Welcome back to the aviation playground where three guys who "have a podcast and don't know what we're talking about" dive deeper into MOSAIC regulations! After Ted's fan-favorite first episode on the topic, the gang returns to explore what these new rules actually mean for us midlifers - from couch potatoes thinking about learning to fly, to seasoned pilots with 5,000 hours looking to "slow down a little bit."Brian channels his inner skeptic wondering if this will be another case of "big promise, reality chips away at the dream," while Ben ponders the demand vs. supply problem that might keep us all flying antiques forever. Meanwhile, Ted continues to be our "sport pilot extraordinaire" and resident MOSAIC expert, explaining everything from the magic wand theory of medical downgrades to why there are only 75 recreational pilots in America.Plus: Ted makes his debut on VASAviation (and it's not for getting a number to copy!), Brian contemplates bachelorette tunnels vs. airspace tunnels, and we discover that declaring yourself a sport pilot is easier than Michael Scott declaring bankruptcy.Show Notes & Links:Mentioned on the show:Ted on VASAviation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-prIctcva4The Alameda-Weehawken Burrito Tunnel: https://idlewords.com/2007/04/the_alameda_weehawken_burrito_tunnel.htmVideo discussing the tunnel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGGa9drcClIFord's "Model T Moment": https://www.jalopnik.com/1936674/ford-next-model-t-mid-size-ev-truck/Spirit SE-1 airplane: https://spiriteng.com/se-1-aircraft/The Office, "I Declare Bankruptcy": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-m3RtoguAQ#t=65sFAA's Mental Health rule recommendations: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2024/april/03/faa-publishes-mental-health-recommendationsFAA's "arbitary and capricious" antidepresasnt court case: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2025/july/03/court-rules-faa-antidepressant-denial-arbitraryCommunity Updates:William S. - Solo at 16, back flying after 37 years with BFRPatreon survey insights on returning pilotsDiscussion on 25-year gap pilots returning to aviationKey MOSAIC Takeaways:Private pilots can exercise sport pilot privileges by simply letting medical/BasicMed expireSport pilots can now fly larger, more capable aircraftExperimental manufacturers can now build completed aircraft, not just kitsPotential for more affordable avionics and equipment optionsTraining schools may benefit from electric aircraft and more durable LSAsSport Pilot limitations: No night flying, no IFR, two seats maximum in useConnect With Us:Live Show: Monday nights, 8 PM Eastern on YouTubeEmail:
[email protected]: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@midlifepilotpodcastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcastDisclaimer: We openly admit we "have a podcast and don't know what we're talking about," so always consult proper sources for regulatory guidance!
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