The Texas Airports Council would like to update our members and sponsors on recent changes to the FAA’s Compliance and Enforcement Program. The FAA has issued Change 13 to FAA Order 2150.3C, which is now in effect and establishes a strengthened enforcement posture toward non-compliant unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations.
The updated order introduces a special emphasis enforcement program targeting UAS activities that endanger the public, violate established airspace restrictions, or further criminal activity. This change applies to all FAA personnel responsible for investigating and processing statutory or regulatory violations involving UAS.
The revised policy replaces earlier guidance that focused primarily on certificated remote pilots and now broadens enforcement expectations across all unauthorized or unsafe UAS operations. The update also incorporates Compliance & Enforcement Bulletin 2026 1, which directs the FAA to pursue legal enforcement action when UAS operations create unacceptable risk to the National Airspace System.
TAC encourages airport sponsors, operators, and industry partners to review the updated order to remain informed of evolving federal enforcement priorities and to ensure local policies and procedures reflect the FAA’s current approach to UAS oversight.
The FAA’s proposed rule to normalize Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations remains in the rulemaking phase, with the most recent major action being the publication of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on August 7, 2025. The proposal was jointly issued by the FAA and TSA and published in the Federal Register as part of a broad regulatory package covering multiple CFR parts.
Following publication, the FAA opened a public comment period that closed in late 2025. The proposal generated more than 3,000 comments, reflecting significant industry engagement and concern over several key issues, including right of way rules, detect and avoid requirements, and the integration of electronic conspicuity technologies.
The FAA subsequently reopened a portion of the comment period to gather additional input specifically on electronic conspicuity (EC) and right of way provisions, signaling that these areas require further refinement before the rule can advance. The reopened comment period closed on February 11.
At this time, the rule remains in the NPRM stage, and the FAA has not yet issued a final rule or timeline for adoption. The agency continues to evaluate public comments and technical considerations as it works toward a regulatory framework that supports safe, scalable BVLOS operations.
TAC encourages airport sponsors, operators, and industry partners to review FAA requests and submit comments as appropriate. The outcome of this rulemaking will have implications for airspace integration, airport operations, and future UAS activity across Texas.
The Texas Airports Council would like to inform our members and sponsors that the 2026 edition of NFPA 409: Standard on Aircraft Hangars has been released, introducing several important updates that will influence hangar design, construction, and fire protection requirements across the aviation industry.
The revised standard provides greater clarity, flexibility, and cost efficiency for general aviation hangar owners and operators while maintaining a strong emphasis on safety. These updates reflect years of industry input and align the standard with current operational practices and aircraft design considerations.
Key Changes in the 2026 Edition
These updates may influence local code adoption, hangar development planning, and compliance considerations for airport sponsors and operators. TAC encourages all members, airport managers, consultants, and stakeholders to review the 2026 edition to ensure alignment with evolving fire protection and design requirements.
The Texas Airports Council would like to inform our members, partners, and sponsors that the Federal Aviation Administration has issued Order 5190.6C, the newly updated Airport Compliance Manual. This revision replaces the previous version, Order 5190.6B, along with all associated changes and supplements.
Order 5190.6C provides updated policies and procedures governing the FAA’s Airport Compliance Program. The manual serves as a key resource for ensuring consistent interpretation of federal requirements and guiding FAA personnel as they assist airport sponsors that receive federal funding or federally conveyed property.
This comprehensive update incorporates public comments dating back to the 2009 revision and reflects statutory changes included in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. The revised guidance addresses several areas that directly influence operational and business decisions at federally obligated airports, including:
TAC encourages all airport sponsors, consultants, and industry stakeholders to review the updated manual to ensure continued alignment with federal compliance expectations and to remain informed of policy changes that may affect airport operations and development. FAA Order 5190.6C can be found here: FAA Airport Compliance Manual - Order 5190.6C – Airports | Federal Aviation Administration
The TAC Board of Directors are excited to share several new and existing benefits provided to our TAC members. If you are currently a member, you can take advantage of these benefits immediately. If you are not a member, I would encourage you to become a member of TAC and begin to not only receive these benefits, but also having access to numerous airport professionals to assist you in your day-to-day work. We are committed to continuing to enhance our membership benefits and taking TAC to the next level!
Legislative Advocacy – With the change in our 501(c) status, TAC has begun its long-awaited legislative advocacy efforts. We have created a Legislative Advocacy page that provides the ability to find your state and federal representatives, as well as indicates TAC’s legislative priorities.
Legislative Update – Both state and federal legislation has been in full play over that past several months. The Legislative Update page has been added to provide the latest information on the various bills and their status.
Mobile App – For those that like to have access to TAC on the run, we have provided a link to access the mobile app for iOS or Android phones.
Airport 101s – The Education Committee is working on setting up both live and online Airport 101s. Please stay tuned for more information.
TAC Talk - Monthly airport manager zoom meetings to discuss and find solutions to our everyday issues. This meeting is restricted to Airport Executive members only in order to allow an open and free discussion amongst colleagues.
Job’s Board – Our website now includes a free to use Job’s Board to post employment opportunities. Anyone can post employment opportunities and individuals can post their resumes as well.
ANTN Access - TAC is pleased to provide our members with access to the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Airport News and Training Network (ANTN) for on-demand video training at no additional costs, its part of your TAC membership!
Events – If you are having an event at your airport or a conference that is not listed on the Events page, send detailed information, including copy of flyers or graphics, to admin@texasairportscouncil.org so that it can be added.
As always, if there is anything TAC can assist you with all you have to do is ask, so please feel free to email us at admin@texasairportscouncil.org. We are all here to support one another in our efforts in providing professional airport management.
Scott T. Gray, C.M., C.A.E.
President, Texas Airports Council
TAC has been tracking several aviation related bills during this legislative session and has created a Legislative Updates page to share what we know. This page will be updated periodically as we hear of changes. We are also tracking the proposed increase to TxDOT Aviation funding and how that will affect airports across the state.
Additionally, we are tracking the FAA Reauthorization process between the House and Senate and will provide those updates on our Legislative Updates page as well.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding legislative issues, please reach out to our Gary Davis, Legislative Committee Chair.
The TAC Board of Directors were working hard today at the 4th quarter meeting at the Draughon-Miller Center Texas Regional Airport. Special thanks to Sean Parker for hosting us! More to come on the exciting things to come this year!!!
As many of you may have experienced in the past, the Texas Airports Council (TAC) has changed our official address as new Treasurers were elected. To make it easier for our members to remit payments or contact TAC, we have just initiated a new "permanent" TAC address:
Texas Airports Council 3571 Far West Blvd, #3747 Austin, TX 78731
All correspondence and payments can begin using this address immediately. If you are remitting payments to TAC via check, please notify your accounting department of this new address so as not to delay activation of your membership.
THE 2023 AIRPORT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD
IS PRESENTED BY THE
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
AVIATION DIVISION
TO
ROBERT VARGAS, AIRPORT MANAGER
ANDREWS COUNTY AIRPORT
ANDREWS, TEXAS
**************************************************************
THE 2023 MOST IMPROVED AIRPORT AWARD
GRANBURY REGIONAL AIRPORT
GRANBURY, TEXAS
THE 2023 STATE AIRPORT OF THE YEAR AWARD
TRADEWIND AIRPORT
AMARILLO, TEXAS
***********************************************************
THE 2023 PROJECT OF THE YEAR AWARD IN THE
NATIONAL/REGIONAL AIRPORT CATEGORY
CLEBURNE REGIONAL AIRPORT
CLEBURNE, TEXAS
LOCAL/ BASIC AIRPORT CATEGORY
HUNTSVILLE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS
*************************************************************
THE 2023 RAMP COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
IS PRESENTED BY
THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
OMAR GARCIA
CORPUS CHRISTI DISTRICT
THE 2023 AVIATION EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
MR. STEWARD BAILEY
TAC conducted the General Membership Meeting on April 13 at the Texas Aviation Conference. During that meeting, the election of officers and Board positions were conducted. Please take a moment and visit
We will be making appointments to the Committee Chair positions in the near future, but to be successful we need TAC members to volunteer to be on those Texas Airports Council - Committees to help guide TAC moving forward. If you are interested in participating on a committee, please reach out to myself or the Committee Chair.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are excited about the future and look forward to working with all of our members to ensure General Aviation Airports are well represented and educated on how to be the best airports in the country.
Texas Airports Council c/o Ty Helton3571 Far West Blvd, #3747 Austin, TX 78731
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