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FAA Recent Updates

This page lists recent regulatory and procedural updates that pilots should be aware of. Please refer to the FARs for further details or AOPA Legal Services for legal interpretations.

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Updated 01 MAR 2026.

BEAUROCRACY

  • CFI Certificates no longer expire after 01 DEC 2024.

    • You now need to demonstrate recency experience (same methods as before, pretty much).

    • You can also renew completing one phase of WINGS and conducting 15 flight actives for 5 different pilots.

    • There is a 3 month grace period to complete your FIRC.

    • Renewals at the FSDO must be in person. 

  • To endorse new CFI initial candidates there are new methods.

    • ​Complete a part 141 Flight Instructor Enhanced Qualification Training Program (FTEQTP)

    • In the past 2 years have endorsed at least 5 applicants with an 80% pass rate.

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REGULATORY

  • MOSAIC - Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification - see factsheet

    • Applies to sport pilot and light sport aircraft​

    • FAA will remove "LSA" from the regulations

      • Takeoff weight limit is removed​

      • Max airspeed is now 250 KCAS

      • Max Stall speed now 61 KCAS (with flaps), 45 KCAS (gliders with flaps)

      • Sport pilots can fly bigger more capable aircraft, but still limited to one passenger​​

      • In essence, center regs on pilot and NOT the aircraft! That's why LSA no longer exists

    • Started OCT 2025, followups in JUL 2026

    • Expands sport pilot privileges to fly more aircraft with less restrictions

    • New aircraft type: Simplified Flight Controls (SFC)

      • Requires model specific training​

      • CFI must have the make/model endorsement before teaching in an SFC

      • Automation actually controls the airplane. Pilot just specifies what they want the plane to do.

  • Aircraft Registration Expiration​​

    • Now valid for 7 years (starts 23 JAN 2023)​

    • Renewal grace period now 12 months

    • Airworthiness certificate becomes ineffective if registration is expired.

      • Still have 12 month grace period​​

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CHARTING

  • Skeletonizing - Removal of international foreign data on American charts.

    • Foreign countries do not provide charting updates to the FAA fast enough, causing confusion and obsolescence.

    • Canadian, Caribbean, Mexican airspace will only show major airport, NAVAIDs, airways, etc.​

    • If you fly abroad, you cannot use FAA charts, but the country's specific publications.

    • Applies to both VFR and IFR charts

  • Private Airfields on VFR Charts​

    • FAA will remove private airfields​ unless they are good landmarks for VFR flying.

    • Only applies to physical chart (PDF), not databases or moving maps.

    • Will take some time to implement.

  • Preferred Single Direction Airways on IFR charts

    • FAA depicts with arrows routes that are preferred to be in a single direction.​

  • Wind Turbine Farms on VFR Charts​

    • These are now depicted on the chart​

    • The highest obstacle elevation is posted in a box

    • Dotted blue outline and internal 45 deg cross hatched lines

  • Arrival Alert Notices (AAN)​

    • Airports that have confusing runways will now have depicted graphics and text in the chart supplement.​

    • AAN after the airport remarks

    • Will be in Special Notices of the chart supplement

 

REGULATORY

  • Commercial Balloon Pilot Medicals

    • For private use, no need for medical​

    • For compensation or hire (commercial), need a second class

      • As always there are exceptions (required crew not acting as PIC can be BasicMed), special medical flight test weirdness​

  • Pilots under BasicMed can now be safety pilots as required crew members not acting as PIC​​

  • Revised Advisory Circulars

    • AC 61-65K (the endorsement AC)

    • AC 61-146 (the sport pilot MOSAIC stuff, see above)

    • AC 61-97A (minimum equipment and inoperative stuff (read chapters 3-5)

    • AC 90-48E (Pilot's role in collision avoidance)

    • AC 90-66C (non-towered airport ops)

      • Back taxi​

      • Hotline complaint for safety stuff, violations, or other FAA problems

      • Joining the pattern from IAP in VMC conditions

    • AC 91-78A (EFBs)​

      • defines Electronic Flight Bag (EFB)

      • defines Portable Electronic Device (PED)

    • AC 61-98E (Currency Requirements)​

    • AC 120-78B (Electronic Signatures, Records, and Manuals)

  • ​TSA Awareness Training

    • Required for CFI every two years​

    • TSA vetting of foreign nationals for 5 years (not training event)

  • Powered Life Vehicle definition​

    • To a count for eVTOLS and stuff and their integration in the NAS​

    • Switched helicopter to rotorcraft in various places

  • Strong Emphasis on Commercial Operations

    • Too many PPLs doing illegal air charters​

    • Private Pilot Privileges

    • Commercial Pilot Privileges

    • Common Purpose AC

  • Dry-Lease Agreements​

    • Aircraft but no crew​

    • Watch for illegal air charters - see this poster

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