Logbook Life

Introduction

The FAA’s new MOSAIC rule (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification), finalized in 2025, is the biggest change in light aircraft certification and Sport Pilot privileges since the original Light-Sport Aircraft category was introduced. While a lot of pilots are talking about new aircraft types, one of the most practical questions students and private pilots are asking is: What does MOSAIC mean for medical requirements?

Here’s a simple breakdown.

1. What MOSAIC Is All About

• Expands the Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) category.
• Opens Sport Pilot privileges to more capable aircraft, including some four-seaters (think Cessna 172s and Piper Cherokees).
• Adds flexibility for operations (like night flying with the right training and endorsements).

In short, MOSAIC takes the old “light sport” boundaries and stretches them to meet the reality of what pilots actually fly.

2. Medical Requirements Under MOSAIC

Here’s the good news: MOSAIC doesn’t add new medical burdens.

• If you fly as a Sport Pilot, you can still use your valid U.S. driver’s license as your medical.
• You do not need a third-class medical or BasicMed, unless you choose to fly under those rules.
• As long as you operate within Sport Pilot privileges, MOSAIC means you can now fly more airplanes with the same driver’s license standard.

👉 Example: Under MOSAIC, a Sport Pilot could legally fly a Cessna 172 with just a driver’s license, provided they respect the operating limits (like seats used, weight, and performance rules).

3. Timeline for Implementation

• Late 2025 (about 90 days after publication): Expanded Sport Pilot privileges take effect.
• Mid-2026 (~1 year after): Certification changes for aircraft manufacturers roll out.

So while the medical rules apply quickly, the aircraft side of MOSAIC will unfold over the next year.

4. Why This Matters for Pilots

• Student pilots: Training toward Sport Pilot certificates just got more valuable. You can transition into bigger aircraft without upgrading your medical.
• Recreational pilots: If medical renewal is a worry, MOSAIC opens the door to keep flying safely without a third-class medical.
• Flight schools and instructors: Expect more students entering under Sport Pilot rules.

5. My Take as a Pilot

When I first heard of Sport Pilot years ago, it felt limited — great for LSAs, but not much else. MOSAIC changes that. It bridges the gap between Sport and Private Pilot in a way that makes flying more accessible.

For many pilots, especially those concerned about medicals, this is freedom: the ability to fly trusted aircraft like a 172 without worrying about FAA medical exams.

Conclusion

MOSAIC is more than just a new regulation — it’s an update that brings aviation in line with reality. Pilots still carry the responsibility to fly smart and safe, but with fewer barriers keeping them on the ground.

For students, weekend flyers, and even seasoned aviators, MOSAIC opens the skies a little wider.

Sign-Off:
From my logbook to yours — stay safe, and let’s fly.
– Tommy J.

🛠 MOSAIC: Before vs After

Category	Before MOSAIC	After MOSAIC (2025 Rule)
Aircraft Allowed under Sport Pilot	Limited to Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA): max 2 seats, 1,320 lbs max gross (1,430 lbs for seaplanes), 120 knots max	Expanded: includes many 4-seat aircraft (e.g., Cessna 172, Piper Cherokee) within new performance limits
Medical Requirement	Driver’s license valid in place of medical (unless previously denied)	Same — driver’s license still valid for Sport Pilot privileges
Operations Allowed	Day VFR only	Adds flexibility: night flying with training/endorsement, more ops possible
Performance Limits	120 knots max level flight speed	Higher performance allowed (up to ~250 knots, depending on aircraft & limits)
Certification Timeline	LSA limited by weight/speed rules	Manufacturers can certify more aircraft under LSA rules (phased in over ~1 year)

Feel free to leave a comment and let me know what your thoughts are about the new MOSAIC rule.