FAA Tweaks Sport Pilot Tests to Match New Safety Rules
Published Date: 9/14/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating the rules and test standards for sport pilots to match new safety regulations from the MOSAIC rule. This affects anyone training or testing to become a sport pilot, with changes taking effect October 14, 2026. The updates make the testing clearer and more consistent, with no extra costs expected for pilots.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Sport Pilot PTS Now Cover More Aircraft
The FAA updated three sport pilot Practical Test Standards to replace the term "light-sport aircraft" with "aircraft" so the PTS cover aircraft that meet the performance limits and design requirements in new section 61.316. This aligns the PTS with the MOSAIC changes (MOSAIC effective October 22, 2025; the light-sport definition remains in effect until July 24, 2026) and reflects expanded aircraft privileges for sport pilots and sport-pilot flight instructors.
Higher Minimum Recovery Altitude for Tests
For stalls and slow flight tasks in FAA-S-8081-29B (Airplane, Gyroplane, and Glider categories), the FAA raised the minimum recovery altitude from 1,000 feet AGL to 1,500 feet AGL. FAA adopted this change in the final rule based on comments and for risk mitigation during practical tests.
No New Applicant Costs; PTS Remain Free
The FAA states this rule imposes no new costs on applicants for initial certificates, ratings, or privileges and that the updated Practical Test Standards will remain freely available online for download. FAA expects only de minimis administrative costs to the agency.
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: 2026-18766, Expanded Examination Cycle for Certain Small Insured Depository Institutions and U.S. Branches and Agencies of Foreign Banks
Starting September 14, 2026, small banks and U.S. branches of foreign banks with less than $6 billion in assets can now enjoy longer breaks between on-site exams—18 months instead of the usual 12! This change means less hassle and more time to focus on serving customers, with no extra costs. The agencies want your thoughts by October 14, 2026, so speak up if you have ideas!
Next: 2026-18778, Review of the Commission's Assessment and Collection of Regulatory Fees for Fiscal Year 2026
The FCC has set the fees that companies must pay for using communication services in Fiscal Year 2026. If you’re a business in TV, radio, satellite, or other communication fields, these fees affect you, and you need to pay by September 24, 2026, to avoid extra charges. The new fee schedule is official starting September 14, 2026, so get ready to pay up on time!