Episode 244: Top 5 general aviation news stories of 2025

Hangar Talk aviation podcast hosts David, Alicia, and Jay break down the Top 5 general aviation news stories of 2025 including: long-awaited new MOSAIC rules for increased access to grass roots aviation, ATC modernization, pushback against misuse of ADS-B data, the DCA midair leading to changes for helicopter routes and certain military operations, and a Piper AD affecting some of GA's most iconic models.

Hear from aviation author Tom Young; plus David and Aliia discuss declassified Amelia Earhart records, proposals to restrict misuse of ADS-B data, a Cirrus trade-in program, the selection of Peraton to integrate ATC updates, and bipartisan mental health and medication bills backed by AOPA.

Textron says goodbye to the Bonanza and Baron lines, the FAA seeks new ATC systems data, Archer buys California's Hawthorne Airport, DJI drones face an imminent ban, and we hear from general aviation intercom and audio panel guru Mark Scheuer of PS Engineering.

Alicia and David share what they are most thankful for during Thanksgiving and we hear from ⁠pilot-philanthropist Chuck Fazio⁠. Plus, discussion about a ⁠CubCrafters record⁠, a documentary about ⁠St. Pete's Albert Whitted Airport⁠, NASA's X-59 supersonic jet, and a budget talk plan for ⁠airspace throttling⁠. And Jay Wiles answers the question: ‘Can Sport Pilot eligible certified aircraft maintenance be performed by light sport repairmen?’

Otto Aerospace CEO Paul Touw talks about the teardrop shape, laminar flow technology, and lack of windows in the Phantom 3500 business jet. Plus a MOSAIC Minute update, an urgent safety issue for LearJets, uAvionix's new APRT tower systems, the ROTOR bill, and how the funding squabble affects ATC's academy, upgrades, and controllers.

This week's ⁠MOSAIC Minute⁠ is a review of sport pilot rule changes implemented October 22, and learn about aviation thriller author, CFI, A&P, and Cessna 172 owner Nate Van Coops. Plus, David and Alicia discuss the ⁠⁠⁠⁠latest aviation news⁠⁠⁠⁠ including drone right-of-way rules, a new notam system, a DJI lawsuit loss, and strong bizjet demand.

This week's MOSAIC Minute explains who can provide instruction for sport pilots, hear from 'Miss Montana' DC-3 pilot Bryan Douglass about flying an historical warbird, and David and Alicia comment on the ⁠⁠⁠latest aviation news⁠⁠⁠ including the ATC Archie Awards, an FAA funding stability act, and a proposed ADS-B bill to protect pilots.

This week's ⁠⁠MOSAIC Minute⁠⁠ explains the frequently asked sport pilot question, "How does MOSAIC benefit pilots with a PPL or higher?" And hear from Spirit single seat SE-1 founder Steve Wood, whose crew flew four of the $69,500 single-seat aircraft to from Colorado to AirVenture; plus David and Alicia comment on the ⁠⁠latest aviation news⁠⁠.

This week's ⁠MOSAIC Minute⁠ explains the frequently asked sport pilot question, "Why will stall speed limits be different for sport pilots and light sport category aircraft?" Guest Grant Hoover describes how Sentinel by Aileronics shows visual traffic and collision avoidance (V-TCAS) for under $1,000; and stick around for David and Alicia to comment on the ⁠latest aviation news⁠.

This week's MOSAIC Minute explains the frequently asked Sport Pilot question, “Can I really use my driver’s license instead of a medical certificate?” Professional Instrument Courses flight instructor Donn Heikkila discusses how CFIs flying to your airport may help pilots tackle their instrument flight rules rating; and stick around for David and Jay to comment on the latest aviation news. @dtulis