2025-21349Notice

Pilots, Weigh In: FAA's Flight Tool Gets Renewal Nod

Published Date: 11/28/2025

Notice

Summary

The FAA wants to keep using its Service Availability Prediction Tool (SAPT), which helps pilots check if their flight routes meet safety rules for navigation and surveillance. They’re asking for public feedback by January 27, 2026, to make sure the info they collect is useful and not too much work. This tool also lets pilots request special permission if their aircraft don’t fully meet certain equipment rules, keeping flights safe and smooth.

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.

FAA’s 2026 SAPT Transaction and Burden Estimates

FAA estimates 2026 transaction levels of: RAIM SAPT 3,792,901 automated transactions and ADS‑B SAPT 9,667,021 automated transactions; manual ADS‑B SAPT web form 18,102 transactions (~885 hours); ADAPT 4,823 transactions (~344 hours). ADS‑B SAPT manual entries take about 5 minutes each and ADAPT requests about 7 minutes each.

Pre‑flight Prediction Requirement for TSO‑C129

If your aircraft uses a TSO‑C129 (SA‑On) GPS receiver, the operator must run a pre‑flight prediction to check navigation availability before flying. You may use the FAA Service Availability Prediction Tool (SAPT) or an operator’s own prediction tool to meet this requirement.

Mandatory ADAPT for ADS‑B Deviation Authorization

If you need ATC authorization under 14 CFR 91.225(g) to fly in ADS‑B Out rule airspace without required ADS‑B equipage, you must submit an ADAPT request. ADAPT requires completing the ADS‑B SAPT analysis first and will collect contact details so FAA can reply with approval, rejection, or pending status.

Personal Data Collected for ADAPT Requests

The ADS‑B SAPT flight form collects an aircraft call sign but not personal ID. The ADAPT authorization form does collect personal contact information (name, telephone number, email) plus aircraft registry or ICAO address so FAA can respond to authorization requests.

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this regulation affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Key Dates

Published Date
Comments Due
11/28/2025
1/27/2026

Department and Agencies

Department
Independent Agency
Agency
Transportation Department
Federal Aviation Administration
Source: View HTML

Related Federal Register Documents

Previous / Next Documents

Back to Federal Register

Take It Personal

Get Your Personalized Policy View

Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.

Already have an account? Sign in