This AC was created in response to safety recommendations proposed by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) as a response to an accident which occurred in the state of Alaska. This document provides information and recommendations to commercial air tour operators on the creation of an Enhanced Flight Following Center (EFFC). In addition, the development, implementation, and integration of enhanced flight-following procedures for improved operational control. The creation of an EFFC is one way to incorporate positive safety procedures and comply with the requirements of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) § 135.79.

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR)

• Part 1, Definitions and Abbreviations.
• Part 61, Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors.
• Part 91, General Operating and Flight Rules.
• Part 93, Special Air Traffic Rules.
• Part 119, Certification: Air Carriers and Commercial Operators.
• Part 120, Drug and Alcohol Testing Program.
• Part 135, Operating Requirements: Commuter and on Demand Operations and Rules Governing Persons on Board Such Aircraft.
• Part 136, Commercial Air Tours and National Parks Air Tour Management.
   

This AC provides guidance for sport pilot and flight instructor applicants and pilots who seek to obtain or exercise sport pilot or flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating privileges under the applicable provisions of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61. Additionally, this AC also provides guidance for pilots seeking to operate aircraft with a simplified flight controls designation.

NOTE: This AC is related to the MOSAIC final rule that published July 24, 2025.

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR)

• Part 1, Definitions and Abbreviations.
• Part 61, Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors.
• Part 67, Medical Standards and Certification.

Advisory Circular (AC) 61-65, Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors.

This AC provides guidance for pilot and instructor applicants, pilots, flight instructors, ground instructors, and examiners on certification standards, knowledge test procedures, and other requirements in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61.

NOTE: This AC is related to the MOSAIC final rule that published July 24, 2025.

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR)

• Part 1, Definitions and Abbreviations.
• Part 61, Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors.
• Part 107, Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

FAA Order 8080.6, Conduct of Airman Knowledge Tests.
FAA Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information Management System.
Advisory Circular (AC) 60-28, FAA English Language Standard for an FAA Certificate Issued Under 14 CFR Parts 61, 63, 65, and 107.
AC 61-98, Currency Requirements and Guidance for the Flight Review and Instrument Proficiency Check.
AC 61-107, Aircraft Operations at Altitudes Above 25,000 Feet Mean Sea Level or Mach Numbers Greater Than .75.
AC 61-146, Pilot Certification and Operations for Sport Pilots, Flight Instructors With a Sport Pilot Rating, and Simplified Flight Controls.
AC 107-2, Small Unmanned Aircraft System (Small UAS).