Talking Points for Select Regulatory Updates November 2025
Congratulations to Obie-II and John Carter!
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):
• FAA Safety Briefing magazine • Official FAA or US Government websites o E.g., https://www.faa.gov/uas/resources/hot_topics/.
• AOPA / other reliable government / industry watchdog publications
• AvWebFlash (avweb.activehosted.com@s5.acemsrve.com; on behalf of editor@avweb.com )
• AIN Online (www.ainonline.com) • FlightSafetyInfo.org (Flight safety information subscription newsletter): www.fsinfo.org
•FlightAware (support-newsletter@flightaware.com)
• Official current FAR’s free on-line: Visit the Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS) https://drs.faa.gov/browse for the current Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) and other Agency regulatory documents. Get some practice navigating this site before you really need it; it is not intuitive.
Selected Regulatory and Other Updates:
1. Shutdown and its aftermath forces airline service curtailments at 40 airports across the country. Nearly every media outlet reported that as a result of the protracted federal government shutdown, the shortage of ATC staff is deepening. As a result, the FAA has been forced to curtail scheduled airline service across the country, including Orlando (MCO), Tampa (TPA), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), and Miami (MIA). The curtailments should not exceed 6% now that the shutdown is ended and ATC staffing increases. However, GA restrictions were also put in place at 12 major airports, and fortunately, none in Florida. The GA ban was strongly opposed by groups like AOPA. The end of the shutdown leaves Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confident that things will get back to normal by Thanksgiving. Nevertheless, for the next several weeks, if you are travelling by air, be patient and allow plenty of time. Travel experts are advising travelers to book off-peak hours, such as early morning departures, to check with your carrier, and to even consider purchasing travel insurance for the most critical trips. Jex says you can also consider another mode of transportation or postponing your flight. There have also been renewed rumors on the notion of ATC privatization, which was (thought to be) settled years ago, and which the current Transportation Secretary does not support. Accordingly, there has been a new bill introduced in Congress, known as the Aviation Funding Stability Act (HR 5451), which would ensure that the full FAA continues to operate during government shutdowns, using funding from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. AOPA supports the proposed Act. FMI: https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/faa-confirms-which-40-markets-have-airline-trafficcut-10 and https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/us-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-faaadministrator-bryan-bedford-outline-series and https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/dot-faafreeze-flight-reduction-plan-6-response-strong-air-traffic-controller-staffing and https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-11-13/us-govt-reopens-atcdelays-still-lingerutm_campaign=AIN%20Alerts&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz9YodeR4crdVT8xmLxr8tYZCxHnWtY8ruvQlXwRBalFMq3DIjWp0_iTrm6sYadRxVXb7tj NGyfibM0jdOfnE15xBXklSg&_hsmi=389837615&utm_content=389837615&utm_source=hs_email and https://avweb.com/aviation-news/general-aviation-as-faa-restrictions-shift/ and https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2025/november/13/aopa-pushes-back-on-gaban-privatization-push?utm_source=ebrief&utm_medium=email ; To read the details of the proposed Act, see https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5451 .
2. AAM update 1: Governor Ron DeSantis announces major advancements for congestion relief in Florida. A story released by the Governor’s office in mid-October included the announcement of an AAM testing facility. Speaking in Bartow on 16 October, DeSantis announced major steps for congestion relief in Central Florida. These include 17 miles of new express lanes on Interstate 4 (I-4) in Hillsborough County and a new truck parking facility along the I-4 corridor in Polk County. The state is also breaking ground on the nation’s first infrastructure for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), an entirely new mode of transportation. In addition to the other initiatives, Governor DeSantis announced that the construction of the first of two AAM vertiports is officially underway at the FDOT’s SunTrax testing facility based in Auburndale, which will be expanded to a statewide network of interconnected commercial vertiports. This facility will establish the nation’s first-ever AAM aerial test bed and dedicated airspace, driving innovative research and development for this emerging technology. Additional announcements related to Florida’s role in AAM will be released by FDOT in the coming months. FMI: https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2025/governor-ron-desantis-announces-majoradvancements-congestion-relief-central and https://suntraxfl.com/
3. Signature and UrbanLink set a course for electric flight in Florida
AIN online reports that FBO operator Signature Flight Support and UrbanLink have entered into a partnership for electric aircraft to operate at Florida airports as early as 2027. UrbanLink Air Mobility has enlisted Signature Aviation, the world’s largest FBO group, to support the launch and expansion of an electric air taxi network in Florida. Under a letter of intent announced on November 6, the partners agreed to jointly research infrastructure needs for UrbanLink’s planned fleet of Beta Technologies’ Alia CX300 electric airplanes. They also aim to establish an operating base for UrbanLink at an unspecified Signature FBO location in South Florida. As part of a deal announced in July, Miami-based UrbanLink will operate up to 10 Beta Alia CX300s in South Florida as early as 2027, pending the necessary regulatory approvals. The company also intends to operate the Alia 250 eVTOL model, which Beta expects to certify about a year after its conventional counterpart enters service. Meanwhile, Signature is also working with Beta to install the latter’s electric aircraft charging infrastructure at FBO locations across the country. FMI: https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-11-06/signature-andurbanlink-set-course-electricflight?utm_campaign=AIN%20Alerts&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz- _txIWpsaiU31aGAfiIixOTwottzOdrD5mbfGQbFUklasp29m35QkzppMjlWUMAOvb8IjrFmMXvzbkAj6bx5pDKGo0- A&_hsmi=390006398&utm_content=390006398&utm_source=hs_email
4. Civil Air Patrol ends glider program.
The Civil Air Patrol (CAP), a longtime supporter of the WINGS program, announced it will discontinue its long-running national glider program following an eight-month review by its Glider Program Working Group. CAP paused the program late last year. The move comes after what officials described as a “comprehensive, data-driven analysis” that found the program was no longer sustainable. Maj. Gen. Regena Aye, CAP’s national commander, said in a recent letter to members that while the decision was difficult, it was made “after careful review and thoughtful deliberation” with CAP’s Board of Governors.
Fleet Age and Maintenance Cited
The Civil Air Patrol has 41 gliders with an average age of 33 years. CAP’s written executive summary regarding the decision indicated that maintenance and part scarcity factored into the decision. The report also noted challenges in replacing aging aircraft, citing the absence of a U.S. manufacturer capable of producing suitable new gliders. “Replacing the current fleet with new gliders is simply not a viable option,” the summary stated, pointing to replacement costs exceeding $250,000 per aircraft and delivery times of up to two years.
Declining Access and Pilot Shortages
The review found that fewer than 6 percent of CAP cadets participated in glider flights annually. Although the program once offered cadets the chance to solo at age 14, there were a number of constraints that made widespread participation a challenge, including geography, fleet size, and instructor availability. The Civil Air Patrol reported 154 active glider pilots at the end of 2024, with a median age of 62, and a shortage of certified instructors. FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/civil-air-patrol-ends-glider-program/ and https://generalaviationnews.com/2025/11/13/cap-discontinues-gliderprogram/?utm_source=TPOA&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20251114
5. FSANA CEO and President comments on the state of flight training in US. With so much flight training happening in central Florida, anything like this is going to catch my attention, and maybe yours, too. The President and CEO of the Flight School Association of North America (FSANA), Robert Rockmaker, recently offered a summary of where the flight training industry stands today. His comments were worthy of reviewing here at least in part, and readers are encouraged to link to the full story. Among the points made:
– The pilot shortage in the U.S. has extensively disappeared.
– However, the need for pilots will continue for years to come.
– The United States has the best Ab Initio flight training providers in the world.
– The business and safety culture within the Ab Initio flight training space continues to improve as school owners, operators, and their staffs deploy a “Never-Ending Improvement” approach in their business models.
– Many Ab Initio flight training providers are now keeping their flight instructors for 16- 24 months.
– The number of Ab Initio flight training schools in the United States has started to decline.
– Flight schools that become accredited by the International Aerospace Accrediting Commission (IAAC) will be able to enroll career pilot candidates who have borrowed money through the U.S. Department of Education Title IV program. Students will also be able to use Pell Grants and 529 Savings Plan money to pay for flight training. The IAAC is working toward full recognition by the U.S. Department of Education in 2026. FMI: https://www.generalaviationnews.com/2025/10/05/the-state-of-flighttraining/?utm_source=TPOA&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20251007
6. TSA monthly FTSP (Flight Training Security Program) webinars for CFIs. On 17 Sep, the Transportation Security Administration published what was originally a three-month schedule of upcoming webinars through December for the Flight Instructor community. The shutdown forced cancellation of the first two events, with one remaining as shown below. The webinars are free, and pre-registration is required. It is not clear whether attendance at any or all of these events is mandatory, or whether they will be recorded for later playback. We expect additional FTSP webinars to be added soon. The next webinar is as follows:
Tuesday December 9 at 1300 EST:
https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/c77adb60-1da0-402a-b7d9- f30a7592f35c@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.
7. UAS update: Free drone compliance webinar on November 21 at 1900 EST. As a checkup on whether you are in compliance with your drone operations, the Boston FSDO (EA 61) is sponsoring a free webinar next Friday evening that is designed to help sharpen your knowledge of the UAS operational and regulatory environment. The event is worth BK3 WINGS credit, by the way. “Navigating the complex world of airspace regulations requires strategic knowledge and constant vigilance. Every responsible drone pilot must understand the intricacies of airspace classifications and temporary flight restrictions (TFRs). Begin by utilizing official FAA resources and specialized drone navigation applications that provide real-time airspace information. Temporary flight restrictions demand particular attention. These dynamic zones can emerge rapidly due to various circumstances, including sporting events, presidential movements, or emergency response situations. Successful pilots continuously monitor these restrictions, ensuring they maintain compliance and avoid potential legal complications. Utilizing apps with live TFR updates can simplify this critical verification process.” The event number (SPANS Select ID number), as tracked on faasafety.gov, is EA61139699. For many drone operators, this is must-see education, and it’s FREE. FMI: Check out https://www.faasafety.gov/SPANS/event_details.aspx?eid=139699&caller=/SPANS/events/E ventList.aspx
8. AAM update 1: FAA issues certification blueprint to AAM manufacturers.
Photo credit: Joby via AvWeb.
AvWeb just ran a story saying that the advanced air mobility industry now has a blueprint to follow for certification best practices for their vehicles. Just as most of the aviation industry was getting ready for AirVenture, the FAA published, with no fanfare, an advisory circular (scroll down to AC 21.17-4) that details various things the agency will be looking for in certification of the aircraft. Its existence was brought to light by our colleagues at FLYING Magazine last week.
The agency stresses the 64-page outline is not a legally binding document but manufacturers will be wise to devour every word. “This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance for the type, production, and airworthiness certification of powered-lift,” the agency said in its preamble. “This AC also designates the airworthiness criteria in appendix A as an acceptable means, but not the only means, of showing compliance with title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 21.17(b) for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification of certain powered-lift.” FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/faa-issues-certification-blueprint-to-aammanufacturers/
9. AAM update 2: SkyFly Axe aircraft gets FAA nod for testing in US.
Your cool pic of the month:
The Skyfly Axe in Flight
The FAA has granted an Experimental permit to Skyfly’s Axe vertically-capable aircraft, or VCA. The authorization permits Skyfly to continue testing its new aircraft in the US when seasonal weather would keep it grounded in the UK.
10. GAJSC Topics of the Month (NPP14) for FY-2026.
The new list of Topics of the Month (TOM’s; NPP14) and Airworthiness Topics of the Quarter (TOQ’s; NPP41) from the General Aviation Joint Safety Committee (GAJSC) for FY-2026 have been released. Reps can download this media off the FAASTeam National Collaborative Center (NFRCC) Sharepoint site at FAASafety.gov. Volunteers who mail me a USB flash drive with at least 1 GB of capacity can obtain the full catalog of media, including NPP14 and NPP41, for the current year. Previous years are available, depending on memory capacity. Here are the topics of the month (TOM’s) for FY-26; I can provide a slightly more detailed description with your download (and available on request!). The TOM / TOQ media for FY-2026 are posted in the FAASTeam Sharepoint site; editor will obtain these as soon as practicable.
Oct 2025: Human Performance.
Nov 2025: CFIT.
Dec 2025: Winter Ops.
Jan 2026: Risk Management.
Feb 2026: Multi-Engine Transition.
Mar 2026: Human Factors and WINGS.
Apr: 2026: Angle of Attack Awareness.
May 2026: Owner-Operator and Mechanic Relations.
Jun 2026: Hindsight Bias.
Jul 2026: Tailwheel Endorsement.
Aug 2026: Pre-and In-Flight Wx Resources
Sep 2026: Advanced Air Mobility.
11. GAJSC Airworthiness Topics of the Quarter (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.
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!
12. FAA Safety Briefing magazine. No change to report. The September/October 2025 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine remains the current issue, presumably due to the shutdown. This issue explores the tremendous variety of general aviation and focuses on the new perspectives and skills you’ll need to consider when moving on to a different type of flying.
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.
13. 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 ACS’s or PTSs 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 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.
14. Regulatory trivia. Question: I am a CFI, using the WINGS program with my client in conjunction with his flight review. I have flown with him sufficiently to award credit for the WINGS Proficiency Flight Review (WINGS Activity A130628-01). Since this activity only awards Flight credit (BF1, BF2, and BF3), how do I handle validating the rest of the required ground activity (BK1, BK2, and BK3)?
Answer: The client can earn the remaining WINGS knowledge credit on their own, but the CFI should keep track of the client’s progress to ensure they complete the Knowledge credits in a timely manner. The CFI does not have to lead the ground training because the achievement of a Phase of WINGS satisfies the Flight Review; the objective is to complete the Phase. Refer to 14 CFR 61.56(e). The CFI can log the successful completion of the WINGS flight activity in the respective pilot logbooks as would be done for any other flight training, but should withhold endorsement of the full Phase until the client can show that they have earned all the required Knowledge credit, specifically BK1, BK2, and BK3 in this case. By the way, the date of the Phase endorsement for the client should be the same as the date of the flight activity completion. This prevents stretching the flight proficiency credit beyond 24 calendar-months, in keeping with the intent of the program. Thanks to CFI Brian LaFreda for this inquiry!
FMI: www.faasafety.gov, Activity number A130628-01; AC 61-65H, Appendix A, endorsement A.66.
15. Runway Safety Action Team (RSAT) Calendar (NPP05). FY-26 RSAT calendar is developing, and will fill up quickly in the next several months, and once the shutdown is over. This info is surely incomplete; look for much more info starting next month. Here’s what we had as of 18 Sep, the last date available, on upcoming RSAT’s within the Orlando
The public is invited to attend any of these meetings. Local FAASTeams: please coordinate with ATC and help get the word out 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.
FAASTeam Lead Reps: 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 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.
16. Florida Airshows and Aviation Events calendar. Here is the latest compilation of known shows and events coming up within Florida. Cancellations will be shown in strike-through font. As always, be vigilant for associated TFR’s with any airshow, rocket launch, racing event, wildfires or VIP visits (see Review of Current TFR’s below). Please check the official show websites for more info. Boldface means the event is within the Orlando FSDO. ICAS source: https://www.airshows.aero/Page/ASCalendar ;
Also, AIN Online is a worldwide source. Another overall source for Florida: https://floridareview.co.uk/florida-events/florida-air-shows
2025:
Franklin County Freedom Festival (Apalachicola), 14 – 16 Nov Vintage Weekend Ocean Reef Air Show (Key Largo), 5 – 6 Dec
2026:
Aerospace and Aviation Day (KSFB), 24 Jan
Daytona 500 Flyover (KDAB), 15 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
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
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
allahassee 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
17. 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: 2 Oct; 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.
18. Chart coloring error reported across all digital VFR Sectional Aeronautical Charts. The Chart Notams office of the FAA reports that the entire series of Digital VFR Sectional Aeronautical charts in the current version was republished to correct issues with the color of multiple features. See the 25-06 VIS Charting Notice (PDF) for complete information. FMI: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/safety_alerts/
19. 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 a new one, FDC 5/9325 still 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 . Others 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.
a. 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:
i. FDC 3/9568, covering UAS ops near naval submarine bases (Kitsap, WA and Kings Bay, GA). This NOTAM replaces FDC 1/8373.
ii. FDC 3/0104, covering UAS ops near DOE energy facilities and DOD mobile assets, including convoys and ships. This NOTAM replaces FDC 1/8374.
iii. FDC 3/2496, addressing UAS restrictions near “National Defense Airspace”. This NOTAM replaces FDC 1/0488.
iv. FDC 3/6405, addressing UAS ops over the territorial and navigable waters of the US.
v. 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.
20. Keep up the good work, guys! AOPA recently completed a survey of its online Aviation Ebrief readers in the November 12 edition: (see screenshot on next page)
21. GA awards update. Now is the time to complete nominations for next year’s cycle. The deadline for submissions has been moved back to Friday, December 19 due to the shutdown, with other adjustments TBA as needed. The process now turns to completion and submission of nominations for the 2026 cycle. The Orlando district has produced many national honorees, including Obie Young, Walt Schamel, Vicki Sherman, the late Rock Rockcastle, and three national winners since 2017: Mark Ducorsky (2017 Rep of the Year), Ron Timmermans (2021 CFI of the Year, Flight Instructors’ Hall of Fame) and Bob Raskey (2023 CFI of the Year). FMI: www.generalaviationawards.com . The most recent award calendar from the website is shown here, and it generally remains perennially stable:
22. Contacting Bob Jex. Bob Jex, editor of this newsletter, has a new e-mail, effective now: 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.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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
• Orlando FSDO website: https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/field_offices/fsdo/orl
• FAASTeam Website (center of FAASTeam universe): www.faasafety.gov
• Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS): drs.faa.gov/browse (Relocated link)
• Airmen Inquiry portal: https://amsrvs.registry.faa.gov/airmeninquiry/
• FAA introduction for international audiences: https://avssp.faa.gov/avs/afsfaast/asw/Hughes%20Inbox/Videos/We%20Are%20Aviat ion%20Safety.mp4
• News, press releases, fact sheets, FAA Safety Briefing, social media: https://www.faa.gov/news/
• Another source of FAA information including videos: www.medium.com/faa
• FAA publication sign-up, for free subscriptions on a wide variety of information: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USAFAA/subscriber/new?preferences=true#t ab1
• FAA Newsroom: A very broad source of FAA news, fact sheets, speeches, testimony, social media: https://www.faa.gov/newsroom
• Airport funding (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law): https://www.faa.gov/bil/airportinfrastructure ; search by relevant filters, including state or even airport ID.
• FAA information on relevant COVID-19 issues: https://www.faa.gov/coronavirus/
• Unleaded AvGas link: https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/avgas
• Media / NGO coverage on unleaded AvGas over the years: https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/avgas/media https://www.aopa.org/advocacy/100-unleadedavgas?_gl=1*1oqz114*_gcl_au*NTU2ODA4MjU0LjE3MzgwNjg1OTQ.&_ga=2.476 14759.1268920621.1740398802-1115559188.1738068595
• FAA 5G on-line resource: https://www.faa.gov/5g
• Pilot Training resource link: https://www.faa.gov/pilots/training/
• Airman Testing: https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/
• Chart Supplement (formerly called the Airport / Facility Directory or AFD): https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/digital_products/dafd/
• Special Use Airspace short-term schedule: https://sua.faa.gov/sua/siteFrame.app Zoom in on areas of interest; click for pop-up schedule
• Aviation Training Handbooks (Free to download!): https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/
• FAA website for Draft Orders, Notices, and Handbooks Open for Comment: https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_docs/afs_orders/
• FAA website for NPRM’s, Final Rules: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/recently_published/
• CFI “no-expiration”-certificate NPRM updates: https://bit.ly/3wla3sP
• Legal Interpretations search site (to help clarify regulatory issues): https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/agc/practice_areas/regulati ons/Interpretations/
• FAA Safety Briefing magazine: www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing
• Fly Safe fact sheets (Genesis for many GAJSC TOM’s): https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/safety-briefing/faa-safety-briefing-fact-sheets
• PTS link: www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/test_standards/
• ACS link: http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/
• UAS (drones) link: www.faa.gov/uas
• UAS Registration: https://faadronezone.faa.gov
• Drone Dispatch (UAS News): Drone Dispatch (faa.gov)
• ADS-B Service Availability Prediction Tool (SAPT): https://sapt.faa.gov/default.php o Also contains ADAPT, RAIM Prediction, and RAIM Summary info.
• Runway Incursion prevention series: www.faa.gov/go/FromTheFlightDeck.
• Runway Safety Pilot Simulator: www.runwaysafetysimulator.com
• Weather cameras (WCAM) program: www.weathercams.faa.gov
• Birdstrike website: https://wildlife.faa.gov/home
• Noise complaints: https://noise.faa.gov/noise/pages/noise.html Just remember, the FAA does not regulate noise in most GA aircraft!
• FAA forms index: https://www.faa.gov/forms/index.cfm/go/document.list/
• Laser strike public reporting: https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/report/laserinfo
• Accident Lessons Learned database: https://lessonslearned.faa.gov
• Flight Standards Position Reports (NOTAL): FS Position Reports (faa.gov)
• Safety Alerts and Charting Notices page: Safety Alerts and Charting Notices (faa.gov)
• ICAO Flight Plan Brochure: https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ato/service_units/air_traffic_services/flight_plan_filing/media/fpl_brochure_(change3).pdf
• (For the AOPA equivalent product, go to http://download.aopa.org/advocacy/0403_icao_tip_card.pdf)
• Instrument Flight Procedures (IFP) support (IAP’s, etc.): https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/procedures/application/
• UAS Remote ID briefing: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/remote_id
• UAS Data Delivery Site, or UDDS: https://udds-faa.opendata.arcgis.com/
• UAS Airspace card: 61664_FAA-018-UAS_Airspace_Classes_Update (002).pdf• Jobs link: https://www.faa.gov/jobs/ and www.usajobs.gov
• AME Guide (Medication deferral guidance for AME’s): https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/gui de/pharm/dni_dnf/
• Chart Supplement; Comments or Corrections: E-mail: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/aero_data/ 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):
• FAA site: https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-proposes-rule-enhance-safety-andperformance-light-sport-aircraft
• AOPA site: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2023/july/25/mosaicproposed-rule-published
• Full NPRM as published in the Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/07/24/2023-14425/modernization-ofspecial-airworthiness-certification
• NAFI archived MOSAIC webinar with EAA’s Sean Elliott on 19 Mar 2025: https://www.mentorlive.site/program/90.html
New CFI Rule (Effective 1 Dec 2024):
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/10/01/2024-22018/removal-of-expirationdate-on-a-flight-instructor-certificate-additional-qualificationrequirements#:~:text=The%20final%20rule%20also%20adds,is%20discussed%20in%20secti on%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-onremoval-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)
• Report form for online submission: https://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/report/electronic.html
• “Callback” newsletter: https://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/publications/callback.html
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/
COVID-19 / Public Health (A very select few offerings here)
• CDC COVID Graphics, by State and County: CDC COVID Data Tracker: County View
• FAA Mask Policy: Mask Guidelines (faa.gov)
• Florida stats, access to other states and world (need to use Google, not Internet Explorer): https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/96dd742462124fa0b38ddedb9b25e429
General Aviation Awards Info, Nomination Procedures, List of National Winners, etc. www.generalaviationawards.com (or .org)
State of Florida (FDOT and State Gov’t)
• FDOT Bureau of Aviation: https://www.fdot.gov/aviation
• Florida Airports Directory and Florida Aeronautical Chart: https://www.fdot.gov/aviation/directory.shtm
• Airshows within Florida: https://floridareview.co.uk/florida-events/florida-air-shows
• “Online Sunshine” website (Florida Legislature) https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Welcome/index.cfm?CFID=41952797&CFTOKEN=151bf d72ea46c3b2-D8A49CF9-A9DA-6B84-49F4D22C1FD49EB6
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)
Sun-n-Fun select web links:
• Campus layout: e8babe79-6399-455f-9b62-b34cc48f3a68.pdf (constantcontact.com)
Aviation Community Service
• Florida Aviation Network (FAN; project of the National Aviation Safety Foundation, NASF): www.floridaaviationnetwork.com
• National Aviation Safety Foundation (NASF): www.nationalaviationsafetyfoundation.org
• Angel Flight Southeast (Non-emergency medical transport): www.angelflightse.org
• Pilots N Paws (Pet rescue): www.pilotsnpaws.org
WINGS Industry Network: https://www.wingsindustry.com/
• EZ WINGS; WINGS credit assistance app: https://www.ezwings.net/
• WINGS Industry Network “Insights” archives: www.wingsindustry.net
WINGS Sweepstakes info and entry forms: https://www.mywingsinitiative.org/
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
• Air Safety Institute (ASI) In-Person Seminars: Either https://www.aopa.org/forms/event-calendar/ SAFETY_SEMINAR or www.airsafetyinstitute.org/seminars
• Rusty Pilot Seminars (RPS) and other AOPA events: https://hangar.aopa.org/events/category/52
Seaplane Operations
• Seaplane Pilots Association: www.seaplanepilotsassociation.org
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)
• Orlando Executive Airport FAASTeam Library: http://www.fsrinc.org/FAAST/Seminar/Notice.aspx
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.
• NTSB:
o Aviation Accident Database and Synopses: https://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/index.aspx
o GA Accident Visualization Tool, including tutorials on how to use this resource: www.ntsb.gov/safety/data/Pages/GeneralAviationDashboard.aspx.
o GA Safety section, including run-down on fatal GA Accidents in past week: https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Pages/GA.aspx
o See also AIN Online,com for recent accident / incident summary involving business aviation, charters, airlines
• Kathryn’s Report: http://www.kathrynsreport.com/
UAS Reporting (non-FAA)
• Unmanned Safety Institute: www.unmannedsafetyinstitute.org (unconfirmed link)
• Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI): www.auvsi.org
• UAS Industry news and product reviews: https://dronedj.com/
• Part 108 Draft NPRM (BVLOS Operations): https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/07/2025-14992/normalizingunmanned-aircraft-systems-beyond-visual-line-of-sight-operations
Islands of the Bahamas / Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
• Official site: https://www.bahamas.com/
• For FAA Caribbean VFR Sectional charts, check out https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/productcatalog/vfrcharts/caribbean/
• AOPA: https://www.aopa.org/travel/international-travel/bahamas
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