TagFederal Register(18)

A legal review of the FAA's new Aircraft Noise Advisory Committee (ANAC) finds that while the committee includes community representatives, aviation industry members are likely to outnumber and outvote them, limiting residents' real influence over noise policy decisions. The review also raises concerns that key technical work done in subcommittees may happen outside public view, with no requirement for minority reports when community members are overruled. The author recommends the FAA adopt clearer voting rules, guaranteed community seats on subcommittees, and routine public disclosure of meeting records and competing recommendations.

The FAA extends its April 20, 2026, order limiting scheduled aircraft operations at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) through October 30, 2027. The extension is necessitated by ongoing construction projects and airfield adjustments expected to continue through Summer 2027, which continue to limit airport capacity. The order was issued by FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford and

The FAA has proposed updates to its Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant assurances to reflect new requirements from the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and recent executive orders. Key changes include removing older equity- and climate-related executive orders, adding new ones focused on free speech and ending DEI programs, and introducing a new assurance requiring airports to continue offering leaded aviation fuel (100LL) until a safe unleaded replacement is widely available. Public comments on these changes were accepted through May 9, 2025.

FAA Order JO 7400.2R, effective February 20, 2025, sets out procedures for managing U.S. airspace, covering topics such as objects affecting navigable airspace, airport airspace analysis, terminal and en route airspace, special use airspace, and laser and rocket operations. The order updates policies related to surveillance facilities and airport proposals to reflect modern, contractor-supported National Airspace System technologies. Note that this document addresses broad national airspace management procedures and does not specifically cover Sea-Tac Airport noise policy.

The FAA's Financial Compliance Division issued guidance in December 2024 establishing a testing plan to verify that states and local governments properly direct aviation fuel tax revenues toward airport and aviation purposes, as required by federal regulations. The plan outlines how jurisdictions are selected for review, what financial data they must submit, and how compliance is evaluated — with the State of Washington serving as the initial pilot case for the program.