With the new FAA MOSAIC rule taking effect, there’s been plenty of excitement and confusion about what it means for sport pilot medical requirements. One of the biggest questions? Whether sport pilots still need only a driver’s license, or if a medical certificate is now required.
Here’s the good news: the driver’s license standard remains in place. Sport pilots can still act as pilot in command using a valid U.S. driver’s license instead of holding an FAA medical certificate. This was the FAA’s original intent when the sport pilot certificate was created in 2004, to make aviation more accessible while maintaining safety.
However, there are a few details to remember:
- You must comply with any restriction listed on your driver’s license (for example, wearing corrective lenses).
- If you’ve ever applied for an FAA medical, you must have been found eligible, at least for a third-class medical, on your most recent application.
If your medical has ever been denied, revoked, or suspended, you cannot simply switch to using a driver’s license. The FAA regulations are clear: you cannot fly under the driver’s license rule if you’re aware of a condition that makes you unsafe to operate an aircraft.
Read more on the frequently asked questions regarding sport pilots, here.
When a Sport Pilot Needs a Medical Certificate
For most operations, sport pilots can continue using their valid U.S. driver’s license. But there’s one major update under MOSAIC: sport pilots can now fly at night, something not previously allowed under the original rule.
To exercise this privilege, however, the FAA requires at least a third-class medical certificate. Flying at night introduces additional risks, including reduced depth perception, challenges to night vision, and a higher workload. The FAA wants to ensure that pilots are medically qualified for these conditions.
It’s important to note that this requirement only applies if you plan to fly at night. You do not need a medical certificate to earn your sport pilot certificate or take your checkride.
What if You’ve Been Denied a Medical?
If you’ve previously applied for a medical certificate and it was denied, revoked, or suspended, you’ll need to resolve that issue with the FAA before flying again, even as a sport pilot.
If you’ve never applied for a medical, you’re not bound by that restriction. As long as you can safely operate a motor vehicle and have not been told by your physician or the FAA that you’re unfit to fly, your driver’s license still qualifies as your medical certificate.
Understanding Sport Pilot Medical Requirements
The new MOSAIC rule adds flexibility and new privileges for sport pilots, but with that comes the responsibility to understand the medical requirements tied to each operation.
By knowing when a driver’s license qualifies and when a medical certificate is necessary, you’ll stay compliant and safe while enjoying the expanded opportunities of the sport pilot certificate.
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