About this episode

This episode discusses significant changes in sport pilot regulations, upcoming training deadlines, and new educational tools for pilots.

n this August 2025 edition, we break down major regulatory shifts, essential training deadlines, and new tools to help pilots and instructors stay ahead. Sport Pilot Regulations Update – Two new FAA draft Advisory Circulars (AC 61-146 & AC 61-65K) are out for public comment. These clarify aircraft privileges and reshape how CFIs train Sport Pilots. Proficiency Checks Ending Oct 22 – Big change: after Oct 22, you'll need a DPE or ASI to add Sport Pilot airplane or helicopter privileges. Until then, you can still use the 2-CFI method. NAFI Summit Preview – Mark your calendar: the 2025 NAFI Summit is Sept 21–23 in Akron, Ohio, with sessions focused on CFIs, examiners, and training trends. Private Pilot ACS SmartStudy PRO – Launching in early September, this audio-first prep course covers the full ACS—ideal for flight review or checkride prep during your commute. Includes companion PDFs and optional video. ProTips Why training momentum matters How to trim efficiently The difference between slipping and skidding stalls—and which one leads to a spin Resources → Comment on the AC drafts: [ FAA.gov ] → SmartStudy PRO early access: [cfibootcamp.com] → NAFI Summit info…

People in this episode

Host: Mike Shiflett

Topics covered

• Sport Pilot Regulations
• FAA Advisory Circulars
• Proficiency Checks
• NAFI Summit
• SmartStudy PRO
• Pilot Training
• Regulatory Changes

Keywords

• Sport Pilot
• FAA
• Advisory Circular
• Proficiency Checks
• NAFI Summit
• SmartStudy PRO
• Pilot Training
• CFI
• Regulatory Changes

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: FAA, NAFI

Products: SmartStudy PRO

Books & works: AC 61-146, AC 61-65K

Places: Akron, Ohio

More episodes of Flight Training The Way I See It

• Episode 73: CFI Training Gaps, MOSAIC Confusion & Why Syllabi Matter · April 30, 2026 · 30 min
• Episode 72: Part 141 Is About to Change Everything! | From centralized oversight to QMS-driven schools, here's what flight training's biggest regulatory overhaul means for you · March 31, 2026 · 22 min
• Episode 71: LPV Now a Precision Approach? CFI Training Updates, Checkride Rules & IFR Teaching Tips · February 28, 2026 · 29 min
• Episode 70: Teaching the hard parts of CFI training, flying smarter IFR approaches, and understanding what your instruments are really telling you — a practical January 2026 reset for instructors and pilots. · January 30, 2026 · 17 min
• Episode 69: What's Changing in 2026 · December 31, 2025 · 19 min
• Episode 68: Black Friday Sale, 141 Reform Ends, and Eights on Pylons Debunked – Nov 2025 Flight Training Update · November 30, 2025 · 10 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Flight Training The Way I See It podcast page.