Sport Pilot Talk

N918KT

Have you ever noticed that in the Sport Pilot FARs Part 61 that the regulations are in question form? Why is the SP FARs the only one that is in question form? Should it be the same like those other Part 61 FARs like Recreational Pilot, Private Pilot, and etc.?

BTW, I already know that the SP FARs are like that for a while now, I didn't just discover it just now. Just wondering why it's not in sentence form like the other Part 61 FARs?

comperini · Joined: 24 Feb 2008 Posts: 152 Location: California

N918KT wrote: Why is the SP FARs the only one that is in question form? Should it be the same like those other Part 61 FARs like Recreational Pilot, Private Pilot, and etc.?

If you read the original NPRM for Sport Pilot, there was a deliberate attempt to write the rules in "plain language". Here's a quote from the Sport Pilot NPRM:

Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, Oct. 4, 1993) requires each agency to write regulations that are simple and easy to understand. In the NPRM, the FAA used Plain Language techniques, such as question-and-answer format, use of pronouns, short sentences, and clear outlining of the preamble discussion. One of the questions the FAA asked for the On-Line Forum was whether readers found the document clear and easy to understand. Approximately 70 people responded.

About a dozen commenters said they did not find the NPRM easier to read, but most did not go into detail.

About 30 others said that they thought the format of the NPRM was a great improvement over other regulations, but that the complexity of the subject and the length of the document made it still somewhat difficult to follow. Some said they did not like having to read references to other regulations elsewhere in 14 CFR that were not reproduced in the NPRM, or that they thought those regulations should have been rewritten to match the plain language style of the new regulations. Some said that they had concerns that some provisions could be misinterpreted, or that the NPRM did not answer all of the questions they had. The FAA agrees that it would be best to revise all of the related sections in 14 CFR in plain language format and reproduce them in one document for the reader’s convenience; however, such a large task would have caused a considerable delay and resulted in a much longer document. The FAA is clarifying and simplifying other regulations throughout 14 CFR as opportunities arise; that is, when the FAA revises any sections of 14 CFR in other rulemaking actions, it is using clearer language.

The remaining commenters (approximately 30) said that they did find the NPRM clear and easy to read, and they appreciated the FAA’s efforts to write it in plain language.

N918KT · Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2010 10:09 am Post subject:

Ah, I see.