Streamlined Launch and Reentry License Requirements

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Parts 401, 404, 413, 414, 415, 417, 420, 431, 433, 435, 437, 440, 450, and 460 [Docket No.: FAA-2019-0229; Amdt. No(s). 401-9; 404-7, 413-12, 414-4, 415-7, 417-6, 420-9, 431-7, 433-3, 435-5, 437-3, 440-5, 450-2, and 460-3] RIN 2120-AL17 AGENCY: FAA Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: This rule streamlines and increases flexibility in the FAA's commercial space launch and reentry regulations, and removes obsolete requirements. It consolidates and revises multiple regulatory parts and applies a single set of licensing and safety regulations across several types of operations and vehicles. The rule describes the requirements to obtain a vehicle operator license, the safety requirements, and the terms and conditions of a vehicle operator license. DATES: Effective date: This rule is effective March 10, 2021, except for amendatory instructions 3, 11, 17, 20, 27, 44 and 54, concerning §§ 401.5, 413.1, and 413.23, the removal of parts 415, 417, 431, and 435, and instructions 68 and 73 amending §§ 440.3 and 460.45, respectively, which are effective March 10, 2026. Compliance: Affected parties, however, are not required to comply with the information collection requirements in part 450 until the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approves the collection and assigns a control number under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.…