FAA Proposes Updating Aviation Weather Rules to Remove Outdated National Weather Service Reference

The Federal Aviation Administration is proposing to update its aviation regulations to remove outdated references to the National Weather Service. Current rules require pilots and airlines to use weather reports from the NWS or a source it approves. The NWS stopped providing those specific weather observations over a decade ago, transferring the responsibility to the FAA. The proposed rule simply updates the text to reflect that reality.

Why it matters: This is mostly an administrative cleanup that removes regulations no longer matching how the government actually works. By updating the rules to point to the FAA instead of a defunct process, it reduces paperwork for airlines and pilots who want to use approved third-party weather data. It does not change safety standards or weather forecasting requirements.

Who it affects

• Commercial airlines and charter operators

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This proposed rule was published by the Federal Aviation Administration in the Federal Register; you should review the full document and comment period before relying on it.

Agency: Transportation Department, Federal Aviation Administration
Source: Federal Register — read the official document