The Next Big Date for General Aviation

Our community is nearing a significant date — October 22, 2025 — that kicks off a “New Era in Recreational Aviation.” On this date, the changes to the sport pilot regulations as part of the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) final rule, or Sport Pilot 2.0, take effect. These changes have the potential to benefit many areas of our community positively. Here are just a few:

Existing Sport Pilots

On this date, the 7,000-plus holders of sport pilot certificates will now have the ability to fly a host of different aircraft makes and models. This means that sport pilots will no longer be limited to just light-sport aircraft as defined in the 2004 rule, but now can access most of the existing general aviation training fleet available at almost all local airports. With this change, sport pilots are no longer restricted to aircraft with a maximum weight of 1,320 pounds and two seats. They will be able to fly any aircraft with a clean stall speed (Vs1) of 59 knots or less, with a maximum of four seats, and up to one passenger. This includes the Cessna 150, 152, 172, and many 182s, many Piper Cherokees and Archers, and many legacy vintage aircraft such as Luscombes and older Bonanzas. To take advantage of these changes, sport pilots should be scheduling training flights and aircraft checkouts with their local flight schools and instructors now so that they are proficient to fly once the rule takes effect.

Existing Pilots holding Private Pilot or Higher Certificates

October 22, 2025, has special meaning for many other recreational aviators as well. On this date, pilots who hold private pilot certificates or higher and who choose to exercise sport pilot privileges can do so in any aircraft with a clean stall speed (V_S1) of 59 knots or less, a maximum of 4 seats, carrying up to one passenger, and, during daylight hours, utilizing a driver’s license in lieu of a third class medical or BasicMed. The ability to fly these larger aircraft with a driver’s license in lieu of a medical certificate means that many pilots can transition from smaller aircraft, such as Ercoupes, Champs, Cubs, and past light-sport aircraft (1,320 pounds), to larger aircraft that now qualify. It may also mean that pilots who have not been flying recently may be returning to flying after a hiatus. These pilots should also contact their local flight schools and FBOs to schedule time with an instructor and prepare for the opportunity to fly. Additionally, these people should review the status of their driver’s license. Hopefully, they haven’t missed an expiration date.

Flight Schools and Flight Instructors

The changes with Sport Pilot 2.0, especially those becoming effective on October 22, 2025, mean that flight schools and flight instructors are likely to have many more opportunities to engage in and promote sport pilot instruction. With this comes the need to understand the sport pilot certificate, as well as the importance of understanding pilots who are “exercising sport pilot privileges.” These changes mean that most flight schools and flight instructors now have access to aircraft that make training sport pilots a viable option. This offers the ability to market aviation beyond a commercial career, highlighting the recreational aspects, while utilizing most of the same aircraft you have access to today.

What’s Next?