One of the most notable changes is a reduction in the required observation period for cataract surgery, according to officials with the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). Previously, pilots had to wait up to two years before medical recertification was allowed, but under the new rules, this wait time has been reduced to just three months.
News
College wins grant to boost aviation in Appalachia
The grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission will help the college build on its Aviation Pathway model to prepare students for careers as pilots and air traffic conrollers.
Community celebration planned at SMO
The Spirit of Santa Monica presents Douglas Day 2025, a free community celebration honoring Santa Monica’s legacy of aviation innovation and community resilience on Sept. 21.
Fly Kansas Air Tour prepares for takeoff
Stops on this year’s tour include airports in Wellington, Anthony, Strother Field, Augusta, Eureka, Parsons, Emporia, Herington, and Salina.
Proposed rules would give drones right of way under 400 feet AGL
An analysis of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking released in August 2025 aimed at enabling enabling autonomous unmanned aerial system (UAS) operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) shows the proposed rule will have implications for all users of the National Airspace System “in ways large and small,” according to officials with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).
Bristell B23 gets FAA nod
The two-seat Bristell B23 from BRM AERO has received Type Certification from the FAA under Part 23 regulations, “marking the first certified variant in the company’s B23 series and opening new opportunities in the rapidly expanding U.S. pilot training market,” said officials with the Czech Republic-based company.
Caravan flies 7,000 miles without a pilot
Joby Aviation recently completed a first-of-its-kind demonstration of its autonomous flight technology, logging more than 7,000 miles across more than 40 hours in a Cessna Caravan without a pilot.
Diamond Fest celebrates homecoming
Diamond Fest, the official “Diamond Homecoming” at the company’s Canadian headquarters in London, Ontario (CYXU), was held Sept. 5-6, 2025, in conjunction with Airshow London SkyDrive, a drive-in air show.
Direct to consumer aviation insurance firm launches
The new company is active in five states — Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, and Virginia — with officials seeking regulatory approval to expand across all 48 contiguous states.