The August 2025 Colorado Pilots Association Flight Lines newsletter covers significant developments in general aviation, particularly the FAA’s final MOSAIC rule released at Oshkosh 2025. President Adrian Nye provides detailed analysis of how the 717-page regulation redefines Light Sport Aircraft and Sport Pilot certificates, expanding eligibility for more practical aircraft and removing some medical certificate requirements. The newsletter also addresses the rising costs of experimental aircraft kits, hangar storage misuse, and upcoming CPA events and educational offerings.
Key themes include the transformative impact of MOSAIC on pilot certification and aircraft categories, challenges facing aircraft builders and owners regarding inflation in kit and engine prices, and continued CPA commitment to aviation safety through mountain flying training. The association continues to promote general aviation advocacy in Colorado while raising questions about enforcement of hangar usage policies at local airports.
Key Topics
- FAA MOSAIC final rule released at Oshkosh 2025 with major changes effective immediately and July 2026
- Light Sport Aircraft redefined with 61-knot Vso (dirty) stall speed maximum, making many certified GA aircraft eligible
- Sport Pilot certificate now allows night and IFR flight; removes medical certificate requirement under certain conditions
- Light sport repairman certification creates new maintenance opportunities for aircraft owners
- Significant cost increases in experimental aircraft kits and engines (Sling High Wing kit jumped from $90k to $150k; Lycoming IO-390 engines now $80k)
- Hangar storage misuse at Colorado airports; proposal to enforce policies through community reporting
- Mountain flying safety training as core CPA mission
- CPA booth presence at Oshkosh 2025 promoting mountain flying safety
Events & Activities
- August 16, 2025: Mountain Flying & High-Elevation Airport Operations Course
- August 18, 2025, 6:30 PM: CPA Presents: Cessna Pilots Association with Jack Rogers, Senior VP (virtual presentation)
- September 9, 2025, 12:30-2:00 PM: ARTCC Center Tour
- September 27, 2025, 11:00 AM-2:00 PM: First Annual Hangar Potluck (volunteers needed for planning and logistics)
- September 27, 2025: Mountain Flying & High-Elevation Airport Operations Course
- Oshkosh 2025: CPA shared booth with CDOT; FAA released final MOSAIC rule
Member News
- President Adrian Nye shared experiences from Oshkosh 2025, including booth interactions with members and test flight in a Comanche 250
- CPA collaborating with CDOT at Oshkosh for mountain flying safety promotion
- Newsletter submission deadline for September 2025 issue: August 20
- Final month to opt-in to CPA Membership Directory (January 2025 board decision for opt-in privacy protection)
