The Scissortail Brief | Week of Feb 1 - 8
Overview
The first full week of February delivered a wide range of developments across business aviation, touching regulation, operations, security, technology, infrastructure, and safety. From FAA funding uncertainty to finalized equipment rules, from special event airspace constraints to early findings in a fatal accident investigation, the period from Feb. 1 through yesterday kept operators, flight departments, and service providers paying close attention.
Scissortail continues to track these developments closely, pulling together the key updates that shape day-to-day operations so you don’t have to sift through every release, advisory, and headline on your own.
FAA Funding Developments
The week began with renewed attention on federal funding as the FAA prepared contingency plans in response to the risk of a partial government shutdown. Internal planning documents showed that if funding expired, more than 10,000 FAA employees could have been furloughed. While air traffic control services and other safety-critical functions would have continued, a lapse would have affected certification activity, administrative functions, and portions of regulatory oversight.
The uncertainty was short-lived. Later in the week, Congress approved an FAA budget totaling approximately $12 billion, removing the shutdown threat and allowing agency operations to continue without interruption. While the funding resolution restored stability, the brief episode served as a reminder of how closely regulatory continuity is tied to broader federal budget negotiations.
Cockpit Voice Recorder Rule Finalized
One of the most significant regulatory developments during the reporting period was the FAA’s finalization of its updated cockpit voice recorder requirement. Under the new rule, newly manufactured aircraft that are already subject to CVR equipage requirements must be equipped with recorders capable of retaining 25 hours of audio data. This replaces the long-standing two-hour standard.
The expanded recording duration is intended to preserve critical flight deck audio following an accident or incident, particularly in cases where recovery of the aircraft may be delayed. The rule applies based on aircraft type and operating authority, with compliance timelines phased in over time. Manufacturers, operators, and completion centers are now reviewing certification paths and production schedules to account for the new standard.
Runway Performance Planning Guidance
During the week, the FAA issued guidance addressing runway performance planning and data accuracy. The agency reminded pilots and operators to rely exclusively on FAA-published Chart Supplement declared distance data when calculating takeoff and landing performance. The guidance cautioned against using third-party runway length sources or attempting to independently calculate declared distances.
The FAA emphasized that declared distances account for runway-specific factors such as displaced thresholds, stopways, and clearways, and that inconsistent data sources can lead to incorrect performance assumptions. The guidance applies across all operating rules and aircraft categories and reinforces the agency’s ongoing focus on runway safety.
North Atlantic CPDLC Advisory
International operators received additional direction related to datalink operations in the North Atlantic. An FAA Information for Operators released during the reporting period addressed ongoing issues with CPDLC route uplinks, particularly within Gander airspace.
According to the advisory, recurring errors and confusion among flight crews have been observed, including incorrect responses to uplinks and misunderstandings of system behavior. As discussions continue around broader use of route uplinks in the region, the FAA encouraged operators conducting transatlantic flights to review procedures, verify crew training, and ensure flight crews are comfortable managing datalink workload in oceanic airspace.
REAL ID Enforcement Updates
Security procedures also continued to evolve during the first week of February. TSA implemented an identity verification option for passengers who arrive at the airport without REAL ID compliant identification. Under the process, travelers can submit additional personal information and pay a fee to attempt identity verification prior to travel.
For business aviation operators, the applicability of the option is limited. The identity verification process does not apply to flights operating under the Twelve Five Standard Security Program or the DCA Access Standard Security Program. As a result, many charter and corporate operators remain subject to stricter ID requirements, particularly for flights involving enhanced security protocols.
Super Bowl LX Airspace Restrictions
Special event planning was a major operational focus during the reporting period as Super Bowl LX approached. Slot reservation programs were implemented across multiple San Francisco Bay Area airports, covering arrivals, departures, and drop-and-go operations.
The restrictions apply to both IFR and VFR flights, a detail that continues to catch some operators by surprise during large-scale events. Airport-specific reservation procedures, operating windows, and parking limitations were all in effect throughout the event window, requiring advance coordination and careful planning for operators supporting Super Bowl-related travel.
Aircraft and Avionics Developments
Several notable aircraft and avionics updates emerged during the week. Honda Aircraft received FAA certification for Emergency Autoland on the HondaJet Elite II. The system is designed to automatically take control of the aircraft and execute a landing at a suitable airport in the event of pilot incapacitation.
The certification marks the first approval of Emergency Autoland on a production twin-turbine very light jet. While the approval applies to FAA operations, international certifications are still pending, and operators flying internationally will need to account for regional approval status.
ForeFlight also released an update adding real-world performance modeling for Tamarack-equipped Citation CJ aircraft. The new modeling allows operators to plan flights using performance data that reflects active winglet operation, rather than relying solely on standard book values. The update is intended to provide more accurate estimates for climb performance, cruise efficiency, and fuel burn.
Airport and FBO Activity
On the infrastructure side, Sugar Land Regional Airport near Houston joined the Avfuel branded dealer network through its city-owned GlobalSelect FBO. The addition expands branded fuel availability at the airport and supports continued growth in business and international aviation activity in the Houston region.
The move aligns with broader efforts by secondary and reliever airports to enhance service offerings and prepare for increased demand tied to major regional and international events over the next several years.
Accident Investigation Update
The most serious development of the week came from the accident investigation front. The NTSB released preliminary information related to the Citation II crash that killed Greg Biffle. According to investigators, the right-seat pilot was not qualified as a second in command at the time of the accident.
The investigation remains ongoing, with reported anomalies before and after departure under review. While preliminary findings do not determine probable cause, the disclosure regarding crew qualification has already drawn attention within the industry, particularly among operators reviewing training standards, crew pairing practices, and compliance oversight.
Industry Engagement and Events
Despite a heavy news cycle, industry engagement remained strong. NBAA reported solid attendance at its 2026 Leadership Conference, noting a significant percentage of first-time attendees alongside broad representation from across the business aviation community.
The association highlighted continued interest in leadership development, advocacy, and operational education as it moves forward with a full slate of events and initiatives throughout 2026.
Blue Skies!
This week, the business aviation landscape reflected a steady pace of regulatory action, operational guidance, safety oversight, and industry activity. The developments of the past week touched nearly every aspect of operations, from flight planning and equipment requirements to security procedures and accident investigation.
Scissortail will continue monitoring these updates and bringing the most relevant developments together in one place, helping operators stay informed without needing to track every individual release as February moves forward.
