MOSAIC Rule Modernizes U.S. Light‑Sport Aviation

At the EAA Air Venture airshow in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on 22 July 2025, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy introduced the Federal Aviation Administration’s Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule, a long‑anticipated overhaul of light‑sport aviation regulations. He said the change would unleash American ingenuity by replacing outdated rules that had hampered safety and innovation in the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) category, paving the way for better designs, safer materials and upgraded technology. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford welcomed the rule as a way to make safe, modern and affordable light‑sport aircraft more accessible for recreation, training and various aerial work. House Transportation Committee Chair Sam Graves, a pilot who pushed for the legislation, called the rule a huge win that will expand opportunities for prospective pilots. The MOSAIC rule removes the weight limit that defined LSAs, allowing manufacturers to incorporate more safety features and design flexibility. It raises permissible speeds, permits additional seats and retractable landing gear and opens the door to new propulsion systems and avionics. Pilots with Sport Pilot certificates will be allowed to fly a wider range of aircraft, and LSAs can now be used for tasks such as infrastructure and forest inspections, photography and agricultural surveillance. Regulatory definitions have been broadened so more aircraft qualify as LSAs, and manufacturers can choose to meet new noise standards voluntarily. Light‑sport aircraft and the Sport Pilot certificate were introduced in 2004, and their strong safety record was cited as justification for expanding the category. The FAA proposed MOSAIC in July 2023 and received more than 1,300 public comments, prompting adjustments such as higher stall‑speed limits. The new privileges for pilots and mechanics will take effect 90 days after the final rule is published, while changes to LSA certification will become effective after one year. The reforms aim to stimulate the light‑sport sector, encourage innovation and expand opportunities for recreational aviators.