Federal Register #2026-20492

FAA airport-property release and powered-parachute certification petition; FMCSA driver sleeper-berth study

The U.S. Department of Transportation notices cover an FAA airport-property release and aircraft certification matter, plus an FMCSA driver-safety research study. - Government buyers: U.S. Department of Transportation, through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FAA airport-property notice concerns Santa Maria Public Airport District in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara County, California. - FAA property release: The FAA is considering the Santa Maria Public Airport District’s request to release approximately 35 acres of surplus property from aeronautical-use obligations. If approved, the property could be sold at fair market value for compatible non-aeronautical use; the notice also describes supporting airport purposes, including aeronautical improvements and maintenance. The FAA indicates the release would not affect future aviation needs and invites public comment. - FAA aircraft certification petition: POWRACHUTE, LLC, identified in connection with its POWRACHUTE aircraft, seeks a time-limited exemption while the FAA awaits acceptance of a corrected ASTM powered-parachute integration standard. The requested relief would allow newly manufactured aircraft to receive and retain light-sport special airworthiness certificates and qualifying kit-built powered parachutes to receive experimental certificates. - FMCSA research: A proposed study would involve approximately 256 commercial motor vehicle drivers and examine flexible sleeper-berth options, driver fatigue, driving performance, working conditions, quality of life, and safety under current hours-of-service rules and sleeper-berth exemptions. - Products, quantities, and vendors: No products are being purchased, and no product part numbers or purchase quantities are provided. POWRACHUTE, LLC is the only named manufacturer/vendor; the Santa Maria Public Airport District is the airport sponsor, not a product vendor.

Description

The Federal Aviation Administration is considering a request from the Santa Maria Public Airport District to release approximately 35 acres of surplus airport property from the requirement that it be used for aeronautical purposes. If approved, the property could be disposed of by sale at fair market value for compatible non-aeronautical use. The notice invites public comments, which must be received by November 6, 2026. The FAA states that the release would not impact future aviation needs at the airport.

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