At the 2025 Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture, the US Transportation Secretary, FAA officials, and the EAA held a joint press conference to announce the final version of the long-awaited Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC), which published on July 24, 2025. Though most of the new and revised rules won’t go into effect until October, with some waiting until July of 2026, MOSAIC should make a huge difference in the future of general aviation.
The light-sport aircraft (LSA) category was created when the FAA first published the final rule titled “Certification of Aircraft and Airman for the Operation of Light-Sport Aircraft” in 2004. This directive established rules for the manufacture, certification, operation, and maintenance of LSA, then-defined as aircraft weighing less than 1,320 pounds (or 1,430 pounds for aircraft intended for operation on water). LSA include a huge variety of aircraft, from airplanes and gliders to balloons and gyroplanes. In place for nearly two decades, the LSA category has shown a lower accident rate than experimental amateur-built airplanes, leading the FAA to expand the definition of LSA with MOSAIC.
Here are some specific highlights of the final MOSAIC rule published this month:
- Eliminates strict weight limits for Light Sport Aircraft (LSA).
- Replaces the 1,320 lb (1,430 lb for seaplanes) maximum with performance-based criteria for aircraft.
- Allows for larger, faster, and more capable aircraft within the LSA category.
- Increases seating capacity for LSA.
- Lifts the two-seat aircraft restriction.
- Permits up to four seats in certain aircraft, enabling more use cases (though the restriction to one passenger remains in force).
- Allows LSAs to include advanced technologies and features.
- Authorizes electric and hybrid propulsion system.
- Permits variable-pitch propellers, retractable landing gear, and modern avionics that previously were not allowed in LSAs.
- Expands privileges of Sport Pilot Certificate holders.
- May include additional privileges such as night flying and access to more airspace, with proper training.
- Enables sport pilots to fly a broader range of aircraft with higher performance.
- Supports innovation and addresses pilot shortages.
- Encourages development of new aircraft designs and technologies.
- Makes aviation more accessible with a goal of growing the pilot population.
In short, the newly published MOSAIC rule establishes requirements and supporting rules for aircraft (other than unmanned) that hold special airworthiness certificates and for the airmen that operate and maintain those aircraft. The new rule increases the maximum stall speed for LSA; increases capacities for passengers, fuel, and cargo; and encourages development and innovation of electric and other alternative propulsion sources—all with the goal of “faster, higher-performing aircraft that are more suitable for personal travel.”
In addition, MOSAIC updates the repairman certificate with a new light-sport category that applies to existing and new aircraft certificated in the light-sport category, namely rotorcraft and powered-lift. It also expands the aircraft that sport pilots can operate, hoping to attract new pilots to the industry. It revises operating limitations for experimental aircraft and space support vehicles, as well as including new rules for Class G airspace near airports that are tailored for powered-lift aircraft.
By allowing rotorcraft and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to be certificated as light-sport aircraft, MOSAIC introduces electric propulsion systems to the LSA market and grants rotorcraft privileges to light-sport pilots, instructors, and repairmen. Stated another way, MOSAIC allows LSA certificate holders to fly, instruct on, and repair certain helicopters.
Of course, these changes will require new regulations that aircraft and pilots will need to qualify under. But MOSAIC opens the door for everything from new roads for the production of experimental aircraft to making space for VTOLs in airports.
Featured image: Wisk eVTOLs, Gen 4 (Mule), Gen 5 (Cora), and Gen 6 (Showbird).
