Tag Archives: LSA

857 MOSAIC – the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification final rule

The MOSAIC final rule, an interview with the founder and CEO of Flying Eyes Optics, FAA guidance on certification of powered lift vehicles, new galleries opening at the National Air and Space Museum, a Delta pilot lands and gets immediately arrested, deer strikes in Alaska, and the NTSB investigation of a fatal flight in that state. Also, thoughts on recent moves to relocate the Space Shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum to Space Center Houston.

Guest

Dean Siracusa in the cockpit. — Dean Siracusa

Dean Siracusa is the founder and CEO of Flying Eyes Optics. Dean, a pilot, started the company when he realized that existing sunglasses did not perform well with the increased clamping force of modern aviation headsets.

Flying Eyes temples are made of a patented material that allows the temples to conform to your head instead of curving around your ears. They’re easy to put on and take off while wearing a headset or helmet. The flexibility of the temple material and shatterproof polycarbonate lenses makes these glasses hard to break.

Hillel Glazer, our Aviation Innovation and Entrepreneurship Correspondent, interviewed Dean at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025.

Aviation News

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Announces Improvements to Recreational Aviation Safety, Expansion of Light-Sport Sector

The Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) final rule was announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. The new rule makes changes to the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) category and Sport Pilot privileges by expanding an alternative to experimental amateur-built aircraft. MOSAIC:

Removes the weight limit
Encompasses aircraft with higher speeds, more seats, and retractable landing gear.
Allows for new types of propulsion and modern avionics.
Allows aerial work with LSA, such as infrastructure and forest inspections, photography/filming, and agricultural surveillance.
Allows pilots operating under Sport Pilot privileges to fly a broader range of aircraft.
Reduces regulatory requirements by expanding the types of aircraft that qualify as LSA and the types of aircraft pilots can fly under Sport Pilot privileges.

Changes for sport pilots and light-sport repairmen take effect 90 days after the final rule publishes. Changes for LSA certification take effect 365 days after the final rule publishes.

Video: Secretary Sean P. Duffy Holds Press Conference for Important Announcement on General Aviation

EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2025 Facts and Figures

Attendance for the week: approximately 704,000, the highest on record. More than 10,000 aircraft, 2,543 show planes, nearly 6,000 volunteers, and 962 commercial exhibitors.

FAA Releases Powered-Lift Certification Guidance

Originally, certification of the new advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft types, such as eVTOLs, had been worked under Part 23 regulations for light aircraft. In 2022, the FAA categorized them as powered-lift under FAR 21.17(b) regulations for special class aircraft. That category had no airworthiness standards and operating rules.

The FAA has now released an advisory circular “streamlining the certification process for advanced air mobility aircraft by releasing guidance for how manufacturers can meet the agency’s aircraft design and performance safety standards. It establishes a consistent, performance-based framework for manufacturers to follow. The FAA will carefully evaluate each proposed design to ensure it meets the agency’s rigorous standards.”

The AC defines powered-lift as heavier-than-air aircraft that use “engine-driven lift devices” or engine thrust for vertical takeoff and landing and low-speed flight. For lift during horizontal flight, they use rigid airfoils such as wings.

National Air and Space Museum Opens Five New Galleries July 28 [2025]

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum opened five new galleries, the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater and the museum’s redesigned entrance on Jefferson Drive along the National Mall Monday. The remaining galleries will open July 1, 2026, the 50th anniversary of the museum in Washington and in time for the United States’ 250th anniversary.

The National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., is located at Jefferson Drive between Fourth and Seventh streets S.W. and is open every day except Dec. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, but timed-entry passes are required to visit. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located in Chantilly, Virginia, near Washington Dulles International Airport and is open every day except Dec. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, timed-entry passes are not required and parking is $15.

Alaska Airlines plane hits multiple deer while landing in Kodiak, Alaska

Alaska Airlines flight 231 flying from Anchorage hit several unfortunate deer while landing in Kodiak, Alaska. Damage was sustained to the 737’s landing gear. The FAA’s wildlife strike database shows more than 22,000 strikes reported in 2024.

Too Much Moose Meat and Antlers Caused a Plane Crash in Alaska that Killed Congresswoman’s Husband, the NTSB Reports

After a nearly two-yesr investigation, the NTSB released its report of a fatal 2023 Piper PA-18 crash carrying moose meat and antlers. The Piper was loaded with 520 pounds of cargo, 117 pounds overweight. The aircraft also had a set of antlers strapped to the wing without the required FAA approval. The NTSB stated that the cause of the crash was the excess weight and the “unapproved external load” of the antlers, which “degraded takeoff performance and flight characteristics” leading to a loss of control.

‘Stormed The Cockpit’: Homeland Security Arrests Delta Pilot Moments After Landing In San Francisco

A passenger onboard reports that 10 law enforcement officers, including Homeland Security Investigations officers, “stormed to the front” of the aircraft as soon as the Boeing 757 arrived and “grabbed/arrested” one of the pilots.

Mentioned

Shuttle Discovery’s Texas transfer launches cost concerns

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, David Vanderhoof, and Hillel Glazer.

826 Ekolot Special Light-Sport Aircraft

We talk to a youngster who sells the Polish Ekolot Special Light-Sport Aircraft. In the news, the Spirit Airlines CEO gets a retention bonus, an FAA review board will look at smoke in the cockpit after bird strikes, JetBlue plans to reduce the number of pilots, and a United Airlines captain delights passengers with pizza. In listener mail, we look at jet emissions and what the industry is doing.

Guest

Ethan Lin is a 13-year-old who sells the Polish Ekolot Special Light-Sport Aircraft. His family purchased an Ekolot Topaz (N717KM) S-LSA in December 2022 after his father decided to switch careers and become an Air Transport Pilot. Ethan and his father started flying the Ekolot together, and because Ethan loved the plane so much, he contacted the distributor in December 2023 and asked about becoming a dealer. He’s been selling Ekolots ever since.

Because he is only 13 years old, his father has a role in the dealership, but Ethan handles customer service, selling the airplane, and coordinating meeting times. His father does the test flights with people who are interested in buying Ekolots, and he handles the financial side, including filing taxes.

Ekolot Topaz Special Light-Sport Aircraft on the tarmac. — Ekolot Special Light-Sport Aircraft

We discuss the difference between LSAs and S-LSAs and the proposed Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule, which would redefine the light sport aircraft category. Ethan explains why his family bought the plane and what he likes about it. He markets the plane with the Ekolot Texas Instagram. Also, Ethan and his father attend aviation events, such as Airplanes and Coffee, a monthly fly-in in the Dallas, Texas area at Addison Airport (KADS).

Ethan tells us how he learned the Ekolot’s specs, and about his plans to fly for an airline and sell planes “on the side.” He also offers his advice to other youngsters who have a passion.

Video: Ekolot Topaz Walkaround

Aviation News

Spirit Airlines CEO Gets $3.8 Million Bonus 1 Week Before Company Files Bankruptcy

An SEC filing says Spirit Airlines, Inc. paid CEO Ted Christie a $3.8 million retention bonus the week before the airline filed for bankruptcy. The bonus is effective if Christie stays with Spirit for another year. Under the restructuring plan, Spirit bondholders would take a $350 million ownership position, erase $795 million of debt, and provide $300 million of debt-in-possession financing. The New York Stock Exchange delisted Spirit stock which now trades in the over-the-counter marketplace.

FAA plans to review 737 MAX engine issue after bird strike incidents

Two bird strike events in 2023 with Southwest Airlines aircraft (one in March and one in December) have caused the FAA to assemble a review board that will evaluate the safety of the CFM LEAP-1B engines. After the bird strikes, smoke entered the cockpit although the pilots landed the planes safely.

The review board will assess safety data and suggest fixes for manufacturers or airlines. These might lead to mandates. A Seattle Times article suggests that any mandated modifications could delay further the certification of the MAX 7 and MAX 10 models.

JetBlue Looks to Trim Pilot Workforce

Captain downgrades and base displacements are coming to JetBlue late next year. The airline says it will cut 343 captain positions out of the airline’s roughly 4,500 pilots. JetBlue lost $60 million in the third quarter and plans to ground more Airbus A220 and A321neo aircraft in 2024 as a result of ongoing Pratt & Whitney engine troubles. The airline is talking with the Air Line Pilots Association to offer early retirements.

United Pilot Orders 30 Pizzas to Feed Passengers After Emergency Landing for Medical Care

Pilot Scott Wardle was flying a United Airlines plane to Phoenix via Houston, but partway into the flight, a patient fell unconscious. By coincidence, three medical professionals were on board but Wardle felt it best to make an emergency landing at Albuquerque at 11 p.m. With that, the cabin crew had maxed out their hours and all were going to have to wait for a new crew of flight attendants. So “Pizza Pilot” Scott Wardle says he “had to do something to show we care” and oversaw the order and distribution of 30 pizzas to the 155 passengers.

Video: 7’s Hero: United Airlines pilot from Boise goes viral for buying pizza for 155 passengers

Mentioned

GE Aerospace: Experienced Engineers

Hydrogen Selected Countries

Boeing plant Wasserstoff-Superjet mit drei Rümpfen (Tri-body airplane)

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Max Trescott, Rob Mark, and David Vanderhoof.

525 Back in the Saddle

A new airline from the founder of Jetblue, a proposed change to flight training regulations for experimental light-sport aircraft, the devastation to Tyndall AFB as a result of hurricane Michael, Bombardier’s lawsuit against Mitsubishi, a helicopter passenger saves the day when the pilot passes out, and the Lion Air fatal accident. Also, interviews from the Great Pacific Airshow at Huntington Beach, California and the EAA Chapter 141 Stick ‘n Rudda Fall Fly-In and Poker Run.

Aviation News

JetBlue Founder Reveals Details on His New Tech-Focused International Airline

JetBlue founder David Neeleman’s new airline should start flying in 2021 and probably won’t be named Moxy, Brazil’s Azul will feed traffic to the new airline, it will fly hundreds of routes, including from the U.S. to Europe and South America. Neeleman will be using the A220-300 for long range and lower maintenance and operating costs. Customer interaction will be through an app.

New Experimental Aircraft Flight Training Policy Proposed

Under a letter of deviation authority (LODA) the FAA proposed a change that would allow flight training in experimental light sport aircraft (E-LSA) to be conducted for compensation or hire.

We Finally Know How Many F-22s Were Left Behind At Tyndall AFB During Hurricane Michael

Hurricane Michael made a direct hit on Tyndall Air Force Base, home to 55 F-22 Raptors. Some made it out, some did not. Also damaged were QF-16 target drones and contractor Mu-2s.

Mitsubishi jet faces another delay with Bombardier lawsuit

A lawsuit filed by Bombardier alleges that Mitsubishi Aircraft received trade secrets from former Bombardier employees. The employees, now with Mitsubishi Aircraft, worked on the C Series jet. According to the lawsuit, the employees allegedly sent C-Series data to their personal e-mail accounts. Mitsubishi Aircraft stated that the allegations are “without merit.”

Passenger Grabs Controls After Pilot Collapses

During a sightseeing flight in Hawaii, a newly engaged couple found their pilot had slumped over. As the Robinson R-44 began a dive, the man sitting in the back yelled to his fiancé to “pull up!” She did, which arrested the fall enough that they survived.

Lion Air Boeing 737 MAX 8 Crashes in Java Sea

An airplane operated by The Indonesian low-cost airline Lion Air crashed into the sea 13 minutes after takeoff from Jakarta. All passengers and crew onboard are missing and presumed dead. Flightradar24 showed the 737 reached an altitude of about 5,500ft before a rapid descent.

Interviews

Great Pacific Airshow

At the Great Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach, California (October 19-21, 2018) contributing editor-at-large, Brian Coleman spoke with representatives of airshow sponsors FedEx and the Lyon Air Museum. He also caught up with aviation attorney and former guest of the show Ray Johnson, as well as some very enthusiastic fans of aviation and the Thunderbirds.

Mark Foster, president of Lyon Air Museum, a sponsor of The Great Pacific Airshow.
Tina Rogers from FedEx
Aviation attorney Ray Johnson, and guest from #434
Jessica and Van

Great Pacific Airshow. Credit: EventBright.

EAA Chapter 141 Stick ‘n Rudda Fall Fly-In and Poker Run

Our Main(e) Man Micah gives us a report from the EAA Chapter 141 Stick ‘n Rudda Fall Fly-In and Poker Run.

Credit

Outtro by Bruno Misonne from The Sound of Flaps.

524 Electric Airplane Propulsion

The CEO of magniX talks about electric airplane propulsion. Also, FAA reauthorization, an initial NTSB report, why bad airline service is profitable, a possible increase in the LSA weight limit, and Air Force contracts for helicopters and the T-38 replacement.

Guest

Roei Ganzarski, CEO of magniX.

Roei Ganzarski is the CEO of magniX, a company developing high-power-density electric motors for aircraft propulsion.

magniX sees itself as a propulsion company, developing electric motors for existing and future airframes. Roei describes how the electric airplane (or hybrid-electric) offers the prospect of connecting communities through lower costs to fly. In addition to reduced fuel and maintenance costs, electric airplanes benefit from lower emissions.

Roei describes some of the challenges faced, including battery energy density, lifespan, and replacement cost.

The magniX 350SHP electrfic airplane motor.

The magniX 350SHP electric airplane motor.

magniX is currently testing a 350 hp motor, while the 375 hp and 750 hp production motors are in final design. Flight tests are planned for the second half of 2019, with certification and start of commercial operation in 2022. Beyond that, magniX looks to develop one-megawatt and superconductor motors for very high output per kilogram.

Prior to joining magniX, Roei was CEO of BoldIQ, a global provider of dynamic real-time scheduling optimization software. Under Roei’s leadership, BoldIQ grew from a seed software startup to a profitable multi-million dollar SaaS company.

Follow @magniX on Twitter and find them on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Before BoldIQ, Roei was Chief Customer Officer for Boeing’s Flight Services division where he led all worldwide customer and market-facing organizations. Other experiences prior to Boeing include private investment banking, corporate finance, advertising, and the military.

Roei is a graduate of Wharton’s Advanced Management Program. He earned an MBA from the University of Washington, and a BA in Economics from The University of Haifa. Roei sits on the board of the Washington Technology Industry Association.

See: MagniX Hits Milestone for All-Electric Aircraft Motors.

Aviation News

President Trump Just Signed a Law That Radically Changes Life for Airline Passengers, Flight Attendants, and Airlines (Almost Nobody Even Noticed)

Greenville plane crash: Initial NTSB report shows braking switch was inoperative

This Is The Real Reason Bad Airline Service is Profitable

LSA Weight Limit Increasing To 3600 Pounds

Boeing Wins Air Force Chopper Deal [paywall]

Boeing Wins Contest to Build Air Force Trainer Jets [paywall]

Mentioned

Zunum Partners With France’s Safran For Hybrid-To-Electric Airplane

Credit

Outtro by Bruno Misonne from The Sound of Flaps.

Episode 248 – ASTM Creates Aviation Standards

David Pavoni

Guest Christine M. DeJong is Manager, Technical Committee Operations with ASTM International, which creates industry standards, including aviation standards. Christine serves as the Staff Manager for three committees: F37 on Light Sport Aircraft, F44 on General Aviation Aircraft, and F39 on Aircraft Systems.

We talk about the history of ASTM, the makeup of the membership, the standards they are creating and maintaining, and who are they making them for. Also, how the Committee members work together to reach a concensus and why the standards change frequently.

Concensus for these standards requires a massive 90% agreement of Committee members, who meet frequently at airshows or events that otherwise bring many of the members together. The standards are constantly being revised based on lessons learned, accident investigations, and technology changes. Meetings are open to the public and private citizens can join the committees

The week’s aviation news:

Dornier Do 228

David Vanderhoof gives us some aviation history in his This Month in Aviation segment. David mentions the Dornier Do 228 and Rob reminisces about flying that aircraft.

In this week’s Australia Desk:

Qantas CEO Allan Joyce finds his way back into the news the week indicating that the airline’s profits are nowhere near the levels his team had predicted earlier in the financial year, and major creditor Deutscher Bank took notice also slashed its forecast back to just over $80million.

Meanwhile, Sir Richard Branson has been in Australia this week, talking up the newly branded Virgin Australia Regional Airlines as well as Virgin Galactic. He also indicated that he wasn’t above selling more of his stake in the group if he felt it prudent, and heaped praise on CEO John Borghetti and his team for their many successes.

Boeing opened a new Research & Development Centre in Port Melbourne during the week, securing it’s place as the largest such facility for the company outside of the United States.

Steve also extols the virtues of Yoo-Hoo chocolate drinks after finding them at a local US food importer in Melbourne. Grant is not so sure.

Links :

Find more from Grant and Steve at the Plane Crazy Down Under podcast, and follow the show on Twitter at @pcdu. Steve’s at @stevevisscher and Grant at @falcon124. Australia Desk archives can be found at www.australiadesk.net.

In this week’s Across the Pond segment:

Angela Waller joins Pieter this week. Angela was a Stewardess back in the fifties and sixties and is Author of the book Before There Were Trolly Dollies. We get to hear what it was like in those days to travel by air and what Angela feels about modern air travel. An intriguing segment that goes back to the glory days of flight. Follow @AngelaWaller on Twitter.

Find Pieter on Twitter as @Nascothornet, on Facebook at XTPMedia, and at the Aviation Xtended podcast.

Mentioned:

Establishing Advanced AOC Systems for Single Pilot Operations
#pilotday13, the hashtag for the NASM Become a Pilot Day

Opening and closing music courtesy Brother Love from the Album Of The Year CD. You can find his great music at www.brotherloverocks.com.

Episode 247 – Arthur Rosen’s Aviation Opinions

Arthur Rosen blogs at My Opinion: Thoughts and Comments on General Aviation and he doesn’t hold back on his opinions. He’s a pilot, the AOPA-ASN (Airport Support Network) volunteer for Scottsdale Airport (SDL), past Chairman of the Scottsdale Airport Advisory Commission, he served on the Super Bowl Committee for Aviation, is past President of Arizona Soaring Association, an Aviation Expert for ABC TV-Phoenix, and a retired Judge!

We talk with Arthur about flight training and how it has become more about passing the test than learning to fly. Also, local airports and local politics – how residential development is an airport killer. Arthur has strong feelings about user fees, and how they, like land development, destroy aviation.

Arthur maintains that people do have an interest in learning to fly, but for many the cost is prohibitive. He has a pretty interesting prediction for small airplanes over the next five or ten years (it isn’t pretty), and he doesn’t buy the airline pilot shortage we hear about.

We discuss light sport aircraft and why they haven’t fulfilled the promise of being affordable entry-level airplanes. Also, legacy aircraft and FAA mandated TSO (Technical Service Order) equipment (Max gets confused because TSO means something different to ex-MRO guys), how the iPad is valuable for pilots with Foreflight and WingX dominating the apps market and training through the FAA Acquisition System Toolset (FAST).

Find Arthur Rosen on Twitter as @judge613.

The week’s aviation news:

David Vanderhoof’s Aircraft of the Week: Vultee Vibrator or Valiant BT-13/SNV.

Defence Minister, Stephen Smith MP, releasing the 2013 Defence White Paper at Defence Establishment

In this week’s Australia Desk:

The Australian Government released its latest Defense White Paper this week, outlining updates on planned future equipment acquisitions for the Army, Navy and Air Force. On the aviation side of things, the purchase of 12 EA-18G “Growler” aircraft was announced, and Grant ponders whether this might mean the existing 12 “pre-wired” F18F+ Super Hornets already in the fleet will still be converted – as previously planned – into Growlers, while buying 12 new Super Hornets to replace them. Steve points out that this is far too logical for any government to consider. Additionally, there is speculation that the F-35 order book may be reduced from 100 airframes to 72.

Australia’s Attorney General, Mark Dreyfus, was in hot water this week after allegedly refusing to obey the instructions of a Qantas flight crew to turn off his mobile phone. The Federal Police was notified of the incident but were not required to attend the aircraft.

Former Qantas executive Rod Sharp took the reins at Tiger Airways this week, continuing the trend of ex-Qantas big wigs being poached away by John Borghetti, the CEO of Virgin Australia – who now own a controlling interest in Tiger, as reported last week.

No Speedos were harmed in the production of this segment

Links :

Commander Ian Sloan at Royal Navy Historic Flight

In this week’s Across the Pond segment:

On our recent visit to the Royal Navy Historic Flight, Commander Ian Sloan told us about his plans to become an exchange pilot flying jets from a friendly nation’s aircraft carriers. Listen in and find out what aircraft type and what Navy, he is being seconded to.

Find Pieter on Twitter as @Nascothornet, on Facebook at XTPMedia, and at the Aviation Xtended podcast.

Mentioned:

Opening and closing music courtesy Brother Love from the Album Of The Year CD. You can find his great music at www.brotherloverocks.com.

Episode 204 – Flying Skycatchers

Skycatcher

Guests Edward Honey and Benjamin Alimena are two of the Discover Flying Interns for Cessna in a program to take the 162 Skycatcher to various aviation fly-ins and events, ending with AirVenture in OshKosh. Cessna is handing the keys of these brand-new light sport aircraft to college students (and recent graduates) and trusting them to fly all over the country to promote the airplane.

Chris Manno from the JetHead blog is our guest co-host. Be sure to check out his JetHead Live podcast.

The week’s aviation news:

In this week’s Australia Desk report:

Grant is on the cell phone this week from far north west Victoria, 600km from Melbourne, and Max’s favourite Australian, Anthony Simmons also joins us. In the news, on the one year anniversary of their grounding, Tiger Airways opens its new Sydney base, announces 150 new jobs and re-commences Sydney – Gold Coast flights, Qantas check in systems affected by world wide Amadeus System malfunction, Air Pacific announces an operating profit of $A9million for the year. Just for fun, we also nominate our favourite Americans.

Find more from Grant and Steve at the Plane Crazy Down Under podcast, and follow the show on Twitter at @pcdu Steve’s at @stevevisscher and Grant at @falcon124. Australia Desk archives can be found at www.australiadesk.net.

In this week’s Across the Pond segment:

This week on Across The Pond, Pieter along with Gareth visit the Royal Navy Air Day at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset, UK. Apart from reminiscing about the Fairy Swordfish Pieter talks to Gareth about his chariot for arriving, speaks about some of the static exhibits demonstrating the air power in the Falklands conflict and see’s a Condor fly past.

Find Pieter on Twitter as @Nascothornet, on his blog Alpha Tango Papa, and on Facebook at XTPMedia. You can also find Pieter and Gareth at the Aviation Xtended podcast, and on Twitter at @AviationXtended.

Mentioned this episode:

Opening and closing music is provided by Brother Love from the Album Of The Year CD. You can find his great music at www.brotherloverocks.com.

This episode is dedicated to the memory of our friend Harriet.

Episode 102 – Outlook for Professional Pilots

Guest Louis Smith, a retired NWA DC-10 captain offers some unique insight into the market for professional pilots. The future looks bright, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy for pilots. Louis runs FLTops.com, a site offering information and advice for pilots looking to advance their professional careers.

The week’s aviation news:

David takes the week off, but will return next episode with This Week in Aviation.

Grant and Steve continue their journey back across the Pacific in the Australia Desk Report. This installment features the voices of Dan Morris and Michelle Lowrie, and the music is “Slice of Heaven” by Dave Dobbyn. Last episode included Anthony Simmons, the man behind the View From the Lounge segment you can hear on the Plane Crazy Down Under podcast.

Other mentions:

Desert Pilot blog and podcast
Breathtaking spy plane footage

Follow the @AirplaneGeeks on Twitter and on Facebook, send us email at thegeeks@airplanegeeks.com, or leave a message on our listener line: (361) GEEKS01.

Opening and closing music is provided by Brother Love from the Album Of The Year CD. You can find his great music at http://www.brotherloverocks.com/.