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Talking Points for Regulatory Updates August 2025

August 9, 2025 | Florida Aviation Network |

This is a monthly list of select regulatory and safety items of interest to General Aviation users, especially FAASTeam Volunteers in the Orlando District. Sources are in the public domain. This is not a forum to debate reg’s or policy, nor discuss specific accidents or enforcements.

Common, Open sources including, but not limited to…(See end of this report for numerous additional Internet links):

  • FlightAware (support-newsletter@flightaware.com)
  • Official current FAR’s free on-line: Visit the Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS) https://drs.faa.gov/browse for the current Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) and other Agency regulatory documents. Get some practice navigating this site before you really need it; it is not intuitive.

Selected Regulatory and Other Updates:

  1. FAA issues MOSAIC final ruling. As anticipated, on July 18, during AirVenture, the FAA announced the long awaited “Light Sport 2.0”, the so-called MOSAIC rule, which stands for Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification. The ruling expands the privileges of the Light Sport community and affects many lines of business and other publications, including the Airplane Flying Handbook, Pilots’ Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, and others, so will be gradually phased in to the other affected areas by the end of October. For DPE’s the June Airmen Testing Community Advisory was re-issued to harmonize with the MOSAIC ruling. FMI: check out https://www.eaa.org/eaa/advocacy/top-issues/mosaic-aircraft-certificate , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3nTScXZEo8&list=PLQCVVyDKYo3LAC353xtcnjF5 Rl6dVShbp&index=9 , and for the full text of the rule, all 717 pages of it, check out https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/MOSAIC_Final_Rule_Issuance.pdf . The re-issued June Airmen Testing Community Advisory is available at https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/community_advisory_june_2025.pdf

  1. Senate bill calls for ADS-B In and Out on new aircraft. AIN Online reports that U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) unveiled a bill on July 29 that is designed to address several issues that surfaced in the aftermath of the January 29 midair collision by Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA), including a requirement for all aircraft—including military operations—to use ADS-B technology and for newly manufactured aircraft to be equipped with ADS-B Out and In. In Janyary, sixty-seven people died when a U.S. Army Black Hawk collided with a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 on final approach to KDCA. FMI: https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2025-07-30/senate-bill-calls-ads-b-and-out-new- aircraft?utm_campaign=AIN%20Alerts&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9NOiwrg_Fce-WOCphpK8hNgEHVSoiZHt9WW0if9yT9WcZilrg- p_U1dnhzhQmGWgI9baGAVWwSXtO0H2hFgS941uA7-w&_hsmi=373714829&utm_content=373714829&utm_source=hs_email
  1. Senate ATC modernization bill blocks privatization. On July 30, AOPA reported that the Senate Appropriations Committee bill to fund the Department of Transportation, including the FAA, in 2026 seeks to block any attempts to privatize the U.S. air traffic control system. The bill, S.2465, would provide $13.8 billion—largely from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund— to fund the FAA’s regular operations, with more than $10 billion allocated toward the FAA’s air traffic organization.
  • The primary source of funding for operations and programs administered by the FAA comes from users of our nation’s aviation system, mainly through excise taxes and fees that are deposited into the fund. However, the bill also states that none of the funds can be “used to plan, design, or implement the privatization or separation of the air traffic organization functions of the Federal Aviation Administration.” A committee report accompanying the bill outlines the potential consequences the United States could have faced if previous privatization efforts had been successful.FMI: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2025/july/30/senate-atc-modernization-funding-bill-blocks-privatization
  1. V-Tail Bonanza ruddervator corrosion solution approved.
  • AOPA reports that V-tail Beechcraft Bonanza owners might mark their calendars and consider July 23 a holiday from now on because a seemingly insurmountable problem with their aircraft appears solved. During EAA AirVenture (Oshkosh), the American Bonanza Society Air Safety Foundation awarded its $500,000 ASF Manuel Maciel Ruddervator Prize to SRS Aviation of Burnsville, Minnesota, which has committed to manufacture the magnesium replacement skins required for the repair or replacement of ruddervators on V-tail Bonanzas. New replacement skins previously were not available, often resulting in the grounding of aircraft with corroded or damaged ruddervators, which are the control surfaces on the V-tail that move in opposition for yaw and together for pitch. Nearly 5000 V-tail Bonanzas are still in the registry, and this development will extend their service life for decades. FMI: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2025/july/23/v-tail-bonanza-ruddervator-corrosion-solved?utm_source=ebrief&utm_medium=email
  1. UAS update: NBAA says proposed BVLOS rules to benefit UAS providers. On August 7, AIN Online reported that the FAA’s newly-released notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for low-level beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) missions will help UAS operators planning to serve new markets, according to NBAA. Under existing rules, drone pilots must seek a waiver or exemption for each BVLOS flight. “NBAA and UAS operators commend the FAA for issuing this proposed rulemaking,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen, “which will unlock new capabilities and commercial opportunities for many organizations. While still just a proposed rule with opportunity for public comment and modifications, the long-awaited NPRM is a crucial step in advancing safe, efficient UAS operations in the National Airspace System and offers an effective framework for providing UAS operators confidence in developing future business and operational plans.” As proposed, Part 108 would add a BVLOS rating for people holding a remote pilot certificate. Other actions under consideration include operating rules for UAS cargo delivery for compensation or hire and a regulatory approval pathway for third-party services such as UAS traffic management service providers.
  1. AAM update: FAA clears eVTOL certification path with powered-lift rules.
  • AIN Online published a story on August 1 that the FAA’s new advisory circular covering type, production, and airworthiness certification of powered-lift aircraft (AC 21.17-4) has been widely welcomed among companies aiming to launch new eVTOL vehicles. Released on July 18, the document landed more than halfway into the year in which several of the advanced air mobility sector’s frontrunners have been aiming to complete U.S. certification, ending several years of uncertainty around the regulatory landscape.
  • While the agency’s long-awaited initiative doesn’t guarantee certifications will now be completed in short order, it does at least appear to clear a path to the finish line for what is set to be the first new class of aircraft since the first half of the 20th century. It applies to powered-lift, battery-electric aircraft being certified under Part 21.17 (b) rules weighing no more than 12,500 pounds and carrying six or fewer passengers.
  • Crucially, the AC removes the need for advanced air mobility (AAM) manufacturers to resort to so-called special rulemaking provisions as the basis for meeting airworthiness requirements. The rules are also aligned with Special Federal Aviation Regulations (SFAR) covering operational rules and pilot certification for powered-lift aircraft that the FAA issued in October 2024 (see link below).
  • FMI: https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-08-01/faa-clears-evtol-certification-path-powered-lift-rules and for the operational perspective, check out https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-10-31/advanced-air-mobility-sector-welcomes-faas-evtol
  1. TSA updates its Flight Training Security Program (FTSP) ruling. On August 7, the FAA notified Flight Training Providers of TSA’s updated FTSP. Although the ruling has been out for a year, one major update is that all flight training providers (including those that train U.S. citizens) must register a provider account with FTSP. FMI: Check out FAA Notice NOTC4552. The Notice contains several resources for stakeholders and interested readers. The full FTSP is contained in 49 CFR 1552.
  2. GAJSC Topics of the Month (NPP14) for FY-2025.
  • The new list of Topics of the Month (TOM’s; NPP14) and Airworthiness Topics of the Quarter (TOQ’s; NPP41) from the General Aviation Joint Safety Committee (GAJSC) for FY-2025 have been released, with most of the support media now available. Reps can download this media off the FAASTeam National Collaborative Center (NFRCC) at FAASafety.gov. Volunteers who mail me a USB flash drive with at least 1 GB of capacity can obtain the full catalog of media, including NPP14 and NPP41, for the current year. Previous years are available, depending on memory capacity. Here are the topics of the month (TOM’s) for FY-25; I can provide a slightly more detailed description with your download (and available on request!). Big FAASTeam advises that the TOM / TOQ media for FY- 2026 are now available; editor will obtain these as soon as practicable.
  • Oct 2024: Vestibular Illusions.
  • Nov 2024: Overreliance on Automation. Dec 2024: Flight Data Monitoring.
  • Jan 2025: Safety Culture. Feb 2025: GA Survival.
  • Mar 2025: Risk-Based Flight Review and WINGS. Apr: 2025: Stabilized Approach.
  • May 2025: Return To Service.
  • Jun 2025: Regulatory Roadblock Reduction and MOSAIC. Jul 2025: GA Overwater Operations.
  • Aug 2025: Pre- and In-Flight Weather Sources.
  • Sep 2025: Safety Wire.
  1. GAJSC Airworthiness Topics of the Quarter (NPP41) for FY-2025. Along with the Topics of the Month, national FAASTeam also publishes a series of Airworthiness Topics of the Quarter. For FY-25, the selected topics are as follows:
    1. First Quarter (Oct – Dec): Advanced Air Mobility.
    2. Second Quarter (Jan – Mar): Parts Approval.
    3. Third Quarter (Apr – Jun): Safety Culture.
    4. Fourth Quarter (Jul – Sep): Approval for Return To Service.
      The same structure surrounds these topics as for Topics of the Month. In other words, resources are available; just add speaker and venue! Note: all FY-23 and FY-24 topics available. Contact the Orlando FSDO FPMs for more info!
  1. FAA Safety Briefing magazine. The July/August 2025 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine focuses on many of the important safety issues highlighted during the FAA’s recent “call to action” meeting for general and business aviation. Feature articles emphasize some key reminders to help improve NAS safety, like how to combat complacency, mitigate risk, improve communications, and avoid safety drift. FMI: You can view the magazines past and present on-line at https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-safety- briefing-magazine or via www.faasafety.gov.
  • Attention FAASTeam Lead Reps: If you have not been receiving these magazines lately but expected to, contact your FPM. Let the FPMs know if your needs change.
  1. Airmen Certification Standards (ACS) and Practical Test Standards (PTS) updates. Make sure you go to your next Practical Test armed with the latest ACS or PTS as appropriate!!! The FAA is gradually replacing all PTS with the new and improved ACS; only a few PTS have not yet been converted. All current ACS’s can be found at this website: http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/ . An ACS Companion Guide for Pilots is available to help explain ACS and integrate ACS into one’s training plans: https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/acs_companion_guide_pilots.pdf.
  • No new ACS’s or PTSs this month.
  • Airmen Testing Community Advisory website: https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing . The national ACS Focus Team encourages and invites all users of the ACS to please let them know if you see any possible problems or issues with the ACS, or questions not covered already in the Airman Certification Standards FAQ link on the webpage above. You do not have to go through anyone or any organization to reach the ACS Focus Team – just send an email to: 9-AVS-ACS-Focus-Team@FAA.gov The ACS Focus Team welcomes your feedback.
  • PTS. PTS’s are still around! The link to Practical Test Standards (PTS) is at the end of this report in the FAA resources section. Although many PTS are still in use, they are not being substantially updated, and ACS will eventually replace all PTS pubs.
  1. Regulatory trivia. Question: What are “Unapplied WINGS credits”? I see that I have some “unapplied” WINGS credits when I check the My WINGS page of faasafety.gov…. Answer: Unapplied credits are extra WINGS credits that are not needed at the moment. The analogy is like having 2 or 3 bottles of milk in the fridge, when you only consume from one bottle at a time. You may have bought each bottle of milk on different days, and so they would all have different expiration dates. When consuming the milk, you would likely drink from the oldest bottle first, leaving the others un-opened in the fridge til you need them. In the WINGS world, the “Unapplied credits” are like those unopened bottles of milk. You earned the credits at various times, but only need one of those particular credits at a time, such as Basic WINGS Knowledge Topic 3 (BK3). You could, in quick succession, attend or complete several activities all worth BK3 credit, but for the moment, you only need one of those BK3’s at a time while you accomplish your next Phase of Basic (or whatever level) WINGS. You will need the other BK3’s eventually, but can only use one at a time, and you have the one you need already. The unapplied credits, like the unopened milk, are in storeage for later use. Remember, in addition to the BK3 credit, to complete the Phase, you also need BK1, BK2, and BF1, BF2, and BF3 credits as well. Also, remember that just like those extra unopened bottles of milk, the unapplied credits also have an expiration date; the good news is that the WINGS software automatically takes the oldest ones first. FMI: www.faasafety.gov
  1. Runway Safety Action Team (RSAT) Calendar (NPP05). Below is the latest information on upcoming RSAT’s within the Orlando District, effective August 7. Many RSAT’s coming up next week! Thanks to Javier Calderin, FPM (A/W), Orlando FSDO.
  • Airports highlighted in green and bearing a -V suffix are virtual (Zoom or equivalent) events, not in-person meetings.
  • FAASTeam Lead Reps: Please note the airports listed above within your area. Please work well ahead of the schedule: Submit the associated SPANS message 3 weeks prior to any RSAT meeting in your area of responsibility. Set up any virtual event as a webinar in SPANS and obtain the meeting link from ATC. Contact the ATM for the airport or contact the FPM at the Orlando FSDO for more info relating to the RSAT’s at the airports in your area. This info can and does change!!! Data courtesy of FPM Javier Calderin, Orlando FSDO.

  1. Florida Airshows and Aviation Events calendar. Here is the latest compilation of known shows and events coming up within Florida. Cancellations will be shown below in red font. As always, be vigilant for associated TFR’s with any airshow, racing event, wildfires or VIP visits (see Review of Current TFR’s below). Please check the official show websites for more info. Boldface means the event is within the Orlando FSDO. ICAS source: https://www.airshows.aero/Page/ASCalendar;

2025:

Air Dot Show Orlando (KSFB), 25 – 26 Oct
Jacksonville Beach Sea & Sky Airshow (Jax Beach), 25 – 26 Oct
Florida International Airshow (KPGD), 1 – 2 Nov
Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show (KNPA), 7 – 8 Nov
Stuart Airshow (KSUA), 7 – 9 Nov
Franklin County Freedom Festival (Apalachicola), 14 – 16 Nov
Ocean Reef Air Show (Key Largo), 5 – 6 Dec

2026:

Aerospace and Aviation Day (KSFB), 24 Jan
Daytona 500 Flyover (KDAB), 15 Feb
Planes, Tunes, and Barbecue (Tavares SPB), 27 – 28 Feb (?????)
Gator Fly-In Armed Services Appreciation Day (KGNV), XX Mar
Space Coast Warbird Air Show (KTIX), 21 – 22 Mar
Gulf Coast Salute Air Show (Panama City Beach), 11 – 12 Apr
Salute to Spaceflight 250 (Cocoa Beach), 11 – 12
Apr Air-Space Expo (Kennedy Space Center), 11 – 12 Apr
Sun-n-Fun Aerospace Expo (KLAL), 14 – 19 Apr
Air Dot Show Fort Lauderdale (Ft. Lauderdale), 9 – 10 May
Vero Beach Air Show (KVRB), 16 – 17 May
Hyundai Air and Sea Show (Miami Beach), 24 – 25 May
Melbourne Air Show (KMLB), 6 – 7 Jun
Tallahassee Balloon Festival (North Florida Fair), 13 Jun
Pensacola Beach Air Show (P’cola Beach), 18 – 19 Jul
Air Dot Show Orlando (KSFB), 17 – 18 Oct
NAS Jacksonville Air Show (KNIP), 17 – 18 Oct
Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show (KNPA), 6 – 7 Nov
Florida Int’l Air Show (KPGD), 7 – 8 Nov
Vintage Weekend Ocean Reef Air Show (Key Largo), 4 – 5 Dec

  1. Current GA aeronautical charts & pubs for central Florida. Make sure your chart database is current. Here are the current and future Dates of Latest Editions (DOLE’s) for the 56-day aeronautical pubs. Most pubs are on a 56-day cycle, and digital pubs follow suit: 2025: 7 Aug; 2 Oct; 27 Nov.
  • These dates cover the following pubs and their digital equivalents on your EFB:
  1. Review of current TFR’s. Many TFR’s over the next several days! And football season is starting up again now. The ones shown in the screen shots below were valid just within Florida at the time of final editing, but can and do change or expire, and this newsletter is not to be construed as an official source. Also check “USA” NOTAM FDC 0/0367 to be sure of details; see note “a” below. Note the long-term TFRs over Mar-A-Lago and a new one, FDC 5/9325 over Alligator Alcatraz. Always check NOTAM’s each time before you fly! FAA’s official TFR NOTAM website is http://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.jsp . Others are available as well, including via www.1800wxbrief.com , www.AOPA.org/go-fly/tfrs and on many flight planning apps. In flight, contact with ATC including VFR flight following, or contacting Flight Service could be helpful. For planning info regarding other Special Use Airspace, visit www.SUA.FAA.gov.
    • a. Nationwide: “USA” NOTAM FDC 0/0367 covers flights near “qualified stadiums” (defined in the NOTAM) during certain sporting events. Going to the Bahamas or across the ADIZ? Check this one out: “USA” NOTAM FDC 2/8783, covers operations across the ADIZ.
    • b. UAS Operators: Check out the following:
      • i. FDC 3/9568, covering UAS ops near naval submarine bases (Kitsap, WA and Kings Bay, GA). This NOTAM replaces FDC 1/8373.
      • ii. FDC 3/0104, covering UAS ops near DOE energy facilities and DOD mobile assets, including convoys and ships. This NOTAM replaces FDC 1/8374.
      • iii. FDC 3/2496, addressing UAS restrictions near “National Defense Airspace”. This NOTAM replaces FDC 1/0488.
      • iv. FDC 3/6405, addressing UAS ops over the territorial and navigable waters of the US.
      • v. FDC 3/4452, addressing UAS ops in the vicinity of Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center.
    • c. Don’t forget to always check other FDC NOTAM’s for “USA” on the above web page, in addition to FL or wherever else you may be going. Set the “Center” filter to “USA”, then hit “Go” next to that box, and you’ll see the desired search results. Most of these NOTAM’s are effective nation-wide.
    • d. Finally, if filing IFR, remember to check FDC NOTAM’s for the instrument approaches at your destination. Like TFR’s, these NOTAM’s are regulatory, too, so you have to adhere to their applicable portions. The easiest way to obtain this info is via commercial flight planning software / approved sites when filing and obtaining a standard wx brief.
  2. GA awards update. Now is the time to prepare nominations for next year’s cycle. The 2025 national winners were awarded at AirVenture late last month:
  1. Contacting Bob Jex. Bob Jex, editor of this newsletter, has a new e-mail, effective now: bob.jex@yahoo.com. Please update your contact info and use this new address as the primary. I am slowly transitioning away from earthlink.net, so for the time being, both addresses work.

Archived Links to select official pubs and sites of interest:

Each story above contains a reference link when available. Looking for a particular web resource not listed? Ask me and I’ll look for it. Once I find it, I’ll list it here! E-mail requests to bob.jex@yahoo.com . New listings in yellow for first month or so.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); see elsewhere within this newsletter

Snail-Mail:

FAA, Aeronautical Information Services 1305 East West Highway

SSMC-4, Suite 4400

Silver Spring, MD 20910-3281 Ph: 800-638-8972

They have an approx. 2-mo-prior publication cut-off date.

Federal Register (Exit pipe for all federal regulations)

https://www.federalregister.gov

Another broad-based, multi-agency regulatory updates website: www.regulations.gov

MOSAIC Proposed Rule:

New CFI Rule (Effective 1 Dec 2024): https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/10/01/2024-22018/removal-of-expiration-date-on-a-flight-instructor-certificate-additional-qualification-requirements#:~:text=The%20final%20rule%20also%20adds,is%20discussed%20in%20section%20III.

Also, AOPA offers a FAQ adjunct to assist the transition to the new CFI rule: https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/cfis/flight-instructor-resources/faa-ruling-on-removal-of-the-expiration-date-on-cfi-certificates

Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)

https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/index.html

GAJSC – General Aviation Joint Safety Committee

https://www.gajsc.org/docs/

NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS)

Space Operations

General public interest websites:

www.space.com

www.nasa.gov

https://spaceflightnow.com/

Worldwide launch schedule: https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/

Space Station (ISS) flyover schedule: https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/

COVID-19 / Public Health (A very select few offerings here)

General Aviation Awards Info, Nomination Procedures, List of National Winners, etc.

www.generalaviationawards.com (or .org)

State of Florida (FDOT)

Local Airports (Landing Fee candidates): Public Meeting Info at County / City level Information on upcoming meetings and meeting minutes are posted online at the websites for each political subdivision. In addition to the respective local Airport Advisory Committees at each airport, this is where the public can attend and speak at meetings affecting a given airport. The airports listed below are considering adopting landing fees.

KDED: DeLand City Commission; first and third Mondays (https://www.deland.org/512/City-Meetings)

KORL: Orlando City Council; second Mondays or additional Mondays as published online (https://www.orlando.gov/Events/City-Council-Meeting) .

KFIN: Flagler County Board of County Commissioners; first and third Mondays (https://www.flaglercounty.gov/departments/administration/upcoming-bocc-agendas) KISM: Kissimmee City Commission; first and third Tuesdays (https://www.kissimmee.gov/My-Government/City-Meetings),

KOMN: Ormond Beach City Commission; first and third Wednesdays (https://www.ormondbeach.org/122/Agendas-Minutes-Meeting-Recordings)

Sun-n-Fun select web links:

Aviation Community Service

WINGS Industry Network:

https://www.wingsindustry.com/

WINGS Sweepstakes info and entry forms: https://www.mywingsinitiative.org/

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)

Seaplane Operations

Helicopter Safety

  • US Helicopter Safety Team (USHST): https://ushst.org/ This is an excellent repository of a series of safety video series called 56 Seconds to Live, which is of value to all pilot communities.

National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI): https://www.nafinet.org

Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE): http://ww2.safepilots.org

National Flight Training Alliance (NFTA): https://www.nftaus.org/

Flight School Association of North America (FSANA): https://fsana.com/

Aeronautical Knowledge Training (ORL FAASTeam Library)

Open source Aviation Accident Reports:

UAS Reporting (non-FAA)

Islands of the Bahamas / Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

What else do you want to see listed here??? Let me know and I’ll look it up!

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