump.  On Tuesday 17 Feb, numerous outlets reported that Florida lawmakers approved a measure to rename Palm Beach International Airport after U.S. President Donald Trump.  The House passed HB 919 by an 81-30 vote, sending the proposal to the Senate for final consideration. A companion bill, SB 706, previously cleared the Senate Rules Committee along party lines, according to WLRN Public Media.  “This is the President’s hometown; he lives five miles away from the airport,” said Rep. Meg Weinberger (R-Palm Beach Gardens), a co-sponsor of the House bill. Rep. Kim Kendall (R-St. Augustine), a former air traffic controller and fellow co-sponsor, added that Trump deserves recognition for infrastructure investments made during his administration to modernize airport facilities.  Democrats, however, were a bit less enthused, argued the renaming should be postponed until Trump leaves office, citing his two impeachments and 34 felony convictions in New York for falsifying business records.  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/florida-lawmakers-palm-beach-international-airport-trump/
  16. DOT orders merit-based airline pilot hiring.  Newsmax and AvWeb reported on 15 Feb that Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has ordered a return to merit-based airline hiring practices.  Duffy said families should feel confident about who is flying their aircraft, arguing that pilot qualifications, not personal characteristics, are what matter most to passengers, the New York Post reported.  “When families board their aircraft, they should fly with confidence knowing the pilot behind the controls is the best of the best,” Duffy said in remarks focused on aviation safety and transparency.  Duffy emphasized that travelers are primarily concerned with competence in the cockpit, not identity. The new policy will be reflected in OpSpec A134; OpSpecs are part of a commercial aircraft operator’s set of authorizations to do business.  FMI: https://www.newsmax.com/us/tsa-sean-duffy-aviation/2026/02/13/id/1246080/ and https://avweb.com/aviation-news/airlines-certify-merit-based-pilot-hiring/
  17. AAM update 1: Bill targets FAA certification process for AAM aircraft. On Tuesday 17 Feb, AvWeb reported that A bipartisan group of lawmakers in the U.S. Senate and House introduced the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act last week. The legislation aims to introduce changes to type certification processes for advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft, including electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) designs. The bill is led in the Senate by Sens. Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Ted Budd, R-N.C., among others, with companion legislation introduced in the House by Reps. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif., Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., and André Carson, D-Ind. The proposal outlines new timelines for certification reviews, requirements around reporting to Congress and an expanded authority for delegation of routine compliance findings. Supporters say the legislation will provide clearer guidance for certification applicants and address workload demands at the FAA.  FMI: https://avweb.com/recent-updates/evtols-urban-mobility/bill-targets-faa-certification-aam-evtol/
  18. AAM update 2: Joby begins flight tests of FAA-conforming air taxi. 
    Photo credit: Joby.
    Joby Aviation said Wednesday it has begun flight testing its first FAA-conforming aircraft intended for Type Inspection Authorization (TIA). Initial flights are being conducted by the eVTOL manufacturer’s pilots at its test facility in Marina, California. FAA pilots are expected to conduct “for credit” TIA flight testing later this year as part of the certification process required before commercial operations.
    The aircraft is the first in a group being built to support the TIA program and was assembled using components approved through FAA certification processes. Joby’s electric aircraft is designed with six rotors and is capable of vertical takeoff and landing while carrying a pilot and four passengers. The company said its developmental aircraft have accumulated more than 50,000 miles of test flights during earlier phases of the program. Joby also plans to conduct early operational flights in several U.S. states through the White House-backed eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) and continues to expand manufacturing capacity at facilities in California and Dayton, Ohio.  See next story as well.  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/company-news/joby-begins-tests-faa-conforming-air-taxi/
  19. AAM update 3: FAA, DOT Choose First eVTOL Trial Projects. 
    The U.S. Department of Transportation and the FAA announced Monday that they have selected eight proposals to participate in the Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), an initiative intended to study how emerging aircraft technologies like eVTOL aircraft may operate within the national airspace system. Projects will involve state and local governments working with aviation manufacturers and operators to test a range of operational concepts.  Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the effort will help reshape American transportation.  “Working together, we will ensure America leads the way in safely leveraging next-gen aircraft to radically redefine personal travel, regional transportation, cargo logistics, emergency medicine, and so much more,” Duffy said.  The selected proposals span 26 states and include projects led by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the Texas Department of Transportation, the Utah Department of Transportation, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the Louisiana state government, the Florida Department of Transportation, the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the city of Albuquerque.  According to the DOT, participating industry partners include companies such as Archer, BETA Technologies, Joby Aviation, Electra, Wisk, Ampaire, Elroy Air and Reliable Robotics.  FMI: https://avweb.com/recent-updates/evtols-urban-mobility/faa-dot-first-evtol-trial-projects-eipp/
  20. AAM update 4: Vertical pitches eVTOL air services for south Florida.
    AIN Online reports that UK-based AAM start-up Vertical Aerospace as of late February becomes the latest advanced air mobility (AAM) start-up to converge on Miami, touting a transportation revolution with its Valo eVTOL aircraft. Rivals including Archer, Beta Technologies, and Wisk (as well as the now-defunct Lilium) all view the affluent and crowded South Florida corridor from Miami to West Palm Beach as a prime early adopter of the air taxi services.  Proposed routes include MIA-PBI (a 36-minute flight), MIA-FLL, and OPF-Watson Island, among others.
    FMI: https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2026-02-24/vertical-pitches-evtol-air-services-south-florida?utm_campaign=FutureFlight&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9KuDYsXCcLBBUuw0la500JPxy6elTWW-lKn7z7rYIw5lg9iiSnlt9bsjFor5HrKgIs3ngCklbTDx-R-LcDJE7aV9KpMg&_hsmi=405650776&utm_content=405650776&utm_source=hs_email
  21. NASA study finds urban residents more sensitive to air taxi noise. A new NASA study is revealing how people in different environments may react to the sounds of future air taxi operations.  From late August through September 2025, researchers conducted the Varied Advanced Air Mobility Noise and Geographic Area Response Difference (VANGARD) test, enlisting 359 volunteers across major metropolitan areas, including Los Angeles, New York City, and Dallas–Fort Worth. Participants listened to 67 simulated aircraft sounds, representing a mix of NASA-owned and industry concept designs, and rated how bothersome each sound was. To ensure unbiased results, they were not shown images of the aircraft nor told the manufacturers’ identities.  Early findings show that residents in busier urban environments reported higher annoyance levels than those in quieter suburban areas. One emerging hypothesis is that people already accustomed to high ambient noise may be more sensitive to novel aircraft sounds.  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/nasa-air-taxi-noise-study/
  22. UAS update 1: Industry groups weigh in on FAA BVLOS rulemaking.  On Monday 16 Feb, AvWeb reported that a broad cross-section of aviation and drone industry organizations submitted comments following the FAA’s reopening of the comment period on its proposal to normalize beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) unmanned aircraft operations. Responses to the proposed Part 108 rulemaking focused largely on electronic conspicuity, right-of-way and detect-and-avoid responsibilities, with commenters generally supporting drone integration while outlining different approaches to implementation.  Many stakeholders pointed to portable electronic conspicuity devices as a potential near-term tool for improving air-to-air awareness, frequently referencing existing and emerging products and concepts. Several filings emphasized that these devices should remain distinct from certified ADS-B Out equipment used for air traffic surveillance. Commenters also said timelines for bringing such systems to the U.S. market would depend on FAA technical standards, with some estimating availability within months after a framework is finalized.  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/industry-weighs-in-faa-bvlos-rulemaking/
  23. UAS update 2: FAA radar data program launches at UAS test site.  The FAA has activated a radar data sharing initiative with the Northern Plains UAS Test Site in Grand Forks, North Dakota, enabling the integration of federal radar information into the state’s Vantis beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) system. The agreement makes the test site the first non-federal participant to access the FAA’s unfiltered radar data feed.  FAA Deputy Administrator Katie Thomson announced the agreement during the UAS Summit & Expo in Grand Forks in 2024, describing it as a government-to-government release of surveillance data intended to support the integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the National Airspace System.  The initiative follows provisions in the 2024 FAA reauthorization directing the agency to evaluate how radar data could support broader UAS integration. According to the FAA, the program is intended to define security control requirements, assess the suitability of radar data and demonstrate UAS flight operations using shared surveillance information.  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/drones/faa-radar-data-sharing-uas-test-site/
  24. 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, April 7 at 1300 EDT → Click Here
    Tuesday, May 12 at 1300 EDT → Click Here
    Tuesday, June 9 at 1300 EDT → Click Here
    Remember, IAW 49 CFR 1552.3, all current CFI’s are required to register with the TSA and create an account with that agency.
  25. 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 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.
  26. 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:
    a. First Quarter (Oct – Dec): Wiring.
    b. Second Quarter (Jan – Mar): Airworthiness.
    c. Third Quarter (Apr – Jun): Field Approvals.
    d. Fourth Quarter (Jul – Sep): Helicopter Mx Accidents.are two recent ACS’s to repor
    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!
  27. 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 recent ACS’s to report, but no new ones 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.
  28. FAA Safety Briefing magazine.  The March/April 2026 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine focuses on the realm of rotorcraft operations. Articles in this issue focus on the real-world risks helicopters face, along with insights on the FAA’s strategy to improve safety in this dynamic operating environment.  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.

    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.
  29. And now, Regulatory trivia. 

    Question: If someone has a Commercial – Rotorcraft Helicopter (RH) pilot certificate and wishes to obtain an Instrument Airplane rating, do they need at least a Private – ASEL pilot certificate to be eligible? 
    Answer: Yes. The reg’s require at least a Private Pilot certificate for Airplane (any class, ASEL, AMEL, etc.), among other things, to be eligible for the Instrument Airplane rating.  Thanks to Brent Moran, the Orlando 2026 FAASTeam Rep of the Year, for this question!
    FMI: Check out 14 CFR 61.65(a)(1), which can be found in drs.faa.gov, the Dynamic Regulatory System.
  30. 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 our latest info on upcoming RSAT’s within the Orlando District.
    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.
  31. 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:
    Gator Fly-In Armed Services Appreciation Day (KGNV), XX Mar
    Plane Time 32 (Florida Aviation Network live-stream): 14 Mar
    Seniors Soaring Championships (6FL0), 14 – 20 Mar
    20M Nationals [Glider competition] (6FL0), 25 Mar – 3 Apr
    ORL 5K on the Runway at Orlando Executive Airport (KORL), 4 Apr
    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 (SnF NOTAM story below)
    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
    Plane Time 33 (Florida Aviation Network live-stream): 20 Jun
    Pensacola Beach Air Show (P’cola Beach), 18 – 19 Jul
    Plane Time 34 (Florida Aviation Network live-stream): 15 Aug
    Plane Time 35 (Florida Aviation Network live-stream): 17 Oct
    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
    Vintage Weekend Ocean Reef Air Show (Key Largo), 4 – 5 Dec
    Plane Time 36 (Florida Aviation Network live-stream): 19 Dec
  32. SUN-‘n-FUN 2026 NOTAM released. 

    The FAA has released the NOTAM for the 2026 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, which takes off April 14.  The NOTAM, which goes into effect April 13 and runs through April 19, is an essential item to review as you start planning your flight to Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL) in Florida for the show.  The NOTAM contains critical information for pilots including arrival and departure procedures, frequencies, traffic flow, holding procedures, and airport operations during the show.  With thousands of aircraft arriving throughout the week, safety and preparation are essential, SUN ‘n FUN officials noted.  FMI: https://generalaviationnews.com/2026/03/18/sun-n-fun-notam-released-2/ and https://flysnf.org/aerospace-expo/the-notam-is-here/
  33. 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: 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.
  34. 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. 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 5/2858 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. 
      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. 
      b. 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.FDC 3/0104, covering UAS ops near DOE energy facilities and DOD mobile assets, including convoys and ships.  This NOTAM replaces FDC 1/8374.FDC 3/2496, addressing UAS restrictions near “National Defense Airspace”.  This NOTAM replaces FDC 1/0488.FDC 3/6405, addressing UAS ops over the territorial and navigable waters of the US.FDC 3/4452, addressing UAS ops in the vicinity of Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center.
      c. 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.
      d. 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.
  35. GA awards update (NPP02).  Orlando FSDO honors district winners.  See story number 2 above.  Now it’s on to the next level for finalist 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), 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!):
  36. 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:

    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-bcc-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.nftausa.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.

    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/260321

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