As expected, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will unveil the final version of the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) that will greatly expand the pilot privileges and eligible aircraft in what was previously called the Light Sport category. Duffy is expected to make the announcement at 12:30 p.m. in front of the EAA Membership Center. Although details have not been released, this version of the rule is expected to include many, if not all, revision requests from the various stakeholders.
The most significant revision request is an increase in the stall speed to 58 knots from the 54 knots in the first version of the rule. That will capture dozens of light aircraft types including popular Piper and Cessna models that would have been ineligible because of the speed requirement. We will have a full dissection of the rule in Wednesday’s Flash along with comment from industry leaders and analysis of its impact on GA.
Here is hoping the stall speed increase to 59 knots is accepted. That really opens up the field of Mosaic aircraft, including some popular training aircraft.
Correction: 58 knots not 59 knots.
So what really is the benefit for type certificated aircraft? You still need an A&P to work on it. You don’t open access to Experimental Only avionics. On the pilot side, you don’t need a medical, but Basic Med is practically that already. I suppose for those considering getting into flying, that’s one less barrier, but non-career minded pilot starts are vary scarce and this might improve it to just scarce.
I’d be much more excited about a wholesale overhaul to A&P training and an expansion of Preventative Maintenance scope with appropriate training. This would solve a very real problem today.
Agree - I have both Sport and PPL. Theoretically, under the new rules I could revert to my Sport license and skip Basic Med but why would I do that? Going to see your primary doctor every four years and doing the quiz on line is no burden and you would be crazy not to do it anyway. As a pilot who just wants to fly for fun, I’m part of a dwindling breed. The biggest change I would like to see is the ability to use the ridiculously cheap and totally safe avionics options created for the experimental category in old airplanes like our 150E.
I have sleep apnea and would probably fail the 3rd class medical. But I didn’t have to take that chance and I got my Sport Pilot. Others with a similar situation will now be able to get instruction, AND RENT, the typical Piper or Cessna at the local FBO. I have to drive 90 min if I want to rent a LSA, some have to drive even further. This WILL increase the pilot population from those with medical conditions, and will make it an easier start for all new pilots to get the Sport Pilot cert, then go on later if they want to go full commercial.
I CANNOT STOP SMILING ( which could be disqualifying, I suppose). The LSA Repairman rules completely floored me! This finally makes owning an airplane and investing in upgrades feasible. I don’t have a free 18 months to go to A&P school, but I do have a two week vacation to get trained to do the work on my own aircraft and get expert assistance for the stuff I’m not comfortable doing.
Someone who can’t get an initial medical can’t use BasicMed.
But if they can get a driver’s license, they can do light/sport.