In front of a big crowd at 12:30 Oshkosh Central time the U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy at Oshoksh Airventure anounced that the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) of the LSA rule is signed. Changes for sport pilots and light sport repairmen take effect 90 days after the publication of the final rule, with changes for LSA certification following a year after the publication.
The final rule in the US Federal Register:
you can also find it at FAA website:
https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/MOSAIC_Final_Rule_Issuance.pdf
Background:
Originally proposed in 2023 and finalized in mid-2025, the MOSAIC rule evolved from years of industry advocacy and public input. The regulation aims to modernize and expand the scope of the FAA’s Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) category, which was first introduced in 2004 to promote safe, affordable flying. However, over time, the LSA framework became restrictive due to strict weight, speed, and operational limitations that lagged behind technological advancements.
MOSAIC responds to these challenges by redefining certification categories and updating design, performance, and operational rules for light aircraft.
Highlights:
This rule adopts more performance-based rules to expand and enable
innovation in the classes of aircraft that may be certificated using consensus standards as light-sport category aircraft, including emerging aircraft types;
MOSAIC dramatically expands the LSA category and sport pilot privileges including:
Aircraft with maximum speeds of 250 knots calibrated airspeed, retractable gear, and constant-speed propellers will now qualify as light sport aircraft
Aircraft with flaps-down stall speeds up to 61 KCAS will be able to be certified as LSAs, and pilots will be able to operate aircraft with clean stall speeds of up to 59 KCAS under sport pilot privileges.
Removes prescriptive 1320lbs weight limits that hinder incorporation of safety-enhancing designs and equipage;
raising the maximum level flight speed from 120 KCAS to 250 KCAS. Sport pilots will be able to fly aircraft with retractable landing gear or manual controllable pitch propellers with additional training and endorsements; night operations will require additional training and endorsements, as well as BasicMed or a third class medical. The rule also opens up the light sport category to helicopters and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL).
Enables more capable and robust aircraft for the pilot training environment; allows for increased capacities for passengers (max 4) , fuel, and cargo;
Allows electric and other alternative propulsion sources; and
Allows faster, higher-performing aircraft that are
more suitable for personal travel. Together, based on the safety record under the 2004 final rule, these changes will enhance safety by allowing for a more appealing alternative to experimental amateur-built (EAB) aircraft that do not meet FAA design, production, or airworthiness standads.
It also allows eVTOL (up to 2 seats) and use in leisure, training and some aerial work.
A quick view of the differences between the former LSA rule and MOSAIC aircraft (courtesy of AOPA):
Impact:
Flight Training
Flight schools and instructors stand to benefit significantly. The MOSAIC rule enables the use of a wider variety of aircraft for sport pilot training and opens commercial opportunities previously restricted to traditional FAA Part 23-certified aircraft.
Private Owners and Pilots
Private pilots gain access to a broader range of aircraft without needing a third-class medical certificate or a private pilot license. Aircraft previously out of reach—like four-seat touring planes or faster cross-country cruisers—can now be flown by sport pilots with proper endorsements.
Manufacturers
For aircraft manufacturers, MOSAIC represents a turning point. Companies can now design and sell higher-performance aircraft under a simplified certification framework, reducing development time and cost. It also levels the playing field for emerging technologies like electric and hybrid propulsion.
Commercial Operators
A previously untapped market is opening for commercial operators. Companies can now use aircraft previously barred from revenue service for tasks like sightseeing, agricultural monitoring, pipeline inspection, and more—broadening their operational toolkit and lowering costs.
Looking Ahead
In short run European High-performance ultralight aircraft qualified as LSA under MOSAIC rule may benefit first including fixed-wing, helicopters and gyrocopters.
Meanwhile, quite a few popular Cessna and Piper models such as 172 and some 182 and PA-28 will be eligible for sport pilots to fly. This may be an incentive for used market of these models.
The market will have to wait for perhaps quite a while before new LSA models specifically designed for LSA under MOSAIC can enter the market.
For eVTOL the road to enter the LSA market under MOSAIC may be longer and more bumpy as consensus standards especially means of compliance and design criteria need be formed by the industry and be accepted by FAA.
When all is said and done, the MOSAIC rule is transformative and will certainly change the landscape of LSA market and even the general aviation industry down the road. As the general aviation industry continues to embrace modernization, MOSAIC serves as a blueprint for balancing safety, accessibility, and technological progress. It marks a new era for general aviation—one that is more inclusive, more innovative, and more adaptable to the future of flight.