Introduction
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on December 8, 2025, in the Federal Register, proposing revisions to airman certification regulations under 14 CFR part 61. This action aims to incorporate updated practical test standards (PTS) for sport pilots and flight instructors with sport pilot ratings. The updates address inconsistencies arising from the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) final rule, published on July 24, 2025, which expands sport pilot privileges by allowing operations of larger and more varied aircraft. By replacing outdated references to 'light-sport aircraft' and aligning testing requirements with new operational limits in section 61.316, the proposal seeks to prevent confusion and ensure safety in pilot certification. This development is significant as it supports the FAA's goal of modernizing certification standards to enhance aviation safety and accessibility without imposing new costs.
Background and Regulatory Context
The MOSAIC final rule represents a major overhaul of light-sport aircraft regulations, effective 90 days after its publication, with some provisions delayed up to 365 days. It removes the definition of 'light-sport aircraft' from section 1.1 and introduces new performance and design requirements in section 61.316, allowing sport pilots to operate aircraft with higher speeds, more seats, and advanced features like controllable-pitch propellers. As stated in the NPRM, 'The performance limits and design requirements in Sec. 61.316 expand the aircraft that sport pilots and flight instructors with a sport pilot rating may operate, therefore necessitating revisions to the sport pilot PTS to reflect those expanded aircraft privileges.'
This proposal builds on the 2024 final rule incorporating airman certification standards (ACS) and PTS by reference into part 61, creating a centralized section 61.14 for these materials. The NPRM targets three specific PTS: FAA-S-8081-29A for airplane, gyroplane, and glider categories; FAA-S-8081-30A for lighter-than-air category; and FAA-S-8081-31A for powered parachute and weight-shift-control categories. These documents, currently incorporated in section 61.14(a)(12)-(14), contain references to the soon-to-be-removed 'light-sport aircraft' definition, creating potential conflicts with MOSAIC's expanded privileges.
Key players include the FAA's General Aviation and Commercial Division, led by contacts like Ethan Argenbright, and stakeholders such as sport pilots, flight instructors, and aviation organizations. The proposal draws authority from 49 U.S.C. sections 106(f), 40113, 44701-44703, emphasizing the FAA's mandate to promote aviation safety.
Key Proposed Changes to PTS and Regulations
The NPRM outlines non-substantive updates to the PTS to eliminate references to 'light-sport aircraft' and replace them with 'aircraft' or 'aircraft meeting the requirements in Sec. 61.316.' This ensures testing standards reflect MOSAIC's broader operational scope. For instance, in PTS FAA-S-8081-29A, revisions include aligning proficiency checks for adding airplane privileges with section 61.321(b), requiring a practical test instead of a proficiency check for single-engine land or sea classes.
Additional edits correct terminology, such as changing 'Sport Pilot Flight Instructor' to 'Flight Instructors with a Sport Pilot Rating' to match part 61 subpart K, and replacing specific examiner titles with the general 'pilot examiner' per section 183.23. The NPRM also proposes adding references like '14 CFR part 73 Special Use Airspace' and updating acronyms, such as reverting 'Notice to Air Missions' to 'Notice to Airmen' per FAA Order 7930.2T.
Regulatory amendments include updating section 61.14(a) and appendix A to part 61 with new PTS titles, version letters (from 'A' to 'B'), and publication dates. These changes, as noted in the NPRM, 'will reduce confusion between 'light-sport aircraft' defined in Sec. 1.1, which will be removed upon effectivity of the MOSAIC final rule, and future light-sport category aircraft.'
Implications and Perspectives
In the short term, the proposal facilitates a smooth transition to MOSAIC's framework by preventing regulatory conflicts that could arise when the 'light-sport aircraft' definition is removed. Applicants for sport pilot certificates or additional privileges will benefit from clearer standards, potentially reducing errors in practical tests and proficiency checks. The NPRM estimates no costs to stakeholders, as testing processes remain unchanged, and PTS are freely available online. FAA incurs only minimal costs for document updates.
Long-term implications include enhanced safety through expanded training opportunities in more capable aircraft, aligning with MOSAIC's benefits like stronger airframes and additional safety equipment. However, perspectives vary: aviation safety advocates may welcome the alignment for consistency, while some instructors might express concerns over initial adaptation to updated materials. The NPRM highlights benefits such as 'increased safety from allowing sport pilots to train, test, and fly with larger and more varied aircraft,' without quantified metrics, reflecting a qualitative focus.
No legal precedents are directly cited, but the proposal adheres to Administrative Procedure Act requirements for incorporation by reference under 1 CFR part 51, ensuring materials are reasonably available.
Conclusion
This NPRM underscores the FAA's commitment to adaptive regulation in response to evolving aviation needs. By aligning PTS with MOSAIC, it promotes safer and more inclusive sport piloting. Potential next steps include public comments due by January 7, 2026, followed by a final rule. Ongoing debates may center on implementation timelines and further expansions in pilot privileges, with challenges in ensuring all stakeholders access updated standards seamlessly.
