The aviation world just got flipped upside down! At EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, the FAA dropped the MOSAIC bomb—the biggest shake-up to general aviation since 2004. Sport pilots can now fly aircraft with stall speeds up to 59 knots, and now have access to four-seat aircraft. But this isn't just about sport pilots—MOSAIC fundamentally reshapes the landscape for ALL pilots.Our friend Ted, who sits on the ASTM committee and apparently has nothing better to do than read 700-page regulatory documents while camping in 100-degree heat, spent a week at Oshkosh decoding this mess so the rest of us could keep flying instead of drowning in federal paperwork. Fresh from his "undisclosed location in the canned pumpkin capital," Ted breaks down everything you need to know about the most significant expansion of pilot privileges in decades.What You'll Learn:Why sport pilots can now fly Ben's Cessna 182 "Beast" (and thousands of other aircraft)How the 1,320-pound weight limit disappeared and what replaced itThe maintenance revolution that lets experimental aircraft owners perform their own inspections with just 16 hours of trainingWhat this means for flight training costs and aircraft availabilityHow manufacturers like Van's and Sling are ready to start building completed aircraft instead of just kitsThe hilarious story of how the official FAA announcement got the details completely wrongDisclaimer: We're pilots and podcasters, not FAA officials or aviation lawyers. Always consult official sources and qualified professionals for regulatory guidance.Show Notes & Links:Airports & Aircraft Mentioned:Blue Ridge Airport (MTV): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Ridge_AirportBeechcraft Duchess BE76: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beechcraft_DuchessDeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeKalb%E2%80%93Peachtree_AirportPiper Comanche: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piper_PA-24_ComancheOfficial MOSAIC Resources:MOSAIC Final Rule (FAA): https://www.regulations.gov/document/FAA-2023-1377-1381FAA Official Announcement: https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/us-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-announces-improvements-recreational-aviationEAA MOSAIC Information: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/advocacy/top-issues/mosaic-aircraft-certificateEAA "MOSAIC Is Done!" Article: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/news-and-publications/eaa-news-and-aviation-news/2025-07-22-mosaic-is-doneIndustry Analysis & News:General Aviation News MOSAIC Coverage: https://generalaviationnews.com/2025/07/23/long-awaited-mosaic-final-rule-released/AOPA Light Sport Rules Expansion: https://aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2025/july/22/light-sport-rules-expand-dramaticallyKitplanes MOSAIC for Homebuilts: https://www.kitplanes.com/mosaic-is-here-what-it-means-for-homebuilts/Flying Magazine MOSAIC Coverage: https://www.flyingmag.com/faa-finalizes-major-overhaul-of-light-sport-aircraft-rules/Flight Insight Training Impact Analysis: https://www.flight-insight.com/post/faa-releases-final-mosaic-rulePiper Flyer MOSAIC Forum Discussion: https://piperflyer.com/forum/unicom/1219-breaking-news-mosaic-final-rule-and-your-piper.htmlTraining & Maintenance:Rainbow Aviation LSRM Courses: https://rainbowaviation.com/15-day-light-sport-repairman-maintenance-course/Rainbow Aviation LSA Repairman Info: https://rainbowaviation.com/the-lsa-repairman-maintenance-or-inspection-rating/Infinity Aero Club LSRM Training: https://infinityaeroclub.org/light-sport-repairman-maintenance-lsrm/Kitplanes Light Sport Repairman Guide: https://www.kitplanes.com/light-sport-repairman-maintenance/Connect With Us:Website: https://midlifepilotpodcast.comEmail: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.comPatreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcastYouTube Live Mondays 8 PM Eastern: https://www.youtube.com/@midlifepilotpodcast
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Welcome to the Midlife Pilot Podcast, where we share the experiences and the challenges of flying in midlife. Whether you're a seasoned pilot, training for private or instrument ratings, or just thinking about getting started in aviation, we like to think of the podcast as your aviation companion, and your weekly dose of aviation inspiration. Hosted by the dynamic trio of Ben, Brian, and Ted - the show is not instruction - it's all about sharing real stories, personal insights, and the pure joy of spreading your wings in midlife.