Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification

Abstract

FAA is amending rules for the manufacture, certification, operation, maintenance, and alteration of light-sport aircraft. The amendments enable enhancements in safety and performance and increase privileges under a number of sport pilot and light-sport aircraft rules. These enhancements include increasing suitability for flight training, limited aerial work, and personal travel. This final rule expands what aircraft sport pilots may operate. This final rule also amends the special purpose operations for restricted category aircraft; amends the duration, eligible purposes, and operating limitations for experimental aircraft; and adds operating limitations applicable to experimental aircraft engaged in space support vehicle flights to codify statutory language.

Action & Dates

Action: Final rule.
Dates: This final rule is effective October 22, 2025, except for amendatory instructions 3, 8, 9, 13, 15, 17, 21, 23 through 26, 71, 72, 75, 76, and 80, which are effective July 24, 2026.
Effective Date: 2025-10-22

CFR References

14 CFR Part 1 14 CFR Part 21 14 CFR Part 22 14 CFR Part 36 14 CFR Part 43 14 CFR Part 45 14 CFR Part 61 14 CFR Part 65 14 CFR Part 91 14 CFR Part 119 14 CFR Part 147

Topics

Administrative practice and procedureAgricultureAir carriersAir taxisAir traffic controlAir traffic controllersAir transportationAircraftAirmenAirportsAviation safetyEducational facilitiesExportsImportsIncorporation by referenceNoise controlRecreation and recreation areasReporting and recordkeeping requirementsSchoolsSigns and symbolsTeachersTransportationVoluntary standards

Document Excerpt

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Parts 1, 21, 22, 36, 43, 45, 61, 65, 91, 119, and 147 [Docket No. FAA-2023-1377; Amdt. Nos. 1-80, 21-109, 22-1, 36-55, 43-63, 45-32, 61-159, 65-66, 91-381, 119-22, and 147-10] RIN 2120-AL50 AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: FAA is amending rules for the manufacture, certification, operation, maintenance, and alteration of light-sport aircraft. The amendments enable enhancements in safety and performance and increase privileges under a number of sport pilot and light-sport aircraft rules. These enhancements include increasing suitability for flight training, limited aerial work, and personal travel. This final rule expands what aircraft sport pilots may operate. This final rule also amends the special purpose operations for restricted category aircraft; amends the duration, eligible purposes, and operating limitations for experimental aircraft; and adds operating limitations applicable to experimental aircraft engaged in space support vehicle flights to codify statutory language. DATES: This final rule is effective October 22, 2025, except for amendatory instructions 3, 8, 9, 13, 15, 17, 21, 23 through 26, 71, 72, 75, 76, and 80, which are effective July 24, 2026. The incorporation by reference of certain material listed in this final rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of October 22, 2025. ADDRESSES: For info…

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Citation: 90 FR 35034