Atlas / Federal Register / 2025-13972
Federal Register · Final Rule
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.
Full text
28 paragraphs · 363 words.
[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 140 (Thursday, July 24, 2025)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 35034-35222] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2025-13972]
[[Page 35033]]
Vol. 90
Thursday,
No. 140
July 24, 2025
Part III
Department of Transportation
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Federal Aviation Administration
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14 CFR Parts 1, 21, et al.
Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification; Final Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 90 , No. 140 / Thursday, July 24, 2025 / Rules and Regulations
[[Page 35034]]
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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
Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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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 information on where to obtain copies of rulemaking documents and other information related to this final rule, see section VII of this document.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical questions concerning this action, contact James Newberger, Aircraft Certification Service (AIR-632), Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20591, telephone (202) 267-1636; email faa.gov">[email protected].
Verbatim from the Federal Register. The agency's published document is the authoritative source. federalregister.gov ↗