The Federal Aviation Administration announced on May 18 that it has opened a public comment period for its draft Airport Improvement Program Handbook, known as FAA Order 5100.38E. Interested parties, including airport sponsors, state aviation offices, and consultants, have until Aug. 17 to submit their feedback on the proposed updates.
The draft handbook details how the agency would determine eligibility and funding for various airport projects under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). This includes airport planning efforts, airfield construction work, lighting systems, navigational aids (NAVAIDs), noise abatement programs, environmental initiatives, terminal development projects and other improvements funded by grants.
Among notable changes in the draft are provisions that incorporate recent guidance from FAA reauthorization into AIP policies. These include new rules affecting how airports plan and justify grant requests. The proposed updates introduce a limited runway-extension pilot program for certain general aviation airports that would not typically qualify under existing AIP standards. There is also a new category for legacy crosswind runways previously funded through AIP grants and language supporting airport-owned infrastructure for unleaded aviation gasoline and hydrogen fueling.
Additional revisions reflect updated requirements related to project timing and financing mechanisms such as Small Airport Letters of Intent. The handbook expands energy guidance to address supply redundancy issues, microgrid installations and anticipated increases in electrical demand at airports.
Other sections of the draft cover administrative aspects of AIP management like determining useful life of assets, cost allowability standards, project readiness assessments, environmental prerequisites before funding approval can be granted as well as processes for grant amendments, payment requests and final closeout procedures.
Public comments should reference docket FAA-2026-4006 when submitted.
