Document ID: FAA-2007-29015-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Certification of Aircraft and Airmen for the Operation of Light- Sport Aircraft; Modifications to Rules for Sport Pilots and Flight Instructors With a Sport Pilot Rating
Posted Date: 2008-04-15T04:00Z

[Federal Register: April 15, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 73)]
[Proposed Rules]               
[Page 20181-20201]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr15ap08-20]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Parts 43, 61, 91, and 141

[Docket No. FAA-2007-29015; Notice No. 08-03]
RIN 2120-AJ10

 
Certification of Aircraft and Airmen for the Operation of Light-
Sport Aircraft; Modifications to Rules for Sport Pilots and Flight 
Instructors With a Sport Pilot Rating

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to amend its rules for sport pilots and 
flight instructors with a sport pilot rating. The FAA believes these 
changes are necessary to address airman certification issues that have 
arisen since regulations for the operation of light-sport aircraft were 
implemented. These changes would align the certification requirements 
for sport pilots and flight instructors with a sport pilot rating with 
those requirements currently applicable to other airmen certificates.

DATES: Send your comments on or before August 13, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments identified by docket number FAA 2007-
29015 using any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://
www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Send comments to the Docket Management Facility; 
U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.

[[Page 20182]]

     Hand Delivery or Courier: Bring comments to the Docket 
Management Facility in Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor 
at 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: Fax comments to the Docket Management Facility at 
202-493-2251.
    For more information on the rulemaking process, see the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document.
    Privacy: We will post all comments we receive, without change, to 
http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. Using the search function of our docket Web site, anyone can 
find and read the electronic form of all comments received into any of 
our dockets, including the name of the individual sending the comment 
(or signing the comment for an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you 
may visit http://DocketsInfo.dot.gov.
    Docket: To read background documents or comments received, go to 
http://www.regulations.gov at any time and follow the online 
instructions for accessing the docket. Or, go to the Docket Management 
Facility in Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical questions concerning 
this proposed rule, contact Larry L. Buchanan, Light-Sport Aviation 
Branch, AFS-610, Regulatory Support Division, Flight Standards Service, 
Federal Aviation Administration, 6500 South MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma 
City, OK 73169; telephone (405) 954-6400; Mailing address: Light-Sport 
Aviation Branch, AFS-610; P.O. Box 25082; Oklahoma City, OK 73125.
    For legal questions concerning this proposed rule, contact Paul 
Greer, Regulations Division, AGC-200, Federal Aviation Administration, 
800 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267-
3073.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Later in this preamble under ``VI. 
Additional Information,'' we discuss how you can comment on this 
proposal and how we will handle your comments. Included in this 
discussion is related information about the docket, privacy, and the 
handling of proprietary or confidential business information. We also 
discuss how you can get a copy of this proposal and related rulemaking 
documents.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    The FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety is found in 
Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I, Section 106 describes 
the authority of the FAA Administrator, including the authority to 
issue, rescind, and revise regulations. Subtitle VII, Aviation 
Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency's authority.
    This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Chapter 447--Safety Regulation. Under section 
44701, the FAA is charged with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft 
in air commerce by prescribing regulations necessary for safety. Under 
section 44703, the FAA issues an airman certificate to an individual 
when we find, after investigation, that the individual is qualified 
for, and physically able to perform the duties related to, the position 
authorized by the certificate. In this NPRM, the FAA is proposing to 
amend the training, qualification, certification, and operating 
requirements for sport pilots and flight instructors with a sport pilot 
rating.
    These changes are intended to ensure that these airmen have the 
training and qualifications necessary to enable them to operate light-
sport aircraft safely. For this reason, the proposed changes are within 
the scope of the FAA's authority and are a reasonable and necessary 
exercise of our statutory obligations.

Guide to Terms and Acronyms Frequently Used in This Document

AGL--Above Ground Level
ATC--Air Traffic Control
CAS--Calibrated Airspeed
DPE--Designated Pilot Examiner
MSL--Mean Sea Level
NDPER--National Designated Pilot Examiner Registry
PTS--Practical Test Standards
VFR--Visual Flight Rules
VH--Maximum airspeed in level flight with maximum 
continuous power

Table of Contents

I. Background
II. Discussion of the Proposed Regulatory Requirements
    A. Overview
    B. Discussion of Specific Proposals
    1. Replace sport pilot privileges with aircraft category and 
class ratings on all pilot certificates
    2. Replace sport pilot flight instructor privileges with 
aircraft category ratings on all flight instructor certificates
    3. Remove current provisions for the conduct of proficiency 
checks by flight instructors and include provisions for the issuance 
of category and class ratings by designated pilot examiners
    4. Place all requirements for flight instructors under a single 
subpart (subpart H) of part 61
    5. Require 1 hour of flight training on the control and 
maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments for 
student pilots seeking a sport pilot certificate to operate an 
airplane with a maximum airspeed in level flight with maximum 
continuous power (VH) greater than 87 knots calibrated 
airspeed (CAS) and sport pilots operating airplanes with a 
VH greater than 87 knots CAS
    6. Remove the requirement for persons exercising sport pilot 
privileges and flight instructors with a sport pilot rating to carry 
their logbooks while in flight
    7. Remove the requirement that persons exercising sport pilot 
privileges have an aircraft make-and-model endorsement to operate a 
specific set of aircraft while adding provisions for endorsements 
for the operation of powered parachutes with elliptical wings and 
aircraft with a VH less than or equal to 87 knots CAS
    8. Remove the requirement for all flight instructors to log at 
least 5 hours of flight time in a make and model of light-sport 
aircraft before providing training in any aircraft from the same set 
of aircraft in which that training is given
    9. Permit persons exercising sport pilot privileges and the 
privileges of a student pilot seeking a sport pilot certificate to 
fly up to an altitude of not more than 10,000 feet mean sea level 
(MSL) or 2,000 feet above ground level (AGL), whichever is higher
    10. Permit private pilots to receive compensation for production 
flight testing of powered parachutes and weight-shift-control 
aircraft intended for certification in the light-sport category 
under Sec.  21.190
    11. Revise student sport pilot solo cross-country navigation and 
communication flight training requirements
    12. Clarify cross-country distance requirements for private 
pilots seeking to operate weight-shift-control aircraft
    13. Revise aeronautical experience requirements at towered 
airports for persons seeking to operate a powered parachute or 
weight-shift-control aircraft as a private pilot
    14. Remove the requirement for pilots with only a powered 
parachute or a weight-shift-control aircraft rating to take a 
knowledge test for an additional rating at the same certificate 
level
    15. Revise the amount of hours of flight training an applicant 
for a sport pilot certificate must log within 60 days prior to 
taking the practical test
    16. Remove expired ultralight transition provisions and limit 
the use of aeronautical experience obtained in ultralight vehicles
    17. Add a requirement for student pilots to obtain endorsements 
identical to those proposed for sport pilots in Sec. Sec.  61.324 
and 61.327
    18. Clarify that an authorized instructor must be in a powered 
parachute when providing flight instruction to a student pilot

[[Page 20183]]

    19. Remove the requirement for aircraft certificated as 
experimental aircraft in the light-sport category to comply with the 
applicable maintenance and preventive maintenance requirements of 
part 43 when those aircraft have been previously issued a special 
airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category
    20. Require aircraft owners or operators to retain a record of 
the current status of applicable safety directives for special 
light-sport aircraft
    21. Provide for the use of aircraft with a special airworthiness 
certificate in the light-sport category in training courses approved 
under part 141
    22. Revise the minimum safe-altitude requirements for powered 
parachutes and weight-shift-control aircraft
III. Paperwork Reduction Act
IV. International Compatibility
V. Regulatory Notices and Analyses
    A. Economic Assessment
    B. Regulatory Flexibility Determination
    C. International Trade Impact Assessment
    D. Unfunded Mandates Assessment
    E. Executive Order 13132, Federalism
    F. Environmental Analysis
    G. Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 
Distribution, or Use
VI. Additional Information

I. Background

    On July 27, 2004, the FAA issued the ``Certification of Aircraft 
and Airmen for the Operation of Light-Sport Aircraft'' final rule (69 
FR 44772). That rule established the certification and qualification 
requirements for sport pilots and flight instructors with a sport pilot 
rating in part 61. The rule also established requirements for the 
certification, operation, maintenance, and manufacture of light-sport 
aircraft. Since the adoption of that rule, the FAA has been evaluating 
the process for certificating pilots and flight instructors conducting 
operations in light-sport aircraft and has determined that changes to 
these certification requirements are necessary to align the 
certification requirements for sport pilots and flight instructors with 
a sport pilot rating with those requirements currently applicable to 
other airmen certificates and to better serve the sport pilot and 
light-sport aircraft community. Through experience gained by the FAA 
inspector workforce and information provided by organizations and 
individual aircraft owners in the light-sport community, the agency 
believes it has a critical understanding of where the 2004 rule may not 
adequately reflect the needs of the flying community or may not provide 
sufficient regulatory oversight.

II. Discussion of the Proposed Regulatory Requirements

II. A. Overview

    As stated in the preamble of the 2004 final rule, the FAA adopted 
the regulations ``to allow individuals to experience sport and 
recreational aviation in a manner that is safe for the intended 
operations, but not overly burdensome'' (69 FR 44774; July 27, 2004). 
The FAA remains committed to this philosophy.
    Since the implementation of the 2004 final rule, the FAA's Light-
Sport Aviation Branch inspector workforce has had informal discussions 
with organizations and individuals in the light-sport community about 
the rule's effectiveness. As a result of these discussions, and through 
experience gained in administering the 2004 final rule, the FAA has 
reviewed the current regulations and believes that some provisions are 
unnecessary or redundant and should be modified. The agency has 
identified a number of areas where it believes it can provide relief to 
the light-sport community without compromising safety. These include--
     Removing all requirements applicable to ``sets of 
aircraft,'' to include all requirements for specific endorsements to 
operate an aircraft within a particular set of aircraft;
     Removing the requirement for all sport pilot flight 
instructors to log at least 5 hours of flight time in a particular make 
and model of light-sport aircraft before providing training in the same 
set of aircraft;
     Eliminating the current requirement for flight training at 
an airport with an operating control tower to be in a powered parachute 
or weight-shift-control aircraft for those persons seeking privileges 
to operate those aircraft;
     Eliminating the requirement for sport pilots to be trained 
in the use of radios for VFR navigation and communication when the 
aircraft intended to be used by the pilot is not equipped with such 
instruments;
     Lowering of the amount of hours of flight training that an 
applicant for a sport pilot certificate must log within 60 days prior 
to taking the practical test;
     Eliminating provisions that would require a person 
exercising sport pilot privileges and flight instructors with a sport 
rating to carry his or her logbook while in flight;
     Permitting a person exercising sport pilot privileges to 
fly above 10,000 feet MSL when that altitude is less than 2,000 feet 
above the surface and proposing less restrictive requirements for the 
operation of powered parachutes and weight-shift-control aircraft in 
other than congested areas;
     Permitting private pilots to receive compensation for 
production flight testing of powered parachutes or weight-shift-control 
aircraft;
     Removing the current requirement for experimental aircraft 
certificated in the light-sport category to comply with the applicable 
maintenance and preventive maintenance requirements of part 43 when 
those aircraft have been previously issued a special airworthiness 
certificate in the light-sport category; and
     Providing for the use of aircraft with a special 
airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category in training 
courses approved under part 141.
    In addition, the FAA's inspector workforce has observed an apparent 
lack of standardization in the administration of practical tests 
leading to the issuance of category and class privileges for sport 
pilot applicants. This lack of standardization has resulted in the 
FAA's experiencing difficulties in obtaining documentation that those 
practical tests were successfully completed. When documentation that a 
person has been awarded privileges to operate a specific category and 
class of aircraft is not on file with the FAA, it may be difficult for 
that person to demonstrate that those privileges have been awarded, 
especially if that person's logbook is lost, destroyed, or unavailable. 
The agency, therefore, is proposing to--
     Replace sport pilot privileges with aircraft category and 
class ratings on all pilot certificates;
     Replace flight instructor privileges with aircraft 
category ratings on all flight instructor certificates; and
     Remove current provisions for the conduct of proficiency 
checks by flight instructors and include provisions for the issuance of 
category and class ratings by designated pilot examiners.
    By placing privileges to operate a category and class of aircraft 
as a rating on a person's sport pilot certificate, the FAA would 
provide sport pilots with enhanced recognition of their skills and 
better integrate them into the wider aviation community. This action 
may not only facilitate further growth in the light-sport industry but 
may also lead to broader international recognition of these 
certificates.
    Lastly, after review of the current regulations, the FAA is 
proposing the following changes, which the agency believes are 
necessary to enhance safety--
     Require one hour of flight training on the control and 
maneuvering of an aircraft solely by reference to

[[Page 20184]]

instruments for sport pilots operating airplanes with a VH 
greater than 87 knots CAS and also for student pilots seeking a sport 
pilot certificate to operate an airplane with a VH greater 
than 87 knots CAS because operators of these aircraft are more likely 
to encounter instrument meteorological conditions than operators of 
other categories of aircraft;
     Require a specific endorsement for sport pilots and 
student pilots seeking a sport pilot certificate for the operation of a 
powered parachute with an elliptical wing and for an aircraft with a 
VH less than or equal to 87 knots CAS in order to retain 
current safety requirements that would be deleted if the FAA adopts the 
proposal to remove the requirement that persons exercising sport pilot 
privileges have an aircraft make-and-model endorsement to operate a 
specific set of aircraft; and
     Require that aircraft owners/operators retain a record of 
the current status of applicable safety directives for special light-
sport aircraft, which, upon further consideration, the FAA believes 
would close a gap in the 2004 rule.
    These and other proposed amendments are discussed in further detail 
below.
    The FAA notes that some sections the FAA is proposing to be amended 
in this NPRM were also proposed to be amended in a separate rulemaking 
action, ``Pilot, Flight Instructor, and Pilot School Certification,'' 
published in the Federal Register on February 7, 2007. That February 7, 
2007, NPRM, however, did not address sport pilot issues. The specific 
sections proposed to be revised by this NPRM may therefore be further 
revised in the final rule if the amendments proposed by the February 7, 
2007 rulemaking action become final prior to the proposals contained in 
this NPRM.

II.B. Discussion of Specific Proposals

    This proposed rule would--
    1. Replace sport pilot privileges with aircraft category and class 
ratings on all pilot certificates.
    2. Replace sport pilot flight instructor privileges with aircraft 
category ratings on all flight instructor certificates.
    3. Remove current provisions for the conduct of proficiency checks 
by flight instructors and include provisions for the issuance of 
category and class ratings by designated pilot examiners.
    4. Place all requirements for flight instructors under a single 
subpart (subpart H) of part 61.
    5. Require 1 hour of flight training on the control and maneuvering 
of an airplane solely by reference to instruments for student pilots 
seeking a sport pilot certificate to operate an airplane with a 
VH greater than 87 knots CAS and sport pilots operating 
airplanes with a VH greater than 87 knots CAS.
    6. Remove the requirement for persons exercising sport pilot 
privileges and flight instructors with a sport pilot rating to carry 
their logbooks while in flight.
    7. Remove the requirement that persons exercising sport pilot 
privileges have an aircraft make-and-model endorsement to operate a 
specific set of aircraft while adding specific regulatory provisions 
for endorsements for the operation of powered parachutes with 
elliptical wings and aircraft with a VH less than or equal 
to 87 knots CAS.
    8. Remove the requirement for all flight instructors to log at 
least 5 hours of flight time in a make and model of light-sport 
aircraft before providing training in any aircraft from the same set of 
aircraft in which that training is given.
    9. Permit persons exercising sport pilot privileges and the 
privileges of a student pilot seeking a sport pilot certificate to fly 
up to an altitude of not more than 10,000 feet mean sea level (MSL) or 
2,000 feet above ground level (AGL), whichever is higher.
    10. Permit private pilots to receive compensation for production 
flight testing powered parachutes and weight-shift-control aircraft 
intended for certification in the light-sport category under Sec.  
21.190.
    11. Revise student sport pilot solo cross-country navigation and 
communication flight training requirements.
    12. Clarify cross-country distance requirements for private pilots 
seeking to operate weight-shift-control aircraft.
    13. Revise aeronautical experience requirements at towered airports 
for persons seeking to operate a powered parachute or weight-shift-
control aircraft as a private pilot.
    14. Remove the requirement for pilots with only a powered parachute 
or a weight-shift-control aircraft rating to take a knowledge test for 
an additional rating at the same certificate level.
    15. Revise the amount of hours of flight training an applicant for 
a sport pilot certificate must log within 60 days prior to taking the 
practical test.
    16. Remove expired ultralight transition provisions and limit the 
use of aeronautical experience obtained in ultralight vehicles.
    17. Add a requirement for student pilots to obtain endorsements 
identical to those proposed for sport pilots in Sec. Sec.  61.324 and 
61.327.
    18. Clarify that an authorized instructor must be in a powered 
parachute when providing flight instruction to a student pilot.
    19. Remove the requirement for aircraft certificated as 
experimental aircraft in the light-sport category to comply with the 
applicable maintenance and preventive maintenance requirements of part 
43 when those aircraft have been previously issued a special 
airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category.
    20. Require aircraft owners or operators to retain a record of the 
current status of applicable safety directives for special light-sport 
aircraft.
    21. Provide for the use of aircraft with a special airworthiness 
certificate in the light-sport category in training courses approved 
under part 141.
    22. Revise the minimum safe-altitude requirements for powered 
parachutes and weight-shift-control aircraft.
II.B.1. Replace sport pilot privileges with aircraft category and class 
ratings on all pilot certificates (Sec. Sec.  61.1, 61.3, 61.5, 61.7, 
61.23, 61.31, 61.51, 61.52, 61.63, 61.87, 61.303, 61.309, 61.311, 
61.313, 61.317, and 61.321)
    Currently, to obtain additional aircraft category and class 
privileges at the sport pilot level, the holder of a pilot certificate 
must complete a proficiency check administered by an authorized 
instructor. Upon successful completion of that proficiency check, that 
person receives a logbook endorsement from the instructor who 
administered the proficiency check. That endorsement permits the person 
completing the proficiency check to exercise sport pilot privileges in 
the category and class of aircraft in which the proficiency check was 
administered.
    Consistent with the FAA's system for issuing all other pilot 
certificates and ratings, the FAA is proposing to require a person 
seeking privileges to operate an additional category and class of 
light-sport aircraft as a sport pilot to obtain the appropriate 
category and class rating. These ratings would be issued after the 
completion of a practical test typically administered by an FAA-
designated pilot examiner (DPE). The practice of obtaining privileges 
to operate a light-sport aircraft after completion of a proficiency 
check by an authorized instructor would be discontinued. Privileges to 
operate light-sport aircraft would be indicated as ratings on a 
person's pilot certificate rather than by an endorsement in a person's 
logbook.
    As a result of experience gained in administering the July 2004 
final rule, the FAA recognizes that authorized instructors are 
generally not trained to

[[Page 20185]]

administer tests leading to the issuance of certificate privileges, and 
that the FAA does not have procedures in place (such as those used for 
DPEs) to oversee that activity. Currently, authorized instructors are 
not required to receive training in the administration of proficiency 
checks or practical tests; however, DPEs tasked with administering 
practical tests normally complete a course consisting of 40 hours of 
initial training prior to receiving their designation as pilot 
examiners. These examiners are directly supervised by an aviation 
safety inspector and must complete recurrent training consisting of a 
10-hour online course and 4 hours of individual training in addition to 
completing a flight evaluation from an aviation safety inspector every 
year prior to renewal of their designation. A DPE's designation can be 
terminated if the FAA determines that person cannot administer a 
practical test in accordance with the Practical Test Standards (PTS).
    Under the current system of administering proficiency checks, 
authorized instructors are not directly supervised by any FAA 
personnel. The FAA cannot (absent certificate action) restrict the 
ability of an authorized instructor to administer a proficiency check 
leading to the issuance of additional sport pilot privileges, even if 
the performance of the authorized instructor in administering 
proficiency checks is substandard. Additionally, the FAA is 
experiencing difficulties in obtaining documentation from authorized 
instructors indicating that proficiency checks have been successfully 
completed. These difficulties significantly hinder the ability of a 
person to demonstrate that privileges to operate a specific category 
and class of aircraft have been awarded if that person's logbook 
containing the appropriate endorsements for the operation of that 
category and class of aircraft is lost, destroyed, or otherwise 
unavailable.
    Issuance of sport pilot certificates with category and class 
ratings would conform to the procedures for the issuance of other pilot 
certificates and standardizes the manner in which additional privileges 
are granted. The proposal would place no additional burden on current 
holders of sport pilot (or other) certificates with category and class 
privileges obtained through instructor endorsements, provided that the 
FAA has a record of those endorsements. To facilitate compliance with 
the rule, the FAA would reissue pilot certificates with the category 
and class ratings corresponding to the privileges previously granted 
through instructor endorsements. Persons receiving these certificates 
would have to take no action to accomplish the exchange of their pilot 
certificates.
    If the FAA does not have a record that a pilot has been granted 
privileges through an instructor endorsement, that pilot would have to 
complete an airman certificate and/or rating application (FAA Form 
8710-11) and present it, along with evidence of the endorsement, to a 
designated pilot examiner or FAA inspector, and the FAA would then 
issue that person a certificate with corresponding category and class 
ratings. For some individuals, this may result in travel time and 
transportation cost if there is no closely located DPE or Flight 
Standards District Office (FSDO). Persons intending to exercise the 
privileges of their current pilot certificates granted through an 
endorsement would be required to obtain a new pilot certificate with 
corresponding category and class ratings within 2 years of the 
effective date of the final rule.
    In addition, the PTS for the sport pilot certificate would not be 
revised to introduce any requirements as a result of this proposed 
change. The proposal would place no burden on current holders of these 
certificates, as the FAA would adopt a procedure for certificate 
replacement.
II.B.2. Replace sport pilot flight instructor privileges with aircraft 
category ratings on all flight instructor certificates (Sec. Sec.  
61.181, 61.183, 61.185, 61.187, 61.191, 61.195, and part 61 subpart K)
    For reasons similar to those discussed immediately above, the FAA 
is proposing to require a person holding a flight instructor 
certificate with a sport pilot rating to obtain sport pilot instructor 
ratings indicating appropriate category and class privileges. These new 
ratings would be specifically listed on that person's flight instructor 
certificate. This change would also apply to flight instructors with 
other than a sport pilot rating who have privileges to provide 
instruction in light-sport aircraft obtained through an instructor 
endorsement. Currently, for a flight instructor to obtain privileges to 
provide instruction leading to the issuance of a sport pilot 
certificate in an additional category or class of light-sport aircraft, 
or to the issuance of a private pilot certificate in a powered 
parachute or a weight-shift-control aircraft, the holder of that 
certificate must complete a proficiency check administered by an 
authorized instructor. Upon successful completion of that proficiency 
check, that person receives a logbook endorsement from the instructor 
who administered the proficiency check. That endorsement permits the 
person completing the proficiency check to provide instruction as a 
flight instructor with a sport pilot rating in the category and class 
of aircraft in which the proficiency check was administered.
    Consistent with the FAA's system for issuing ratings for other 
flight instructor certificates, the FAA proposes that a flight 
instructor seeking to provide training to operate an additional 
category and class of a light-sport aircraft obtain appropriate 
category and class ratings. Those ratings would be specifically listed 
on that person's flight instructor certificate. These ratings would be 
issued after the completion of a practical test administered by a DPE. 
The practice of obtaining privileges to provide training in a light-
sport aircraft after completion of a proficiency check by an authorized 
instructor would be discontinued. Privileges to provide training in 
these light-sport aircraft would be indicated as ratings on that 
person's flight instructor certificate rather than as an endorsement in 
that person's logbook.
    As stated in II.B.1., authorized instructors are neither trained to 
administer tests leading to the issuance of certificate privileges nor 
directly supervised by FAA personnel. The FAA is also experiencing 
difficulties in obtaining documentation from authorized instructors 
when administering proficiency checks to flight instructors seeking 
additional privileges.
    Issuance of flight instructor certificates with sport pilot 
category and class ratings would generally conform to the procedures 
for the issuance of other ratings on the flight instructor certificate 
and standardize the manner in which additional flight instructor 
privileges are granted. The proposal would place no additional burden 
on current holders of flight instructor certificates with a sport pilot 
rating or other instructors with flight instructor privileges issued 
through an instructor endorsement, provided that the FAA has a record 
of these endorsements. To facilitate compliance with the rule, the FAA 
would reissue flight instructor certificates with the category and 
class ratings corresponding to the privileges previously granted 
through instructor endorsements. This action would occur at the time 
the flight instructor applies for renewal or reinstatement of his or 
her flight instructor certificate, which may occur as much as 27 
calendar months after the effective date of the rule. If the FAA does 
not have a record that a flight instructor with a sport pilot rating 
has been granted privileges

[[Page 20186]]

through an instructor endorsement, that flight instructor would have to 
complete an airman certificate and/or rating application (FAA Form 
8710-11) and present it, along with evidence of the endorsement, to a 
designated pilot examiner or FAA inspector. The FAA would then issue 
that person a flight instructor certificate with corresponding sport 
pilot category and class ratings. For some individuals, this may result 
in travel time and transportation cost if there is no closely located 
DPE or FSDO.
    To limit the burden placed on future applicants for a flight 
instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating, the FAA would retain 
the provisions of current Sec.  61.419, which do not require an 
applicant who seeks to obtain privileges to provide training in an 
additional category or class of light-sport aircraft to take an 
additional knowledge test. These provisions would be codified in 
proposed Sec.  61.191(c), which would not require a person who applies 
for an additional sport pilot rating on a flight instructor certificate 
to pass a knowledge test on the areas listed in proposed Sec.  
61.185(a)(2)(ii).
II.B.3. Remove current provisions for the conduct of proficiency checks 
by authorized flight instructors and include provisions for the 
issuance of category and class ratings by designated pilot examiners 
(Sec.  61.413)
    At this time, flight instructors with a sport pilot rating may 
perform proficiency checks leading to the issuance of privileges 
equivalent to those of ratings. These checks are performed without any 
additional training, and the FAA has observed that there is little 
standardization in the administration of these checks and the 
completion of the documentation necessary for the issuance of 
additional sport pilot privileges. Flight instructors receive no 
training in the administration of proficiency checks and their actions 
in conducting these tests are not supervised or reviewed by the FAA.
    To correct these deficiencies, the FAA is proposing to remove Sec.  
61.413(i) to no longer permit flight instructors to administer 
proficiency checks leading to the issuance of sport pilot privileges. 
Privileges currently obtained in this manner would be replaced with 
privileges obtained through the issuance of a rating issued by a DPE 
specifically trained to administer practical tests.
II.B.4. Place all requirements for flight instructors under a single 
subpart (subpart H) of part 61 (Part 61 subpart H heading, Sec. Sec.  
61.5, 61.181, 61.183, 61.185, 61.186, 61.187, 61.189, 61.191, 61.193, 
61.195, 61.197, 61.199, and Sec. Sec.  61.401 through 61.431)
    The FAA is proposing to move the requirements for flight 
instructors with a sport pilot rating currently found in part 61 
subpart K (Sec. Sec.  61.401 through 61.431) to current part 61 subpart 
H. All flight instructor requirements would be located in one subpart. 
This action would standardize certification requirements for all flight 
instructors. The FAA recognizes that many of the requirements contained 
in subpart K for flight instructors with a sport pilot rating are 
identical to those contained in subpart H for flight instructors with 
other ratings. If the proposed changes for flight instructors currently 
certificated under subpart K are adopted, the privileges and 
limitations of those flight instructors and the methods by which they 
are certificated would be so similar to those of flight instructors 
currently certificated under subpart H that separate subparts for the 
certification of all flight instructors would no longer be necessary. 
The FAA believes that eliminating redundancies caused by the retention 
of two separate subparts would clarify requirements applicable to all 
flight instructors. This change would significantly reduce confusion 
experienced by the flight instructor community, especially among those 
flight instructors currently certificated under subpart H who intend to 
provide training to persons seeking sport pilot certificates. In 
addition, the change would provide all flight instructors with a single 
source of information for their certification requirements and the 
privileges and limitations applicable to their certificates.
    The following table shows the proposed relocation of the subpart K 
requirements to subpart H.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Subpart H--Flight
Subpart K--Flight instructors with a sport     instructors other than
               pilot rating                   flight instructors with a
                                                 sport pilot rating
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subpart heading--Removed                    Subpart heading revised.
Sec.   61.401 What is the purpose of this   Sec.   61.181 Applicability.
 subpart?
Sec.   61.403 What are the age, language,   Sec.   61.183 Eligibility
 and pilot certificate requirements for a    requirements.
 flight instructor certificate with a
 sport pilot rating?
Sec.   61.405 What tests do I have to take  Sec.   61.183(f) Eligibility
 to obtain a flight instructor certificate   requirements.
 with a sport pilot rating?
Sec.   61.407 What aeronautical knowledge   Sec.   61.185 Aeronautical
 must I have to apply for a flight           knowledge.
 instructor certificate with a sport pilot
 rating?
Sec.   61.409 What flight proficiency       Sec.   61.187 Flight
 requirements must I meet to apply for a     proficiency.
 flight instructor certificate with a
 sport pilot rating?
Sec.   61.411 What aeronautical experience  Sec.   61.186 Aeronautical
 must I have to apply for a flight           experience requirements for
 instructor certificate with a sport pilot   persons applying for a
 rating?                                     flight instructor
                                             certificate with a sport
                                             pilot rating.
Sec.   61.413 What are the privileges of    Sec.   61.193 Flight
 my flight instructor certificate with a     instructor privileges.
 sport pilot rating?
Sec.   61.415 What are the limits of my     Sec.   61.195 Flight
 flight instructor certificate with a        instructor limitations and
 sport pilot rating?                         qualifications.
Sec.   61.417 Will my flight instructor     Sec.   61.5 Certificates and
 certificate with a sport pilot rating       ratings issued under this
 list aircraft category and class ratings?   part.
Sec.   61.419 How do I obtain privileges    Sec.   61.191 Additional
 to provide training in an additional        flight instructor ratings.
 category or class of light-sport
 aircraft?
Sec.   61.421 May I give myself an          Sec.   61.195 Flight
 endorsement?                                instructor limitations and
                                             qualifications.
Sec.   61.423 What are the recordkeeping    Sec.   61.189 Flight
 requirements for a flight instructor        instructor records.
 certificate with a sport pilot rating?
Sec.   61.425 How do I renew my flight      Sec.   61.197 Renewal of
 instructor certificate?                     flight instructor
                                             certificates.
Sec.   61.427 What must I do if my flight   Sec.   61.199 Expired flight
 instructor certificate with a sport pilot   instructor certificates and
 rating expires?                             ratings.
Sec.   61.429 May I exercise the            Sec.  Sec.   61.189 Flight
 privileges of a flight instructor           instructor records, 61.193
 certificate with a sport pilot rating if    Flight instructor
 I hold a flight instructor certificate      privileges, and 61.195
 with another rating?                        Flight instructor
                                             limitations and
                                             qualifications.

[[Page 20187]]

Sec.   61.431 Are there special provisions  Removed.
 for obtaining a flight instructor
 certificate with a sport pilot rating for
 persons who are registered ultralight
 instructors with an FAA-recognized
 ultralight organization?
------------------------------------------------------------------------

II.B.5. Require 1 hour of flight training on the control and 
maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments for 
student pilots seeking a sport pilot certificate to operate an airplane 
with a VH greater than 87 knots CAS and sport pilots 
operating airplanes with a VH greater than 87 knots CAS 
(Sec. Sec.  61.89, 61.93, and 61.327)
    Current regulations require student pilots seeking a sport pilot 
certificate to receive and log flight training in the control and 
maneuvering of an aircraft solely by reference to flight instruments. 
This training must be received before conducting a solo cross-country 
flight or any flight greater than 25 nautical miles from the airport 
from where the flight originated. It also must be received prior to 
making a solo flight and landing at any location other than the airport 
of origination. These requirements are detailed in Sec.  61.93 and are 
applicable to persons seeking a student pilot certificate to operate 
any category and class of aircraft. That section, however, does not 
specify any minimum flight training time to meet these requirements. In 
addition, current regulations for the issuance of a sport pilot 
certificate do not require an applicant to receive flight training on 
the control and maneuvering of any aircraft solely by reference to 
instruments.
    The FAA is concerned that persons exercising student or sport pilot 
privileges in airplanes with a maximum airspeed in level flight with 
maximum continuous power (VH) greater than 87 knots calibrated airspeed 
(CAS) may inadvertently encounter conditions less than those specified 
for VFR operations due to their greater speed and range. Operators of 
these aircraft are more likely to encounter instrument meteorological 
conditions than operators of other categories of aircraft. In order to 
enhance the ability of these pilots to appropriately react to the 
possibility of encountering instrument meteorological conditions and 
the potential consequences of attempting continued visual flight rule 
(VFR) flight in instrument meteorological conditions, the FAA is 
proposing to require persons operating an airplane with a VH greater 
than 87 knots CAS to receive and log 1 hour of flight training on the 
control and maneuvering of an aircraft solely by reference to 
instruments.
    The FAA recognizes that persons may currently be authorized to 
operate aircraft with a VH greater than 87 knots CAS. To provide those 
persons with a reasonable period of time to obtain this training, the 
agency is proposing that the training be completed by 1 year after the 
effective date of the final rule. This training would include straight 
and level flight, climbs and descents, turns to a heading, and recovery 
from unusual flight attitudes. Due to the slower speeds and limited 
capabilities of categories and classes of aircraft other than 
airplanes, the FAA is not proposing that this requirement be extended 
to operators of those categories and classes of aircraft and airplanes 
with a VH less than or equal to 87 knots CAS. The FAA notes that for 
training to be conducted solely by reference to instruments in visual 
meteorological conditions, it must be conducted with a view-limiting 
device.
II.B.6. Remove the requirement for persons exercising sport pilot 
privileges and flight instructors with a sport pilot rating to carry 
their logbooks while in flight (Sec.  61.51)
    The FAA is proposing to remove the requirements in Sec.  
61.51(i)(3) and (i)(5) for persons exercising sport pilot privileges 
and flight instructors with a sport pilot rating to carry their 
logbooks while in flight. Because the FAA is proposing to issue 
category and class ratings for sport pilots, the requirement for a 
sport pilot to carry a logbook or other evidence of required authorized 
instructor endorsements would no longer be necessary. Similarly, 
because the FAA is also proposing to issue sport pilot ratings for 
flight instructors, the requirement for a flight instructor to carry a 
logbook or other evidence of required endorsements would no longer be 
necessary.
    All pilots and flight instructors are required to have their 
certificates in their physical possession or readily accessible in the 
aircraft when exercising the privileges of that certificate. Because 
ratings are listed on pilot and flight instructor certificates, the 
proposal, if adopted, would enable the FAA to determine that a pilot or 
flight instructor was properly rated to operate or provide instruction 
in an aircraft without the need to examine that person's logbook or 
other documentation. Any additional endorsements required for a person 
to exercise sport pilot privileges need not be in that person's 
physical possession or readily accessible in the aircraft; however, a 
person must present those required records for inspection upon a 
reasonable request, as required by Sec.  61.51(i).
    Because all pilots and flight instructors will not have 
certificates reflecting the new ratings until 27 months after the 
effective date of the proposed provisions, the FAA would not implement 
the provisions of this section until after that time.
II.B.7. Remove the requirement that persons exercising sport pilot 
privileges have an aircraft make-and-model endorsement to operate a 
specific set of aircraft while adding specific regulatory provisions 
for endorsements for the operation of powered parachutes with 
elliptical wings and aircraft with a VH less than or equal 
to 87 knots CAS (Sec. Sec.  61.315, 61.319, 61.324, and 61.327)
    To operate any aircraft within a set of aircraft, a person 
exercising sport pilot privileges must have a logbook endorsement from 
an authorized flight instructor for a specific category, class, and 
make and model of aircraft within that set of light-sport aircraft. 
This requirement is specified in current Sec.  61.319, and the 
procedure for obtaining the endorsement is found in Sec.  61.323. At 
the time the rules were adopted, the FAA believed that grouping makes 
and models of light-sport aircraft that have similar performance and 
operating characteristics as a set of aircraft was an effective means 
to permit persons exercising sport pilot privileges to operate any 
aircraft within that set once an endorsement to operate any aircraft 
within that set had been received.
    In implementing the 2004 final rule, the FAA developed standards 
for defining and establishing sets of aircraft. Sets of aircraft were 
developed for airplanes, weight-shift-control aircraft, powered 
parachutes, gyroplanes, and lighter-than-air aircraft. Airplanes, for 
example, were grouped into eight specific sets, with four specific sets 
for airplanes with a VH less than or equal to 87 knots (tricycle gear, 
tailwheel, ski-

[[Page 20188]]

equipped, and float-equipped), and four identical sets for airplanes 
with a VH greater than 87 knots. The FAA has used this concept of 
grouping aircraft having similar operating characteristics successfully 
in the National Designated Pilot Examiner Registry (NDPER) program for 
training and checking pilots operating warbirds and other vintage 
aircraft. The FAA believed that incorporating a requirement for a 
specific endorsement based on a set of aircraft would ensure that any 
person exercising sport pilot privileges would receive additional 
flight training appropriate to the aircraft in which operations would 
be conducted.
    When the various sets of aircraft were being developed to implement 
the 2004 rule, the FAA required specific endorsements for a person to 
operate an aircraft within a set. For example, for a sport pilot to 
operate a powered parachute with an elliptical wing or an aircraft with 
a VH at or below 87 knots, that person must obtain a make-and-model 
endorsement for that set of aircraft. In addition, a specific 
endorsement is currently required to operate aircraft with a VH greater 
than 87 knots. A specific endorsement is also required to operate an 
aircraft equipped with a tailwheel. A proficiency check also is 
required to operate an airplane--single-engine land or airplane--
single-engine sea. Due to the duplicative nature of currently required 
endorsements and proficiency checks, the FAA has determined that a 
specific requirement for a make-and-model endorsement to operate any 
aircraft within a set of aircraft is redundant, and that safety 
concerns can be adequately addressed using existing endorsements and 
the additional endorsements set forth in this NPRM.
    The FAA is therefore proposing to add Sec.  61.315(c)(20) to 
specify that the holder of a sport pilot certificate with a powered 
parachute rating may not act as pilot in command of a light-sport 
aircraft that is a powered parachute with an elliptical wing unless 
that holder has met the endorsement requirements proposed in Sec.  
61.324. Additionally, the FAA is also proposing to revise Sec.  
61.315(c)(14) to require the holder of a sport pilot certificate with 
any category and class rating to meet the endorsement requirements 
proposed in Sec.  61.327. That section would require the holder of a 
sport pilot certificate seeking to operate a light-sport aircraft that 
has a VH less than or equal to 87 knots CAS to receive and log ground 
and flight training from an authorized instructor. A person receiving 
that training would also be required to receive a logbook endorsement 
from the authorized instructor who provided that training certifying 
that he or she is proficient in the operation of those aircraft. The 
current endorsement to operate a light-sport aircraft with a VH greater 
than 87 knots CAS would be retained.
    The FAA believes that deleting the requirement for set-of-aircraft 
endorsements while having specific regulatory provisions for sport 
pilots to obtain endorsements to operate powered parachutes with an 
elliptical wing, aircraft with a VH less than or equal to 87 knots CAS, 
and aircraft with a VH greater than 87 knots CAS would eliminate 
redundant endorsement requirements and provide a level of safety 
equivalent to that found in the current regulation. The FAA recognizes 
that pilots may currently be authorized to operate powered parachutes 
with an elliptical wing and aircraft with a VH less than or equal to 87 
knots without the endorsements specified in the proposal. The proposal 
would not require persons with pilot-in-command time in these aircraft 
prior to the effective date of the final rule to obtain these 
endorsements.
II.B.8. Remove the requirement for all flight instructors to log at 
least 5 hours of flight time in a make and model of light-sport 
aircraft before providing training in any aircraft from the same set in 
which that training is given (Sec.  61.415)
    The FAA is proposing to eliminate the requirement in Sec.  
61.415(e) for flight instructors exercising the privileges of a sport 
pilot rating to have logged 5 hours of flight time in order to provide 
flight instruction in a make and model aircraft within a specific set 
of aircraft. The FAA has determined that the aeronautical experience 
requirements for the issuance of a flight instructor certificate with a 
sport pilot rating and the endorsements necessary to exercise those 
privileges are sufficient for an instructor to safely provide flight 
instruction in any aircraft for which that instructor has privileges. 
If an appropriately rated flight instructor has the required 
endorsements to operate a specific aircraft, the FAA believes that an 
additional requirement to obtain 5 hours of aeronautical experience 
imposes an unnecessary burden on the flight instructor and should not 
be required to safely provide instruction in that aircraft. The 
requirement for a flight instructor to log additional aeronautical 
experience based on the specific set of aircraft in which the person 
intends to provide instruction would also no longer be necessary if the 
proposal to eliminate the requirement in Sec.  61.319 for a person 
exercising sport pilot privileges to have a make and model endorsement 
to operate any aircraft within a specific set of aircraft is adopted.
II.B.9. Permit persons exercising sport pilot privileges and the 
privileges of a student pilot seeking a sport pilot certificate to fly 
up to an altitude of not more than 10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL, 
whichever is higher (Sec. Sec.  61.89 and 61.315)
    Section 61.89 describes the general limitations for student pilots. 
Paragraph (c)(3) of that section states that a student pilot seeking a 
sport pilot certificate may not act as pilot in command of an aircraft 
at an altitude of more than 10,000 feet mean sea level (MSL). Section 
61.315(c)(11) places the same limitation on sport pilots. The FAA is 
proposing to revise Sec. Sec.  61.89(c)(3) and 61.315(c)(11) by adding 
the words ``or 2,000 feet AGL [above ground level], whichever is 
higher.'' This revision would allow sport pilots and student pilots 
seeking a sport pilot certificate to operate in mountainous areas 
higher than 10,000 feet MSL when such operations are less than 2,000 
feet AGL. The FAA believes that the current regulations unnecessarily 
burden sport pilots and students seeking sport pilot certificates who 
operate light-sport aircraft in areas of high elevation. These 
operations can be performed safely because student pilots seeking a 
sport pilot certificate and sport pilots are currently trained in 
proper preflight preparation procedures, which include training in 
aeromedical factors, such as the effects of hypoxia. In addition, these 
pilots receive training in reduced aircraft performance at high-density 
altitudes and in the effect of operations at higher altitudes. These 
pilots are required to demonstrate knowledge of these factors during 
the practical test.
    Additionally, many of the new light-sport aircraft are capable of 
operating above 10,000 feet MSL. By providing sport pilots with the 
ability to better utilize the capabilities of these aircraft and 
operate at higher altitudes in mountainous terrain, the proposed 
revision should assist in reducing the risks associated with mountain 
flying. By restricting operations above 10,000 feet MSL to no more than 
2,000 feet AGL, sport pilots operating light-sport aircraft should not 
impose a hazard to high-performance aircraft that routinely operate at 
higher altitudes.

[[Page 20189]]

II.B.10. Permit private pilots to receive compensation for production 
flight testing of powered parachutes and weight-shift-control aircraft 
intended for certification in the light-sport category in Sec.  21.190 
(Sec.  61.113)
    The FAA is proposing to add Sec.  61.113(h) to allow a private 
pilot to act as pilot in command for compensation or hire when 
conducting a production flight test in a powered parachute or a weight-
shift-control aircraft intended for certification in the light-sport 
category under Sec.  21.190.
    The 2004 final rule created two new categories of aircraft-powered 
parachutes and weight-shift-control aircraft. The final rule also 
permitted the manufacture of these aircraft for certification in the 
light-sport category under Sec.  21.190. During the manufacturing 
process, these aircraft must undergo a production flight test. For 
other categories of aircraft, these production flight tests are carried 
out by persons with at least a commercial pilot certificate who can 
receive compensation for the conduct of this activity. The final rule, 
however, did not create ratings at the commercial pilot level for these 
two new categories of aircraft. Since private pilots under the current 
rule cannot receive compensation when conducting production flight 
tests, the regulations currently do not provide a means for a pilot 
conducting production flight tests of powered parachutes or weight-
shift-control aircraft to be compensated for that activity. The FAA 
recognizes both the need for production flight tests of these aircraft 
and the fact that persons conducting these flight tests may be 
compensated. The proposal therefore would provide a means for 
appropriately rated pilots with sufficient experience to conduct these 
flight tests for compensation or hire. The FAA maintains that these 
operations should be conducted by a person who holds at least a private 
pilot certificate with the appropriate category and class rating. As 
reflected in current operating limitations for special light-sport 
aircraft, the FAA believes that pilots conducting a production flight 
test should have a minimum of 100 hours pilot-in-command time in the 
same category of aircraft as that undergoing a production flight test.
    The provisions of this rule would only apply to powered parachutes 
and weight-shift-control aircraft intended for certification under 
Sec.  21.190. It would not permit private pilots to be compensated for 
conducting test flights of other aircraft that are not intended for 
certification under Sec.  21.190 (e.g., experimental amateur-built 
aircraft that meet the definition of ``light-sport aircraft'' or 
aircraft intended for certification as experimental light-sport 
aircraft under Sec.  21.191(i)).
II.B.11. Revise student sport pilot solo cross-country navigation and 
communication flight training requirements (Sec.  61.93)
    The FAA is proposing to amend Sec.  61.93(e)(9), (e)(12), (h)(9), 
(k)(9), and (k)(11) regarding maneuvers and procedures for cross-
country flight training in a single-engine airplane, a gyroplane, and 
an airship. The amendment would except student pilots seeking a sport 
pilot certificate from the requirement to receive and log flight 
training on the use of radios for VFR navigation and two-way 
communications, unless this equipment is installed in the aircraft used 
for the solo cross-country flight. In addition, the amendment would 
except student pilots seeking a sport pilot certificate from the 
requirement to receive and log flight training on control and 
maneuvering solely by reference to flight instruments, unless operating 
an airplane with a VH greater than 87 knots CAS. Since sport pilots are 
not required to be trained in the use of radios for VFR navigation, 
two-way communications, and flight by reference to instruments, the FAA 
has determined that student pilots seeking a sport pilot certificate 
should not be required to receive training in those maneuvers and 
procedures unless operating an airplane with a VH greater than 87 knots 
CAS.
II.B.12. Clarify cross-country distance requirements for private pilots 
seeking to operate weight-shift-control aircraft (Sec.  61.109)
    Currently Sec.  61.109(j)(2)(i) specifies that a person applying 
for a private pilot certificate with a weight-shift-control rating must 
log ``one cross-country flight over 75 nautical miles total distance'' 
at night with an authorized instructor. Although paragraph (j)(2)(i) 
uses the term ``cross-country flight,'' persons applying for this 
rating frequently have overlooked the provisions of Sec.  
61.1(b)(3)(ii)(B), which states that for purposes of meeting the 
aeronautical experience requirements for a private pilot certificate 
with a weight-shift-control rating, cross-country time includes a point 
of landing at least a straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical 
miles from the original point of departure. To ensure that persons 
applying for a private pilot certificate with a weight-shift-control 
rating complete a cross-country flight that meets the requirements of 
both Sec. Sec.  61.1 and 61.109(j), the FAA is proposing to add 
language in Sec.  61.109(j), consistent with Sec.  61.1, to indicate 
that the cross-country flight must include a point of landing that is a 
straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical miles from the original 
point of departure. The proposal merely clarifies the existing 
regulation and would not add any new requirement.
II.B.13. Revise the aeronautical experience requirements at towered 
airports for persons seeking to operate a powered parachute or weight-
shift-control aircraft as a private pilot (Sec.  61.109)
    The FAA is proposing to revise the aeronautical experience 
requirements for a private pilot certificate with a powered parachute 
rating in Sec.  61.109(i)(4)(ii) and for a weight-shift-control 
aircraft rating in Sec.  61.109(j)(4)(iii). These paragraphs currently 
state that training for powered parachute and weight-shift-control 
aircraft ratings must include at least 3 takeoffs and landings (with 
each landing involving a flight in a traffic pattern) at an airport 
with an operating control tower. These paragraphs also require that the 
takeoffs and landings be performed in the specific category of aircraft 
for which a rating is sought while in solo flight. The FAA is proposing 
to permit these takeoffs and landings to be performed in any category 
of aircraft and in either solo or dual flight.
    Currently, many persons seeking to obtain ratings in powered 
parachutes or weight-shift-control aircraft experience difficulty in 
conducting operations at tower-controlled airports. These aircraft 
frequently experience difficulty operating in the traffic pattern with 
other categories and classes of aircraft due to their slower speeds, 
flight characteristics, and operating limitations. This proposal would 
allow persons seeking these ratings to conduct operations at tower-
controlled airports without the burden of having to conduct these 
operations in a powered parachute or weight-shift-control aircraft 
while in solo flight. This proposal would provide applicants with 
additional flexibility in obtaining the aeronautical experience 
necessary to conduct operations at tower-controlled airports. An 
applicant would not only be permitted to obtain the necessary 
aeronautical experience in the category of aircraft for which a rating 
is sought while in solo flight, but also in dual flight in any category 
of aircraft.

[[Page 20190]]

II.B.14. Remove the requirement for pilots with only powered parachute 
and weight-shift-control aircraft ratings to take a knowledge test for 
an additional rating at the same certificate level (Sec.  61.63)
    The FAA is proposing to amend Sec.  61.63(b)(5) and (c)(5) to 
permit persons who hold powered parachute and weight-shift-control 
aircraft category ratings to apply for a pilot certificate with an 
additional category or class rating without taking an additional 
knowledge test. Knowledge tests for applicants for category or class 
ratings for powered aircraft at the same certificate level address 
identical aeronautical knowledge areas. Persons who hold a category 
rating for a powered aircraft (other than powered parachutes and 
weight-shift-control aircraft) are not currently required to take a 
knowledge test when applying for an additional category or class rating 
for a powered aircraft at their certificate level.
    The 2004 final rule created two additional categories and classes 
of powered aircraft. In that rule, applicants who hold category ratings 
for powered parachutes or weight-shift-control aircraft seeking 
additional category and class ratings were not provided the same relief 
as that provided to persons who hold category and class ratings for 
other powered aircraft. The FAA is therefore proposing to amend Sec.  
61.63 to provide applicants who hold category ratings for powered 
parachutes or weight-shift-control aircraft with this relief.
II.B.15. Revise the amount of hours of flight training an applicant for 
a sport pilot certificate must log within 60 days prior to taking the 
practical test (Sec.  61.313)
    Current Sec.  61.313 requires an applicant for a sport pilot 
certificate to log at least ``3 hours of flight training on those areas 
of operation specified in Sec.  61.311 preparing for the practical 
test, within 60 days before the date of the test.'' In developing the 
aeronautical experience requirements for the issuance of the sport 
pilot certificate, the FAA based this requirement on the corresponding 
aeronautical experience requirements for the issuance of higher-level 
pilot certificates. Those certificates, however, require applicants to 
log more flight time than is required for the issuance of a sport pilot 
certificate and to prepare for testing on a higher number of tasks. Due 
to the lower number of hours required for a person to apply for a sport 
pilot certificate and the lower number of tasks for which preparation 
is necessary, the number of hours currently required to be logged 
within 60 days before the date of the practical test is proportionately 
higher than that required for other certificates. Accordingly, the FAA 
is proposing to reduce the number of hours that must be logged in 
preparation for the practical test within 60 days of that test from 3 
hours to 2 hours, for aircraft other than gliders. For gliders, the FAA 
is proposing to reduce the aeronautical experience that must be logged 
in preparation for the practical test from 3 hours to 3 training 
flights. The FAA believes that these proposed changes would better 
correspond to the time required to prepare for the practical test and 
recognize the unique characteristics of gliders. The FAA, however, is 
not reducing the total number of hours required for the issuance of any 
category and class of sport pilot certificate.
II.B.16. Remove expired ultralight transition provisions and limit the 
use of aeronautical experience obtained in ultralight vehicles 
(Sec. Sec.  61.52, 61.301, 61.309, 61.311, 61.313, 61.329, and 61.431)
    Current Sec. Sec.  61.329 and 61.431 describe special provisions 
for obtaining sport pilot certificates and flight instructor 
certificates with a sport pilot rating for persons who are registered 
with FAA-recognized ultralight organizations. These sections were 
intended to provide a means for pilots and flight instructors who 
received training from an FAA-recognized ultralight organization to 
transition to sport pilot certificates and flight instructor 
certificates with a sport pilot rating. As provided in the rules, the 
transition period for obtaining a sport pilot certificate expired on 
January 31, 2007, and the transition period for obtaining a flight 
instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating expired on January 31, 
2008. Because January 31, 2007, and January 31, 2008, have passed, the 
FAA is proposing to remove Sec.  61.329 (except for the ultralight 
pilot record provisions of paragraph (a)(2)(iv), which will be 
transferred to Sec.  61.52) and Sec.  61.431. In addition, the FAA 
intends to amend Sec. Sec.  61.309, 61.311, and 61.313 to remove 
references to Sec.  61.329. The reference to the expired transition 
provisions in Sec.  61.301(a)(7) would also be removed.
    Additionally, the proposal would revise Sec.  61.52(a) and (b) to 
permit persons to use aeronautical experience obtained in ultralight 
vehicles to meet the requirements for certain airman certificates and 
ratings and also to meet the provisions of Sec.  61.69 until January 
31, 2012. The FAA originally adopted the provisions of current Sec.  
61.52 to facilitate the process for operators of ultralight vehicles to 
obtain airman certificates established by the 2004 rule and to meet the 
requirements of Sec.  61.69. The FAA did not intend for these 
transition provisions to be indefinite in duration. Since operators of 
ultralight vehicles should have transitioned to the new airman 
certificates prior to the date of this proposal, or have used their 
aeronautical experience to meet the provisions of Sec.  61.69, the FAA 
believes that retaining the provisions for the use of aeronautical 
experience in Sec.  61.52 is no longer warranted. The FAA recognizes, 
however, that operators of ultralight vehicles may have acquired 
aeronautical experience in ultralight vehicles with the intent of 
obtaining airman certificates established by the 2004 rule, or to meet 
the experience requirements of Sec.  61.69. To provide these persons 
with a sufficient amount of time to use this aeronautical experience to 
obtain the new certificates, or meet the requirements of Sec.  61.69, 
the FAA is proposing a date of January 31, 2012, after which the 
provisions of Sec.  61.52 may no longer be used.
II.B.17. Add a requirement for student pilots to obtain endorsements 
identical to those proposed for sport pilots in proposed Sec. Sec.  
61.324 and 61.327 (Sec.  61.89)
    In Sec.  61.89, the FAA is proposing to add paragraphs (c)(5) and 
(c)(6) to require student pilots seeking sport pilot certificates to 
obtain endorsements identical to those specified in proposed Sec. Sec.  
61.327 (to operate a light-sport aircraft based on VH) and 
61.324 (to operate a powered parachute with an elliptical wing), 
respectively. Currently, sport pilots are required to obtain specific 
endorsements for the operation of particular light-sport aircraft. 
These endorsements have not been required for student pilots seeking a 
sport pilot certificate because these student pilots are required to 
have a specific make-and-model endorsement for each aircraft they 
operate. If a student pilot does not obtain the endorsements required 
for holders of sport pilot certificates, the student pilot is precluded 
from operating the corresponding light-sport aircraft upon issuance of 
the sport pilot certificate. By requiring student pilots seeking a 
sport pilot certificate to receive these identical endorsements while 
exercising student pilot privileges, the FAA would ensure that newly 
certificated sport pilots would be able to continue to operate those 
aircraft in which they have exercised pilot-in-command privileges as 
student pilots.

[[Page 20191]]

II.B.18. Clarify that an authorized instructor must be in a powered 
parachute when providing flight instruction to a student pilot (Sec.  
61.313)
    In Sec.  61.313(g)(1), which describes the requirements for logging 
aeronautical experience to obtain powered parachute category land or 
sea class ratings, the FAA is proposing to add the words ``from an 
authorized instructor in a powered parachute aircraft'' to clarify that 
an authorized instructor must be in the aircraft for a student pilot to 
log flight training time. The FAA is concerned that there is confusion 
in the sport pilot community whether paragraph (g)(1) allows for 
``radio flight training'' (i.e., flight training when an authorized 
instructor is not in the aircraft), which was not the FAA's intent. The 
proposed change would be consistent with other provisions for logging 
the aeronautical experience necessary to apply for a sport pilot 
certificate and would clarify that all flight training must be received 
from an authorized instructor in flight in an aircraft, as specified in 
Sec.  61.1(b)(6).
    Also in Sec.  61.313(g)(1), the FAA is changing the words ``at 
least 2 hours of solo flight training'' to ``at least 2 hours of solo 
flight time.'' The word ``training'' implies that an instructor should 
be in the aircraft, which is not appropriate in a solo flight time 
requirement.
II.B.19. Remove the requirement for aircraft certificated as 
experimental aircraft in the light-sport category to comply with the 
applicable maintenance and preventive maintenance requirements of part 
43 when those aircraft have been previously issued a special 
airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category (Sec.  43.1)
    Currently, aircraft that have been issued a special airworthiness 
certificate in the light-sport category must continue to meet the 
applicable maintenance and preventive maintenance requirements of part 
43 when those aircraft are subsequently certificated as experimental 
light-sport aircraft under Sec.  21.191(i)(3).
    A manufacturer may produce a special light-sport aircraft for 
certification under the provisions of Sec.  21.190 and the maintenance 
provisions of part 43 will apply to that aircraft. The manufacturer may 
continue to produce that same aircraft as an aircraft kit under the 
provisions of Sec.  21.191(i)(2), and part 43 will not apply to the 
maintenance of that aircraft. However, that same aircraft, when 
originally certificated under Sec.  21.190 and subsequently re-
certificated as an experimental light-sport aircraft under the 
provisions of Sec.  21.191(i)(3) must continue to comply with the 
provisions of part 43. Additionally, these rules preclude non-
certificated persons from performing maintenance on aircraft originally 
certificated under Sec.  21.190 and subsequently re-certificated under 
Sec.  21.191(i)(3), even though these experimental aircraft are 
restricted to personal use. When originally proposing these rules, the 
FAA's intent was to have identical maintenance requirements for all 
aircraft certificated under Sec.  21.191(i) regardless of whether they 
were previously certificated in another category. The current 
maintenance rules for these aircraft, however, negate the underlying 
rationale for originally adopting the provisions of Sec.  21.191(i)(3). 
The FAA is therefore proposing to amend Sec.  43.1 to remove the 
requirement for aircraft certificated as experimental aircraft in the 
light-sport category to comply with the requirements of part 43 when 
those aircraft have been previously issued a special airworthiness 
certificate in the light-sport category. The proposal would conform 
maintenance requirements for aircraft certificated under Sec.  
21.191(i) to the original intent of the 2004 final rule.
II.B.20. Require aircraft owners or operators to retain a record of the 
current status of applicable safety directives for special light-sport 
aircraft (Sec.  91.417)
    Currently Sec.  91.327(b)(4) specifies that no person may operate 
an aircraft that has a special airworthiness certificate in the light-
sport category unless the owner or operator complies with each safety 
directive applicable to the aircraft that corrects an existing unsafe 
condition. Although owners and operators must comply with these safety 
directives, there currently is no requirement to retain a record of the 
current status of applicable safety directives or transfer of that 
information at the time of sale of the aircraft.
    Without a requirement to retain and transfer this information, 
owners, operators, and FAA safety inspectors are not able to easily 
determine whether maintenance actions critical to flight safety have 
been accomplished on special light-sport aircraft. This requirement 
should have been included in the 2004 final rule. The FAA is therefore 
proposing to revise Sec.  91.417(a)(2)(v) to require owners or 
operators to retain these records. These records must be transferred in 
accordance with the provisions of Sec.  91.419.
II.B.21. Provide for use of aircraft with a special airworthiness 
certificate in the light-sport category in training courses approved 
under part 141 (Sec.  141.39)
    When the 2004 final rule was issued, the FAA did not revise part 
141 to provide for the use of light-sport aircraft in courses approved 
under that part. Since that time, the FAA has received requests for 
special light-sport aircraft to be used in courses approved under part 
141. Although special light-sport aircraft are not type-certificated 
aircraft, they are designed, manufactured, and certificated in 
accordance with consensus standards that have been accepted by the FAA. 
When part 141 was originally adopted, the FAA did not contemplate the 
use of aircraft manufactured in accordance with consensus standards. 
Since these aircraft are manufactured in accordance with FAA-accepted 
consensus standards, the FAA believes that these aircraft provide an 
acceptable level of safety for use in part 141 training courses. To be 
used in a course approved under part 141, the aircraft also would have 
to be properly equipped for performing the tasks specified in the 
training course in which the aircraft would be used. The FAA is 
therefore proposing to revise Sec.  141.39(b) to permit the use of 
special light-sport aircraft in training courses that are approved 
under part 141.
II.B.22. Revise minimum safe-altitude requirements for powered 
parachutes and weight-shift-control aircraft, and balloons (Sec.  
91.119)
    Currently pilots of powered parachutes and weight-shift-control 
aircraft must remain at least 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle 
within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet when operating over any 
congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open-air 
assembly of persons. When operating over other than congested areas, 
powered parachutes and weight-shift-control aircraft must be operated 
at an altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except when operating 
over open water or sparsely populated areas. When operating over these 
areas, these aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any 
person, vessel, vehicle, or structure. The restrictions specified for 
operations over congested areas and other than congested areas are not 
applicable when necessary for the takeoff or landing of the aircraft.
    While the FAA believes that current operating restrictions for 
powered parachutes and weight-shift-control aircraft over congested 
areas are appropriate, the agency believes that

[[Page 20192]]

current restrictions on the operation of powered parachutes and weight-
shift-control aircraft over other than congested areas are overly 
restrictive.
    The FAA recognizes that the operational characteristics (lower 
maximum gross weights, slower speeds, and lower climb rates) of powered 
parachutes and weight-shift control aircraft enable them to safely 
operate over other than congested areas at altitudes lower than those 
at which other aircraft are routinely operated. Additionally, many of 
these aircraft have been designed with the intent of conducting 
operations at altitudes below those permitted by the current 
regulation. Requiring these aircraft to operate at altitudes more 
appropriate to other categories and classes of aircraft significantly 
decreases their utility to owners and operators. In the event of a 
forced landing, the slower speeds, lower weights, and greater 
maneuverability of these aircraft allow for shorter landing distances 
and lower impact forces. The FAA is therefore proposing to amend Sec.  
91.119 to allow powered parachutes and weight-shift-control aircraft to 
be operated over other than congested areas at less than 500 feet above 
the surface, provided the operation is conducted without hazard to 
persons or property on the surface.

III. Paperwork Reduction Act

    Information collection requirements associated with the proposed 
amendments to part 61 to replace sport pilot privileges with aircraft 
category and class ratings on all pilot certificates and to replace 
sport pilot flight instructor privileges with aircraft category ratings 
on all flight instructor certificates have been approved previously by 
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)) and assigned OMB 
Control Number 2120-0690. This rulemaking action would ensure that 
sport pilots and flight instructors with a sport pilot rating are in 
compliance with the FAA's existing requirement that a record of their 
logbook endorsements are on file with the FAA.
    Information collection requirements associated with the proposed 
amendment to Sec.  91.419 to require owners and operators of special 
light-sport aircraft (SLSAs) to retain a record of the current status 
of applicable safety directives and transfer that information at the 
time of the sale of that aircraft would be a new information collection 
requirement. As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 
U.S.C. 3507(d)), the FAA has submitted the information requirements 
associated with this proposal to the Office of Management and Budget 
for its review. A summary of those requirements is as follows.
    Use: The information will be used to enable safety inspectors, in 
situations such as accident investigations, to determine whether 
required maintenance actions were accomplished on SLSAs.
    Respondents: There are currently 927 registered SLSAs (expected to 
increase by 75 aircraft every 2 years). However, the FAA does not know 
the exact numbers of owners and operators. The FAA expects the number 
of owners and operators would be fewer than 927.
    Frequency: Owners and operators of SLSAs would retain and transfer 
records on the status of safety directives only when safety directives 
have been issued on their SLSAs. The FAA estimates that it would take 
an owner operator 2 hours per year to comply with the requirement.
    Annual Burden Estimate
    There would be no annualized cost to the Federal government. For 
owners and operators, the total hour burden would be 21,540 hours over 
a 10-year period. The average number of hours each year would be 2,154, 
computed as follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Number of SLSA        Hours per
                          Year                                aircraft           aircraft      Total hour burden
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2008...................................................                927                  2              1,854
2009...................................................                927                  2              1,854
2010...................................................               1002                  2              2,004
2011...................................................               1002                  2              2,004
2012...................................................               1077                  2              2,154
2013...................................................               1077                  2              2,154
2014...................................................               1152                  2              2,304
2015...................................................               1152                  2              2,304
2016...................................................               1227                  2              2,454
2017...................................................               1227                  2              2,454
                                                                                              ------------------
  Total................................................  .................  .................             21,540
                                                                                              ------------------
  Average..............................................  .................  .................              2,154
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The total cost burden, assuming the value of an owner or operator's 
time is $31.50 per hour, would be $678,510 ($467,646 discounted). The 
annualized cost would be $66,584 per year ($467,646 multiplied by 
0.14238 (the capital recovery factor)).
    The agency is soliciting comments to--
    (1) Evaluate whether the proposed information requirement is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    (2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden;
    (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to 
be collected; and
    (4) Minimize the burden of collecting information on those who are 
to respond, including by using appropriate automated, electronic, 
mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms 
of information technology.
    Individuals and organizations may send comments on the information 
collection requirement by June 16, 2008, and should direct them to the 
address listed in the Addresses section at the end of this preamble. 
Comments also should be submitted to the Office of Management and 
Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: Desk 
Officer for FAA, New Executive Building, Room 10202, 725 17th Street, 
NW., Washington, DC 20053.
    According to the 1995 amendments to the Paperwork Reduction Act (5 
CFR 1320.8(b)(2)(vi)), an agency may not collect or sponsor the 
collection of information, nor may it impose an information collection 
requirement unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. 
The OMB control number for this information collection will be 
published in the Federal

[[Page 20193]]

Register, after the Office of Management and Budget approves it.

IV. International Compatibility

    In keeping with U.S. obligations under the Convention on 
International Civil Aviation, it is FAA policy to comply with 
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and 
Recommended Practices to the maximum extent practicable. The FAA has 
determined that there are no ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices 
that correspond to these proposed regulations.

V. Regulatory Notices and Analyses

V.A. Economic Assessment

    Changes to Federal regulations must undergo several economic 
analyses. First, Executive Order 12866 directs that each Federal agency 
shall propose or adopt a regulation only upon a reasoned determination 
that the benefits of the intended regulation justify its costs. Second, 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-354) requires 
agencies to analyze the economic impact of regulatory changes on small 
entities. Third, the Trade Agreements Act (Pub. L. 96-39) prohibits 
agencies from setting standards that create unnecessary obstacles to 
the foreign commerce of the United States. In developing U.S. 
standards, this Trade Act requires agencies to consider international 
standards and, where appropriate, that they be the basis of U.S. 
standards. Fourth, the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 
104-4) requires agencies to prepare a written assessment of the costs, 
benefits, and other effects of proposed or final rules that include a 
Federal mandate likely to result in the expenditure by State, local, or 
tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 
million or more annually (adjusted for inflation with base year of 
1995). This portion of the preamble summarizes the FAA's analysis of 
the economic impacts of this proposed rule. We suggest readers seeking 
greater detail read the full regulatory evaluation, a copy of which we 
have placed in the docket for this rulemaking.
    In conducting these analyses, FAA has determined that this proposed 
rule: (1) Has benefits that justify its costs, (2) is not an 
economically ``significant regulatory action'' as defined in section 
3(f) of Executive Order 12866, (3) is not ``significant'' as defined in 
DOT's Regulatory Policies and Procedures; (4) would not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities; 
(5) would not create unnecessary obstacles to the foreign commerce of 
the United States; and (6) would not impose an unfunded mandate on 
State, local, or tribal governments, or on the private sector by 
exceeding the threshold identified above. These analyses are summarized 
below.
    Costs and Benefits: The total cost of this rule would be 
approximately $8.2 million ($5.8 million, discounted). Much of this 
cost ($4.3 million) is attributed to new training requirements for 
sport pilots who fly aircraft with a VH greater than 87 
knots CAS. Another substantial portion of the cost ($3.0 million) is 
attributed to changes to the way in which sport pilot practical exams 
are administered. Benefits include increased safety for sport pilots 
flying in conditions requiring navigation by reference to instruments, 
the ability for pilots of powered parachutes and weight-shift-control 
aircraft to fly at lower altitudes in other-than-congested areas, and 
the ability for sport pilots to possess certificates with ratings 
similar to those of other pilots.

V.B. Regulatory Flexibility Determination

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-354)(RFA) 
establishes ``as a principle of regulatory issuance that agencies shall 
endeavor, consistent with the objectives of the rule and of applicable 
statutes, to fit regulatory and informational requirements to the scale 
of the businesses, organizations, and governmental jurisdictions 
subject to regulation. To achieve this principle, agencies are required 
to solicit and consider flexible regulatory proposals and to explain 
the rationale for their actions to assure that such proposals are given 
serious consideration.'' The RFA covers a wide-range of small entities, 
including small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and small 
governmental jurisdictions.
    Agencies must perform a review to determine whether a rule will 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. If the agency determines that it will, the agency must 
prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis as described in the RFA.
    However, if an agency determines that a rule is not expected to 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities, section 605(b) of the RFA provides that the head of the 
agency may so certify and a regulatory flexibility analysis is not 
required. The certification must include a statement providing the 
factual basis for this determination, and the reasoning should be 
clear.
    This proposed rule would impose minimal costs on individuals who 
are or are in the process of becoming sport pilots. Most of these 
individuals fly for sport or recreation, and therefore the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act does not apply to them. However, the rule would impose 
costs on flight instructors with sport pilot ratings who provide 
instruction as a business endeavor, and in this case the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act does apply. The estimated 390 current instructors who 
have already filed the correct paperwork with the FAA would pay 
nothing. The estimated 210 instructors who have not filed the proper 
paperwork would incur a one-time cost of approximately $130 each, which 
the FAA does not consider a significant cost. Therefore, the FAA 
certifies that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of flight instructors with a sport pilot 
rating engaged in a business endeavor. The FAA requests comments from 
affected entities on this finding and determination.

V.C. International Trade Impact Assessment

    The Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (Pub. L. 96-39) prohibits Federal 
agencies from establishing any standards or engaging in related 
activities that create unnecessary obstacles to the foreign commerce of 
the United States. Legitimate domestic objectives, such as safety, are 
not considered unnecessary obstacles. The statute also requires 
consideration of international standards and, where appropriate, that 
they be the basis for U.S. standards. The FAA has assessed the 
potential effect of this proposed rule and has determined that it would 
have no significant impact on international trade.

V.D. Unfunded Mandates Assessment

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-
4) requires each Federal agency to prepare a written statement 
assessing the effects of any Federal mandate in a proposed or final 
agency rule that may result in an expenditure of $100 million or more 
(adjusted annually for inflation with the base year 1995) in any one 
year by State, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by 
the private sector; such a mandate is deemed to be a ``significant 
regulatory action.'' The FAA currently uses an inflation-adjusted value 
of $128.1 million in lieu of $100 million. This proposed rule does not 
contain such a mandate.

[[Page 20194]]

V.E. Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    The FAA has analyzed this proposed rule under the principles and 
criteria of Executive Order 13132, Federalism. We determined that this 
action would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the 
relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government, and, therefore, would not have federalism implications.

V.F. Environmental Analysis

    FAA Order 1050.1E identifies FAA actions that are categorically 
excluded from preparation of an environmental assessment or 
environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy 
Act in the absence of extraordinary circumstances. The FAA has 
determined this proposed rulemaking action qualifies for the 
categorical exclusion identified in paragraph 307(k) and involves no 
extraordinary circumstances.

V.G. Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, 
or Use

    The FAA has analyzed this NPRM under Executive Order 13211, Actions 
Concerning Regulations that Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 
Distribution, or Use (May 18, 2001). We have determined that it is not 
a ``significant energy action'' under the executive order because it is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, 
and it is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the 
supply, distribution, or use of energy.

VI. Additional Information

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites interested persons to participate in this 
rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also 
invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or 
federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in 
this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion 
of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and 
include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain 
duplicate comments, please send only one copy of written comments, or 
if you are filing comments electronically, please submit your comments 
only one time.
    We will file in the docket all comments we receive, as well as a 
report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Availability of Rulemaking Documents

    You can get an electronic copy of rulemaking documents using the 
Internet by--
    1. Searching the Federal eRulemaking Portal (http://
www.regulations.gov);
    2. Visiting the FAA's Regulations and Policies Web page at http://
www.faa.gov/regulations--policies/; or
    3. Accessing the Government Printing Office's Web page at http://
www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html.
    You can also get a copy by sending a request to the Federal 
Aviation Administration, Office of Rulemaking, ARM-1, 800 Independence 
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591, or by calling (202) 267-9680. Be sure 
to identify the docket number, notice number, or amendment number of 
this rulemaking.
    You may access all documents the FAA considered in developing this 
proposed rule, including economic analyses and technical reports, from 
the Internet through the Federal eRulemaking Portal referenced in 
paragraph (1).

List of Subjects

14 CFR Part 43

    Aircraft, Aviation safety.

14 CFR Part 61

    Aircraft, Airmen, Recreation and recreation areas, Teachers.

14 CFR Part 91

    Aircraft, Airmen, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

14 CFR Part 141

    Airmen, Educational facilities, Schools.

The Proposed Amendments

    In consideration of the foregoing, the FAA proposes to amend parts 
43, 61, 91, and 141 of title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR 
parts 43, 61, 91, and 141) as follows:

PART 43--MAINTENANCE, PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE, REBUILDING, AND 
ALTERATION

    1. The authority citation for part 43 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44703, 44705, 44707, 
44711, 44713, 44717, 44725.

    2. Amend Sec.  43.1 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:

Sec.  43.1  Applicability.

* * * * *
    (b) This part does not apply to any aircraft for which the FAA has 
issued an experimental certificate, unless the FAA has previously 
issued a different kind of airworthiness certificate, other than a 
special airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category, for that 
aircraft.
* * * * *

PART 61--CERTIFICATION: PILOTS, FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS, AND GROUND 
INSTRUCTORS

    3. The authority citation for part 61 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701-44703, 44707, 44709-
44711, 45102-45103, 45301-45302.

    4. Amend Sec.  61.1 by revising paragraphs (b)(3)(iii) introductory 
text and (b)(3)(iv) introductory text to read as follows:

Sec.  61.1  Applicability and definitions.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (iii) For the purpose of meeting the aeronautical experience 
requirements for a sport pilot certificate (except for a powered 
parachute rating), time acquired during a flight conducted in an 
appropriate aircraft that--
* * * * *
    (iv) For the purpose of meeting the aeronautical experience 
requirements for a sport pilot certificate with a powered parachute 
rating or a private pilot certificate with a powered parachute category 
rating, time acquired during a flight conducted in an appropriate 
aircraft that--
* * * * *
    5. Amend Sec.  61.3 by revising paragraphs (c)(2)(i), (c)(2)(ii), 
(c)(2)(iv), and (c)(2)(v) introductory text to read as follows:

Sec.  61.3  Requirement for certificates, ratings, and authorizations.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) Is exercising the privileges of a student pilot certificate 
while seeking a pilot certificate with a glider category rating or a 
balloon class rating;
    (ii) Is exercising the privileges of a student pilot certificate 
while seeking a sport pilot certificate with other than

[[Page 20195]]

glider or balloon ratings and holds a current and valid U.S. driver's 
license;
* * * * *
    (iv) Is exercising the privileges of a sport pilot certificate with 
glider or balloon ratings;
    (v) Is exercising the privileges of a sport pilot certificate with 
other than glider or balloon ratings and holds a current and valid U.S. 
driver's license. A person who has applied for or held a medical 
certificate may exercise the privileges of a sport pilot certificate 
using a current and valid U.S. driver's license only if that person--
* * * * *
    6. Amend Sec.  61.5 by revising paragraph (c)(5) to read as 
follows:

Sec.  61.5  Certificates and ratings issued under this part.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (5) Sport pilot ratings--
    (i) Sport pilot--airplane single-engine.
    (ii) Sport pilot--weight-shift control aircraft.
    (iii) Sport pilot--powered parachute.
    (iv) Sport pilot--rotorcraft-gyroplane.
    (v) Sport pilot--glider.
    (vi) Sport pilot--lighter-than-air airship.
    (vii) Sport pilot--lighter-than-air balloon.
* * * * *
    7. Amend Sec.  61.7 by adding paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) to read 
as follows:

Sec.  61.7  Obsolete certificates and ratings.

* * * * *
    (c) Prior to [TWO YEARS FROM EFFECTIVE DATE OF FINAL RULE], the 
holder of a sport pilot certificate without a category and class rating 
whose logbook has been endorsed for sport pilot privileges in a 
specific category and class of aircraft may--
    (1) Exercise the privileges of a sport pilot certificate with a 
corresponding category and class rating; and
    (2) Exchange that certificate for a sport pilot certificate with a 
category and class rating corresponding to the privileges previously 
held.
    (d) Prior to [TWO YEARS FROM EFFECTIVE DATE OF FINAL RULE], the 
holder of a recreational pilot certificate or higher whose logbook has 
been endorsed for sport pilot privileges in a specific category and 
class of aircraft may--
    (1) Exercise the privileges of a sport pilot with a category and 
class rating in an aircraft corresponding to the category and class of 
aircraft specified in that pilot's logbook endorsement; and
    (2) Exchange that certificate for a recreational pilot certificate 
or higher with a category and class rating corresponding to the sport 
pilot privileges previously held.
    (e) A flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating 
issued before [EFFECTIVE DATE OF FINAL RULE] is equivalent to a flight 
instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating and the appropriate 
aircraft category and class rating. A flight instructor certificate 
with other than a sport pilot rating held by a person who has the 
privileges of a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating 
is equivalent to a flight instructor certificate with the corresponding 
flight instructor ratings and sport pilot category and class ratings. 
The holder of a flight instructor certificate who has sport pilot 
privileges not listed on that certificate may not exercise those 
privileges after [TWENTY SEVEN CALENDAR MONTHS FROM EFFECTIVE DATE OF 
FINAL RULE].
    8. Amend Sec.  61.23 by:
    a. Revising paragraph (b)(1);
    b. Removing paragraph (b)(2);
    c. Redesignating paragraphs (b)(3) through (b)(8) as paragraphs 
(b)(2) through (b)(7) respectively; and
    d. Revising newly redesignated paragraph (b)(3)(i).
    The revisions read as follows:

Sec.  61.23  Medical certificates: Requirement and duration.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) When exercising the privileges of a student pilot certificate 
while seeking a pilot certificate with a glider category rating or 
balloon class rating;
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (i) A sport pilot-glider rating or sport pilot-lighter-than air 
balloon rating; or
* * * * *

Sec.  61.31  [Amended]

    9. Amend Sec.  61.31 by:
    a. Adding the word ``or'' after the semicolon at the end of 
paragraph (k)(2)(iv);
    b. Removing the semicolon and the word ``or'' at the end of 
paragraph (k)(2)(v) and adding a period in their place; and
    c. Removing paragraph (k)(2)(vi).
    10. Amend Sec.  61.51 by:
    a. Revising paragraphs (c)(1) and (e)(1)(i);
    b. Removing paragraphs (i)(3) and (i)(5); and
    c. Redesignating paragraph (i)(4) as (i)(3).
    The revision reads as follows:

Sec.  61.51  Pilot logbooks.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) Apply for a certificate or rating issued under this part; or
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) Is the sole manipulator of the controls of an aircraft for 
which the pilot is rated;
* * * * *
    11. Amend Sec.  61.52 by revising paragraphs (a) introductory text, 
(b), (c)(2) and (c)(3), and adding paragraph (c)(4) to read as follows:

Sec.  61.52  Use of aeronautical experience obtained in ultralight 
vehicles.

    (a) Before January 31, 2012, a person may use aeronautical 
experience obtained in an ultralight vehicle to meet the requirements 
for the following certificates and ratings issued under this part:
* * * * *
    (b) Before January 31, 2012, a person may use aeronautical 
experience obtained in an ultralight vehicle to meet the provisions of 
Sec.  61.69.
    (c) * * *
    (2) Document and log that aeronautical experience in accordance 
with the provisions for logging aeronautical experience specified by an 
FAA-recognized organization and in accordance with the provisions for 
logging pilot time in aircraft as specified in Sec.  61.51;
    (3) Obtain the aeronautical experience in a category and class of 
vehicle that is appropriate to the rating sought; and
    (4) Provide the FAA with a certified copy of his or her ultralight 
pilot records from an FAA-recognized ultralight organization, that--
    (i) Document that he or she is a registered ultralight pilot with 
that FAA-recognized ultralight organization; and
    (ii) Indicate that he or she is recognized to operate the category 
and class of aircraft for which sport pilot privileges are sought.
    12. Amend Sec.  61.63 by revising paragraphs (b)(5) and (c)(5) to 
read as follows:

Sec.  61.63  Additional aircraft ratings (other than on an airline 
transport pilot certificate).

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (5) Need not take an additional knowledge test, provided the 
applicant holds an airplane, rotorcraft, powered-lift, weight-shift-
control aircraft, powered parachute, or airship rating at that pilot 
certificate level.
    (c) * * *
    (5) Need not take an additional knowledge test, provided the 
applicant holds an airplane, rotorcraft, powered-

[[Page 20196]]

lift, weight-shift-control aircraft, powered parachute, or airship 
rating at that pilot certificate level.
* * * * *
    13. Amend Sec.  61.87 by revising the introductory text of 
paragraphs (d), (g), (i), (j), (l), and (m) to read as follows:

Sec.  61.87  Solo requirements for student pilots.

* * * * *
    (d) Maneuvers and procedures for pre-solo flight training in a 
single-engine airplane. A student pilot who is receiving training for a 
single-engine airplane rating must receive and log flight training for 
the following maneuvers and procedures:
* * * * *
    (g) Maneuvers and procedures for pre-solo flight training in a 
gyroplane. A student pilot who is receiving training for a gyroplane 
rating must receive and log flight training for the following maneuvers 
and procedures:
* * * * *
    (i) Maneuvers and procedures for pre-solo flight training in a 
glider. A student pilot who is receiving training for a glider rating 
must receive and log flight training for the following maneuvers and 
procedures:
* * * * *
    (j) Maneuvers and procedures for pre-solo flight training in an 
airship. A student pilot who is receiving training for an airship 
rating must receive and log flight training for the following maneuvers 
and procedures:
* * * * *
    (l) Maneuvers and procedures for pre-solo flight training in a 
powered parachute. A student pilot who is receiving training for a 
powered parachute rating must receive and log flight training for the 
following maneuvers and procedures:
* * * * *
    (m) Maneuvers and procedures for pre-solo flight training in a 
weight-shift-control aircraft. A student pilot who is receiving 
training for a weight-shift-control aircraft rating must receive and 
log flight training for the following maneuvers and procedures:
* * * * *
    14. Amend Sec.  61.89 by:
    a. Revising paragraph (c)(3);
    b. Removing the period from the end of paragraph (c)(4) and adding 
a semicolon; and
    c. Adding paragraphs (c)(5), (c)(6), and (c)(7).
    The revision and additions read as follows:

Sec.  61.89  General limitations.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (3) At an altitude of more than 10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL, 
whichever is higher;
* * * * *
    (5) Of a light-sport aircraft without having received the 
applicable ground training, flight training, and instructor 
endorsements specified in Sec.  61.327 (a) and (b);
    (6) Prior to conducting a cross-country flight in a light-sport 
aircraft without having received the applicable ground training, flight 
training, and instructor endorsements specified in Sec.  61.327 (c); 
and
    (7) Of a powered parachute with an elliptical wing without having 
received the ground training, flight training, and instructor 
endorsement specified in Sec.  61.324.
    15. Amend Sec.  61.93 by revising paragraphs (e)(9), (e)(12), 
(h)(9), (k)(9), and (k)(11) to read as follows:

Sec.  61.93  Solo cross-country flight requirements.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (9) Use of radios for VFR navigation and two-way communication, 
except that a student pilot seeking a sport pilot certificate must only 
receive and log flight training on the use of radios installed in the 
aircraft to be flown;
* * * * *
    (12) Control and maneuvering solely by reference to flight 
instruments, including straight and level flight, turns, descents, 
climbs, use of radio aids, and ATC directives. For student pilots 
seeking a sport pilot certificate, the provisions of this paragraph 
only apply when receiving training for cross-country flight in an 
airplane that has a VH greater than 87 knots CAS.
* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (9) Use of radios for VFR navigation and two-way communication, 
except that a student pilot seeking a sport pilot certificate must only 
receive and log flight training on the use of radios installed in the 
aircraft to be flown; and
* * * * *
    (k) * * *
    (9) Use of radios for VFR navigation and two-way communication, 
except that a student pilot seeking a sport pilot certificate must only 
receive and log flight training on the use of radios installed in the 
aircraft to be flown;
* * * * *
    (11) Control of the airship solely by reference to flight 
instruments, except for a student pilot seeking a sport pilot 
certificate; and
* * * * *
    16. Amend Sec.  61.109 by:
    a. Removing the word ``and'' at the end of paragraphs (i)(3) and 
(j)(3);
    b. Revising paragraphs (i)(4)(ii) and (j)(2)(i);
    c. Adding the word ``and'' to the end of paragraph (j)(4)(i);
    d. Removing paragraph (j)(4)(iii); and
    e. Adding paragraphs (i)(5) and (j)(5).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:

Sec.  61.109  Aeronautical experience.

* * * * *
    (i) * * *
    (4) * * *
    (ii) Twenty solo takeoffs and landings to a full stop (with each 
landing involving a flight in a traffic pattern) at an airport; and
    (5) Three takeoffs and landings (with each landing involving a 
flight in the traffic pattern) in an aircraft at an airport with an 
operating control tower.
    (j) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) One cross-country flight of over 75 nautical miles total 
distance that includes a point of landing that is a straight-line 
distance of more than 50 nautical miles from the original point of 
departure; and
* * * * *
    (5) Three takeoffs and landings (with each landing involving a 
flight in the traffic pattern) in an aircraft at an airport with an 
operating control tower.
* * * * *
    17. Amend Sec.  61.113 by:
    a. Amending paragraph (a) by removing the words ``paragraphs (b) 
through (g)'' and adding in their place the words ``paragraphs (b) 
through (h)''; and
    b. Adding paragraph (h) to read as follows:

Sec.  61.113  Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in 
command.

* * * * *
    (h) A private pilot may act as pilot in command for the purpose of 
conducting a production flight test in a light-sport aircraft intended 
for certification in the light-sport category under Sec.  21.190 of 
this chapter, provided that--
    (1) The aircraft is a powered parachute or a weight-shift-control 
aircraft; and
    (2) The person has at least 100 hours of pilot-in-command time in 
the category and class of aircraft flown.

Subpart H--Flight Instructors

    18. Revise the heading of subpart H of part 61 to read as set forth 
above.

[[Page 20197]]

Sec.  61.181  [Amended]

    19. Amend Sec.  61.181 by removing the words ``(except for flight 
instructor certificates with a sport pilot rating).''
    20. Amend Sec.  61.183 by revising paragraphs (c) and (j) to read 
as follows:

Sec.  61.183  Eligibility requirements.

* * * * *
    (c) Hold--
    (1) Either a commercial pilot certificate or airline transport 
pilot certificate with:
    (i) An aircraft category and class rating that is appropriate to 
the flight instructor rating sought; and
    (ii) An instrument rating, or privileges on that person's pilot 
certificate that are appropriate to the flight instructor rating 
sought, if applying for--
    (A) A flight instructor certificate with an airplane category and 
single-engine class rating;
    (B) A flight instructor certificate with an airplane category and 
multiengine class rating;
    (C) A flight instructor certificate with a powered-lift rating; or
    (D) A flight instructor certificate with an instrument rating; or
    (2) At least a sport pilot certificate with a category and class 
rating appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought, if seeking a 
flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating.
* * * * *
    (j) Log--
    (1) At least 15 hours as pilot in command in the category and class 
of aircraft that is appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought, 
if applying for a flight instructor certificate with other than a sport 
pilot rating; or
    (2) The aeronautical experience specified in Sec.  61.186, if 
applying for a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating; 
and
* * * * *
    21. Amend Sec.  61.185 by revising paragraph (a)(2) to read as 
follows:

Sec.  61.185  Aeronautical knowledge.

    (a) * * *
    (2) The aeronautical knowledge areas for--
    (i) A recreational, private, and commercial pilot certificate 
applicable to the aircraft category for which flight instructor 
privileges are sought, if applying for a flight instructor certificate 
with other than a sport pilot rating; or
    (ii) A sport pilot certificate applicable to the aircraft category 
for which flight instructor privileges are sought, if applying for a 
flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating; and
* * * * *
    22. Add Sec.  61.186 to read as follows:

Sec.  61.186  Aeronautical experience requirements for persons applying 
for a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating.

    A person applying for a flight instructor certificate with a sport 
pilot rating must meet the aeronautical experience requirements 
specified in the following table:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
   A person applying for a
      flight instructor        Must log at least .   Which must include
  certificate with a sport             . .             at least . . .
   pilot rating for . . .
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Airplane category with a  (1) 150 hours of      (i) 100 hours of
 single-engine class rating,   flight time as a      flight time as
                               pilot,                pilot in command in
                                                     a powered aircraft,
                                                    (ii) 50 hours of
                                                     flight time in a
                                                     single-engine
                                                     airplane,
                                                    (iii) 25 hours of
                                                     cross-country
                                                     flight time,
                                                    (iv) 10 hours of
                                                     cross-country
                                                     flight time in a
                                                     single-engine
                                                     airplane, and
                                                    (v) 15 hours of
                                                     flight time as
                                                     pilot in command in
                                                     a single-engine
                                                     airplane that is a
                                                     light-sport
                                                     aircraft.
                              (2) [Reserved].       ....................
(b) Glider category rating,.  (1) 25 hours of
                               flight time as
                               pilot in command of
                               a glider, 100
                               flights in a
                               glider, and 15
                               flights as pilot in
                               command in a glider
                               that is a light-
                               sport aircraft; or
                              (2) 100 hours in      ....................
                               heavier-than-air
                               aircraft, 20
                               flights in a
                               glider, and 15
                               flights as pilot in
                               command in a glider
                               that is a light-
                               sport aircraft.
(c) Rotorcraft category with  (1) 125 hours of      (i) 100 hours of
 a gyroplane class rating,     flight time as a      flight time as
                               pilot,                pilot in command in
                                                     a powered aircraft,
                                                    (ii) 50 hours of
                                                     flight time in a
                                                     gyroplane,
                                                    (iii) 10 hours of
                                                     cross-country
                                                     flight time,
                                                    (iv) 3 hours of
                                                     cross-country
                                                     flight time in a
                                                     gyroplane, and
                                                    (v) 15 hours of
                                                     flight time as
                                                     pilot in command in
                                                     a gyroplane that is
                                                     a light-sport
                                                     aircraft.
                              (2) [Reserved].       ....................
(d) Lighter-than-air          (1) 100 hours of      (i) 40 hours of
 category with an airship      flight time as a      flight time in an
 class rating,                 pilot,.               airship,
                                                    (ii) 20 hours of
                                                     flight time as
                                                     pilot in command in
                                                     an airship,
                                                    (iii) 10 hours of
                                                     cross-country
                                                     flight time,
                                                    (iv) 5 hours of
                                                     cross-country
                                                     flight time in an
                                                     airship, and
                                                    (v) 15 hours of
                                                     flight time as
                                                     pilot in command in
                                                     an airship that is
                                                     a light-sport
                                                     aircraft.
                              (2) [Reserved].       ....................
(e) Lighter-than-air          (1) 35 hours of       (i) 20 hours of
 category with a balloon       flight time as        flight time in a
 class rating,                 pilot in command,     balloon,
                                                    (ii) 10 flights in a
                                                     balloon, and

[[Page 20198]]

                                                    (iii) 5 flights as
                                                     pilot in command in
                                                     a balloon that is a
                                                     light-sport
                                                     aircraft.
                              (2) [Reserved]......  ....................
(f) Weight-shift-control      (1) 150 hours of      (i) 100 hours of
 aircraft category rating,     flight time as a      flight time as a
                               pilot,.               pilot in command in
                                                     a powered aircraft,
                                                    (ii) 50 hours of
                                                     flight time in a
                                                     weight-shift-
                                                     control aircraft,
                                                    (iii) 25 hours of
                                                     cross-country
                                                     flight time,
                                                    (iv) 10 hours of
                                                     cross-country
                                                     flight time in a
                                                     weight-shift-
                                                     control aircraft,
                                                     and
                                                    (v) 15 hours of
                                                     flight time as a
                                                     pilot in command in
                                                     a weight-shift-
                                                     control aircraft
                                                     that is a light-
                                                     sport aircraft.
                              (2) [Reserved].       ....................
(g) Powered-parachute         (1) 100 hours of      (i) 75 hours of
 category rating,              flight time as a      flight time as a
                               pilot,.               pilot in command in
                                                     a powered aircraft,
                                                    (ii) 50 hours of
                                                     flight time in a
                                                     powered parachute,
                                                    (iii) 15 hours of
                                                     cross-country
                                                     flight time,
                                                    (iv) 5 hours of
                                                     cross-country
                                                     flight time in a
                                                     powered parachute,
                                                     and
                                                    (v) 15 hours of
                                                     flight time as
                                                     pilot in command in
                                                     a powered parachute
                                                     that is a light-
                                                     sport aircraft.
                              (2) [Reserved].       ....................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    23. Amend Sec.  61.187 by adding paragraph (b)(8) to read as 
follows:

Sec.  61.187  Flight proficiency.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (8) For a sport pilot rating with the appropriate aircraft category 
and class rating:
    (i) Fundamentals of instructing;
    (ii) Technical subject areas;
    (iii) Preflight preparation;
    (iv) Preflight lesson on a maneuver to be performed in flight;
    (v) Preflight procedures;
    (vi) Airport, seaplane base, and gliderport operations, as 
applicable;
    (vii) Takeoffs (or launches), landings, and go-arounds;
    (viii) Fundamentals of flight;
    (ix) Performance maneuvers, and for gliders, performance speeds;
    (x) Ground reference maneuvers (except for gliders and lighter-
than-air);
    (xi) Soaring techniques;
    (xii) Slow flight (not applicable to lighter-than-air and powered 
parachutes)
    (xiii) Stalls (not applicable to lighter-than-air, powered 
parachutes, and gyroplanes);
    (xiv) Spins (applicable to airplanes and gliders);
    (xv) Emergency operations;
    (xvi) Tumble entry and avoidance techniques (applicable to weight-
shift-control aircraft); and
    (xvii) Post-flight procedures.
* * * * *
    24. Amend Sec.  61.191 by adding paragraph (c) to read as follows:

Sec.  61.191  Additional flight instructor ratings.

* * * * *
    (c) A person who applies for an additional sport pilot rating on a 
flight instructor certificate is not required to pass the knowledge 
test on the areas listed in Sec.  61.185 (a)(2)(ii).
    25. Revise Sec.  61.193 to read as follows:

61.193  Flight instructor privileges.

    (a) A person who holds a flight instructor certificate with other 
than a sport pilot rating is authorized, within the limits of that 
person's flight instructor certificate and ratings, to provide training 
and endorsements that are required for and relate to--
    (1) A student pilot certificate;
    (2) A pilot certificate;
    (3) A flight instructor certificate;
    (4) A ground instructor certificate;
    (5) An aircraft rating;
    (6) A flight review, an operating privilege, or recency-of-
experience requirement of this part;
    (7) A practical test; and
    (8) A knowledge test.
    (b) A person who holds a flight instructor certificate with a sport 
pilot rating is authorized, within the limits of that person's flight 
instructor certificate and rating, to provide training and endorsements 
that are required for, and relate to--
    (1) A student pilot certificate seeking a sport pilot certificate;
    (2) A sport pilot certificate;
    (3) A flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating;
    (4) An aircraft rating for a sport pilot;
    (5) A flight review;
    (6) An operating privilege or recency-of-experience requirement of 
this part for a person exercising the privileges of a sport pilot;
    (7) A practical test for a sport pilot certificate, a private pilot 
certificate with a powered parachute or weight-shift-control aircraft 
rating, or a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating; 
and
    (8) A knowledge test for a sport pilot certificate, a private pilot 
certificate with a powered parachute or weight-shift-control aircraft 
rating, or a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating.
    26. Amend Sec.  61.195 by adding paragraphs (d)(7) and (k) to read 
as follows:

Sec.  61.195  Flight instructor limitations and qualifications.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (7) Student pilot's certificate and logbook of a student pilot 
seeking a sport pilot certificate for solo flight in Class B, C and D 
airspace areas, at an airport within Class B, C, or D airspace and to, 
from, through or on an airport having an operational control tower, 
unless that flight instructor has--
    (i) Given that student ground and flight training in that airspace 
or at that airport; and
    (ii) Determined that the student is proficient to operate the 
aircraft safely.
* * * * *
    (k) Additional limitations for a flight instructor with a sport 
pilot rating. A

[[Page 20199]]

flight instructor with a sport pilot rating may only provide flight 
instruction in a light-sport aircraft and must have--
    (1) At least a private pilot certificate with the applicable 
category and class ratings at any certificate level to provide training 
for a private pilot certificate with a powered parachute or weight-
shift-control aircraft rating;
    (2) The endorsement specified in Sec.  61.324 or be otherwise 
authorized to operate a powered parachute with an elliptical wing to 
provide training in a powered parachute with an elliptical wing;
    (3) The endorsement specified in Sec.  61.327(a) or be otherwise 
authorized to operate a light-sport aircraft with a VH 
greater than 87 knots CAS to provide training in a light-sport aircraft 
with a VH greater than 87 knots CAS;
    (4) The endorsement specified in Sec.  61.327(b) or be otherwise 
authorized to operate a light-sport aircraft with a VH less 
than or equal to 87 knots CAS to provide training in a light-sport 
aircraft with a VH less than or equal to 87 knots CAS; and
    (5) The endorsement specified in Sec.  61.325 or be otherwise 
authorized to conduct operations in Class B, C, and D airspace, at an 
airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, and to, from, through, or 
at an airport having an operational control tower to provide training 
in this airspace and at these airports.

Sec.  61.301  [Amended]

    27. Amend Sec.  61.301 by removing paragraph (a)(7).
    28. Amend Sec.  61.303 by:
    a. Removing the words ``light sport'' adding the words ``light-
sport'' in their place in paragraphs (a)(1)(ii)(A) introductory text 
and (a)(2)(ii)(A) introductory text; and
    b. Revising the introductory text of paragraphs (a)(1)(i)(A), 
(a)(1)(ii), (a)(1)(iii)(A), (a)(2)(i)(A), (a)(2)(ii), (a)(2)(iii)(A), 
(a)(3)(i)(A), (a)(3)(ii)(A), and (a)(3)(iii)(A), and paragraph 
(a)(3)(ii)(A)(1) to read as follows:

Sec.  61.303  If I want to operate a light-sport aircraft, what 
operating limits and endorsement requirements in this subpart must I 
comply with?

    (a) * * *

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             If you hold                     And you hold         Then you may operate             And
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) * * *............................  (i) * * *..............  (A) Any light-sport      (1) * * *
                                                                 aircraft for which you
                                                                 hold the appropriate
                                                                 category and class
                                                                 rating,
                                       (ii) At least a          (A) * * *..............  (1) * * *
                                        recreational pilot
                                        certificate with a
                                        category and class
                                        rating at that
                                        certificate level or
                                        higher,
                                       (iii) * * *............  (A) That light-sport     (1) * * *
                                                                 aircraft, only if you
                                                                 hold the appropriate
                                                                 category and class
                                                                 rating,
(2) * * *............................  (i) * * *..............  (A) Any light-sport      (1) * * *
                                                                 aircraft for which you
                                                                 hold the appropriate
                                                                 category and class
                                                                 rating,
                                       (ii) At least a          (A) * * *..............  (1) * * *
                                        recreational pilot
                                        certificate with a
                                        category and class
                                        rating at that
                                        certificate level or
                                        higher,
                                       (iii) * * *............  (A) That light-sport     (1) * * *
                                                                 aircraft, only if you
                                                                 hold the appropriate
                                                                 category and class
                                                                 ratings,
(3) * * *............................  (i) * * *..............  (A) Any light-sport      (1) * * *
                                                                 glider or balloon for
                                                                 which you hold the
                                                                 appropriate category
                                                                 and class rating,
                                       (ii) * * *.............  (A) Any light-sport      (1) You do not have to
                                                                 glider or balloon in     hold any of the
                                                                 that category and        endorsements required
                                                                 class,                   by this subpart, nor
                                                                                          do you have to balloon
                                                                                          in comply with the
                                                                                          limitations in Sec.
                                                                                          61.315.
                                       (iii) * * *............  (A) Any light-sport      (1) * * *
                                                                 glider or balloon,
                                                                 only if you hold the
                                                                 glider category or
                                                                 balloon class rating,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

Sec.  61.309  [Amended]

    29. Amend Sec.  61.309 introductory text by removing the words 
``Except as specified in Sec.  61.329, to'' and adding the word ``To'' 
to the beginning of the sentence.
    30. Amend Sec.  61.311 by revising the introductory text to read as 
follows:

Sec.  61.311  What flight proficiency requirements must I meet to apply 
for a sport pilot certificate?

    To apply for a sport pilot certificate you must receive and log 
ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on the 
following areas of operation, as appropriate, for airplane single-
engine land or sea, glider, gyroplane, airship, balloon, powered 
parachute land or sea, and weight-shift-control aircraft land or sea 
ratings:
* * * * *
    31. Amend Sec.  61.313 by:
    a. Removing the words ``Except as specified in Sec.  61.329, use'' 
from the introductory text and adding the word ``Use'' to the beginning 
of the sentence;
    b. Removing the numeral ``3'' and adding in its place the numeral 
``2'' in paragraphs (a)(1)(iv), (d)(1)(iv), (e)(1)(iv), (f)(1)(ii), 
(g)(1)(v) and (h)(1)(iv);
    c. Revising the introductory text of paragraphs (a) through (h);
    d. Revising paragraph (g)(1) introductory text; and

[[Page 20200]]

    e. Revising paragraphs (b)(1)(ii) and (c)(1)(ii).
    The revisions read as follows:

Sec.  61.313  What aeronautical experience must I have to apply for a 
sport pilot certificate?

* * * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
  If you are applying for a
sport pilot certificate with  Then you must log at   Which must include
            . . .                  least . . .         at least . . .
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Airplane category and     (1) * * *...........  * * *
 single-engine land or sea
 class ratings,
(b) Glider category rating,   (1) * * *...........  * * * (ii) at least
 and you have not logged at                          3 training flights
 least 20 hours of flight                            on those areas of
 time in heavier-than-air                            operation specified
 aircraft,                                           in Sec.   61.311
                                                     preparing for the
                                                     practical test
                                                     within 60 days
                                                     before the date of
                                                     the test.
(c) Glider category rating,   (1) * * *...........  * * * (ii) at least
 and you have logged at                              3 training flights
 least 20 hours of flight                            on those areas of
 time in heavier-than-air                            operation specified
 craft,                                              in Sec.   61.311
                                                     preparing for the
                                                     practical test
                                                     within 60 days
                                                     before the date of
                                                     the test.
(d) Rotorcraft category and   (1) * * *...........  * * *
 gyroplane class ratings,
(e) Lighter-than-air          (1) * * *...........  * * *
 category and airship class
 ratings,
(f) Lighter-than-air          (1) * * *...........  * * *
 category and balloon class
 ratings,
(g) Powered parachute         (1) 12 hours of       * * *
 category land or sea class    flight time in a
 ratings,                      powered parachute,
                               including 10 hours
                               of flight training
                               in a powered
                               parachute from an
                               authorized
                               instructor, and at
                               least 2 hours of
                               solo flight time in
                               a powered parachute
                               on the areas of
                               operation listed in
                               Sec.   61.311,
(h) Weight-shift-control      (1) * * *...........  * * *
 aircraft category land or
 sea class ratings,
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    32. Amend Sec.  61.315 by revising paragraphs (c)(11), (c)(14), and 
(c)(16) and adding paragraph (c)(20) to read as follows:

Sec.  61.315  What are the privileges and limits of my sport pilot 
certificate?

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (11) At an altitude of more than 10,000 feet MSL, or 2,000 feet 
AGL, whichever is higher.
* * * * *
    (14) If the aircraft has:
    (i) A VH greater than 87 knots CAS, unless you have met 
the requirements of Sec.  61.327(a).
    (ii) A VH less than or equal to 87 knots CAS, unless you 
have met the requirements of Sec.  61.327(b) or have logged pilot-in-
command time in an aircraft with a VH less than or equal to 
87 knots CAS before (insert effective date of final rule).
* * * * *
    (16) Contrary to any limit on your pilot certificate or airman 
medical certificate, or any other limit or endorsement from an 
authorized instructor.
* * * * *
    (20) That is a powered parachute with an elliptical wing, unless 
you have met the requirements specified in Sec.  61.324.
    33. Revise Sec.  61.317 to read as follows:

Sec.  61.317  Is my sport pilot certificate issued with aircraft 
category and class ratings?

    Your sport pilot certificate will list aircraft category and class 
ratings. When you successfully pass the practical test for a sport 
pilot certificate, regardless of the light-sport aircraft rating you 
seek, the FAA will issue a sport pilot certificate with the appropriate 
aircraft category and class rating.

Sec.  61.319  [Removed and reserved]

    34. Remove and reserve Sec.  61.319.

Sec.  61.321  [Removed and reserved]

    35. Remove and reserve Sec.  61.321.

Sec.  61.323  [Removed and reserved]

    36. Remove and reserve Sec.  61.323.
    37. Add Sec.  61.324 to read as follows:

Sec.  61.324  How do I obtain privileges to operate a powered parachute 
with an elliptical wing?

    (a) Except as specified in paragraph (b) of this section, if you 
hold a sport pilot certificate with a powered parachute rating and you 
seek to operate a powered parachute with an elliptical wing you must--
    (1) Receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized 
instructor in a powered parachute with an elliptical wing; and
    (2) Receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor 
who provided you with the training specified in paragraph (a) of this 
section certifying that you are proficient to operate a powered 
parachute with an elliptical wing.
    (b) The training and endorsements required by paragraph (a) of this 
section are not required if you have logged flight time as pilot in 
command of a powered parachute with an elliptical wing prior to 
[EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE FINAL RULE].
    38. Revise Sec.  61.327 to read as follows:

Sec.  61.327  Are there specific endorsement requirements to operate 
light-sport aircraft based on VH?

    (a) If you hold a sport pilot certificate and you seek to operate a 
light-sport aircraft that has a VH greater than 87 knots CAS 
you must--
    (1) Receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized 
instructor in an aircraft that has a VH greater than 87 
knots CAS; and
    (2) Receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor 
who provided the training specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section 
certifying that you are proficient in the operation of light-sport 
aircraft with a VH greater than 87 knots CAS.
    (b) Except as specified in paragraph (d) of this section, if you 
hold a sport pilot certificate and you seek to operate a light-sport 
aircraft that has a VH less than or equal to 87 knots CAS 
you must--
    (1) Receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized 
instructor in

[[Page 20201]]

an aircraft that has a VH less than or equal to 87 knots 
CAS; and
    (2) Receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor 
who provided the training specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section 
certifying that you are proficient in the operation of light-sport 
aircraft with a VH less than or equal to 87 knots CAS.
    (c) If you hold a sport pilot certificate and you seek to operate a 
light-sport aircraft that is an airplane and has a VH 
greater than 87 knots CAS after [ONE YEAR AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF 
THE FINAL RULE], you must receive and log 1 hour of flight training in 
a single-engine airplane that has a VH greater than 87 knots 
CAS on the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference 
to instruments, including straight and level flight, climbs and 
descents, turns to a heading, and recovery from unusual flight 
attitudes.
    (d) The training and endorsements required by paragraph (b) of this 
section are not required if you have logged flight time as pilot in 
command of an aircraft with a VH less than or equal to 87 
knots CAS prior to [EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE FINAL RULE].

Sec.  61.329  [Removed]

    39. Remove Sec.  61.329.

Sec. Sec.  61.401 through 61.431 (Subpart K)  [Removed]

    40. Remove subpart K consisting of Sec. Sec.  61.401 through 
61.431.

PART 91--GENERAL OPERATING AND FLIGHT RULES

    41. The authority citation for part 91 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 1155, 40103, 40113, 40120, 44101, 
44111, 44701, 44704, 44709, 44711, 44712, 44715, 44716, 44717, 
44722, 46306, 46315, 46316, 46504, 46506-46507, 47122, 47508, 47528-
47531, articles 12 and 29 of the Convention on International Civil 
Aviation (61 Stat. 1180).

    42. Amend Sec.  91.119 by revising paragraph (d) to read as 
follows:

Sec.  91.119  Minimum safe altitudes: General.

* * * * *
    (d) Helicopters, powered parachutes, and weight-shift-control 
aircraft. If the operation is conducted without hazard to persons or 
property on the surface--
    (1) A helicopter may be operated at less than the minimums 
prescribed in paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, provided each 
person operating the helicopter complies with any routes or altitudes 
specifically prescribed for helicopters by the FAA; and
    (2) A powered parachute or weight-shift-control aircraft may be 
operated at less than the minimums prescribed in paragraph (c) of this 
section.
    43. Amend Sec.  91.417 by revising paragraph (a)(2)(v) to read as 
follows:

Sec.  91.417  Maintenance records.

    (a) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (v) The current status of applicable airworthiness directives (AD) 
and safety directives including, for each, the method of compliance, 
the AD or safety directive number and revision date. If the AD or 
safety directive involves recurring action, the time and date when the 
next action is required.
* * * * *

PART 141--PILOT SCHOOLS

    44. The authority citation for part 141 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701-44703, 44707, 44709, 
44711, 45102-45103, 45301-45302.
    45. Amend Sec.  141.39 by revising paragraph (b) to read as 
follows:

Sec.  141.39  Aircraft.

* * * * *
    (b) Each aircraft must be certificated with a standard 
airworthiness certificate, a primary airworthiness certificate, or a 
special airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category unless 
the Administrator determines that due to the nature of the approved 
course, an aircraft not having a standard airworthiness certificate, a 
primary airworthiness certificate, or a special airworthiness 
certificate in the light-sport category may be used;
* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC on April 9, 2008.
James J. Ballough,
Director, Flight Standards Service.
[FR Doc. 08-1127 Filed 4-11-08; 8:45am]

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