TagFAA(684)

The Federal Aviation Administration filed an amended certified index to the administrative record in two Ninth Circuit cases challenging the FAA's September 24, 2025, Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision for near-term construction projects at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The cases were brought by Vashon Island Fair Skies and the City of Burien, among others, who are contesting the agency's environmental review of the airport expansion plans. The full administrative record was made available to petitioners electronically on May 8, 2026.

The Federal Aviation Administration filed an amended certified index to the administrative record in two Ninth Circuit cases challenging the FAA's September 24, 2025, Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision for near-term construction projects at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The cases were brought by Vashon Island Fair Skies and the City of Burien, among others, who are contesting the agency's environmental review of the airport expansion plans. The full administrative record was made available to petitioners via a secure file-sharing link in May 2026.

The FCC and FAA have taken steps to regulate drone operations near critical infrastructure, with the FAA proposing a new petition-based system allowing facility owners to apply for drone flight restrictions over their sites. The proposed rule would create two levels of restricted airspace and applies to facilities across 16 critical infrastructure sectors, such as energy, transportation, and healthcare. State laws, such as Florida's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act, may impose additional independent restrictions on drone operations beyond the federal framework.

Email chain forwarded by Ann Richart (WSDOT Aviation Director) to Terri Palumbo on May 8, 2026, regarding Washington State aviation fuel tax collections and dispersants compliance. FAA Director of Office of Airport Compliance Michael Helvey (michael.helvey@faa.gov, (202) 267-9363) acknowledges receipt of compliance information submitted April 24, 2026 by Richart on behalf of Washington State Secretary

Harris Miller Miller & Hanson Inc. (HMMH) conducted sound insulation testing at 30 homes near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in March 2026 to measure how much aircraft noise penetrates indoors. The study found that none of the 30 homes exceeded the FAA's 45-decibel interior noise threshold required to qualify for sound insulation treatments under current federal policy. However, nine homes had at least one individual room where interior noise levels surpassed 45 decibels, suggesting those specific rooms could benefit from upgraded windows or doors.

In an April 2026 letter to the FAA, the Washington State Department of Transportation provided detailed tax collection data and proposed spending offsets in response to federal questions about how Washington taxes aviation fuel. The letter covers Aircraft Fuel Tax revenues dating to 1983, local sales and use taxes on aircraft fuel tracked since 2023, and hazardous substance taxes, while explaining which taxes are grandfathered under federal rules. The state also outlined its methodology for calculating aviation-related budget offsets and committed to providing further updates within 60 days.