Plain English Meaning
The official set of steps the FAA must take whenever it wants to add a new rule, change an existing one, or get rid of one. The public gets a chance to comment before the rule becomes law.
Full Definition
The formal procedure the FAA follows to create, change, or remove a federal aviation regulation. It typically involves publishing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register, accepting public comments, reviewing those comments, and then issuing a final rule that becomes part of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Context Anchor
Seen when reading about how certain special use airspace is established, changed, or removed.
Derivation
From 'rule' (a fixed regulation) plus 'making' (the act of producing). The phrase emphasizes that rules are not simply declared -- they are built through a defined, public process.
Why Pilots Care
Major changes to airspace, certification, or go through this process. Pilots and organizations can submit comments during an NPRM, which is the formal opportunity to influence a rule before it takes .