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Talking Points for Select Regulatory Updates

June 13, 2026 | Florida Aviation Network |

June 2026

Revised: 260613

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. NASA X-59 makes first supersonic flight.


    NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft flew faster than the speed of sound for the first time on Friday, reaching approximately Mach 1.1 during an 81-minute test flight from Edwards Air Force Base in California.  NASA test pilot Jim “Clue” Less flew the aircraft to an altitude of 43,400 feet during the flight, which began at 11:08 a.m. PDT, according to NASA.  “X-59 is getting ready for its quiet supersonic debut,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said. “Since the aircraft’s first flight on Oct. 28, 2025, the team has made tremendous progress, flying 16 times in the last 90 days and getting into a steady test rhythm. In the coming days, we expect to take the next step and push to Mach 1.4.”  FMI: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/nasa-x-59-makes-first-supersonic-flight/ and https://www.aerospacetestinginternational.com/news/nasa-x-59-flies-supersonic-for-first-time.html 
  1. FAA Deputy Administrator Rocheleau: ATC recruitment a huge success among gamers.  The FAA’s campaign to lure gamers into the field of air traffic control was so successful that agency officials worried briefly that the overwhelming number of immediate applications would shut the portal down, FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau told attendees last week at the NATA Air Charter Forum. As part of its drive to recruit new controllers, the FAA opened an application window for less than a day in late April after marketing to the gaming community.  “Within 24 hours, we had 11,000 people apply to be air traffic controllers,” Rocheleau said. “There was a moment where we were wondering, is the system going to keep up to manage this? Is it going to crash? That outreach turned out to be so positive, and we have more than 8,000 people who have already qualified and are going through that process, a process that last year we truncated by just over five months.”  He reiterated that the FAA is putting controllers through the vetting and training process as quickly as possible and making sure, as seats open up, that there is a pipeline in the wings to fill those seats.  FMI: https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2026-06-09/rocheleau-faa-notches-atc-hiring-successes-looks-broader?utm_campaign=AIN%20Alerts&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9d12-C1eREm_fH67z5mN8uQ-tmV7p5SF0hoLb9sC4iUJ9evXWUkhLWnA2wPDGKXIWyW2ISmxrL1ds819XE86_yGLH4tQ&_hsmi=423215930&utm_content=423215930&utm_source=hs_email 
  1. Latest Mexico flight procedures updated.  As reported by AOPA and AIN, there are new procedures for flying into Mexican airspace.  “Say goodbye to the 180-day authorization”.   Just as pilots were getting used to the “Single Entry Authorization” procedures implemented in early 2024, the Mexican Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) now requires that every domestic and international flight receive prior authorization from its central office in Mexico City before it can operate. Unfortunately, users indicate this update is being applied inconsistently across different airports. Under the previous process, operators requested authorization from local AFAC offices at airports.  According to Ivonne Lima Apango, operations manager at CST Flight Services, an international trip support provider supporting business and general aviation operations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, communications received from local authorities describe a documentation review process that has been observed in multiple locations throughout the country.  Based on the operational reports and cases observed , the process has been applied primarily to N-registered aircraft, including both Part 91 and Part 135 operations. While most reported cases have involved U.S.-registered aircraft, local authorities have indicated that similar documentation reviews may be requested for other foreign-registered aircraft.  FMI: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2026/june/04/updated-entry-procedures-in-effect-in-mexico?utm_source=epilot&utm_medium=email 

And https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2026-05-22/what-us-operators-need-know-flying-mexico?utm_campaign=AIN%20Alerts&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-84E-5BkTtjGr09wiQXtZyWnPIPhIq_dnrL8hlbxPIUeLmSfKijj-y7L38hNBVhb0Hi9vrMK19ZzUtYtMW3A1g-05TrBg&_hsmi=423215930&utm_content=423215930&utm_source=hs_email 

  1. FAA updates policy to foster use of mental health counseling services.  NBAA praised a recent FAA policy update designed to encourage pilots and air traffic controllers to seek mental health support early on without fear of putting their certificate in peril.  The update to the agency’s aeromedical policy marks “an important shift in the agency’s approach to mental wellness,” according to NBAA. “Rather than viewing participation in counseling or psychotherapy as a potential red flag, the revised policy explicitly encourages pilots and [controllers] to seek help through counseling, psychotherapy, and peer-support programs when appropriate.” Additionally, the policy change directs aviation medical examiners (AMEs) to focus on underlying conditions and the severity of those conditions when determining certificate issuance. If concerns are present, the AME can defer to the FAA for the decision. As part of this shift, the FAA has issued guidance that pilots and controllers should share with their providers, with a suggested format for a summary of diagnosis, severity, resilience, and ability to self-monitor. NBAA recommended that affected controllers and pilots bring this to their AME appointment. “This is an important step forward in reducing stigma and encouraging early intervention, treatment, and resolution,” said Mark Larsen, NBAA director for safety and flight operations. “Mental health challenges can affect anyone, and pilots and controllers should feel empowered to seek support when they need it.”  FMI: https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2026-06-08/faa-updates-policy-foster-use-counseling-services 
  1. AAM update: Beta steps into spotlight with Alia CX-300 flight demonstrations. 

    BURLINGTON, Vermont—A story that lives behind a paywall.  Beta Technologies took a rare step out of its traditionally low-profile approach this week, inviting journalists from a host of outlets–including Aviation Week–to fly aboard its Alia CX300 electric aircraft and witness a four-aircraft formation demonstration that included its… FMI: https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/advanced-air-mobility/beta-steps-spotlight-alia-flight-demonstrations (Subscription required)
  1. 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. 

  1. 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.

  • 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!
  1. Airmen Certification Standards (ACS) and Practical Test Standards (PTS) updates.  Make sure you go to your next Practical Test armed with the latest ACS or PTS as appropriate!!!  The FAA is gradually replacing all PTS with the new and improved ACS; only a few PTS have not yet been converted.  All current ACS’s can be found at this website: http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/ .   An ACS Companion Guide for Pilots is available to help explain ACS and integrate ACS into one’s training plans:  https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/acs_companion_guide_pilots.pdf .  

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.

  1. And now, Regulatory trivia.  

Question: How many hours would a Commercial Pilot with their only rating as Rotorcraft Helicopter (CP-RH) require in order to add CP-ASEL under Part 61? If assumptions are needed, assume the simplest case.

Answer: It’s a bit complicated, even with simplified assumptions.  In lieu of determining a specific number of hours in specific boxes, it’s important to understand the process.  We’re adding an entirely new category so the key process is to see the full requirements as if the ASEL were the initial rating (61.129(a)), look for what can be credited from the applicant’s existing CP-RH (61.129(c)), and use the “delta” as the initial starting point for required hours to obtain the ASEL add-on.  Thanks to Brent Mireles, our Orlando Rep of the Year, for bringing this one up!

FMI: Check out 14 CFR 61.129, 61.63(b), Advisory Circular AC 61.65K, Appendix A, and the Commercial ASEL ACS, FAA-S-ACS-7B, all of which can be found in drs.faa.gov, the Dynamic Regulatory System.

  1. 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!

Note: For the New Smyrna Beach (EVB) RSAT, please RSVP before Tuesday, July 14, by email to evb@rvainc.com if you or a designated representative(s) will be attending.”

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

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

  1. Florida Airshows and Aviation Events calendar.  Here is the latest compilation of known shows and events coming up within Florida (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:

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
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

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

2026: 14 May, 9 Jul, 3 Sep, 29 Oct, 24 Dec. 
These dates cover the following pubs and their digital equivalents on your EFB:
IFR Low Alt En-route Charts (e.g., L-23);
IAP’s – US Terminal Procedures Publication (e.g., SE-3);
Chart Supplement (formerly the A/FD) [Man, I sure miss those back-cover indices!] 
Jacksonville and Miami VFR Sectionals;
Tampa / Orlando and Miami Terminal Area Charts.

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

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

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

  1. Review of current 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. 

  1. Nationwide: “USA” NOTAM FDC 0/0367 covers flights near “qualified stadiums” (defined in the NOTAM) during certain sporting events.  Going to the Bahamas or across the ADIZ?  Check this one out: “USA” NOTAM FDC 2/8783, covers operations across the ADIZ.  
  2. UAS Operators: Check out the following:
    1. FDC 3/9568, covering UAS ops near naval submarine bases (Kitsap, WA and Kings Bay, GA).  This NOTAM replaces FDC 1/8373.
    2. FDC 3/0104, covering UAS ops near DOE energy facilities and DOD mobile assets, including convoys and ships.  This NOTAM replaces FDC 1/8374.
    3. FDC 3/2496, addressing UAS restrictions near “National Defense Airspace”.  This NOTAM replaces FDC 1/0488. 
    4. FDC 3/6405, addressing UAS ops over the territorial and navigable waters of the US.
    5. FDC 3/4452, addressing UAS ops in the vicinity of Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center.
  3. Don’t forget to always check other FDC NOTAM’s for “USA” on the above web page, in addition to FL or wherever else you may be going.  Set the “Center” filter to “USA”, then hit “Go” next to that box, and you’ll see the desired search results.  Most of these NOTAM’s are effective nation-wide. 
  4. Finally, if filing IFR, remember to check FDC NOTAM’s for the instrument approaches at your destination.  Like TFR’s, these NOTAM’s are regulatory, too, so you have to adhere to their applicable portions.  The easiest way to obtain this info is via commercial flight planning software / approved sites when filing and obtaining a standard wx brief.
  1. GA awards update (NPP02).  See also the lead story above.  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!):
  1. Contacting Bob Jex.  Bob Jex, editor of this newsletter, can be e-mailed at  bob.jex@yahoo.com.  Please update your contact info and use this address as the primary.  The earthlink.net email is secondary; for the time being, both addresses work. 

As always, fly safe!

Archived Links to select official pubs and sites of interest:

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

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

Snail-Mail:
FAA, Aeronautical Information Services
1305 East West Highway
SSMC-4, Suite 4400
Silver Spring, MD  20910-3281 Ph: 800-638-8972

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

Federal Register (Exit pipe for all federal regulations)
https://www.federalregister.gov

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

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

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

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

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

Aviation Funding Stability Act (HR 5451)

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

Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)

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

GAJSC – General Aviation Joint Safety Committee

https://www.gajsc.org/docs/

NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) 

Space Operations

General public interest websites: 
www.space.com 
www.nasa.gov 

https://spaceflightnow.com/

Worldwide launch schedule: https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/ 
Space Station (ISS) flyover schedule: https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/ 

General Aviation Awards Info, Nomination Procedures, List of National Winners, etc.
www.generalaviationawards.com (or .org)

State of Florida (FDOT and State Gov’t)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sun-n-Fun select web links:

Aviation Community Service

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

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

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)

Seaplane Operations

Helicopter Safety

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

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

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

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

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

Aeronautical Knowledge Training (ORL FAASTeam Library)

Open source Aviation Accident Reports:

  • FAA Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing (ASIAS)

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

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/260613

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