Industry and FAA Chart New Course Forward for Flight Training

During the lead-up to and the development of the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act, an effort was made by members of the flight training industry, including the National Flight Training Alliance (NFTA), to include language mandating an update of 14 CFR Part 141 by the FAA to modernize the regulatory framework concurrent with industry need and future requirements.

The overall purpose of this effort was to modernize an outdated regulatory system that would focus on improving operational efficiency, embracing emerging technology, and improving learning systems to augment overall pilot performance and system safety. To improve student outcomes, a focus was also to reduce costs as a barrier to entry wherever possible.

Shortly before ratification in May 2024, the FAA announced its desire to develop an industry-wide collaboration with the flight training providers in the U.S. to develop a new and modern 141. Upon passage of the bill in June 2024, the FAA requested the NFTA to be its partner and serve as the industry lead for this upcoming effort, and the partnership was announced formally in September.

Rather than the customary regulatory system that has been used in the past, FAA wanted to have a broader, more thorough collaboration that would not have been possible via traditional means. Incorporating industry-wide listening sessions and workshops would allow any and all interested parties to have equal say and participation in the development of this new framework and the eventual outcome.

Work began in October 2024 to develop FAA leadership teams along with the NFTA to serve as facilitators in organizing a wider outreach to the entire flight training industry along with other interested parties. Throughout the year planning sessions were underway, and eventually the decision was made to hold off on implementation until after the first of the year and begin early in the first quarter of 2025 with the advent of a new administration.

The meetings have been both in person and virtual, each being held at different locations throughout the country to maximize opportunities for participation. Currently the hope is to conclude the work of the task force by December 2025 with a produced draft report. Further, it is expected to deliver a final report to the administrator of the FAA in January 2026.

The members of the modernization group have been divided into four primary subgroups, each working on specific elements of the existing framework and a new imagined framework based upon subject matter expertise, perspective and interest. The membership of each of these subgroups has been open to any and all interested parties and is voluntary. To date, the interest and participation has been overwhelmingly successful and positive, with more than 150 individual representatives and companies being in attendance.

Virtual and in-person meetings will continue across the country throughout the summer.

Interested parties or individuals can visit faa.gov for more information or to sign up to attend future meetings.

During AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, a forum on the Part 141 modernization effort is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, at the EAA Pilot Proficiency Center within the EAA Education Center, beginning at 9 a.m.