Sport Pilots' Tests Get a Rulebook Refresh
Published Date: 12/8/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to update the rules and test standards for sport pilots to match new safety and certification changes from the MOSAIC rule. This affects anyone training or testing to become a sport pilot, making the process clearer and more up-to-date. Comments on these changes are open until January 7, 2026, with no extra costs expected for pilots.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Sport pilots may operate more aircraft
If you are training or testing to become a sport pilot or are a flight instructor with a sport pilot rating, the FAA proposes updating the sport pilot Practical Test Standards (PTS) to reflect new performance limits and design requirements in Sec. 61.316. The MOSAIC final rule (published July 24, 2025) and Sec. 61.316 expand the aircraft sport pilots may operate, and the PTS revisions would align testing standards with those expanded privileges.
Adding airplane privileges requires a practical test
FAA proposes to revise the sport pilot PTS so that adding airplane single-engine (land or sea) privileges to a sport pilot or flight instructor with a sport pilot rating is aligned with MOSAIC requirements to require successful completion of a practical test. The proposal reflects that Secs. 61.321(b) and 61.419(e) (as adopted in MOSAIC) require a practical test rather than just a proficiency check for those airplane privileges.
FAA expects no costs for pilots or applicants
The FAA states it expects no costs to stakeholders, applicants for initial certificates, ratings, or privileges, or existing airmen from the proposed PTS updates, and only minimal costs to the agency to revise and upload the PTS. The FAA requests comments and states the updated PTS will be made available online; comments are due by January 7, 2026.
PTS wording changed to reduce confusion
The FAA proposes to remove references to the term "light-sport aircraft" in the three sport pilot PTS and replace them with "aircraft" or "aircraft meeting the requirements in Sec. 61.316" to avoid confusion after the MOSAIC final rule removes the definition in Sec. 1.1. This change is intended to prevent conflicts between the PTS and the MOSAIC rule and improve clarity for testers and applicants.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2025-04846, Extension of the Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Territory and Airspace of Libya
The FAA is extending the ban on certain flights over Libya for three more years, until March 20, 2028. This affects U.S. airlines, commercial operators, and pilots with FAA certificates flying in Libyan airspace, due to ongoing safety risks. The rule also reminds everyone how to apply for special approvals or exemptions if needed.
2025-03853, Enforcement Policy Regarding “Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States; Correction”
The FAA is giving repair stations outside the U.S. a break by delaying enforcement of new drug and alcohol testing rules until March 20, 2025. This means affected repair stations don’t have to worry about penalties if they aren’t fully following the updated rules just yet. The delay helps everyone get ready without rushing or extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22175, Safety Zone; Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Project, Hampton/Norfolk, VA
The Coast Guard is setting up temporary safety zones around the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel in Norfolk and Hampton, VA, to keep boats and people safe during the expansion project. These zones will block unauthorized vessels from entering certain waters until the project wraps up. If you’re on the water nearby, expect some new rules starting soon, and make sure to share your thoughts by December 22, 2025!
Next: 2025-22226, Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Framework Adjustment 69
Fishermen and fish lovers in the Northeast, listen up! New rules are proposed to protect fish like cod and others by setting catch limits and updating fishing rules to keep fish populations healthy. These changes aim to stop overfishing and help fish bounce back, with public comments open until January 7, 2026.