As Sport Pilot 2.0 takes effect Oct. 22, 2025, it is expected to benefit many areas of general aviation.
FAA
Testing begins on new NOTAM system
The full transition to the new NOTAM service is on track for late Spring 2026, according to FAA officials.
Aviation Funding Stability Act introduced
The proposed measure would insulate FAA programs and personnel from a government shutdown
Questions from the Cockpit: Night and day
Mack, a student pilot in Florida, writes: I just learned that there are three different definitions of night in the regulations! What’s the deal with all these overlapping definitions? Is the FAA just trying to make it harder on students than it needs to be?
Medical updates reduce no-fly limits for eye surgeries, some medications
One of the most notable changes is a reduction in the required observation period for cataract surgery, according to officials with the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). Previously, pilots had to wait up to two years before medical recertification was allowed, but under the new rules, this wait time has been reduced to just three months.
Proposed rules would give drones right of way under 400 feet AGL
An analysis of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking released in August 2025 aimed at enabling enabling autonomous unmanned aerial system (UAS) operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) shows the proposed rule will have implications for all users of the National Airspace System “in ways large and small,” according to officials with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).
Swift Fuels’ 100R unleaded avgas gets ASTM nod
The approval is for use in Cessna 172R and 172S models with Lycoming IO-360-L2A engines.
A contract for safety
Many people — including those in aviation — rarely recognize how big a part of the ATC system contract air control towers represent.
Seven Oklahoma airports get new AWOS
“Oklahoma is well-known for its rapidly changing weather, and it is critical that pilots know the real-time weather conditions at airports across the state,” said Nick Young, ODAA airport division manager.