While the FAA’s proposed regulatory changes promise to reshape the landscape of recreational aviation, many aviators are asking, “Can I fly under MOSAIC with a deferred or denied FAA medical?” Under the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) seeks to expand the capabilities and accessibility of Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) and Sport Pilot certificates. While this is a welcome explanation for many LSA pilots, which will enable them to operate larger aircraft, it will likely not be the magic elixir that will allow airmen who have previously been denied or deferred for medical certification by the FAA to operate LSA.
The allure of MOSAIC is that it may allow LSA airmen to operate larger and more complex aircraft than those traditionally found within the LSA category. For example, MOSAIC is expected to expand LSA to include aircraft with an increased weight limit (up to approximately 3,000 pounds), higher stall speeds (maximum stall speed of 54 knots CAS), more seats (up to four), retractable landing gear, and controllable-pitch propellers. Beyond the expansion of available aircraft, MOSAIC also offers the opportunity to allow airmen under LSA to operate under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), increased passenger capacity, integration of advanced avionics and safety systems, and simplified medical requirements. Despite the expansion of operational limitations, MOSAIC does not seem poised to overhaul the simplified medical requirements for LSA aircraft. In other words, MOSAIC will likely not benefit airmen who have a history of deferred or denied medical applications.
Presently, if your application for an airman medical certificate has been denied or deferred, you are not eligible to operate LSA under Sport Pilot rules using a driver’s license as a medical certificate. In other words, you will need to obtain a Letter of Eligibility for medical certification or a one-time Authorization for the Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate from the FAA before you can operate under the present LSA rules. Likewise, it appears that flying under MOSAIC with a denied or deferred medical application will not be allowed until the airman has obtained a Letter of Eligibility for medical certification or a one-time Authorization for the Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate from the FAA. In this regard, the present LSA rules and MOSAIC appear aligned.
If you have previously or recently been deferred or denied for medical certification with the FAA, call The Ison Law Firm to discuss if you can fly under MOSAIC with a deferred or denied FAA medical. We will help you determine whether you have a pathway forward for obtaining medical eligibility with the FAA. Once you are found eligible, you will likely qualify for LSA and the expanded operations under the upcoming MOSAIC changes.
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