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-prIctcva4
• The Alameda-Weehawken Burrito Tunnel: https://idlewords.com/2007/04/the_alameda_weehawken_burrito_tunnel.htm
• Video discussing the tunnel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGGa9drcClI
• Ford'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=65s
• FAA's Mental Health rule recommendations: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2024/april/03/faa-publishes-mental-health-recommendations
• FAA's "arbitary and capricious" antidepresasnt court case: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2025/july/03/court-rules-faa-antidepressant-denial-arbitrary

Community Updates:

• William S. - Solo at 16, back flying after 37 years with BFR
• Patreon survey insights on returning pilots
• Discussion on 25-year gap pilots returning to aviation

Key MOSAIC Takeaways:

• Private pilots can exercise sport pilot privileges by simply letting medical/BasicMed expire
• Sport pilots can now fly larger, more capable aircraft
• Experimental manufacturers can now build completed aircraft, not just kits
• Potential for more affordable avionics and equipment options
• Training schools may benefit from electric aircraft and more durable LSAs
• Sport Pilot limitations: No night flying, no IFR, two seats maximum in use

Connect With Us:

• Live Show: Monday nights, 8 PM Eastern on YouTube
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@midlifepilotpodcast
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MidlifePilotPodcast

Disclaimer: We openly admit we "have a podcast and don't know what we're talking about," so always consult proper sources for regulatory guidance!