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Inspections · Pilot certification · Powerplant
Inspections
Inspections
Light-sport repairmen may now do condition inspections on amateur-built aircraftA light-sport repairman can now do the condition inspection on an amateur-built airplane, and an owner can earn that rating in a 16-hour course. But most airplanes' operating limitations don't allow it yet, and the owner has to ask the FAA to amend them.
Pilot certification
Pilot certification
14 CFR 61.316: the aircraft a sport pilot may fly, and who else may use the ruleSince October 22, 2025, a sport pilot may fly an airplane with up to four seats and a flaps-up stalling speed of no more than 59 knots CAS, with no weight limit. One passenger remains the limit. A private pilot flying on a driver's license instead of a medical certificate may fly the same aircraft under the same limits.
Powerplant
Powerplant
AD 2026-16-11: propeller gearbox inspection on Rotax 912 and 914 enginesAD 2026-16-11 orders a propeller gearbox inspection on certified Rotax 912 and 914 engines after one left the factory missing an oil spray nozzle and bearing screws. The 912 iS Sport in the RV-12iS isn't named in the FAA's directive, but Rotax's own alert bulletin covers it, and Van's has posted it.
Powerplant
AD 2026-04-11: Lycoming connecting-rod bushing inspection, and whether it applies to amateur-built aircraftAD 2026-04-11 expands the Lycoming connecting-rod bushing directive to engines assembled through September 2021. Its wording reaches only engines in type-certificated aircraft, so it doesn't legally bind an amateur-built. The FAA cites connecting-rod failures that led to uncontained engine failures and in-flight shutdowns; the first required step is an oil-filter inspection at each oil change.
