Revolutionizing Aviation: The Launch of Sport Pilot 2.0
The general aviation community is bracing for one of the most momentous regulatory changes in decades as the FAA’s MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) rule comes into effect on October 22, 2025. This groundbreaking change, christened “Sport Pilot 2.0,” is set to significantly broaden access to general aviation by permitting sport pilots to operate popular four-seat aircraft such as the Cessna 172 and Piper Cherokee.
The new rule supersedes the previous 1,320-pound weight limitation, introducing a performance-based approach that uses stall speed as the primary criterion. Sport pilots will now have the capability to fly aircraft with clean stall speeds up to 59 knots calibrated airspeed, thereby unlocking access to approximately three-quarters of the general aviation fleet.
Additional changes include allowing sport pilots to fly at night with the appropriate endorsements and conduct limited commercial operations. “This creates what can be called Sport Pilot 2.0, as it builds on the safety and momentum established by that rule two decades ago,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board.
The rule is the result of over a decade of collaboration between the FAA and industry organizations. The final version incorporates feedback from more than 1,300 public comments. Existing sport pilots will automatically gain these expanded privileges without the need for additional testing or checkrides, although specific endorsements will be necessary for night operations and advanced aircraft systems.
The changes are anticipated to bring significant benefits to flight schools and aircraft rental operations by expanding their available training fleet.
Source: www.eaa.org