Exciting MOSAIC news! Everything you need to know for FAA Sport Pilot Rule Changes
TLDR
The FAA’s MOSAIC rule, effective October 22, 2025, expands what Sport Pilots can fly and do. Light Sport Aircraft (LSAs) are no longer limited by weight but instead, they must meet performance criteria like a max stall speed of 59 knots (flaps) or 61 knots (clean wing). This means LSAs can now include 4 seat aircraft, higher cruise speeds, retractable gear, and electric propulsion. Sport Pilots will also gain new privileges, including night flying and some commercial operations, with proper training and endorsements. MOSAIC also streamlines aircraft certification and allows more flexibility for innovation and maintenance while keeping safety standards intact. It’s the biggest update since 2004.
If you’re a current or aspiring Sport Pilot, you’ve likely heard about the FAA’s MOSAIC rule. This guide is for people who want to learn more about the FAA’s recent announcement of MOSAIC. It will tell you who is effected by the changes, when the changes go into effect, how training and ground school will change, what privileges and rule changes are included and even what this means for the industry.
What is MOSAIC?
MOSAIC stands for Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certificate and it is an FAA rule change that significantly expands the capabilities of Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) and the privileges of Sport Pilot certificate holders. Ultimately, the rule changes all for faster, heavier, and more capable aircraft as well as expanded privileges for Sport Pilots in where they can fly, when they can fly and what they can fly.
What are the Rule Changes of MOSAIC?
MOSAIC will create the following changes for Light Sport Aircraft (LSAs) and Sport Pilots:
Aircraft Changes:
- MOSAIC removes the 1320lb weight limit for LSAs and replaces it with a performance based system that includes:
- Increased stall speed limits (59 knots CAS VS0 and 61 knots CAS VS1)
- Increased max speed (up to 250 knots)
- Allows for aircraft with up to 4 seats (although Sport Pilot limitations for passengers still apply)
- Allows for retractable landing gear (with proper training + endorsements)
- Allows for controllable-pitch propellers (with proper training + endorsements)
- Aircraft classes are no longer prescribed, opening up more types such as gyroplane and helicopters
- Allows for electric, hybrid, and turbine engines
Sport Pilot
- Allows Sport Pilot certificate holders to fly a wider variety of aircraft due to the changes listed above to LSAs
- Allows for the ability to fly at Night (with proper training + endorsements + 3rd class medical certificate or BasicMed)
- Expands the limited commercial activities when using LSAs (with proper training + endorsements)
- Carrying passengers or property for hire is still NOT allowed
- Allows for commercial activities such as aerial photography and surveying, pipeline/powerline/agricultural patrol and search and rescue
- Allows for the ability to fly aircraft with retractable gear
- Allows for the ability to fly aircraft with controllable-pitch propellers
Here is a breakdown in table form of the changes coming to Sport Pilots from the FAA’s MOSAIC:
When does MOSAIC go into Effect?
The FAA finally made MOSAIC official in an announcement at the EAA AirVenture Air Show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on July 23rd, 2025.
But this was just the announcement. MOSAIC does not officially go into effect until October 22, 2025. So depending on when you are reading this, the changes in this guide may not yet apply. However, as a certificated Sport Pilot or Sport Pilot student it will be very important to understand the changes and when they go into effect… which is what this guide is for.
What Changes for Current Sport Pilots?
For current Sport Pilot certificate holder nothing about your certificate is invalidated. You do NOT have to retake any tests and you do NOT have to re-apply to any applications. Your privileges are automatically expanded unless that specific privilege requires additional training and an endorsement from an authorized instructor.
You will need additional training and endorsements for the following privileges added to your Sport Pilot certificate (you do NOT need a new checkride):
- Fly at night
- Requires you to hold either a 3rd class FAA medical certificate or qualify under BasicMed
- Requires you to get ground and flight instruction from qualified instructor
- After demonstrating proficiency to instructor, you must get a logbook endorsement from that instructor confirming you’ve been trained for night flight operations
- Use retractable landing gear
- Requires you to get ground and flight instruction from qualified instructor
- After demonstrating proficiency to instructor, you must get a logbook endorsement from that instructor confirming you’ve been trained for retractable landing gear
- Alternatively, you can receive training and an endorsement for Complex Aircraft which incorporates retractable landing gear
- Operate variable-pitch props
- Requires you to get ground and flight instruction from qualified instructor
- After demonstrating proficiency to instructor, you must get a logbook endorsement from that instructor confirming you’ve been trained for variable-pitch propellers
- Alternatively, you can receive training and an endorsement for Complex Aircraft which incorporates variable/controllable pitch propellers
- Aerial Work/Commercial Operations
- MOSAIC allows for some commercial operations such as aerial photography, surveying and patrol as long as no passenger is on board the flight
- Requires you to get ground and flight instruction from a qualified instructor on each operation
- After demonstrating proficiency to instructor, you must get a logbook endorsement from that instructor confirming you’ve been trained for each operation
What Changes for Sport Pilot Students?
If you are in training or planning to start prior to MOSAIC going into effect on October 22nd, 2025 then you should here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Any Written Exam or Checkride taken prior to October 22nd, 2025 will be tested on pre-MOSAIC rules
- Any Written Exam taken after October 22nd, 2025 will most likely be tested on NEW MOSAIC rules (read more below)
- The FAA states that the Sport Pilot Knowledge Exams “have been reviewed, and revised where necessary, and two new tests have been created for helicopter-simplified fight controls, to harmonize with MOSAIC and will become active on October 22, 2025.”
- To us, this reads that the new knowledge tests for all Sport Pilot certificates (including fixed wing) will go into effect on October 22nd, 2025
- Therefore, on and after October 22nd, 2025, Sport Pilot students should expect questions on night flying, advanced aircraft systems, expanded LSA definitions, and expanded Sport Pilot privileges.
- The FAA states that the Sport Pilot Knowledge Exams “have been reviewed, and revised where necessary, and two new tests have been created for helicopter-simplified fight controls, to harmonize with MOSAIC and will become active on October 22, 2025.”
- Any Practical Checkride Exam taken before October 22nd should’t be tested on new MOSAIC rules but I would not be surprised if examiners ask about it and students should prepare accordingly
- Any Practical Checkride Exam taken after October 22nd will most likely be tested on new MOSAIC rules (read more below)
- The FAA states that the Sport Pilot Practical Test Standards (PTS) will be “updated on October 22nd, 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.”
- This means the FAA plans to have the updated PTS for Sport Pilot out the same day MOSAIC goes into effect but can’t say for sure if that will happen.
- With previous FAA rule changes, there is usually a delay between when the rule goes into effect and when it is found in the testing.
- When the new PTS is released, that’s when you will be tested on new MOSAIC rules in your practical checkride.
- Again, I wouldn’t be surprised if even if the PTS isn’t updated officially that examiners still ask about MOSAIC in the checkride
- The FAA states that the Sport Pilot Practical Test Standards (PTS) will be “updated on October 22nd, 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.”
*TIP* Use an Online Ground School that is consistently up to date and has the ability to update their content quickly to react to MOSAIC announcements from the FAA. Part Time Pilot is one of the only online ground schools with a dedicated Sport Pilot online ground school and has already incorporated MOSAIC transition lessons to help students prepare for the switch prior to October 22nd, 2025.
What Changes will MOSAIC bring to the Aviation Industry?
MOSAIC will introduce many changes to the aviation industry by shifting from traditional weight-based aircraft certification to performance-based standards. This transition allows a broader range of aircraft, including some 4 seat, higher-performance, and technologically advanced models of aircraft, to qualify as LSAs. This change increases design flexibility for manufacturers, enables the adoption of electric and hybrid propulsion, and expands the market for more accessible, efficient, and innovative aircraft.
On the maintenance and certification side, MOSAIC modernizes oversight by using industry consensus standards for certifying new aircraft designs, similar to how LSAs have been approved since 2004. Key changes include:
Expanded LSA category to include heavier, faster, and more complex aircraft
Simplified certification pathways for new aircraft types, especially with alternative propulsion
Increased privileges for Light-Sport repairmen, including authorization to perform annual condition inspections on certain Experimental aircraft with additional training
Streamlined approval process that reduces FAA bottlenecks and encourages innovation
Overall, MOSAIC represents a major change that reduces regulatory friction while maintaining safety, unlocking opportunity for both legacy and next-generation aircraft development.
The number 1 way to ensure your success in becoming a pilot is by properly managing your time & money
And the easiest way to properly manage your time & money is by doing ground school before it’s too late and ACTUALLY understanding the material
5 years ago I saw NO ONE mentoring unsuspecting students on the traps in flight training that was costing them $1000s
This is why I created the Part Time Pilot Online Ground Schools
The ground schools were created with these ideas at the heart of our mission statement:
- Mentoring students from start to finish
- Providing content that saves time & money & provides a deep understanding
How does Part Time Pilot compare to other Online Ground Schools?
I went to the website of each of the Top 10 Online Ground Schools and gathered ALL the relevant info a student pilot like you needs to make an informed decision.
Things like cost, student ratings, lifetime access or not, types of lessons, bonuses included, scholarships included, support available and more.
Then, I lined them all up and compared them all in a single table so that student pilots could make the best, most informed decision on their training.
Comprehensive Sport Pilot Online Ground School & Test Prep Updated for MOSAIC
Part Time Pilot stays up to date on all FAA regulations and testing changes to immediately incorporate them into our Online Ground Schools.
And, rather than just tell you to take the Private Pilot course, Part Time Pilot is one of the only Online Ground Schools to have a dedicated Sport Pilot option that is specific to Sport Pilot operations.
All the favorite features of our Private Pilot & IFR courses such as downloadable audio lessons, flash cards, written and video lessons with step by step examples, interactive AI tools, study groups and more are included and specifically tailored to the Sport Pilot Online Ground School.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the topic of the costs of flight training.
Can Sport Pilot's make money flying?
No, a Sport Pilot cannot legally fly passengers or property in an aircraft for compensation or hire. In order to do this, a pilot needs a Commercial Pilot certificate.
However, the recent changes (effective October 22nd, 2025) for the FAA’s MOSAIC have granted some of the limited compensation privileges of Private Pilots, but not all of them. For example, Sport Pilots are now allowed to received compensation for limited commercial operations such as pipeline patrol, aerial photography and glider towing (with training).
What type of Aircraft can Sport Pilots fly?
Sport pilots are limited to flying light sport aircraft or LSAs (read more about LSAs below).
What is a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA)?
Since the release of the FAA’s MOSAIC rule, a Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) is now defined based on performance, rather than strictly by weight. Under MOSAIC, an LSA must meet the following criteria:
- An aircraft with stall speed (VS1) no higher than 61 KCAS
- An aircraft with a maximum continuous cruise speed (Vh) no higher than 250 KCAS
- An aircraft with a maximum of 4 seats
- An aircraft powered by piston engines, electric motors or hybrid powerplants
While Sport Pilots are restricted to flying only Light Sport Aircraft, the types of aircraft eligible under this category have been significantly expanded under MOSAIC to include more capable and advanced models, such as aircraft with retractable gear, variable-pitch propellers, and modern avionics, provided they meet the LSA performance criteria listed above.
What Limitations do Sport Pilots have?
Sport Pilots have more limitations than Private Pilots but can be a popular choice because of the lack of medical exam requirements. For a complete list of Sport Pilot limitations you can read this article here, but in general Sport Pilots are limited to:
- Sport Pilots are limited to “light sport aircraft” or LSAs
- Sport Pilots may NOT act as pilot in command of an LSA…
- That is carrying a passenger or property for compensation or hire
- For compensation or hire
- In furtherance of a business
- While carrying more than one passenger
- At an altitude of more than 10,000 ft. MSL or 2000 ft. AGL, whichever is higher
- When the flight or surface visibility is less than 3 statute miles (SM)
- Without visual reference to the surface
- Above 250 knots airspeed
There are additional limitations that can be unlocked with training and an endorsement from a qualified instructor such as flying in controlled airspace, flying a complex aircraft or flying at night.
Do you have to pass a Medical Exam to be a Sport Pilot?
No. Instead of a medical certificate, a Sport Pilot only needs to meet the medical standards of holding a US Driver’s License.
However, if an aviation medical exam is denied or deferred by an applicant, that applicant cannot become a Sport Pilot. In other words, if you think that you may have a medical condition that would cause you to fail an FAA medical exam, it is best to not take and fail the exam if you still desire to become a Sport Pilot.
Furthermore, if a Sport Pilot wishes to add on Night Flying privileges under the new MOSAIC rules they would need to have a 3rd class medical certificate or be compliant under BasicMed in order to do so after receiving training and an endorsement.
Can you save money by Buying your Own Airplane?
Yes, buying your own airplane and using it for flight training can end up saving you money on flight training costs, but it depends on several factors such as your long term goals, costs of the aircraft and whether or not you can rent it out when you aren’t using it. Here is a break down of things to think about before buying an aircraft for your training:
- Upfront Costs
- Aircraft cost a good amount. Older, lower horsepower options like a Cessna 152 can be found for as low as $50,000 but come with added risk and maintenance. Newer, higher horse power Cessna 172s, Sling TSIs, Cirrus SRs or Diamond DA40s can cost $150,000, $250,000 or even more.
- Fixed Costs
- These are ongoing costs after you make the purchase that don’t change regardless on how you use the aircraft. Things like Hangar rentals, insurance, registration and required inspections are all costs to consider that can add up to $4000 to $16,000 or more depending on how you do it and where your aircraft is located
- Variable Costs
- These are things that depend or vary based off how you use or how often you use your aircraft. Things like fuel, oil, maintenance, and instructor fees when training.
- Usage & Long-term Goals
- The more you plan to use an aircraft you purchase, the more of a potential savings it becomes. For example, if you only plan to get a Sport Pilot certificate and fly every few months it will take a long time to recoup the costs of buying the aircraft we just talked about. But, if you plan to use the aircraft to train for Private and IFR and then fly it every week, it will start saving you money much quicker because of the rental costs you are saving each time you fly.
- Maintenance
- Aircraft are required to meet ongoing maintenance standards. This adds an additional cost and time commitment to an aircraft owner who is responsible for the aircraft being in a safe and airworthy condition. So if you want to buy an aircraft, you need to be willing to add an extra time commitment or pay someone you trust to make sure the aircraft stays safe and legal.
- Rental Opportunities
- Another way to recoup your money faster by buying an aircraft is to rent it out when you aren’t using it. Eventually, this can even start making you some money. However, depending on where your aircraft is located the rental opportunities may not be available. So you need to do the research prior to purchasing an aircraft with the desire of renting it out to get your money back faster.
How much does it cost to Rent Light Sport Aircraft?
The following rates are averages across the US and will vary from location to location. Typically in more urban areas the rates are higher than in rural areas. The rates below are also “wet” meaning it includes the cost of fuel and students don’t have to pay for the fuel they use on top of the rental rate:
- Van’s RV12
- $130 to $180 per hour
- Vashon Ranger R7
- $140 to $190 per hour
- Flight Design CTLS
- $135 to $180 per hour
For a total cost of flight training a student should also keep in mind the hourly rate of their instructors which can range between $40 to $90 per hour, ground school, gear and insurance.
Is it worth it to get a Sport Pilot License?
Yes! But this depends heavily on your goals. If you want to fly as a career then you are going to need a Private Pilot certificate and not a Sport Pilot certificate. But if your aviation goals align with flying smaller light sport aircraft and the ability to take a maximum of 1 passenger than a Sport Pilot certificate is worth it.
A Sport Pilot might also be a great choice if you believe you are unable to pass an FAA medical exam since Sport Pilots are only required to hold a US Driver’s License to meet their medical requirements.
What is the Cheapest Way to become a Pilot?
The cheapest way to become a pilot explained step by step in Part Time Pilot’s free email course called “How to Become a Pilot and Save Money” and summarized below. There is no one trick or one flight school that allows a student pilot to save the most money. Rather, it is a series of things student pilots can prepare and plan ahead for that will make their flight training journey as cheap and as stress-free as possible. Some of those things are:
- Doing Ground School before Flight Training
- Doing a complete Ground School & understanding the concepts in the material rather than just doing FAA Written Test Prep
- Planning ahead financially instead of flying paycheck to paycheck
- Doing flight training at a Flying Club
- Doing flight training in rural parts of the US
- Taking time off work and avoiding travel during flight training
- Flying during the sunniest months of the year
- Buying your own aircraft if you plan to fly a significant amount after receiving a Private Pilot certificate
- And more outlined in the Free “How to Become a Pilot & Save Money” course
How Long does it take to become a Sport Pilot?
This varies depending upon several factors but mostly on how often you perform flight training lessons and how quickly you progress through the lessons in the eyes of your flight instructor.
The FAA minimum number of hours to become a Sport Pilot is 20 hours. However, there are several underlying requirements such as solo flight hours, cross-country flight hours, ground training and more. Even if you meet all minimum hour requirements, your flight instructor still needs to endorse you for your final checkride exam to become a pilot. In order for your instructor to endorse you, they must deem you proficient in all areas required by the FAA in the Practical Test Standards (PTS) for Sport Pilot.
Students that are able to progress and gain proficiency quickly while flying full-time (every day or every other day) can finish near the minimum hour requirement (20-30 hours) in about 1-2 months. These students also perform their ground training and have a good understanding of the knowledge prior to starting flight lessons.
Students that aren’t able to fly full-time but on the weekends or off-days from work are more likely to finish in 30-40 hours and in about 3-5 months.
And students that have gaps in their training lasting multiple weeks or that aren’t able to fly each week are going to finish in the higher range of 40-70 hours and 5 months to a year or more.
Can I get a Sport Pilot certificate in 3 months or less?
As mentioned in the above FAQ, yes it is possible to get a Sport Pilot certificate in 3 months or less if and only if you are flying multiple times per week, gaining proficiency in the required skills quickly and you have performed ground training at a high level prior to your flight lessons.
What is MOSAIC?
MOSAIC stands for Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certificates and is a proposed rule change by the FAA with the goal of dramatically expanding the privileges of Sport Pilots and the types of Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) they can fly. You may also have heard it been called Sport Pilot or Light Sport Aircraft 2.0. The key proposed changes are:
- Expand Aircraft Definition
- Current LSA definition is aircraft with a max takeoff weight less than 1320 lbs and max speed of 120 knots
- MOSAIC change would define LSA based on performance such as a clean stall speed of 59 knots calibrated airspeed which would allow for much larger, heavier and more robust aircraft to qualify as LSAs such as Cessna 152, Cessna 172 and Piper PA-28 may qualify.
- Increased Pilot Privileges
- Current Sport Pilot limitations include a max of 120 knots airspeed, no complex aircraft, and no night flying
- MOSAIC change would allow airspeeds up to 250 knots, would allow for the flying of complex aircraft (aircraft with retractable gear and controllable-pitch propellers), and the ability to fly at Night with additional training and endorsements.
- Modernized Training & Certification
- The goal of a Sport Pilot certificate was to potentially make aviation more accessible as it is generally cheaper and only requires a US Driver’s License for a medical requirement.
- With MOSAIC, this would remain the same but expand what someone can do with a Sport Pilot certificate.
- It will also simplify the aircraft certification process for manufacturers and encourage the design of new, more capable LSAs
When will MOSAIC start?
MOSAIC will go into effective on October 22nd, 2025.
