New “Sport Pilot 2.0” Regulations to Expand Aircraft Access from October 22
The FAA’s eagerly anticipated MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) rule is set to take effect on October 22, 2025, dramatically expanding the range of aircraft that sport pilots can operate. The new “Sport Pilot 2.0” regulations will permit pilots to fly aircraft with clean stall speeds of up to 59 knots, effectively eliminating the previous weight limit of 1,320 pounds.
This significant expansion means sport pilots can now fly popular aircraft models that were previously inaccessible. These include:
- Cessna 150
- Cessna 152
- Cessna 172
- Cessna 182
- Many Piper models
Moreover, the rule allows sport pilots to operate aircraft equipped with retractable landing gear and controllable-pitch propellers, given they undergo additional training and endorsements. With these changes, about three-quarters of the general aviation fleet will now be accessible to sport pilots.
“This is one of the most significant rule packages for general aviation in the past 75 years,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO. The changes are expected to halve the time and cost required to obtain a pilot certificate, making aviation more accessible to new pilots. However, pilots wishing to conduct night operations will require additional training, endorsements, and either BasicMed or a third-class medical certificate.
Source: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/advocacy/top-issues/mosaic-aircraft-certificate