I am honored that the room was full to standing room only capacity but even that gratifying turn-out at the Midwest LSA Expo 2022 represents a fraction of pilots keen to learn more about Mosaic. I refer to a forum at the event, a talk that has been well attended since I began attempting to keep up with FAA’s latest moves on the new LSA regulation.
For the majority that could not attend in person, the entire talk is featured below. In particular, I think you may enjoy the Question & Answer portion starting at 32 minutes into the video. See the list of questions below for specific times — in case you know most of this but simply wanted to ask a certain question.
I’ve been predicting for months that if FAA was to stay on schedule — a schedule they set — the agency had to announce Mosaic at Oshkosh 2022. If they did not announce then, FAA would not meet their original Congressionally-imposed deadline of December 31, 2023.
They didn’t announce at AirVenture. So they will not meet the original deadline.
Now what?
Full Presentation Below
As in recent years, I recorded my presentation at Midwest.
This year, I paid extra attention to be sure you could read and understand the slides shown on screen to those in attendance. Yet that means you cannot see my smiling face at all times — though I would consider that a feature, not a bug.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Time log for each question
- 32:10 — Can logbook endorsements be used to exercise IFR privileges?
- 34:21 — Can I maintain a legacy aircraft (Ercoupe, Cessna, Piper) as I can a LSA?
- 35:15 — Can I get a 30-pound weight allowance when changing from fuel to batteries on an ultralight?
- 38:30 — Will other government authorities match regulations with FAA?
- 40:39 — Isn’t Mosaic going to upset or change other regulations?
- 41:42 — Waiting for the new rule before buying an airplane…?
- 43:02 — Do you see any conflict in FAA regulations (between FAA divisions)?
- 44:05 — Can Endorsements work for privileges like night flying?
- 45:48 — Can I use my LSA in furtherance of a business?
- 46:21 — What about current LSA that can handle higher weight?
- 47:33 — Is stall speed going to change?
- 47:58 — Is stall calculated by formula?
- 49:29 — Question regarding aviation medicals and keeping your privilege?
- 50:46 — Do insurance companies care about the aviation medical (since so few accidents are attributed to medical problems)?
I hope you find the questions and answers of interest… perhaps ones you would have asked one had you been present.
Please Comment
If you don’t see your question answered, try entering it as a comment to this article. I’ll do my best to reply if I have a response, but be patient.
I hope any others with more or better knowledge than I have might also contribute.
Please, though… no FAA bashing or coarse language!
THANKS!
LSA branch manager John Stoll carries on a tradition of FAA giving industry leaders and ASTM standards writers an update on regulations, safety, and other matters of interest. John is a pilot and kit builder.
Thanks for the video. As an Opener Blackfly enthusiast wanting to leave and return to/from my home driveway; I have no information except: A LODA letter of deviation authority on the basis of the title may allow me to use my driveway as long as safety is first and paramount. And I requested and received a LODA from the FAA Witchita office for an Opener Blackfly. And unlike a pilot license, the LODA is only good for 4 years; disappointment extraordinaire. The Blackfly has a wing span of 13 feet 7 inches, making it street legal in most states. Though I can not imagine anyone wanting to use a street for a Blackfly. Lifting up above wires and trees and setting down again onto one’s driveway should be sufficient. And only flying above roadways is probably the only legal way to avoid property owner air rights. The Blackfly has an empty weight of 343 pounds and now allows a person up to 230 pounds. The 12 KWH batteries were removed from Opener’s website so only the 8 KWH batteries are available; regrettably, but could change. Having to go to an airport needs to be eliminated from this person’s flying and probably most people’s flying; and why the Opener Blackfly. Why this matters is because no clear cut regulation appears to exist on this other than using a LODA and nothing in MOSAIC based on your video. Any FAA referrals would be welcome. I flew the Opener simulator at Oshkosh this summer; 0.2 hours. Every function on a single stick takes some getting used to; but is probably preferable. Opener says they will be in Las Vegas Oct 14 through 16; 2022; two locations I believe at a “Big Boy Toys” exhibit. And hopefully another next year plus Oshkosh. With a 20 minute endurance with the 8 KWH batteries; I understand why they have gone to Big Boy Toys. I requested to buy, lease, or show up in Palo Alto, CA; for 10 hours of simulator time. I put that request to Ken Karklin, Opener CEO when at Oshkosh; and did not get an answer. 20 hours of simulator time would be even better. Being able to fly a Blackfly in one’s sleep is the goal. So actually getting into a Blackfly and flying should be totally uneventful. Or the views should be nearly everything. And of course to make the insurance company happy; probably at least 10 hours of simulator time will be required by any insurance company. No insurance companies are talking about the Blackfly; suggesting Opener will need to find an insurance carrier for their Blackfly purchasers. Thanks again.
I’ve talked to John Stoll about some of these things while riveting on his RV project. He’s not just a pilot and builder, he’s a good guy to hang out with.
I didn’t hear anything about whether or not driver’s license medical will still work for the new MOSAIC LSA. Any information available about that?
I would hate for new LSAs to only flyable by Private pilots… I hope Sport Pilots can fly the new sport planes.
That is certainly our hope. The rule would serve little purpose if it only allowed a Private Pilot to fly an aircraft that individual can already fly today. The advantage implied by Mosaic is that someone with a Sport Pilot certificate (or exercising those privileges while holding a higher level certificate) could operate a Mosaic LSA with a driver’s license medical.
Sounds hopeful!
I’ve already bought a plane (just recently bought a used Dova Skylark, and it’s being ferried soon!) so I’m not holding my breath for the new ruling just to buy a plane. I plan to fly a few years in this plane before considering a new one, but it would be very nice if in the meantime I was able to get endorsements for night flight!
Being able to fly a heavier, faster plane with a drivers license medical will be great if it ends up going through.
About “furtherance of a business”, what is your opinion of https://sportpilottalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3377&p=61437 because some people were saying that even flying to work is “furtherance of a business”?
I’m glad you acted. Enjoy!
I addressed the question of flying to work in the Q&A section of the video, but the point is that you are being paid to work, not to fly there. If you drove, took a train or bus, or flew airlines, no one would call that …in furtherance of a business.” It is merely transportation, so you can fly an LSA, a kit-built, or even a Part 103 ultralight, if that aircraft is suitable to your mission, can be done safely, and within your pilot credentials.
Hi Dan
I noticed your article said that legacy GA aircraft are likely to be included in MOSAIC. Do you have any further info on that?
Thanks!
David
The intent is that a Sport Pilot may be able to fly larger aircraft than the LSA of today, specifically doing so without an aviation medical. If privileges are so granted, some legacy GA aircraft should be included. We do not have further information at this time about how that will function. To be clear, those aircraft are not included in Mosaic; they remain Standard Category aircraft (LSA are Special category). It is an expansion of Sport Pilot privileges that would allow such pilots to fly a legacy GA aircraft.
Dan, just finished watching the video. As usual, I appreciate all you do, and thank you for the great update.
I am a Sport Pilot. I have decided to attempt to get a Special Issuance for diabetes with insulin control. I will, however, head down to Right Rudder Aviation and get the Private Pilot Glider rating as a standalone and not an add-on, so if I am denied the SI, I will still be able to fly motorgliders. Most have never heard of the rating, but would be shocked to know that with the rating they are allowed…
1. To fly to 18,000 feet
2. Fly internationally (the rating is acceptable around the world)
3. Can also fly at night (if the plane is night equipped)
4. No medical requirements
Example of aircraft that qualify:
Pipistrel Sinus
Stemme 12
Diamond glider
Yes, motorglider is one of the most amazing carve-outs in FAA regulations.
Everyone considering what Maurice mentions about getting a Special Issuance — Be advised if you are denied a Special Issuance, you will not be able to get any medical and cannot use the driver’s license method or BasicMed. Yet even then, you may fly a motorglider or Part 103 ultralight but nothing else. Also, Special Issuances can get quite expensive.
Good luck, Maurice!
I am not totally sold on the idea. I only wanted to be able to get IFR rating one day. Not sure it is worth the risk. Between sport and Glider, they may be all that’s needed for me. Especially with the expected changes to Light-Sport.
Hi Dan.
Just watched your latest video about the FAA mosaic rules and the high cost of insurance these days for all of us in the 70s age group. Has anyone thought about setting up a standalone insurance policy thru EAA as we have a huge membership where we could get reasonable coverage rates for all of us as members?
Various means might be found to overcome the current problem, although it could solve itself when more insurance underwriters return to aviation. The number of companies doing so ebbs and flows. Another possibility is self-insurance programs for liability, although such ideas do not work for hull damage.
Just remember, the number of pilots is a small fraction of auto drivers and the costs of claims can be high. This is not an easy problem to solve.
Before you head off in other direction, contact Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) to see what they can offer. They’re very LSA aware.
Thank you very much for the clear and concise explanation of the Mosaic Regulation. This has been very enjoyable and educational.
I drive a Sling 2 SLSA N5459Y.