Policy & Regulation News

AeroTime

At NBAA-BACE, FAA’s Bedford signals openness to new single-pilot Citation path and SMART airspace access tool

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the agency could consider additional training and aircraft modifications as a path for single-pilot Citation operations, after withdrawing existing exemptions. He also said the planned SMART traffic-management system could give on-demand operators greater visibility into airspace availability, amid broader FAA plans to modernize air traffic control.

AeroTime

FAA head open to reviewing path for single-pilot Citation operations

eVTOL Insights

EHang and Malaysia’s aviation authority to assess eVTOL requirements

EHang will work with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia to assess the regulatory, technical and safety requirements for introducing its electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft in the country. The cooperation establishes a joint evaluation process, but the announcement does not specify a timeline or authorization to begin operations.

eVTOL Insights

EHang and Malaysian Aviation Authority Begin eVTOL Regulatory Sandbox Cooperation

ch-aviation

Finland proposes ending state-funded regional flights operated by Nordic Regional Airlines

Finland has proposed ending state funding for regional flights, a change that could affect services flown by Nordic Regional Airlines with ATR 72-500 aircraft. The available reports do not specify which routes or when the proposal would take effect.

AINonline

Duffy says FAA needs better certification processes to enable safer technologies and advanced air mobility

Speaking at NBAA-BACE, Transportation Secretary Duffy said the FAA needs improved certification processes. He framed the changes as necessary to make way for safer technologies and advanced air mobility, putting regulatory processes at the center of efforts to bring new aircraft and systems into use.

ch-aviation

US DOT lifts restrictions on Mexican airlines

The US Department of Transportation has lifted restrictions affecting Mexican airlines. The available report does not specify which carriers or measures were involved, or what operational changes will follow, but the decision removes a US-imposed constraint on Mexican operators.

c4isrnet.com

Europe considers empowering utilities to bring down drones near critical infrastructure

European officials are weighing whether to give utilities and other infrastructure companies greater authority to counter drones, amid concern that attacks could disable power supplies for millions. The concern is sharpened by repeated Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, where drone attacks have contributed to outages.