What CFR 91.103 Means for Pilots

CFR 91.103 requires each pilot in command to familiarize themselves with all available information before starting a flight. This includes weather reports, fuel requirements, alternates, runway lengths, and known ATC delays. Jason emphasizes the importance of understanding this regulation not just as a checklist, but as a tool to ensure flight safety. 

The NW Craft Acronym

Jason introduces “NW Craft” as a mnemonic to remember all elements of 91.103:

• N – NOTAMs
• W – Weather
• K – Known ATC delays
• R – Runway lengths
• A – Alternatives available
• F- Fuel requirements
• T – Takeoff and landing distances
  
  

This acronym helps pilots quickly recall the key pre-flight requirements, whether flying VFR locally or IFR cross-country. 

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Consolidated Aviation Weather Guidance

The FAA released the Aviation Weather Handbook as a comprehensive source that replaces several older advisory circulars. Many long-used circulars, including hazardous mountain winds and wind shear guides, were canceled. Resources and weather tools are available at the NOAA Aviation Weather Center website.

New Medical Rule for Balloon Pilots

Commercial hot air balloon pilots must now hold a medical certificate when carrying paying passengers. This requirement aligns balloon operations with other commercial activities and increases safety oversight. The rule took effect in late 2022.

FAA Knowledge Test Time Reductions

Several written tests now allow less time. The Private Pilot test decreased from 150 minutes to 120 minutes. The Commercial Pilot test decreased from 180 minutes to 150 minutes. Both tests now include five unscored validation questions. These questions help refine the FAA question bank and do not affect final scores.

FAA Weather Camera Enhancements

The FAA enhanced its weather camera program in regions with limited reporting tools. A new visibility estimation method uses image analytics to compare landmarks with known distances. Tests show increased accuracy when identifying low visibility conditions.

New GPS Routes in Alaska

The FAA introduced 54 GPS-guided routes to support safer low-altitude navigation in Alaska. These include new routes and amended T-routes. The change supports operations that avoid icing and improve situational awareness in remote locations.Recreational Drone Guidance and CBO Requirements

Recreational Drone Guidance and CBO Requirements

Recreational drone operations must follow safety guidelines from FAA-recognized community-based organizations. Advisory Circular 91-57C outlines requirements for CBO recognition, fixed sites, and FRIA locations. Remote identification rules also appear within this guidance.

PHAK Addendum on Attitude Indicators

The Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge received an addendum regarding pitch and bank limits for certain attitude indicators. The update highlights potential errors when instruments exceed design limits. This revision came from an NTSB safety recommendation after a search-and-rescue accident.

FAA Written Test Score Data

The FAA released national averages for 2022 knowledge tests. Nearly 40,000 Private Pilot tests averaged 82 percent. Instrument Pilot scores averaged 86 percent. Commercial Pilot scores averaged 88 percent. Remote Pilot scores averaged 80 percent. These trends reflect ongoing national performance and testing expectations.

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These updates reshape what aircraft Sport Pilots can fly, expand privileges, and modernize how Light Sport Aircraft are certified. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing and how it affects current and future Sport Pilots.

Key Change: Sport Pilot Rules Are Now Separate from LSA Definitions

Until now, Sport Pilot and Light Sport Aircraft regulations were closely tied together, both limited to aircraft under 1,320 pounds. Under MOSAIC, the FAA has split those definitions—removing the weight limit and replacing it with a performance-based standard.

This means both pilots and manufacturers now follow performance criteria rather than static weight restrictions.

New Sport Pilot Privileges (Effective October 22, 2025)

Here’s what changes first for Sport Pilots this fall:

Increased Aircraft Capabilities

• Maximum stall speed (VS1) raised from 45 KCAS to 59 KCAS.
• Aircraft seating expanded to four seats—though Sport Pilots may still carry only one passenger.
• Many popular 4-seat trainers (such as certain Cessna 172 models that meet the new stall-speed criteria) may qualify.

Retractable Gear, Controllable Props, and Night Flight

With the right training and endorsements, Sport Pilots will be able to operate aircraft with retractable landing gear, controllable-pitch propellers, and even fly at night.
However, night flying will require either a valid FAA medical or BasicMed—not just a driver’s license.

Simulator Training Credit

Sport Pilot applicants can now log up to 2.5 hours in an FAA-approved flight simulation training device (FSTD) or aviation training device (ATD) toward the required flight experience.

Updated Practical Exam Rules

• Adding a new airplane or rotorcraft class rating (like single-engine land or helicopter) now requires a practical test with a pilot examiner.
• Other category/class additions may still be completed with a proficiency check from a flight instructor (other than the one who provided training).

Simplified Flight Controls and Helicopter Privileges

For the first time, helicopters with simplified flight controls are now permitted under Sport Pilot regulations.

• Pilots must receive model-specific training and an endorsement before flying.
• Instructors must hold that endorsement as well unless they qualify as part of an “initial cadre.”
• Any pilot tested in a simplified-control aircraft will be limited to that model until further training and testing are completed.

These provisions become effective July 24, 2026, once 14 CFR Part 22 is implemented.

Sport Pilot Instructors: What’s New

Sport Pilot Instructors will also see expanded privileges and responsibilities:

• They may now receive compensation for expanded areas of instruction.
• Must obtain additional endorsements to teach:
  • Night flying
  • Retractable gear
  • Controllable-pitch propellers
  • Simplified flight control aircraft
• Helicopter training under the new system will require separate instructor endorsements as well.

Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) Standards (Effective July 24, 2026)

The MOSAIC rule introduces a new Part 22 to the FAA regulations, which covers Design, Production, and Airworthiness Requirements for Non-Type Certificated Aircraft.

Key updates include:

• LSA airplanes may now have up to four seats (pilot + three passengers).
• Maximum stall speed (VS0) for LSAs increases to 61 knots CAS.
• Maximum level-flight speed (VH) capped at 250 knots CAS.
• LSAs must remain non-pressurized and cannot have prior standard airworthiness certification.

This shift allows manufacturers more flexibility—including electric propulsion and even light twin designs—while maintaining FAA oversight for safety.

Additional MOSAIC Highlights

• Repairman Training: The new rule transitions to performance-based criteria, giving more flexibility in how Light Sport Repairman courses are structured.
• Noise Compliance: New voluntary noise standards can now be met through FAA-accepted industry consensus methods.
• Operational Use for Hire: Certain LSAs may now be used for aerial work (per §91.327) if authorized in the manufacturer’s documentation and operating limitations.

Why It Matters!

The MOSAIC rule represents the FAA’s largest general aviation reform in decades. It’s designed to:

• Open the door for new technology and aircraft designs
• Make training more accessible for Sport Pilots
• Help experienced pilots return to flying without medical barriers
• Encourage growth and safety in general aviation

Starting October 22, 2025, Sport Pilots gain expanded privileges that make flying more practical, affordable, and enjoyable than ever before.
With greater access to aircraft, more training options, and clearer certification pathways, this rule marks a major milestone for the aviation community.

The future of Sport Pilot training and Light Sport Aircraft innovation is taking off, and we’re here to help you stay current and confident.

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If becoming a Sport Pilot is on your aviation bucket list, you’re in the right place. We’re building a Sport Pilot ground school focused on real-world understanding—not rote memorization. Join the interest list below to receive updates and be first in line when enrollment opens!

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