‘Huge impact’: Pilots can get licenses faster, fly larger planes under new FAA rules

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The pathway to becoming a pilot and taking to the skies will be easier than ever under a new and long-awaited aviation rule change set to take effect this October.

U.S. aviation officials, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, unveiled widespread changes this July for light sport aircraft and sport pilot privileges, the largest overhaul in more than 20 years for a growing sector of recreational aviation.

Among a wide range of changes, the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule now allows those with Sport Pilot certification to operate a broader range of larger aircraft, such as the Piper Cherokee and Cessna 182, essentially cutting the amount of time in half that it takes to fly one.

"It's really right-sizing the steps toward becoming a pilot," FlyTech Pilot Academy co-founder Lute Atieh said. “Most of us are just going to be at the sport license level. Fly around, enjoy, go do little vacations. And this is a perfect license for it."

Generally, sport pilot training requires a minimum of 20 hours of flight time and is more affordable than a private pilot's license. The certificate is primarily designed for recreational use, allowing pilots to fly without the requirements and costs associated with more advanced licenses.

With proper training, sport pilots will be allowed to fly at night and operate more complex aircraft. The rule will also allow aerial work with Light Sport Aircraft, typically very small airplanes.

"It's amazing. It's one of the best things I've seen happen to aviation in the 15 years I've been flying," Atieh said. "The sport license basically says if you're a recreational pilot you can get this license. It's half the time, half the money, half the effort of a full license."

The new rule is also designed to encourage wider adoption of factory-built LSAs by offering more capability and flexibility with a high level of safety, meeting the growing demand for more versatile aircraft with higher performance capabilities.

The FAA created the initial LSA category and the Sport Pilot certificate in 2004, noting that a solid safety record of LSAs showed the FAA could safely expand the aircraft category.

News-Press NOW will update this story.