What Is the Purpose of This Subpart?

Research Notes — § 61.401 Purpose of Subpart K

Regulatory Context

Subpart K was introduced with the sport pilot rule under Docket FAA-2001-11133, 69 FR 44875 (July 27, 2004). It created a new certificating framework for flight instructors operating exclusively in the light-sport aircraft (LSA) arena. The FAA structured Subpart K as a self-contained regulatory unit — all the requirements for obtaining and exercising a sport pilot instructor certificate are found within it, with cross-references to broader Part 61 provisions for logging and testing.

Advisory Circular Reference

AC 61-65K — Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors (current version): This AC covers endorsement standards for all categories of instructors. Appendix D specifically addresses sport pilot instructor endorsements and is the primary FAA guidance document for sport pilot instructor certification. Available at: faa.gov — AC 61-65K

AIM Cross-Reference

No direct AIM section addresses sport pilot instructor certificates. General instructor responsibilities referenced in AC 60-22 (Aeronautical Decision Making) apply broadly to all instructors including sport pilot instructors.

Relationship to Other Subparts

Subpart K is companion to Subpart J (Sport Pilots — the certificates these instructors train students for). For the full flight instructor framework under traditional Part 61 rules, see Subpart H (§§ 61.181–61.201). Subpart K incorporates a similar structure to Subpart H but with lighter requirements appropriate to the limited scope of LSA operations.