Safety Management Systems (SMS)

US FAA Opens 30-Day Comment Period on Fuel Tank Flammability Information Collection for Transport Category Airplanes

In April 2026 the US Federal Aviation Administration opened a 30-day comment period on renewing an existing information collection that requires design approval holders to submit semi-annual reliability reports for fuel tank flammability reduction systems on transport-category airplanes. The renewal would maintain ongoing reporting obligations and workload for affected certificate holders, supporting FAA’s safety management objectives without introducing new technical design requirements but reinforcing data-driven oversight of fuel tank explosion risks.

15 Apr 2026, 13:55public-inspection.federalregister.govUnited States

Japan Revises Roadmap for Advanced Air Mobility

Japan has updated its national roadmap for Advanced Air Mobility, targeting the launch of commercial flight operations by 2028. This shift toward formal airworthiness and traffic management frameworks requires aerospace and autonomous technology providers to align with emerging safety and operational standards.

28 Mar 2026, 20:33meti.go.jpJapan

Netherlands ILT Publishes HUF Assessment of Draft Rotterdam The Hague Airport Decree

The Dutch ILT has issued its enforceability assessment for the draft Rotterdam The Hague Airport Decree, signaling a transition toward more stringent environmental and operational oversight. Businesses should anticipate mandatory non-fossil propulsion for innovation-based flights and more rigorous noise reporting and land-use permitting requirements.

27 Mar 2026, 18:38zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nlNetherlands

US House Committee On Education And Workforce Reports Michael Enzi Voluntary Protection Program Act of 2025 (H.R. 2844)

The US House Committee has advanced legislation to codify OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program into permanent law. Enactment would provide qualifying sites with statutory protection from programmed inspections, rewarding investment in audited safety management systems.

9 Mar 2026, 17:52govinfo.govUnited States

US FAA Issues Airworthiness Directive 2026-05-02 for Airbus AS332 and EC225LP Helicopters

The FAA has mandated immediate structural inspections for Airbus AS332 and EC225LP helicopters effective March 2026 following an in-flight stabilizer failure. Operators must prepare for significant maintenance downtime and potential further regulatory requirements as authorities finalize long-term corrective actions.

5 Mar 2026, 06:51public-inspection.federalregister.govUnited States

US FAA Proposes AD on ODS Sensing Elements for Embraer ERJ 190-100 ECJ Airplanes

The FAA has proposed an Airworthiness Directive requiring inspections and potential replacement of overheat detection sensors on Embraer ERJ 190-100 ECJ aircraft. Affected operators must identify defective components to mitigate latent fire risks and ensure compliance with upcoming installation bans on unverified parts.

2 Mar 2026, 12:29federalregister.govUnited States

EU Aviation: Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/203 On Information Security Applies From 22 February 2026

New EU aviation information security requirements become mandatory in February 2026 for all covered organizations and competent authorities. Affected entities must integrate cyber risk management into their existing safety frameworks to protect critical systems and maintain regulatory airworthiness and operational approvals.

2 Mar 2026, 09:21eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

US FAA Issues Airworthiness Directive 2026-03-09 on Safran Oxygen Systems SaS Portable Breathing Equipment

The US FAA issued Airworthiness Directive 2026-03-09, effective March 12, 2026, mandating the replacement of specific Safran portable breathing equipment following reports of oxygen delivery failures. Aerospace operators must immediately audit inventories for affected serial numbers and implement installation prohibitions to mitigate risks of crew incapacitation and ensure emergency response compliance.

27 Feb 2026, 15:42federalregister.govUnited States

US FAA Issues Superseding Airworthiness Directive for Airbus A330 Aircraft

The FAA has issued a superseding directive mandating more restrictive airworthiness limitations and maintenance revisions for Airbus A330 fleets effective March 2026. Operators must accelerate program updates to address latent system risks and ensure continued market access through alignment with international safety certification standards.

25 Feb 2026, 19:23federalregister.govUnited States

US FAA Proposes Airworthiness Directive for Boeing 787 Fuel Tank Sealant Inspections

The FAA is proposing mandatory inspections and adhesion testing for Boeing 787 fuel tank sealants to mitigate potential ignition risks from assembly defects. Operators must prepare for specialized maintenance protocols and potential repair costs to ensure fleet airworthiness and safety compliance.

25 Feb 2026, 18:59public-inspection.federalregister.govUnited States

US FAA Seeks Comment On Renewal Of Bird/Other Wildlife Strike Report Information Collection

The FAA is renewing the voluntary wildlife strike reporting framework to maintain critical safety data for the National Wildlife Strike Database through March 2026. Aerospace manufacturers should leverage this data to inform aircraft component design and validate the effectiveness of wildlife hazard mitigation strategies.

23 Feb 2026, 19:18federalregister.govUnited States

US FAA Seeks Comments On New Section 353 Airport Ramp Worker Safety Survey

The US FAA is initiating a formal evaluation of airport ramp safety hazards, specifically targeting engine ingestion and jet blast risks through a new industry survey. Stakeholders should engage with this data collection to shape upcoming safety guidance and potential new training or technology mandates for ground operations.

23 Feb 2026, 19:18federalregister.govUnited States

Netherlands Defence Safety Inspectorate Publishes 2026 Safety Inspection Workplan

The Netherlands Defence Safety Inspectorate has published its 2026 oversight strategy focusing on occupational health, hazardous materials transport, and procurement safety. Defense suppliers and operators should prepare for heightened scrutiny of safety management systems and more rigorous safety evaluations during the acquisition and deployment of new materiel.

23 Feb 2026, 18:33open.overheid.nlNetherlands

US FAA Proposes Airworthiness Directive on Rescue Hoist Cable Drum Cracks for AHD EC135 and MBB-BK 117 Helicopters

The US FAA is proposing mandatory inspections and potential replacement of rescue hoist assemblies on specific Airbus helicopter models to address critical cable drum cracking risks. Operators should prepare for increased maintenance oversight and potential equipment grounding to mitigate safety liabilities and ensure compliance with updated airworthiness standards.

14 Feb 2026, 19:17federalregister.govUnited States

EU Corrigendum Extends Declaration Date Under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/20 on Ground Handling Services

The EU corrected the declaration deadline for existing ground handling organisations under Regulation (EU) 2025/20 to 27 March 2027. This adjustment provides essential lead time for operators to align their safety management systems and compliance declarations with new aviation safety standards.

12 Feb 2026, 18:37eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

EASA Issues Opinion No 02/2026 Proposing Updated FTL Rules for AEMS, Air Taxi and Single-Pilot CAT Operations

EASA has proposed harmonized EU flight time and rest rules for air taxis, emergency medical services, and single-pilot operations, targeting a September 2028 start. Operators must transition from fragmented national regulations to a unified fatigue management framework, requiring comprehensive updates to scheduling and safety systems.

11 Feb 2026, 12:59easa.europa.euEuropean Union

EASA Updates AMC & GM to Part-145 (Issue 2, Amendment 8)

EASA has updated maintenance organization guidance to integrate requirements for electric propulsion systems and streamlined compliance for small-scale operators. Aerospace maintenance providers must adapt their approval scopes and safety management systems to support innovative aircraft architectures and emerging propulsion technologies.

5 Feb 2026, 14:12easa.europa.euEuropean Union

US FAA Adopts Airworthiness Directive for Leonardo AB412 Helicopters

The US FAA has issued an Airworthiness Directive for Leonardo AB412 helicopters effective February 2026 to address critical structural risks in gearbox support cases. Impacted operators must immediately update flight manuals and operational procedures to mitigate the risk of structural failure and ensure continued airworthiness compliance.

4 Feb 2026, 14:31federalregister.govUnited States

US FAA Adopts 25-Hour Cockpit Voice Recorder Requirement For New Aircraft Production

The US FAA has finalized a rule requiring 25-hour cockpit voice recorders for new aircraft production with staggered compliance deadlines starting May 2025. Aerospace manufacturers and operators must integrate these extended recording standards into production and procurement strategies to align with international safety norms and prepare for the 2030 retrofit deadline.

1 Feb 2026, 17:49federalregister.govUnited States

Japan MLIT Consults On Draft Comprehensive Safety Plan 2030 For Commercial Vehicles

Japan's MLIT has launched a consultation on the Comprehensive Safety Plan 2030, proposing new safety targets and technology mandates for commercial vehicles through 2030. Manufacturers and operators must prepare for accelerated adoption of ADAS, autonomous driving frameworks, and digital monitoring systems to meet stricter operational safety and compliance standards.

31 Jan 2026, 20:43public-comment.e-gov.go.jpJapan