Public Aircraft Logging of Flight Time, Training in Certain Aircraft Holding Special Airworthiness Certificates, and Flight Instructor Privileges

As directed by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, the FAA will allow pilots conducting public aircraft operations to credit their flight time towards FAA civil regulatory requirements. Additionally, consistent with the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, this final rule will amend the operating rules for experimental aircraft to permit certain flight training, testing, and checking in these aircraft without a letter of deviation authority. As directed in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the same relief will be extended to certain flight training, testing, and checking in limited category, primary category, and experimental light sport aircraft. This final rule also revises miscellaneous amendments related to recent flight experience, flight instructor privileges, flight training in certain aircraft holding special airworthiness certificates, and the related prohibitions on conducting these activities for compensation or hire. These changes will clarify existing regulatory requirements, align the regulations with current industry practice, and ensure compliance with the FAA Reauthorization Acts of 2018 and 2024 and the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023.