Rule2026-22781
Technical Corrections of Commercial Space Transportation Regulations
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
November 9, 2026
Effective
November 9, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
This final rule contains technical corrections in FAA regulations.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 215 (Monday, November 9, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 215 (Monday, November 9, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70785-70789]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-22781]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Parts 413, 414, 450, and 460
[Docket No.: FAA-2026-7035; Amdt. Nos. 413-15, 414-5, 450-4, 460-5]
RIN 2120-AM32
Technical Corrections of Commercial Space Transportation
Regulations
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; technical amendment.
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SUMMARY: This final rule contains technical corrections in FAA
regulations.
DATES: Effective November 9, 2026.
ADDRESSES: For further information on where to obtain copies of
rulemaking document and other information related to this final rule,
see ``Additional Information'' in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section
of this document.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisa Cacciatore, Office of Commercial
Space Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590; telephone (202) 880-1489; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b5f9dcc6d49bf09bf6d4d6d6dcd4c1dac7d0f5d3d4d49bd2dac3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="337f5a40521d761d705250505a52475c4156735552521d545c45">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Executive Summary
A. Overview of the Final Rule
FAA is amending the authority citations in parts 413, 414, and 450
to include 51 U.S.C. 50924. In addition, FAA has identified six
technical corrections to parts 413, 414, 450, and 460. These technical
corrections are non-substantive in nature and are intended to correct
typographical errors, clarify regulatory text, and ensure consistency.
The changes correct mistakes and omissions and clarify the regulations
published in the part 450 final rule.\1\
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\1\ Streamlined Launch and Reentry License Requirements, 85 FR
79566 (December 10, 2020) (hereby referred to as ``SLR2'').
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B. Summary of the Costs and Benefits
This final rule makes non-substantive technical corrections to
correct typographical errors, clarify regulatory text, and ensure
consistency. FAA expects no additional costs for the public or FAA
because these changes do not affect existing regulatory requirements.
II. Authority for This Rulemaking and 5 U.S.C. 553 Implementation
Exceptions
A. Authority for This Rulemaking
The Commercial Space Launch Act of 1984, as amended and codified at
51 U.S.C. 50901-50924 (the Act), authorizes the Secretary of
Transportation (Secretary) to oversee, license, and regulate commercial
launch and reentry activities, and the operation of launch and reentry
sites within the United States (U.S.) or as carried out by U.S.
citizens. Section 50905 directs the Secretary to exercise this
responsibility consistent with public health and safety, safety of
property, and the national security and foreign policy interests of the
United States. In addition, section 50903 requires the Secretary to
encourage, facilitate, and promote commercial space launches and
reentries by the private sector. As codified in 49 CFR 1.83(b), the
Secretary has delegated authority to the FAA Administrator to carry out
these functions.
B. Good Cause Exemption per 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B)
Section 553(b)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment
procedures for rulemakings when the agency for ``good cause'' finds
those procedures to be ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the
public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without seeking comment prior to the
rulemaking. FAA has concluded that notice and comment is unnecessary
for this rulemaking.
Courts have consistently recognized that notice and comment are
unnecessary where a rule makes only technical, clerical, or
nonsubstantive changes that do not alter the rights or obligations of
regulated entities and are unlikely to generate meaningful public
input.\2\ For example, in Utility Solid Waste Activities Group v. EPA,
the D.C. Circuit explained that the ``unnecessary'' prong applies where
the regulated community has ``little or nothing to say'' regarding the
agency's action because the rule does not implicate substantive policy
choices.\3\ In Mack Trucks, Inc v. EPA, the D.C. Circuit cautioned that
the unnecessary exception must be narrowly construed, but made clear
that its application is appropriate where notice and comment would
serve no practical purpose.\4\
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\2\ Utility Solid Waste Activities Group v. EPA, 236 F.3d 749,
754 (D.C. Cir. 2001); Mack Trucks, Inc. v. EPA, 682 F. 3d 87, 93
(D.C. Cir. 2012).
\3\ 236 F.3d 749, 754 (D.C. Cir. 2001).
\4\ Courts have held that the unnecessary prong of good cause
must be ``confined to those situations in which the administrative
rule is a routine determination, insignificant in nature and impact,
and inconsequential to the industry and to the public.'' Mack
Trucks, Inc. v. EPA, 682 F.3d 87, 94 (D.C. Cir. 2012) (quoting Util.
Solid Waste Activities Grp., 236 F.3d at 755).
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The technical amendments in this final rule correct incorrect
words, remove unnecessary references, and clarify the purpose of the
text to conform to the statutory requirements. These amendments do not
reflect a change in policy judgment, nor do they affect how regulated
parties comply with FAA requirements.
Thus, FAA has determined that this rule is suitable for a final
rulemaking because these changes are noncontroversial and a notice and
comment period is unnecessary.
[[Page 70786]]
C. Effective Upon Publication per 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3)
The APA generally requires that a substantive rule be published at
least 30 days before its effective date. However, 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3)
permits an agency to make a rule effective less than 30 days after
publication for good cause. As discussed in the previous section, FAA
has found good cause for forgoing notice and comment under 5 U.S.C.
553(b)(B). For these same reasons, FAA finds good cause under 5 U.S.C.
553(d)(3) to make this rule effective immediately upon publication in
the Federal Register.
III. Background
A. History
In 2018, Space Policy Directive-2 (SPD-2) directed FAA to
streamline and modernize commercial space launch and reentry licensing.
As a result, in 2020, FAA published Streamlined Launch and Reentry
License Requirements, 85 FR 79566 (the SLR2 final rule). The SLR2 final
rule, codified as part 450, streamlined and increased flexibility in
FAA commercial space launch and reentry regulations and removed
obsolete requirements. It consolidated and revised multiple regulatory
parts and applied a single set of licensing and safety regulations
across several types of operations and vehicles. Part 450 provides the
requirements to obtain a vehicle operator license, the safety
requirements, and the terms and conditions of a vehicle operator
license.
On August 13, 2025, the President issued Executive Order (E.O.)
14335, ``Enabling Competition in the Commercial Space Industry,'' which
requires the Secretary of Transportation to ``reevaluate, amend, or
rescind'' the regulations in part 450 for the purpose of further
streamlining the commercial licensing process. As part of FAA's
response to this directive, FAA is making non-substantive, technical
revisions to its regulations to correct errors and improve clarity.
These changes do not modify existing compliance obligations or impose
new requirements; rather, they are intended to ensure that FAA
regulations remain accurate, clear, and effective.
IV. Discussion of the Final Rule
A. Correction to Part 413, License Application Procedures
FAA is amending 14 CFR 413.7(d)(1) through (3) by replacing the
term ``safety approval'' with ``safety element approval'' in each
instance that it occurs. In the SLR2 final rule, FAA replaced the term
``safety approval'' with ``safety element approval'' in a number of
instances to distinguish between two types of approvals falling under
the term ``safety approval.'' Prior to the SLR2 final rule, ``safety
approval'' could refer to either (1) an FAA determination that an
applicant is capable of launching a launch or reentry vehicle and its
payload without jeopardizing public health and safety and safety of
property or (2) the approval of a ``safety element,'' as that term is
defined in Sec. 414.3. The SLR2 final rule differentiated these usages
by using the term ``safety approval'' to capture the former meaning,
and ``safety element approval'' to capture the latter meaning. However,
the SLR2 final rule inadvertently omitted this terminology change in
Sec. 413.7(d), which discusses how an applicant may incorporate a
safety element approval into a license application.
This rule corrects that omission by replacing the term ``safety
approval'' in Sec. 413.7(d) with ``safety element approval'' in each
instance that it occurs. The correction does not represent a
substantive change in the rule because the other language in Sec.
413.7(d) clearly indicates that the paragraph only relates to safety
element approvals.
B. Correction to Sec. 414.43(c), Submissions; Oral Presentations in
Safety Element Approval Applications
The procedures by which applicants may obtain a safety element
approval and renew and transfer an existing safety element approval are
set forth in 14 CFR part 414. Subpart D of part 414 describes the
procedures for appealing a decision by FAA regarding safety element
approval. Section 414.41(a) states that FAA will give a safety element
approval applicant or holder notice of its decision to deny, modify,
suspend, or revoke a safety element approval. Section 414.41(b) states
that the applicant or holder is entitled to a determination on the
record after opportunity for a hearing. Section 414.43 describes the
process by which the determination on the record will be handled,
including paragraph (c) of that section, which states that
``[p]etitions [for a determination by an administrative law judge] must
be filed as soon as practicable, but in no event more than 30 days
after issuance of decision or finding under Sec. 414.37.''
FAA is replacing the reference to Sec. 414.37 in Sec. 414.43(c)
with a reference to Sec. 414.41. In the SLR2 final rule, FAA
renumbered part 414, including renumbering previous Sec. 414.37 as
current Sec. 414.41. However, the cross-reference to Sec. 414.37 in
Sec. 414.43(c) was inadvertently not updated to match the renumbering.
The change is nonsubstantive because FAA has consistently maintained
that retention of the cross-reference to Sec. 414.37 was unintentional
and the result of a drafting oversight in the SLR2 rulemaking.
C. Correction to Sec. 450.101, Safety Criteria
Section 450.101 provides the safety criteria for launch and reentry
vehicles, with launch vehicles addressed in Sec. 450.101(a) and
reentry vehicles in Sec. 450.101(b). When the SLR2 final rule was
published, it inadvertently included a reference to ``launch vehicle''
in Sec. 450.101(b)(2). Given that Sec. 450.101(b) addresses risk
criteria for reentry vehicles, it is incorrect for this section to
reference the proposed flight of a launch vehicle. This rule changes
the phrase ``flight of a launch vehicle'' to ``deorbit of a reentry
vehicle'' in Sec. 450.101(b)(2). FAA intended for ``reentry vehicle''
to be used in Sec. 450.101(b)(2) but inadvertently used the term
``launch vehicle'' instead. Since the adoption of Sec. 450.101(b)(2),
FAA has applied the regulation to reentry vehicles as originally
intended. This correction will formally remedy the error and reduce the
risk of confusion.
D. Correction to Sec. 450.173(f), Mishap Plan--Reporting, Response,
and Investigation Requirements
Section 450.173(f) outlines the requirements for an applicant's
mishap plan, including reporting, response, and investigation
requirements. When the SLR2 final rule was published, FAA used the word
``preventative'' in the title of Sec. 450.173(f), but the word
``preventive'' in the text of Sec. 450.173(f). While both words can be
used interchangeably, FAA wants to ensure consistency and clarity in
its regulations. This change provides consistent usage by changing the
word ``preventive'' in the text of Sec. 450.173(f) to
``preventative,'' so that it matches the title of the subsection.
E. Correction to Sec. 450.207, Human Space Flight Requirements
Section 450.207 requires an applicant be in compliance with part
460 for licensees conducting launches or reentries with humans on
board. The regulation is currently written with ``spaceflight'' as one
word both in the title and in the text of Sec. 450.207. However,
``space flight'' is two words throughout the rest of part 450. In order
to be consistent throughout part 450, this rule changes ``spaceflight''
to
[[Page 70787]]
``space flight'' in both the title and text of Sec. 450.207.
F. Corrections to Part 460, Human Space Flight Requirements
Section 460.45 requires that an operator inform each space flight
participant in writing about the risks of the launch and reentry,
including the safety record of the launch or reentry vehicle type. In
the SLR2 final rule, FAA adopted a new definition of ``mishap'' for the
purposes of part 450. As part of this, FAA incorporated the prior
definitions of accident and incident into the new ``mishap''
definition. In addition, FAA updated the broader part 400 regulations
to remove the terms ``accident'' and ``incident'' from regulations that
applied to part 450 operations, because those terms were no longer
defined. However, FAA inadvertently failed to update Sec. 460.45(e) in
the SLR2 final rule. This rule corrects Sec. 460.45(e) by replacing
the phrase ``accidents and human space flight incidents'' with the
phrase ``events that meet any of paragraph (1), (4), (5), or (8) of the
definition of `mishap' in Sec. 401.7 of this chapter.'' This amendment
aligns the language of Sec. 460.45(e) with the defined terms
applicable to part 450.
G. Amendments to Authority Citations
Lastly, FAA is revising the authority citations for parts 413, 414,
450, and 460 from ``51 U.S.C. 50901-50923'' to 51 U.S.C. 509.'' The
Commercial Space Launch Act of 1984 (``CSLA''), Public Law 98-575,
authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to oversee, license, and
regulate commercial launch and reentry activities, and the operation of
launch and reentry sites. In 1994, the CSLA was codified at 49 U.S.C.
ch. 701 (see Pub. L. 103-272), which was subsequently transferred to 51
U.S.C. 509 in 2010 (see Pub. L. 111-314). At that time, Chapter 509
contained sections 50901 through 50923. In 2025, a new section 50924
was added to Chapter 509 by Public Law 119-21, commonly known as the
One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
FAA is amending the authority citations to account for this new
section. However, rather than updating the authority citations to state
the number of this new section (i.e., 51 U.S.C. 50901-50924), FAA has
determined that the authority citations should instead point to 51
U.S.C. 509. This change will prevent FAA from needing to update the
authority citations each time a new section is added to 51 U.S.C. 509.
V. Regulatory Notices and Analyses
A. Regulatory Impact Analysis
E.O. 12866 (``Regulatory Planning and Review'') and E.O. 13563
(``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review'') require agencies to
regulate in the ``most cost-effective manner,'' to make a ``reasoned
determination that the benefits of the intended regulation justify its
costs,'' and to develop regulations that ``impose the least burden on
society.'' The Office of Management and Budget has determined that this
rule is not a significant regulatory action as defined in section
(3)(f) of E.O. 12866. This final rule is considered an E.O. 14192
deregulatory action.
Table 1 lists the changes to each provision along with their
respective impacts. Because these are technical corrections addressing
typographical errors, clarifying regulatory text, and ensuring
consistency, there are no additional costs to industry and FAA.
Table 1--Regulatory Changes and Impact
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Provision Change Impact
------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 CFR 413.7(d)--Correct Safety Amends Sec. No impact.
Element Approval name. 413.7(d)(1)
through (d)(3),
by adding the
word ``element''
to the phrase
``safety
approval''.
14 CFR 414.43--Correction to Amends the No impact.
reference. reference to Sec.
414.37 in Sec.
414.43(c) by
changing it to
Sec. 414.41.
14 CFR 450.101--Correct error in Amends Sec. Small
Reentry Risk Criteria. 450.101(b)(2) by administrative
changing the cost savings
phrase ``flight because it
of a launch provides clarity
vehicle'' to to regulated
``deorbit of a entities. FAA
reentry vehicle''. will not have to
provide guidance
to clarify any
confusion from
regulated
entities.
14 CFR 450.173(f)--Correct Corrects Sec. No impact.
terminology in Mishap Plan. 450.173(f) by
changing the word
``preventive'' in
the sentence to
``preventative''.
14 CFR 450.207--Correct Corrects Sec. No impact.
terminology for consistency in 450.207 by
Human Space Flight Regulations. changing the word
``spaceflight''
to the phrase
``space flight''
to be consistent
with the rest of
the final rule.
14 CFR 460--Correct Mishap Corrects Sec. No impact.
terminology in Human Space 460.45(e) by
Flight Regulations. replacing the
phrase
``accidents and
human space
flight
incidents'' with
the phrase
``events that
meet any of
paragraph (1),
(4), (5), or (8)
of the definition
of `mishap' in
Sec. 401.7 of
this chapter''.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), in 5 U.S.C. 603, requires an
agency to prepare an initial regulatory flexibility analysis describing
impacts on small entities whenever 5 U.S.C. 553 or any other law
requires an agency to publish a general notice of proposed rulemaking
for any proposed rule. Similarly, 5 U.S.C. 604 requires an agency to
prepare a final regulatory flexibility analysis when an agency issues a
final rule under 5 U.S.C. 553 after that section or any other law
requires publication of a general notice of proposed rulemaking. FAA
concludes good cause exists to forgo notice and comment and to not
delay the effective date for this rule. As 5 U.S.C. 553 does not
require notice and comment in this situation, 5 U.S.C. 603 and 604
similarly do not require regulatory flexibility analyses.
C. International Trade Impact Assessment
The Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (Pub. L. 96-39), as amended by the
Uruguay Round Agreements Act (Pub. L. 103-465), prohibits Federal
agencies from establishing standards or engaging in related activities
that create unnecessary obstacles to the foreign commerce of the United
States. Pursuant to these Acts, the establishment of standards is not
considered an unnecessary obstacle to the foreign commerce of the
United States, so long as the standard has a legitimate domestic
objective, such as the protection of safety, and does not operate in a
manner that excludes imports that meet this objective. The statute also
requires consideration of
[[Page 70788]]
international standards and, where appropriate, that they be the basis
for U.S. standards.
FAA has assessed the potential effect of this rule and determined
it ensures the safety of the American public and does not exclude
imports that meet this objective. As a result, FAA does not consider
this rule as creating an unnecessary obstacle to foreign commerce.
D. Unfunded Mandates Assessment
The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538)
governs the issuance of Federal regulations that require unfunded
mandates. An unfunded mandate is a regulation that requires a State,
local, or Tribal government or the private sector to incur direct costs
without the Federal Government having first provided the funds to pay
those costs. FAA determined the rule will not result in the expenditure
of $193,000,000 or more ($100,000,000 adjusted for inflation using the
most current Implicit Price Deflator for the Gross Domestic Product) by
State, local, or Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or the private
sector, in any one year.
E. Paperwork Reduction Act
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)) requires
FAA consider the impact of paperwork and other information collection
burdens imposed on the public. FAA has determined there is no new
requirement for information collection associated with this final rule.
F. International Compatibility
In keeping with U.S. obligations under the Convention on
International Civil Aviation, it is FAA policy to conform to
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and
Recommended Practices to the maximum extent practicable. FAA has
determined there are no ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices that
correspond to these regulations.
G. Environmental Analysis
The Department has analyzed the environmental impacts of this final
rule pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA)
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). FAA has determined this rule is categorically
excluded pursuant to FAA Order 1050.1G. Categorical exclusions are
categories of actions FAA has determined normally do not significantly
affect the quality of the human environment and therefore do not
require either an environmental assessment (EA) or environmental impact
statement (EIS).1 In analyzing the applicability of a categorical
exclusion, FAA must also consider whether extraordinary circumstances
are present that would warrant the preparation of an EA or EIS.2 This
rulemaking, which makes minor nonsubstantive technical edits to FAA's
commercial space regulations, is categorically excluded pursuant to FAA
Order 1050.1G, Appendix B, Paragraph B-2.6(f), which categorically
excludes issuance of regulatory documents. FAA does not anticipate any
environmental impacts, and there are no extraordinary circumstances
present in connection with this rulemaking.
VI. E.O. Determinations
A. E.O. 13132, Federalism
FAA has analyzed this final rule under the principles and criteria
of E.O. 13132, Federalism. FAA has determined this action will not have
a substantial direct effect on the States, or the relationship between
the Federal Government and the States, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government, and,
therefore, will not have federalism implications.
B. E.O. 13175, Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments
Consistent with E.O. 13175, Consultation and Coordination with
Indian Tribal Governments,\5\ and FAA Order 1210.20, American Indian
and Alaska Native Tribal Consultation Policy and Procedures,\6\ FAA
ensures that Federally Recognized Tribes (Tribes) are given the
opportunity to provide meaningful and timely input regarding proposed
Federal actions that have the potential to have substantial direct
effects on one or more Tribes, on the relationship between the Federal
Government and Tribes, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Tribes; or to
affect uniquely or significantly their respective Tribes. At this
point, FAA has not identified any unique or significant effects,
environmental or otherwise, on Tribes resulting from this final rule.
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\5\ 65 FR 67249 (Nov. 6, 2000).
\6\ FAA Order No. 1210.20 (Jan. 28, 2004), available at
<a href="http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/1210.pdf">www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/1210.pdf</a>.
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C. E.O. 13211, Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use
FAA analyzed this final rule under E.O. 13211, Actions Concerning
Regulations that Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or
Use (May 18, 2001). FAA has determined it is not a ``significant energy
action'' under the E.O. and is not likely to have a significant adverse
effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy.
D. E.O. 13609, Promoting International Regulatory Cooperation
Executive Order 13609, Promoting International Regulatory
Cooperation, promotes international regulatory cooperation to meet
shared challenges involving health, safety, labor, security,
environmental, and other issues and to reduce, eliminate, or prevent
unnecessary differences in regulatory requirements. FAA has analyzed
this action under the policies and agency responsibilities of E.O.
13609 and has determined this action will have no effect on
international regulatory cooperation.
VII. Additional Information
A. Electronic Access and Filing
A copy of this final rule and all background material may be viewed
online at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> using the docket number listed above. A
copy of this final rule will be placed in the docket. Electronic
retrieval help and guidelines are available on the website. It is
available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. An electronic copy of
this document may also be downloaded from the Office of the Federal
Register's website at <a href="http://www.federalregister.gov">www.federalregister.gov</a> and the Government
Publishing Office's website at <a href="http://www.govinfo.gov">www.govinfo.gov</a>. A copy may also be
found on FAA's Regulations and Policies website at <a href="http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies">www.faa.gov/regulations_policies</a>.
Copies may also be obtained by sending a request to the Federal
Aviation Administration, Office of Rulemaking, ARM-1, 800 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591, or by calling (202) 267-9677.
Requesters must identify the docket or amendment number of this
rulemaking.
All documents FAA considered in developing this final rule,
including economic analyses and technical reports, may be accessed in
the electronic docket for this rulemaking.
B. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
The Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996
(Pub. L. 104-121, 110 Stat. 857, Mar. 29, 1996) requires FAA to comply
with small entity requests for information or advice about compliance
with statutes and regulations within its jurisdiction. A small entity
with questions regarding this document may contact its local FAA
official or the person listed under
[[Page 70789]]
the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT heading at the beginning of the
preamble. To find out more about SBREFA on the internet, visit
<a href="http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/sbre_act/">www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/sbre_act/</a>.
List of Subjects
14 CFR Part 413
Confidential business information, Space transportation and
exploration.
14 CFR Part 414
Airspace, Aviation safety, Space transportation and exploration.
14 CFR Part 450
Aircraft, Aviation safety, Environmental protection,
Investigations, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Space
transportation and exploration.
14 CFR Part 460
Aircraft, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Space
transportation and exploration.
The Amendments
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Federal Aviation
Administration amends chapter III of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations as follows:
PART 413--LICENSE APPLICATION PROCEDURES
0
1. The authority citation for part 413 is revised to read as follows:
Authority: 51 U.S.C. chapter 509.
0
2. Amend Sec. 413.7 by revising paragraph (d) to read as follows:
Sec. 413.7 Application submission.
* * * * *
(d) Safety element approval. If the applicant proposes to include a
safety element for which the FAA issued a safety element approval under
part 414 of this chapter in the proposed license activity, the
applicant must--
(1) Identify the safety element approval in the application and
explain the proposed use of the approved safety element.
(2) Show that the proposed use of the approved safety element is
consistent with the designated scope specified in the safety element
approval.
(3) Certify that the safety element will be used according to any
terms and conditions of the issued safety element approval.
* * * * *
PART 414--SAFETY ELEMENT APPROVALS
0
3. The authority citation for part 414 is revised to read as follows:
Authority: 51 U.S.C. chapter 509.
0
4. Amend Sec. 414.43 by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:
Sec. 414.43 Submissions; oral presentations in safety element
approval actions.
* * * * *
(c) Petitions must be filed as soon as practicable, but in no event
more than 30 days after issuance of decision or finding under Sec.
414.41.
PART 450--LAUNCH AND REENTRY LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
0
5. The authority citation for part 450 is revised to read as follows:
Authority: 51 U.S.C. chapter 509.
0
6. Amend Sec. 450.101 by revising the second sentence of paragraph
(b)(2) introductory text to read as follows:
Sec. 450.101 Safety criteria.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(2) * * * Public risk due to any other hazard associated with the
proposed deorbit of a reentry vehicle will be determined on a case-by-
case basis.
* * * * *
0
7. Amend Sec. 450.173 by revising paragraph (f) to read as follows:
Sec. 450.173 Mishap plan--reporting, response, and investigation
requirements.
* * * * *
(f) Preventative measures. An operator must identify and implement
preventative measures for avoiding recurrence of the mishap prior to
the next flight, unless otherwise approved by the Administrator.
* * * * *
0
8. Revise Sec. 450.207 to read as follows:
Sec. 450.207 Human space flight requirements.
A licensee conducting a launch or reentry with a human being on
board the vehicle must comply with human space flight requirements of
part 460 of this chapter as specified in a license or license order.
PART 460--HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT REQUIREMENTS
0
9. The authority citation for part 460 is revised to read as follows:
Authority: 51 U.S.C. chapter 509.
0
10. Amend Sec. 460.45 by revising paragraph (e) to read as follows:
Sec. 460.45 Operator informing space flight participant of risk.
* * * * *
(e) An operator must inform a space flight participant that he or
she may request additional information regarding any events that meet
any of paragraph (1), (4), (5), or (8) of the definition of ``mishap''
in Sec. 401.7 of this chapter.
* * * * *
Issued under authority provided by 49 U.S.C. 106(f), and 51
U.S.C. 50903-50924 in Washington, DC.
Bryan K. Bedford,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2026-22781 Filed 11-6-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on November 9, 2026.
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