U.S. D epartment of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular Subject: Certification of Repairmen (Light-Sport) Date: 11/14/25 AC No: 65-32B Initiated by: AFS-300 Change:
This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance to assist persons in obtaining a repairman certificate (light-sport) with a maintenance and/or inspection rating, including guidance on the privileges and limitations of repairman certificates (light-sport) and related requirements. This AC also provides guidance for training course providers on obtaining the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) acceptance of light-sport repairman training courses. This is a guidance document. Its content is not legally binding in its own right and will not be relied upon by the Department as a separate basis for affirmative enforcement action or other administrative penalty. Conformity with the guidance document is voluntary only. Nonconformity will not affect rights and obligations under existing statutes and regulations.
H ugh Thom as for Lawrence Fields Executive Director, Flight Standards Service
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CONTENTS Paragraph Page
Chapter 1. Introduction1-1
1.1 Purpose of This Advisory Circular (AC)1-1
1.2 Audience1-1
1.3 Where You Can Find This AC1-1
1.4 What This AC Cancels1-1
1.5 Principal Changes1-1
1.6 Applicability1-1
1.7 Background1-1
1.8 Discussion1-2
1.9 AC Feedback Form1-4
Chapter 2. Repairman Certificate (Light-Sport) Eligibility and Issuance2-1
2.1 Repairman Certificate (Light-Sport)2-1
2.2 Certificate Equivalency After MOSAIC Final Rule2-2
2.3 Light-Sport Repairman Certificate Duration2-2
2.4 General Eligibility Requirements2-3
2.5 Training Requirements for an Inspection Rating2-3
2.6 Privileges and Limitations of an Inspection Rating2-5
Table 2-1. Repairman Certificate (Light-Sport) Inspection Rating Summary of
Privileges and Limitations2-6
2.7 Training Requirements for a Maintenance Rating2-8
2.8 Privileges and Limitations of a Maintenance Rating2-10
Table 2-2. Repairman Certificate (Light-Sport) Maintenance Rating Summary of
Privileges and Limitations2-11
2.9 How to Apply for a Repairman Certificate (Light-Sport)2-15
2.10 C
ertificate Changes2-18
Table 2-3. Supporting Documentation2-19
2.11 Address Changes2-21
2.12 Request An Exemption from a 14 CFR Part 65 Requirement2-22
2.13 FAA Regulatory and Investigative Authority2-22
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Chapter 3. Light-Sport Repairman Certificate Training Courses3-1
3.1 Light-Sport Repairman Certificate Training Courses3-1
3.2 Inspection Rating Training Courses3-3
3.3 Maintenance Rating Training Course3-4
3.4 Training Course Tests3-7
3.5 Course Facilities, Equipment, and Materials3-8
3.6 Course Instructors3-10
3.7 Course Certificate of Completion3-10
3.8 Additional Considerations for Training Courses3-11
3.9 FAA Course Acceptance3-12
3.10 FAA Regulatory and Investigative Authority3-12
Chapter 4. Training Course FAA-Acceptance4-1
4.1 Training Course FAA-Acceptance4-1
4.2 Requesting Training Course Acceptance4-1
4.3 Contents of a Training Course Submission4-2
4.4 FAA Action4-4
4.5 Training Course Revisions4-4
Appendix A. S ample Inspection Rating Training Course ContentA-1
Appendix B. S ample Maintenance Rating Training Course ContentB-1
Table B-1. Model Matrix for Issuance of a Certificate of CompletionB-1
Appendix C. S ample Certificates of CompletionC-1
Fi gure C-1. Sample Certificate of Completion for Inspection Rating Training
Course, Rotorcraft Category Privileges, Limited to the Gyroplane ClassC-1
Figure C-2. Sample Certificate of Completion for Maintenance Rating Training
Course, Glider Category PrivilegesC-1
Appendix D. S ample Course CritiqueD-1
Appendix E. R elated References (current editions)E-1
Appendix F. Frequently A sked Questions (FAQ)F-1
1-1 CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose of This Advisory Circular (AC). This AC provides guidance to assist persons in obtaining a repairman certificate (light-sport) with a maintenance and/or inspection rating, in accordance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 65 subpart E, §§ 65.107 and 65.109. This AC also provides guidance for training course providers on obtaining the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) acceptance of repairman (light-sport) training courses in accordance with 14 CFR § 65.107(c), (d), (e), and (g).
Note: This is a guidance document. Its content is not legally binding in its own right and will not be relied upon by the Department as a separate basis for affirmative enforcement action or other administrative penalty.
Conformity with the guidance document is voluntary only. Nonconformity will not affect rights and obligations under existing statutes and regulations.
1.2 Audience. The intended audience for this AC is members of the public who hold or seek a repairman certificate (light-sport) with a maintenance and/or inspection rating; training course providers developing training courses for light-sport repairman certification; and other persons seeking information on the training, privileges, and limitations of a repairman certificate (light-sport).
1.3 Where You Can Find This AC. You can find this AC on the FAA’s website at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars and the Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS) at https://drs.faa.gov.
1.4 What This AC Cancels. AC 65-32A, Certification of Repairmen (Light-Sport Aircraft), dated February 8, 2013, is canceled.
1.5 Principal Changes. This AC incorporates new and revised content to reflect changes made to 14 CFR part 65 subparts A and E and 14 CFR part 91, as related to the issuance, effectivity, privileges, and limitations of a repairman certificate (light-sport). The revision reflects changes made in the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) final rule, Rulemaking Identification Number (RIN) 2120-AL50, Docket Number FAA-2023-1377.
1.6 Applicability. This AC is applicable to the certification of light-sport repairmen in accordance with 14 CFR part 65 subpart E.
1.7 Background.
1.7.1 2002 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). On February 5, 2002, the FAA published the Certification of Aircraft and Airmen for the Operation of Light-Sport Aircraft NPRM in the Federal Register (67 FR 5368). In the NPRM, the FAA proposed requirements for the certification, operation, maintenance, and manufacture of light-sport aircraft (LSA).
The FAA stated this action was necessary to address advances in sport and recreational aviation technology, gaps in the existing regulations, and several petitions for rulemaking and for exemptions from existing regulations. The intended effect of the action was to
1-2 provide for the manufacture of safe and economical aircraft and to allow operation of these aircraft by the public in a safe manner.
1.7.2 2004 Final Rule. On July 27, 2004, the FAA published the Certification of Aircraft and Airmen for the Operation of Light-Sport Aircraft final rule (69 FR 44772). The final rule created new regulations for the manufacture, certification, operation, and maintenance of LSA, including certification requirements for a repairman certificate (light-sport aircraft) under 14 CFR part 65 subpart E, § 65.107. The rule became effective September 1, 2004.
As discussed in the 2004 final rule, the FAA established training requirements for a repairman certificate (light-sport aircraft) because owners of these aircraft cannot show that the owner manufactured the major portion of the aircraft, unlike a builder of an experimental amateur-built aircraft, and therefore cannot show that the owner would have the skill necessary to inspect and maintain the LSA.
1.7.3 Expanded Regulations. The 2004 final rule was successful in encouraging innovation in LSA. According to FAA Registry data as of January 2023, over 200 models and 5,321 aircraft have been designed and manufactured among the various classes of aircraft as an outgrowth of the regulations adopted in the 2004 final rule. In addition, FAA airman certification databases show that approximately 1,500 light-sport repairmen with a maintenance rating, and 10,000 light-sport repairmen with an inspection rating have been certificated. The FAA viewed the safety record of light-sport category aircraft operations as validation of the original certification requirements and as support for expanding eligibility for aircraft certifications, airmen certificate privileges, and related operating privileges. As a result, the FAA identified an opportunity to expand the regulations adopted by the 2004 final rule to include a wider variety of aircraft, with increased performance and operating privileges, to extend these safety benefits to more aircraft. On July 24, 2023, the FAA published the MOSAIC NPRM in the Federal Register (88 FR 47650). In 2025, the FAA published the MOSAIC final rule in the Federal Register. Refer to RIN 2120-AL50, Docket Number FAA-2023-1377, for specific FR citation.
1.8 Discussion.
1.8.1 Establishment of Repairman Certificate (Light-Sport Aircraft). The 2004 final rule established a definition for “light-sport aircraft” in 14 CFR § 1.1, continuing airworthiness requirements in 14 CFR § 91.327, and regulations in 14 CFR part 65 to provide training and certification requirements for applicants to hold a repairman certificate (light-sport aircraft), among other related requirements. A repairman certificate (light-sport aircraft) is issued with inspection and/or maintenance ratings to permit qualified persons, in addition to appropriately rated mechanics and repair stations, to perform maintenance on LSA that hold a special light-sport Airworthiness Certificate or an Experimental Airworthiness Certificate. The FAA envisioned this certificate would facilitate the maintenance of these aircraft by their owners and operators.
1.8.2 Expanding Light-Sport Repairmen Regulations. The FAA initiated the MOSAIC rulemaking to revise the certification requirements for light-sport category aircraft to include eliminating weight limits; increasing the allowable number of seats, maximum
1-3 allowable airspeed, and airplane stalling speed; and eliminating limitations on the categories and classes of eligible aircraft, propellers, and landing gear. New regulations expanded the categories and classes of aircraft and design features that could be inspected or maintained by the holder of a light-sport repairman certificate.
1.8.3 Overview of 2023 NPRM Repairmen Proposals. In the 2023 MOSAIC NPRM, the FAA proposed to eliminate the 14 CFR § 1.1 definition for “light-sport aircraft,” which resulted in a corresponding proposal to revise the title of the “repairman certificate (light-sport aircraft)” to “repairman certificate (light-sport).” The FAA proposed to allow for issuance of a repairman certificate (light-sport) for new types of aircraft eligible for a light-sport category Airworthiness Certificate, such as rotorcraft and powered-lift.
Additionally, the FAA proposed to remove the hours-based training requirements for obtaining a maintenance rating and instead require applicants to have completed a training course, accepted by the FAA, that aligns with the Mechanic Airman Certification Standards (ACS). The FAA proposed the maintenance rating training course to include only those subject areas and knowledge, risk management, and skill elements of the Mechanic ACS that are appropriate to the category of aircraft the training course covers.
The FAA also proposed to codify existing FAA policy for light-sport repairman training course providers to administer an examination; provide a Certificate of Completion; and provide facilities, equipment, materials, and instructors appropriate to the training course content being taught.
1.8.4 Overview of 2025 Final Rule Repairmen Regulations. The MOSAIC final rule largely adopted the proposed regulations. In addition, the final rule included codification to address certificate equivalency due to the certificate title change and changing terminology from class to category of aircraft. The final rule also revised and adopted certain training course requirements, including: determination that existing training courses, with the exception of two glider courses, do not need to be revised and resubmitted for FAA acceptance; certain revisions for glider courses and resulting effective date periods; an allowance for training course providers to develop training courses for the helicopter and gyroplane classes and the airship and balloon classes; and allowances to perform the required condition inspection on amateur-built aircraft that are in the aircraft category and class (as applicable) on which the repairman was trained.
1.8.5 Terminology Changes. The following terminology was used in FAA guidance materials prior to the effective date of the MOSAIC final rule and is no longer used in this AC:
1. Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA). This term referred to aircraft that meet the definition of “light-sport aircraft” in 14 CFR § 1.1. However, this term is often used by the aviation industry and in consensus standards to refer broadly to aircraft that are certificated in accordance with 14 CFR § 21.190 or § 21.191(i), (k), or (l). The MOSAIC final rule removed the “light-sport aircraft” definition from 14 CFR § 1.1 and therefore, it is not used in this AC except within a historical context.
2. Special Light-Sport Aircraft (SLSA). This term and acronym referred to aircraft issued a Special Airworthiness Certificate under 14 CFR § 21.190. Consensus standards or other documents may continue to use this term/acronym to refer to aircraft certificated under 14 CFR § 21.190.
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3. Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft (ELSA). This term and acronym referred to aircraft issued an Experimental Airworthiness Certificate for an operating purpose described under 14 CFR § 21.191(i). These aircraft are now referred to by the specific regulation the certificate is issued under (i.e., 14 CFR § 21.191(i)(1), (2), or (3)).
Consensus standards or other documents may continue to use the “ELSA” term/acronym to refer to aircraft certificated under 14 CFR § 21.191(i), (k), or (l).
1.9 AC Feedback Form. For your convenience, the AC Feedback Form is the last page of this AC. Note any deficiencies found, clarifications needed, or suggested improvements regarding the contents of this AC on the Feedback Form.
2-1 CHAPTER 2. REPAIRMAN CERTIFICATE (LIGHT-SPORT) ELIGIBILITY
AND ISSUANCE
2.1 Repairman Certificate (Light-Sport). Title 14 CFR part 65 provides the requirements for certification of airmen other than flight crewmembers, including certification of a repairman (light-sport) (i.e., light-sport repairman) in subpart E. The specific training requirements are, first, dependent on whether an applicant seeks an inspection rating or a maintenance rating, and second, dependent on the category and applicable class of aircraft for which the person intends to exercise the privileges of the certificate.
2.1.1 Light-Sport Repairman Ratings. Under 14 CFR § 65.107(a), the following ratings may be issued on a repairman certificate (light-sport):
• Inspection rating.
• Maintenance rating.
2.1.2 Aircraft Category Privileges. Light-sport repairman certificate privileges are based on the applicant’s training on the aircraft category for which the holder intends to exercise the privileges of the certificate. The FAA limits category privileges on a light-sport repairman certificate to a class when the airman/applicant has only completed training specific to a class within a category.
2.1.2.1 As used with respect to the certification, ratings, privileges, and limitations of airmen, 14 CFR § 1.1 defines:
• Category as a broad classification of aircraft (e.g., airplane, rotorcraft, glider, lighter-than-air); and
• Class, as a classification of aircraft within a category having similar operating characteristics.
2.1.2.2 A light-sport repairman certificate may be issued with the following aircraft category privileges, dependent on the training completed by the applicant, pursuant to 14 CFR § 65.107:
• Airplane.
• Rotorcraft. Privileges in this category may be limited to the helicopter or gyroplane class of aircraft, depending on the training completed by the airman/applicant.
• Glider. Privileges in this category includes privileges on both powered and unpowered types of gliders.
• Lighter-than-air. Privileges in this category may be limited to the airship or balloon class of aircraft, depending on the training completed by the airman/applicant.
• Powered-lift.
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• Powered parachute.
• Weight-shift-control aircraft.
2.1.2.3 A light-sport repairman certificate may be issued with the following aircraft class limitations, dependent on the training completed by the applicant, pursuant to 14 CFR § 65.107:
• Rotorcraft: Limited to gyroplanes.
• Rotorcraft: Limited to helicopters.
• Lighter-than-Air: Limited to balloons.
• Lighter-than-Air: Limited to airships.
2.2 Certificate Equivalency After MOSAIC Final Rule. The MOSAIC rulemaking adopted a title change to the light-sport repairman certificate from “repairman certificate (light-sport aircraft)” to “repairman certificate (light-sport).” Additionally, in 14 CFR § 65.107(f), Certificate Issuance and Equivalency, the regulation states that light-sport repairman certificates are issued with category privileges that may be issued class limitations within the category, depending on the training completed by the airman.
Certificates issued prior to the final rule effective date are equivalent to certificates issued after the applicable effective date, and repairmen are not required to request a certificate with the new title or rating/privilege equivalency, as specified in:
• Title 14 CFR § 65.107(f)(2), a repairman certificate (light-sport aircraft) that was issued before and was valid on the applicable effective date of the MOSAIC final rule (90 days after final rule publication), is equivalent to a repairman certificate (light-sport) with the same ratings.
• Title 14 CFR § 65.107(f)(3), aircraft class privileges issued on a repairman certificate (light-sport aircraft) before and valid on the applicable effective date of the MOSAIC final rule (90 days after final rule publication), are equivalent to aircraft category privileges, except as provided in 14 CFR § 65.107(f)(4).
• Title 14 CFR § 65.107(f)(4), a repairmen certificate (light-sport aircraft) with an inspection rating and gyroplane class privileges issued before and valid on the applicable effective date of the MOSAIC final rule (90 days after final rule publication), is equivalent to a repairman (light-sport) certificate with an inspection rating and rotorcraft category privileges limited to the gyroplane class.
Note: Certificates issued after the effective date of the final rule will display the new certificate title and reflect category privileges and class limitations as applicable, dependent on the training completed by the repairman.
2.3 Light-Sport Repairman Certificate Duration. A light-sport repairman certificate or rating is effective until surrendered, suspended, or revoked, in accordance with 14 CFR § 65.15.
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2.4 General Eligibility Requirements. The general eligibility requirements for all applicants for a repairman certificate (light-sport) are prescribed in 14 CFR § 65.107(b). An applicant for a light-sport repairman certificate must:
• Be at least 18 years old;
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English;
• Complete a training course pursuant to 14 CFR § 65.107(c) or (d), as applicable to the rating sought;
• Pass a written test administered by the training course provider that covers the contents of the course pursuant to 14 CFR § 65.107(c) or (d), as applicable to the rating sought; and
• Present documentary evidence of completion of an FAA-accepted training course required by 14 CFR § 65.107(b)(3) and passage of the written test required by 14 CFR § 65.107(b)(4), to the Administrator. Completing the course and passing the test will demonstrate an applicant possesses the requisite skill to determine whether an aircraft is in a condition for safe operation.
Note: The FAA accepts a Certificate of Completion, issued by a training course provider for completion of an FAA-accepted training course in accordance with 14 CFR § 65.107(e)(3) as evidence of completion of both the training course and test. Other documentary evidence may also be acceptable as discussed in paragraph 2.10.
2.4.1 Age Limitation. An applicant must be 18 years of age to be issued a light-sport repairman certificate under 14 CFR § 65.107(b)(1). The regulation does not preclude an individual from completing the required training and testing prior to age 18. In this case, the individual would be required to wait until on or after their 18th birthday to be eligible and apply for a light-sport repairman certificate.
2.4.2 English Language Limitation. A light-sport repairman applicant must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English under 14 CFR § 65.107(b)(2). The FAA publishes English language standards in AC 60-28, FAA English Language Standard for an FAA Certificate Issued Under 14 CFR Parts 61, 63, 65, and 107. An applicant who cannot read, write, speak, or understand English would not be eligible for a light-sport repairman certificate unless granted an exemption from the 14 CFR § 65.107(b)(2) requirement, to include instances when the reason is due to a medical issue. See paragraph 2.12 for additional information on submitting an exemption petition.
2.5 Training Requirements for an Inspection Rating. The training requirements for a light-sport repairman applicant seeking an inspection rating are prescribed in 14 CFR § 65.107(c). To obtain an inspection rating on a light-sport repairman certificate, a person must complete a 16-hour training course accepted by the Administrator on inspecting the category and class (as applicable) of experimental aircraft for which the person intends to exercise the privileges of the rating.
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2.5.1 Inspection Rating 16-Hour Training Course. This course is designed to train an individual owner with no background in aviation maintenance or inspection to satisfactorily perform a condition inspection on a particular aircraft category and class (as applicable) of experimental light-sport or amateur-built aircraft and, based on that inspection, make a determination if the aircraft is safe to fly. See Chapter 3, Light-Sport Aircraft Repairman Certificate Training Courses, for additional discussion on training course requirements and information for training course providers.
2.5.1.1 The course must teach a basic understanding of the regulations applicable to the privileges and limitations of the light-sport repairman certificate and the regulations relating to maintenance and inspection of the aircraft category and class (as applicable) for which the certificate privileges apply.
Note: The requirements in 14 CFR Part 43, Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding and Alteration, do not apply to aircraft on which a light-sport repairman with an inspection rating has certificate privileges for per 14 CFR § 43.1, Applicability.
2.5.1.2 To be issued a Certificate of Completion for the training, a student must complete the training and pass a written test administered by the training course provider pursuant to 14 CFR § 65.107(e).
2.5.1.3 Training course providers must deliver the training course using facilities, equipment, and materials appropriate to the training course taught, as required by 14 CFR § 65.107(e)(1).
2.5.1.4 Training course providers must deliver the training course using instructors that are appropriately qualified to teach the course content, as required by 14 CFR § 65.107(e)(2).
2.5.1.5 Inspection rating glider category training must include training on both powered and unpowered gliders because the regulations do not differentiate between powered and unpowered gliders within the glider category (e.g., by aircraft class or operational privileges).
2.5.1.5.1 Title 14 CFR § 65.107(g) permits training course providers to deliver glider training courses that were FAA-accepted before the first effective date of the MOSAIC final rule (90 days after publication in the Federal Register) up to the second effective date of the MOSAIC final rule (365 days after publication in the Federal Register). After such date, a training provider may only deliver a training course that has been accepted by the Administrator and includes training course content on both powered and unpowered gliders.
2.5.1.5.2 A Certificate of Completion for inspection rating glider training issued to a student prior to the second effective date of the MOSAIC final rule will continue to provide eligibility for an inspection rating with glider category privileges (i.e., training does not expire).
2-5 Note: The course requirements and course content for an inspection rating training course are discussed in Chapter 3 and Chapter 4, Training Course FAA-Acceptance. A list of current FAA-accepted training courses is available at https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/gen_av/lig ht_sport/LSA_repairmen_courses. Concerns with an FAA-accepted training course or with course provider delivery of a training course can be directed to the FAA Aircraft Maintenance Division at 9-AWA-AFS-300-Correspondence@faa.gov or to a Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).
2.5.2 Certificate of Completion for an Inspection Rating Training Course. Under 14 CFR § 65.107(e)(3), training course providers must issue each student a Certificate of Completion after the student has completed the training required for an inspection rating and has passed the required written test. Therefore, the FAA considers a Certificate of Completion issued by a training course provider for completion of an FAA-accepted training course as evidence of completion of the training course and passage of the written test. The Certificate of Completion is a means to demonstrate to the FAA that the applicant has met 14 CFR § 65.107(b)(3) and (4). Pursuant to 14 CFR § 65.107(e)(3)(i) through (v), the Certificate of Completion must include, at least, the:
• Student’s name;
• Name of the training provider;
• FAA course acceptance number;
• Rating applicable to the training course (i.e., inspection rating);
• Aircraft category and class (as applicable) the training was based on (e.g., airplane, glider, rotorcraft–gyroplane, Lighter-than-air – balloon, etc.); and
• Date of training completion.
2.5.2.1 A Certificate of Completion issued by a training course provider for an FAA-accepted light-sport repairman training course does not expire. While a training course may no longer be offered, completed training will continue to provide eligibility towards a light-sport repairman certificate.
2.6 Privileges and Limitations of an Inspection Rating. The privileges and limitations of a light-sport repairman certificate with an inspection rating are prescribed in 14 CFR § 65.109(a). The holder of a light-sport repairman certificate with an inspection rating may only perform the annual condition inspection on an aircraft that the repairman owns, that is in the same aircraft category and class (as applicable) for which the owner completed the required training on, and if that aircraft that has an Experimental Airworthiness Certificate in accordance with 14 CFR § 21.191(g), (i), (k), or (l). This includes the following aircraft: