RAA-Toronto November 2025 Newsletter

Learning Experience: Limping Home at Night

A pilot recounts flying home after a multi-day trip when one magneto on the aircraft failed during the final leg. After dropping off a passenger on a late summer Sunday, the pilot found that the problematic magneto — which had been running rough all trip — had completely failed during the run-up.

With no maintenance available and a 45-minute flight home that would conclude after dark, the pilot decided to depart and fly home using only one magneto. They stayed high and monitored nearby airports, but acknowledged the decision was unsafe. Upon landing, the sense of relief revealed how stressful the decision had been.

The author's takeaway: "The added stress wasn't worth the risk, and I'll never do that again." Two new magnetos went in before the next flight. Magnetos are century-old technology with well-known, predictable, easy-to-diagnose failure modes — there is no excuse to fly a rough mag.

MOSAIC: U.S. Sport Pilot Regulation Changes

From October 22, 2025, the FAA's Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule significantly expands sport pilot privileges.

Aircraft Eligibility

• Removes previous weight restrictions.
• Introduces a 59-knot clean stall speed maximum.
• Permits aircraft with up to four seats.
• New LSAs will be capped at 250 kt max airspeed (next year).
• Sport pilots may still carry only one passenger.

Pilot Privileges

• Sport pilots can operate aircraft meeting the new criteria, including many four-seat models.
• Higher-certificate pilots may exercise sport pilot privileges.
• Training is now possible in a wider range of aircraft (potentially including Cessna 172, Piper Archer, etc.).

Medical and Endorsements

• Sport pilots may continue using a valid U.S. driver's licence instead of a medical (if meeting conditions).
• No known disqualifying medical conditions required.
• New endorsements available for night and complex operations.
• Night flight requires both the endorsement and BasicMed or a third-class medical.

References: MOSAIC expands sport pilot privileges · FAA Final Rule (PDF)