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FAA’s New MOSAIC Rule Modernizes Light Sport Aicraft Certification, Expands Training Capabilities
USA – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has finalized its long-anticipated “Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification” (MOSAIC) rule, significantly expanding the scope, design, and operational flexibility of light-sport aircraft (LSA) and sport pilot regulations. This comprehensive overhaul is designed to enhance aviation safety while providing increased flexibility for manufacturers, pilots, and flight training providers.
1. Objectives and Scope:
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To modernize and expand the scope of aircraft eligible for special airworthiness certification.
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To enable broader use of LSAs in recreational flying, flight training, and certain commercial aerial work.
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To expand pilot privileges and repairman capabilities, making aviation more accessible and affordable while retaining safety standards.
2. Key Changes Introduced:
A. Aircraft Certification (Light-Sport Category):
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Removes weight limits, previously capped at 1,320 lbs for landplanes and 1,430 lbs for seaplanes.
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Allows higher speeds by increasing maximum stall speed limits.
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Expands aircraft types to include:
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Rotorcraft
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Powered-lift
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Electric and alternative propulsion
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Constant-speed propellers
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Retractable landing gear
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Enables four-seat configurations (but only two occupants allowed for sport pilots).
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Permits cargo and fuel capacity expansion, enhancing utility.
B. Sport Pilot Certification:
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Expanded privileges include operation of:
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Helicopters (via endorsements)
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Night flights
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Aircraft with retractable landing gear and constant speed props
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Four-seat aircraft (limited to two occupants)
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Higher-performing aircraft in both the LSA and certain normal categories
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Model-specific privileges granted for aircraft with simplified or unconventional controls.
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Removes outdated weight and engine type restrictions.
C. Maintenance and Repair:
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Light-sport repairmen can now:
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Work on a broader class of aircraft, including amateur-built models within the same class/category.
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Conduct condition inspections on these aircraft.
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Updates manufacturer safety directive compliance and maintenance/alteration protocols.
D. Operational Regulations:
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Revises and expands operating privileges for:
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Light-sport category aircraft
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Experimental aircraft
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Restricted category aircraft (including former military aircraft)
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Codifies experimental aircraft’s use for space support vehicle flights, aligning with Congressional mandates.
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Updates airport operations in Class G airspace and right-of-way rules.
E. Experimental Aircraft:
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Introduces a new purpose for issuing airworthiness certificates to former military aircraft.
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Extends certain experimental certificates’ validity from 1 to 3 years.
F. Restricted Category Aircraft:
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Mandates U.S. military service history for former military aircraft to be certified in this category.
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Codifies previously informal special purpose operations into regulation.
G. Noise Compliance:
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Enables voluntary compliance with Part 36 noise standards for LSAs, allowing manufacturers to certify noise standards.
The MOSAIC Rule will be effective 90 days after Federal Register publication for most provisions.
To learn more about the final rule, click here.
Source: FAA