The Federal Aviation Administration published a final rule on September 14, 2026, officially aligning airman testing standards with new regulatory requirements for sport pilots. The agency incorporated three updated sport pilot practical test standards by reference into the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). This move brings airman certification materials into compliance with the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) final rule, which governs the certification of sport pilots and the operation of light-sport category aircraft.
The Federal Register document 2026-18776 outlines these changes under Docket No. FAA-2025-3519. The rule amends Part 61 of Title 14 CFR, which covers pilot certification. The FAA also updated the practical test standards to improve airman certification standard materials. The incorporation by reference of the relevant publications was approved by the Director of the Federal Register on the same date.
These adjustments ensure that testing standards reflect the latest regulatory shifts in light-sport aircraft operations. The rule took effect on the day it was published, September 14, 2026.
Summary written for CheckAero from the official document. It is not legal advice; read the full text before acting.