FAA and FMCSA Issue Airspace Overhauls, Cessna Exemption Rescissions, and CMV Hearing Exemption Renewals

FAA Overhauls Alaska Airspace in Sweeping Supplemental Rulemaking

The Federal Aviation Administration has published a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) that substantially revises a June 17, 2025, NPRM on Class E airspace across Alaska. As revised in the SNPRM, the FAA now proposes to establish five discrete areas of Class E domestic en route airspace (Class E6) over the state — a change from the original proposal — to facilitate the vectoring of instrument flight rules (IFR) aircraft on direct routes where the current en route structure is described as insufficient or improper.

The proposal is extensive in scope. It continues to propose removing two Class E6 airspace areas and modifying 101 Class E airspace areas extending upward from at least 700 feet or more above the surface (Class E5) to remove any portion extending upward from 1,200 feet above the surface. The SNPRM adds new proposed actions not in the original NPRM: removing two Class E airspace areas extending upward from 1,200 feet above the surface, revoking a duplicate Class E5 airspace legal description, and redefining airspace areas from a "Point of Origin" instead of using their respective airport reference points. Both the NPRM and SNPRM also propose administrative amendments to the legal descriptions of 101 Class E5 airspace areas to correct or update nomenclature.

The document describes the existing airspace backdrop: Alaska currently has 101 unique areas of Class E5 airspace with diameters as great as 150 miles, along with two Class E5 airspace areas extending upward from 1,200 feet above the surface, and two Class E6 domestic en route airspace areas adjacent to the U.S./Canadian border — one along the northeast boundary of the state and the other along the southeast boundary. The FAA states the combined 105 Class E airspace areas create confusion, and that the rulemaking would support IFR operations while enhancing the safety and management of aircraft operations within the National Airspace System. The action affects 14 CFR Part 71, and would amend FAA Order JO 7400.11M, dated July 30, 2026, and effective September 15, 2026. Comments on the Alaska SNPRM must be received on or before November 12, 2026.

FAA Proposes Del Rio, TX Airspace Amendment Following Biennial Review

In a separate NPRM, the FAA proposes to amend Class E airspace at Del Rio, Texas, following a biennial review of airspace associated with Laughlin Air Force Base (AFB). The proposal would modify the Class E airspace designated as an extension to a Class C surface area and the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface. Specific changes include removing an extension north of the airport that is described as no longer required, removing an extension along the 060° radial of the Laughlin VORTAC clockwise to the 195° radial that is similarly no longer required, and amending the extension southeast of the airport. The proposal would also update the name and geographic coordinates of Laughlin AFB to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database. The FAA states the action would bring the airspace into compliance with FAA orders and support IFR procedures and operations. Like the Alaska action, this proposal would amend FAA Order JO 7400.11M, dated July 30, 2026, and effective September 15, 2026, under 14 CFR Part 71. Comments must be received on or before November 9, 2026.

FAA Rescinds Cessna Single-Pilot Exemptions, Effective Immediately

In the most immediately consequential of the aviation actions, the FAA has announced, effective September 29, 2026, that it will cease issuing exemptions allowing certain Cessna CE-500 series aircraft that require two pilots to operate as single-pilot operations, and will rescind current exemptions held by training providers by separate action.

The FAA's notice states the decision is based on safety concerns and a review that revealed widespread non-compliance with the exemptions. The agency explains that it has been issuing these exemptions for over forty years, with the first CE-500 single-pilot exemption issued to Cessna Aircraft Company in 1984. Over time, the FAA began granting exemptions to training providers operating under 14 CFR parts 61, 141, and 142, which permitted them to provide training and checking and issue logbook endorsements allowing pilots to conduct single-pilot operations in CE-500 aircraft that would otherwise require a second pilot.

The notice identifies eight transport category CE-500 variants covered by the single-pilot exemptions — all weighing more than 12,500 pounds and all type-certificated for operation by two pilots: the Model 500 (Citation and Citation I), Model 550 (Citation II), Model S550 (Citation S/II), Model 552 (Navy T-47A), Model 560 (Citation V and Citation Ultra), Model 550 Bravo, Model 560 Encore, and Model 560 Encore+. Under 14 CFR 91.9(a), no person may operate an aircraft without complying with its operating limitations; under 14 CFR 91.531(a)(2), large aircraft — those weighing over 12,500 pounds — cannot be operated without a designated second in command. The FAA's notice states that pilots who obtained single-pilot endorsements from training providers that held exemptions must cease single-pilot operations in these aircraft, as they have no relief from the regulations once the exemptions are rescinded.

FMCSA Renews Hearing Exemptions for Commercial Truck Drivers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has published two related notices renewing exemptions from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for interstate commercial motor vehicle drivers. One notice covers 18 individuals; a second covers 20 individuals. The exemptions enable these hard of hearing and deaf individuals to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. FMCSA holds authority under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b) to grant such exemptions. Public comments on both renewal notices must be received on or before October 28, 2026.

What to Watch

• October 28, 2026 — Comment deadline for both FMCSA hearing exemption renewal notices (18 and 20 individuals, respectively).
• November 9, 2026 — Comment deadline for FAA NPRM on Class E airspace amendment at Del Rio, TX (Laughlin AFB).
• November 12, 2026 — Comment deadline for FAA SNPRM on establishment, modification, and revocation of Class E airspace across Alaska.
• September 29, 2026 (already effective) — FAA policy rescinding Cessna CE-500 single-pilot training exemptions took effect; current exemption holders face separate rescission actions.

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