Outline:

1. Overview of MOSAIC

   Summary: MOSAIC modernizes the Sport Pilot framework, removing outdated restrictions and introducing new privileges to reflect current aircraft technology.

   • Effective October 22, 2025.

   • Expands the definition of light-sport aircraft (LSA).

   • Removes weight-based limits — focuses instead on stall speed (<59 KIAS Vs1).

   • Introduces flexibility for aircraft with retractable gear and variable pitch propellers.

   • Adds night flying privileges (with BasicMed or 3rd Class Medical).

   
   

   Key Takeaway: MOSAIC represents the most comprehensive reform to Sport Pilot operations since the certificate’s creation in 2004.

   
   

2. Eligibility Requirements

   Summary: Sport Pilot applicants must meet revised baseline qualifications emphasizing accessibility and simplified medical compliance.

   • Minimum age 17.

   • Must hold a Student or Recreational Pilot Certificate.

   • Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.

   • Must pass a knowledge and practical test endorsed by an instructor.

   • Acceptable medical standards include a U.S. driver’s license, BasicMed, or FAA medical certificate.

   Instructor Tip: Verify the medical pathway early — it determines whether night privileges can be exercised

   
   

3. Aeronautical Knowledge Requirements

   Summary: Ground training or home study must cover all required areas of aeronautical knowledge under the updated MOSAIC framework.

   • Must complete ground instruction or an FAA-recognized home study course.

   • Includes NTSB reporting requirements and use of AIM/AC guidance.

   • Must demonstrate proficiency in VFR navigation using pilotage, dead reckoning, and GPS.

   • Covers weather theory, recognition, and avoidance including windshear.

   • Emphasizes ADM (Aeronautical Decision-Making) and Risk Management principles.

   Common Mistake: Students often overlook preflight weather planning and performance computations — both are now explicitly required areas.

   
   

4. Flight Proficiency Requirements

   Summary: Flight proficiency tasks parallel Private Pilot maneuvers but emphasize Sport-level operational safety and simplicity.

   • Includes preflight preparation, procedures, airport ops, and pattern work.

   • Must demonstrate takeoffs, landings, go-arounds, performance, and ground reference maneuvers.

   • Must perform slow flight, stalls, and emergency operations.

   • Includes navigation, postflight, and operational review.

   • Proficiency check option for airplanes/helicopters is eliminated — must take a checkride with DPE or ASI.

   Key Takeaway: Proficiency checks transition to formal checkrides — ensuring standardized evaluations across all Sport Pilot categories.

   
   

5. Aeronautical Experience Requirements

   Summary: Minimum flight experience remains concise but structured to ensure real-world readiness for solo and cross-country operations.

   • 20 hours total flight time minimum.

   • At least 15 hours dual instruction in a single-engine airplane.

   • 2 hours cross-country training and 10 full-stop landings required.

   • 2 hours prep within 2 calendar months of the practical test.

   • 5 hours solo, including one 75 NM cross-country with two full-stop landings and a segment of at least 25 NM.

   Instructor Tip: Document solo distances carefully — they must meet the updated cross-country definitions for checkride eligibility.

   
   

6. Sport Pilot Privileges

   Summary: MOSAIC broadens Sport Pilot privileges, bringing them closer to Private Pilot capabilities.

   • May share expenses on a pro rata basis.

   • May fly aircraft with Vs1 ≤ 59 knots.

   • May perform aerial towing, training, or aerial survey work (for compensation, with proper authorization).

   • Private through ATP certificate holders may exercise Sport privileges using only a driver’s license medical.

   Key Takeaway: MOSAIC expands what Sport Pilots can do, creating more real-world utility and reduced medical barriers.

   
   

7. Limitations

   Summary: Sport Pilots still face operational boundaries designed for safety and simplicity.

   • Cannot carry passengers or property for hire or operate “in furtherance of a business.”

   • Limited to one passenger maximum.

   • Cannot fly outside the U.S., above 10,000 MSL or 2,000 AGL, whichever higher.

   • Night flight allowed only with endorsement and BasicMed or 3rd class medical.

   • Restricted from Class A airspace and Class B/C/D unless endorsed.

   • Aircraft must have ≤4 seats and comply with operating limitations.

   Common Mistake: Forgetting that VH (maximum continuous level-flight speed) endorsements are required for aircraft >87 KCAS.

   
   

8. Endorsements and Special Authorizations

   Summary: Endorsements now govern privileges once assigned by proficiency checks — streamlining upgrades and new aircraft operations.

   • Retractable gear, variable pitch, and simplified controls all require instructor endorsements.

   • Operating speed endorsements (for >87 KCAS aircraft) now mandatory.

   • Class B/C/D airspace endorsements follow proficiency-based training.

   • Some “Dirty Dozen” Class B airports (per FAR 91 Appendix D) remain prohibited.

   • Additional category/class privileges require a practical test (DPE/ASI) — not just an instructor proficiency check.

   Instructor Tip: Maintain a digital endorsement log — MOSAIC adds multiple one-time endorsements per make/model.

   
   

9. Related FAA References

   Summary: New Advisory Circulars (ACs) accompany MOSAIC to guide implementation and training.

   • AC 61-146 – Sport Pilot Certification and Operations.

   • AC 61-65K – Certification: Pilots, Flight and Ground Instructors (endorsements).

   • FAA MOSAIC Article and official PDF resources available on FAA.gov and Dropbox links provided.

   Key Takeaway: Always reference current AC versions — pre-MOSAIC editions will not align with new rule structures after October 2025.

   
   

10. Instructor and Student Resources

    Summary: MOSAIC training integration begins with updated FAA guidance and private study tools.

    • Updated CFI and Sport Pilot training materials forthcoming from FAA.

    • CFI Bootcamp resources:

      • Private Pilot Smart Study Pro

      • CFI ACS Smart Study Pro

    • Emphasize structured audio + visual training for MOSAIC-era certification prep.

    Instructor Tip: Pair new FAA AC guidance with Smart Study Pro modules to streamline transition to MOSAIC standards.

    
    

    Final Key Takeaway

    MOSAIC transforms the Sport Pilot certificate into a more capable, flexible, and relevant pathway for modern aviators.The focus shifts from arbitrary aircraft weight limits to performance-based criteria, enabling pilots to fly more complex aircraft safely — with clear training, medical, and endorsement guidance to match.