U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced a new rule by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aimed at improving safety and innovation in the recreational Light Sport aviation sector. The announcement was made during the largest general aviation airshow in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
"I can’t think of a better place than at the largest general aviation airshow in the U.S. to announce that we’re unleashing American ingenuity. This new rule will promote better designs, safer materials, and upgraded technology in the recreational aviation sector," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy.
The Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) final rule is designed to enhance the availability of safe, modern, and affordable aircraft for recreational aviation, flight training, and certain aerial work. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that "it enables industry to meet the growing demand for more versatile aircraft with higher performance capabilities while maintaining high standards of safety."
"For over a decade, pilots around the country, including myself, have been advocating for MOSAIC to become a reality," said U.S. Representative Sam Graves (R-MO), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He expressed his gratitude to Secretary Duffy and Deputy Administrator Rocheleau for their prompt action in implementing this requirement.
The MOSAIC rule introduces several changes to Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) regulations:
- Removal of weight limits allowing for additional safety features.
- Inclusion of aircraft with higher speeds, more seats, and retractable landing gear.
- Allowance for new propulsion types and modern avionics.
- Permission for LSAs to perform aerial work such as infrastructure inspections and agricultural surveillance.
- Expansion of aircraft types under Sport Pilot privileges.
These changes aim to make light sport aircraft more versatile and accessible while fostering innovation within this category.
Background information highlights that LSAs are small, lightweight aircraft that are easy to fly with a Sport Pilot certificate—an easier certification compared to private pilot certificates but with more limitations.
The FAA initially proposed the MOSAIC rule in July 2023 after reviewing over 1,300 public comments which led to key modifications like higher stall speeds for LSA and voluntary compliance with noise standards.
The implementation timeline specifies that changes affecting sport pilots take effect 90 days after publication while those related to LSA certification will be effective one year post-publication.
