Search Results for keywords:"Defense Operations

The Coast Guard is implementing a permanent safety zone in the waters around Bahia de Ponce, Ponce, Puerto Rico. This safety zone is designed to protect lives during ship-to-ship transfers of liquefied gas, preventing any unauthorized persons or vessels from entering the zone while these operations are active. The safety zone extends 100 yards from the transfer location, and access is only permitted with permission from the Captain of the Port San Juan or a designated Coast Guard official. This new rule becomes effective on March 5, 2021, and aims to ensure navigational safety in this busy maritime area.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the Department of Transportation, has issued a rule extending the prohibition on certain flights in specific areas of the Sanaa Flight Information Region (FIR) in Yemen. This prohibition, which applies to U.S. air carriers and operators, is extended until January 7, 2028, due to significant safety risks stemming from regional conflicts and the presence of advanced weapons systems. The rule aims to protect U.S. civil aviation from the dangers posed by ongoing military tensions, particularly those involving Houthi forces. The FAA has determined that swift action is needed, therefore the usual public comment process has been bypassed for this rule.

In a recent decision, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chose not to adopt the rules it proposed in 2015 to reserve a vacant channel in the UHF Television Band for use by white space devices and wireless microphones. The FCC found that these rules were no longer necessary due to changes in the TV spectrum landscape following the Incentive Auction and actions the FCC has taken since 2015 to support these technologies. They believe continuing with existing measures is more effective and avoids burdening broadcasters with additional requirements. Consequently, the FCC has ended the proceeding.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking public comments on expanding its delegation program to include new certification tasks for commuter and on-demand operators, except those with 10 or more passengers. This could involve individual designees or organizations authorized with specific functions under the Organization Designation Authorization (ODA). The FAA aims to streamline its certification process to handle increased demand and improve efficiency. Comments must be submitted by February 3, 2025, and should address potential certification tasks, barriers to success, and suggestions for implementation.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released a notice about a petition from DronePower1 LLC seeking an exemption from certain Federal Aviation Regulations. The company wants to operate a drone, called the Joyance JTC30 Cleaning Drone, which weighs over 55 pounds, to clean solar panels in commercial and utility solar fields. These operations will take place during the day, with the drone being constantly visible to the operator, in secure locations where solar panels are installed on the ground. The FAA is inviting public comments on this petition until April 8, 2025.

The Department of Defense (DoD) is proposing updates to the rules governing operational contract support (OCS) outside the United States. These changes aim to broaden the scenarios where contracted support can be used, improve accountability and reporting of contractor personnel, and clarify the responsibilities of those involved. The updated rule seeks to enhance integration and oversight of contracted support as a vital defense capability, addressing areas identified as high-risk by the Government Accountability Office. Overall, these efforts intend to minimize wastage and improve the effectiveness of military operations supported by contractors.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed changes to rules for managing spectrum bands with the aim of promoting Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). This proposed rule covers three main areas: opening the 450 MHz band for broader aeronautical operations and spectrum flexibility, allowing enhanced UAS detection in the 24.45-24.65 GHz band, and updating power rules for Commercial Aviation Air-Ground Systems in the 849-851 MHz and 894-896 MHz bands. The FCC seeks public comments by April 16, 2025, to further refine these proposals aimed at improving wireless communications and supporting emerging aviation technologies.

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), part of the U.S. Department of Energy, plans to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for enhanced use of the plutonium facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in California. This plan follows the 2023 Site-Wide Environmental Impact Statement, and the SEIS will examine the environmental effects of increasing the facility's operations from Security Category III to Category II to meet national security needs. The NNSA is seeking public input on the SEIS scope, alternatives, and environmental issues, and plans to hold a virtual public meeting for further discussion.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a new rule to establish Class E airspace at Challis Airport in Idaho. This change supports the airport's shift from visual flight rules (VFR) to instrument flight rules (IFR), enhancing safety and operational efficiency. The airspace would start from 700 feet above the ground and extend in a specific configuration around the airport. Public comments on this proposal are being accepted until February 3, 2025.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a new rule to establish Class E airspace at Stanford/Biggerstaff Field in Stanford, MT. This proposal aims to help the airport switch from visual flight rules (VFR) to instrument flight rules (IFR) operations by creating designated airspace starting 700 feet above ground level within a specific radius of the airport. Comments on this proposal can be submitted until January 24, 2025. The FAA notes this change will not have a significant economic impact and will undergo an environmental review before final implementation.