Getting A Sport License in 2025
A photo taken by Andrew Meier during our 2025 FAR/AIM Shoot - This one wasn’t used.
A NEW Era
If there’s ever been a better time to get into aviation, it’s right now. As of today, the FAA’s long-awaited MOSAIC rule is officially in effect, and the sport pilot certificate has never looked more appealing.
For years, sport flying was seen as the “light” version of aviation — smaller planes, simpler rules, fewer privileges. But with MOSAIC, that old boundary between sport and private has practically vanished. What’s happening right now is one of the biggest leaps forward in modern general aviation, and it’s something worth celebrating.
What MOSAIC Actually Is
MOSAIC stands for Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification. It’s a massive update to the FAA’s regulations that reshapes what a “Light Sport Aircraft” really means and what a sport pilot can do. The rule was first announced at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, and as of October 22, 2025, it’s live.
According to the FAA’s published rule and AOPA’s breakdown, MOSAIC does a few huge things. It removes the old weight limit on Light Sport Aircraft and replaces it with a performance-based standard. That means instead of being locked into tiny two-seat airplanes, sport pilots can now fly bigger, faster, and more capable machines — even some with up to four seats.
This opens the door to flying aircraft that look and perform much more like traditional general aviation airplanes, but with the accessibility and flexibility of a sport license.
Why It’s Such a Big Deal
For decades, the sport license was great for entry-level flying, but it came with clear limits — day VFR only, two seats, slower airplanes, and a tight weight cap that kept most “real” GA airplanes off the list.
Now? Those days are gone.
Under MOSAIC, sport pilots will be able to fly aircraft with retractable gear, constant-speed props, and performance once reserved for private-pilot privileges. Many legacy airplanes like the Cessna 150 and some Piper models may now qualify as LSA-eligible under the new stall-speed rules.
It’s not just about freedom — it’s about access. This change means you can train in modern, capable airplanes without needing a full FAA medical. A valid driver’s license and a little motivation can now get you in the air faster than ever before.
The BasicMed Connection and Safety
One of the most exciting parts of MOSAIC’s rollout is the FAA’s confidence in how safe this expanded access can be. When BasicMed was first introduced, many worried it would increase accidents. But the FAA’s own report found almost zero difference in accident rates between BasicMed and traditional medical pilots.
AOPA’s analysis of the FAA’s study summed it up perfectly: safety didn’t decline when pilots were given more freedom. That’s the same philosophy behind MOSAIC — broaden access, modernize the rules, and trust pilots to make smart, safe decisions.
That’s why the FAA and organizations like AOPA and EAA are calling MOSAIC one of the most important regulatory shifts in decades. It’s not deregulation; it’s smart modernization.
Why This Matters for New Pilots
If you’ve ever dreamed of flying but thought it was out of reach, MOSAIC changes the equation completely. The barrier to entry is lower than it’s ever been — less red tape, more aircraft options, and less time and money to get started.
You can earn a Sport Pilot License with as little as 20 hours of flight time. You don’t need a third-class medical. You can train in airplanes that feel and perform like the ones private pilots fly. And with MOSAIC’s expanded privileges, you won’t feel boxed into a corner once you’re licensed.
The big takeaway: the sport license is no longer a “dead end.” It’s a legitimate, flexible path into real-world aviation.
A Time to Celebrate
It feels fitting that MOSAIC was introduced at Oshkosh, the heart of experimental and grassroots flying. The FAA’s announcement there was met with standing applause — not just from builders and old-timers, but from flight schools and brand-new students who finally see a realistic way to chase their dream.
EAA called it “the most monumental step forward for recreational aviation in over 20 years,” and they’re not exaggerating. By modernizing these rules, the FAA is opening aviation to a whole new generation — one that values freedom, accessibility, and innovation.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve been sitting on the fence about getting your pilot’s license, 2025 is your year. The FAA just made it easier, cheaper, and more rewarding to get started.
MOSAIC isn’t just a bureaucratic update — it’s a cultural shift in aviation. It’s proof that expanding access doesn’t have to mean compromising safety. It’s proof that flying is still for everyone, not just the few who can afford a medical exam, a complex airplane, and $20,000 of training.
Today, as the new rules take effect, the sport pilot certificate becomes something bigger than ever before: a genuine gateway to aviation for the common person.
So if you’ve ever said “someday,” that day might as well be today.
