Strong Q&A Format Helps Pilots Cut Through Confusion
The AFE25 MOSAIC Town Hall turned out to be one of the weekend’s most substantive events, giving sport aviators a rare opportunity to question industry experts directly and get candid, practical answers about the rapidly evolving MOSAIC environment.
Moderated by Aero-News Network Editor-in-Chief Jim Campbell, the Town Hall featured an experienced panel including Madison Nortz (EAA Government Advocacy), Meredith Holliday (Holladay Aviation), Travis Marshall (Pik West Insurance), and Ric Peri (AEA VP of Government & Industry Affairs). Between them, they brought deep operational, regulatory, insurance, and instructional perspectives to an audience hungry for clarity.
Though FAA representatives had been scheduled to attend, the ongoing government shutdown prevented their participation.
Frontline Educators Sound the Alarm
Holliday, a well-known advocate for pilot education, outlined a growing problem: students and instructors alike are struggling to navigate the patchwork of Sport Pilot rules, BasicMed, evolving MOSAIC language, and FAR requirements.
In her words, “We’re getting different answers from different places — and sometimes no answers at all.” She has contacted her local FSDO and even individuals involved in drafting MOSAIC, but responses continue to vary or remain undefined.
Peri added that some of these issues should be resolved once updated language is published in the Federal Register following the shutdown.
But the room made one thing clear: uncertainty is already slowing progress for pilots trying to enter the system today.
Pilots Ask the Questions Many Have Been Afraid to Ask
The Town Hall’s open Q&A format produced blunt, straightforward inquiries:
- Could a sport-pilot student buy an eligible LSA today only to find it becomes unusable under MOSAIC?
- How can a new pilot navigate shifting endorsements, categories, and operational limitations?
- Could sport pilots fly larger GA aircraft—like a Cessna 172—without formal transition training?
Rather than sidestepping tough questions, the panel walked attendees through realistic scenarios and actionable guidance. It was a sharp contrast to some earlier MOSAIC forums where answers have often been vague, deflected, or “wait and see.”
The CFI Bottleneck: A Serious Issue for 2026 and Beyond
A recurring theme emerged: not all CFIs are prepared—or willing—to train sport pilots under MOSAIC.
As Holliday explained, many instructors are simply passing through GA on their way to airline careers. Faced with changing regs, shifting limitations, and potential liability, some CFIs will choose the safest route:
“Send the student to someone else.”
The panel agreed that pilots aiming to become Sport Pilots—or planning to operate under MOSAIC’s expanded privileges—will be best served by specialized instructors who closely follow sport and LSA developments.
Insurance: Clearer Than Expected, But Not Without Surprises
Insurance expert Travis Marshall offered grounded insight into how underwriters are approaching MOSAIC-era aircraft.
Marshall stressed that insurers remain focused on familiar parameters: time in type, experience, aircraft complexity, and pilot age.
Excited new buyers occasionally get blindsided when premiums for a 6-seat aircraft suddenly dwarf the purchase price. Under MOSAIC, some of these aircraft may fall into expanded sport categories, but coverage will often include conditions—such as operating the aircraft with only four seats installed or utilized.
Peri relayed pilot concerns that expensive modifications or seat removals might be required. Marshall clarified that, typically, the insurer’s stance is simple:
If six seats are present during an accident, don’t expect coverage.
Marshall also highlighted an important planning consideration:
- Pilots should ideally be in their “forever aircraft” by age 70 to secure the best long-term insurance pathway.
- Underwriter rules tend to tighten sharply as pilots cross into their 70s.
ASTM: How Pilots Can Influence MOSAIC Directly
The discussion closed with a topic many pilots overlook: ASTM’s critical role in shaping MOSAIC.
Peri noted that pilots can absolutely get involved. ASTM membership is open—at a cost—and includes voting rights. The ASTM F37 Committee is the key working group drafting MOSAIC standards in collaboration with the FAA.
Grassroots pilots, flight schools, and aircraft owners can influence the process—if they choose to participate.
A Deep Dive Worth Watching
This article barely scratches the surface of a fast-moving, two-plus-hour discussion filled with practical guidance, honest answers, and frontline insight into the MOSAIC transition.
Pilots interested in understanding the real-world implications of MOSAIC—beyond press releases and rumor mill chatter—should watch the full session linked below.
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