Sport Pilot Training Under MOSAIC (2025) – CFI Academy Lodi
The FAA’s Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule, effective October 22, 2025,
expands what aircraft Sport Pilots can fly and makes Sport Pilot a much more attractive starting point.
At CFI Academy in Lodi, California, you can train for your Sport Pilot certificate in familiar training
airplanes from our fleet: Cessna 150, Cessna 172, and Piper PA-28-160 (subject to current MOSAIC
stall-speed and configuration requirements for each specific aircraft).
No FAA medical, lower overall cost, and a faster path to the left seat—now with access to a much larger portion of the general aviation fleet.
Sport Pilot at a Glance
- Program: Sport Pilot Certificate (MOSAIC-compliant training)
- Location: CFI Academy – Lodi Airport (1O3), Acampo, California
- Training Aircraft: Cessna 150, Cessna 172, Piper PA-28-160
- Typical Duration: 4–8 weeks (full-time training, weather and schedule dependent)
- Medical: No FAA medical required (valid U.S. driver’s license accepted)
- Estimated Total Cost: From $7,400 – $9,700 depending on aircraft mix and pace
What MOSAIC Changes for Sport Pilots
MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) updates Sport Pilot privileges by shifting away from a strict maximum-weight definition and instead using stall speed and configuration to define which airplanes qualify. The result is that a large share of traditional training aircraft become available to Sport Pilots, provided they meet the new performance limits.
- Effective date: October 22, 2025
- Stall-speed based: Sport Pilots may operate airplanes that meet the new VS1 (clean) stall-speed limit and other configuration requirements under the rule.
- Seat count: Many 2–4 seat training aircraft fall within the new limits, but Sport Pilots remain limited to carrying one passenger regardless of aircraft seating capacity.
- More “real” airplanes: The rule brings a large portion of everyday GA trainers into reach for Sport Pilots, greatly improving aircraft availability for both training and post-checkride flying.
During your enrollment briefing, we will review how MOSAIC applies to each individual aircraft on our line and make sure you understand exactly what you can fly under Sport Pilot privileges.
Training Aircraft & Hourly Rates
All aircraft are maintained in-house by our A&P/IA team at Lodi Airport for high uptime and consistent dispatch reliability.
Cessna 150
- Two-seat, economical primary trainer
- Excellent for fundamental stick-and-rudder skills
- Aircraft rental: $150/hour (wet)
Cessna 172
- Four-seat, high-wing training platform
- Stable, forgiving, ideal for cross-country work
- Aircraft rental: $200/hour (wet)
Piper PA-28-160 (Cherokee)
- Four-seat, low-wing trainer
- Comfortable and capable cross-country airplane
- Aircraft rental: $200/hour (wet)
Flight Instruction
- Flight & Ground Instruction: $80/hour
Use of any specific model under Sport Pilot privileges is subject to the airplane’s original certification data, stall-speed values, and the latest FAA MOSAIC guidance. We review this with every Sport Pilot student at the beginning of training.
Program Structure & Training Flow
Our Sport Pilot program is accelerated, but not rushed. You follow a clear syllabus based on the Airman Certification Standards (ACS), adapted for the updated MOSAIC framework.
Phase 1 – Enrollment & Orientation
- Initial consultation (phone, video, or in person)
- Paperwork, eligibility, and driver’s license verification
- Briefing on MOSAIC rules and Sport Pilot privileges/limitations
- Selection of primary training aircraft (C150, C172, or PA-28-160)
- Custom training schedule based on your availability and target completion date
Phase 2 – Dual Flight Training
- Basic flight maneuvers, climbs, descents, and turns
- Slow flight, stalls, and ground reference maneuvers
- Normal, short-field, and crosswind takeoffs and landings
- Emergency procedures, engine-out planning, and decision-making
- Local area familiarization around Lodi, Stockton, and the Central Valley
Phase 3 – Ground Training
- Regulations, airspace, and Sport Pilot limitations under MOSAIC
- Weather theory and practical go/no-go decision-making
- Aircraft performance, weight & balance, and performance charts
- Navigation, cross-country planning, charts, and GPS usage
- Knowledge Test preparation and ACS review
Phase 4 – Solo Flight & Solo Cross-Country
- Instructor endorsement for solo in a MOSAIC-eligible trainer
- Solo pattern work to refine takeoffs and landings
- Required solo cross-country flights
Phase 5 – Checkride Preparation
- Mock oral exam focused on Sport Pilot and MOSAIC changes
- Mock checkride flights following the ACS profile
- Paperwork and logbook review to ensure you are checkride-ready
Phase 6 – FAA Practical Test (Checkride)
- Sport Pilot practical test with a Designated Pilot Examiner
- Post-checkride debrief and next-steps planning (e.g., upgrade to Private Pilot)
Sport Pilot Privileges & Limitations Under MOSAIC
What You Can Do
- Act as pilot in command of MOSAIC-eligible airplanes that meet the Sport Pilot stall-speed and configuration limits
- Carry one passenger for personal and recreational flying
- Operate in Class E and G airspace; with additional training and endorsements, operate in B/C/D airspace as permitted
- Conduct daytime VFR operations
- Rent suitable aircraft for local flights and cross-country travel
- Build experience and flight time toward future ratings
What You Cannot Do
- Fly for compensation or hire
- Fly IFR or in instrument meteorological conditions
- Operate aircraft that do not meet the updated Sport Pilot performance limits
- Carry more than one passenger, even if the aircraft has additional seats
- Conduct most night operations unless and until future privileges specifically allow and you meet all requirements
During training, we will give you a clear, written breakdown…” paragraph.
Sport Pilot Cost Estimates (Using Current CFI Academy Rates)
Your total cost will depend on how often you fly, how quickly you learn, and which aircraft you choose.
These examples use realistic flight and instruction times, not bare FAA minimums.
Most Affordable Path – Primarily Cessna 150
- ~30 hours C150 @ $150/hr = $4,500
- ~20 hours instruction @ $80/hr = $1,600
- Ground school, books, online resources: $400–$600
- Knowledge test and checkride fees: $900–$1,500
Estimated Total: $7,400 – $8,200
Balanced Path – Mix of C150 + C172 or PA-28-160
- 15 hours C150 @ $150/hr = $2,250
- 15 hours C172/PA-28 @ $200/hr = $3,000
- ~20 hours instruction @ $80/hr = $1,600
- Ground school & materials: $400–$600
- Knowledge test and checkride fees: $900–$1,500
Estimated Total: $8,200 – $8,900
Premium Path – All C172 or PA-28-160
- 30 hours C172/PA-28 @ $200/hr = $6,000
- ~20 hours instruction @ $80/hr = $1,600
- Ground school & materials: $400–$600
- Knowledge test and checkride fees: $900–$1,500
Estimated Total: $8,900 – $9,700
These are estimates, not guarantees. You only pay for the aircraft and instruction you actually use.
Why Choose CFI Academy for Sport Pilot Training?
- MOSAIC-Aware Training: We actively track and incorporate the new rule set into our ground and flight training so you are current on day one after your checkride.
- Serious Training Environment: Same campus that trains Private, Instrument, Commercial, and CFI candidates from across the country.
- In-House Maintenance: Aircraft maintained on site by A&P/IA mechanics for consistency and safety.
- One-on-One Instruction: Focused, efficient training—no “herded” ground schools where you get lost in the crowd.
- Clear Upgrade Path: When you are ready, we can take you from Sport Pilot to Private and beyond without changing schools.
Housing & Logistics for Full-Time Students
Many Sport Pilot students travel from outside the local area to complete training in a focused block of time. We can help you structure a full-time program with:
- Solo or Shared housing options at or near Lodi Airport
- RV and camping-friendly arrangements
- Nearby hotels and extended-stay options within a short drive
Tell us how long you can be here and we’ll build a realistic plan around your calendar and budget.
Ready to Start Sport Pilot Training Under MOSAIC?
If you want a direct, efficient, and honest path into aviation—without the overhead of a full Private Pilot program—Sport Pilot under MOSAIC is the smart move. We will walk you through the requirements, your options, and a realistic timeline so you can make a solid decision.
- Call or Text: 1-916-209-0234
- Email: admissions@cfiacademy.com
- Address: 23705 CA 99, Bldg 14, Lodi Airport, Acampo, CA 95220
