FAA Eases Light Aircraft Rules to Boost Safety, Innovation

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have issued a new rule that eliminates outdated regulations in the light-sport aviation segment. The final rule, titled Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC), introduces major updates to how light-sport aircraft (LSA) are certified and expands the privileges of sport pilots. These changes aim to enhance safety, foster industry innovation, and broaden the operational scope of recreational and affordable aviation in the United States.

“This new rule will promote better designs, safer materials, and upgraded technology in the recreational aviation sector. Our recreational pilots and aircraft manufacturers rightly pointed out that outdated regulations were holding back innovation and safety. No more. It is time to bring this industry into a new era,” said US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy at the country’s largest general aviation airshow.

The MOSAIC rule removes several technical restrictions that have defined the LSA category since its inception in 2004. Most notably, it eliminates the maximum weight limit for LSAs, giving manufacturers more flexibility to incorporate advanced safety features and design enhancements. Additional changes include:

• Higher aircraft speed limits

• Increased seat capacity

• Retractable landing gear

• Use of alternative propulsion systems

• Integration of modern avionics
   

“This landmark rule is designed to increase the availability of safe, modern, and affordable aircraft for recreational flying, flight training, and certain aerial work operations. It allows the industry to meet growing demand for more capable aircraft while maintaining high safety standards,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.

A key provision of the new rule is the expansion of Sport Pilot privileges. Sport pilots will now be authorized to operate a wider range of aircraft and perform specific aerial work tasks, including infrastructure inspections, forest monitoring, aerial photography, and agricultural surveillance. This marks a departure from previous rules that restricted LSAs to personal or instructional use only.

The FAA first proposed the MOSAIC rule in July 2023. During the public comment period, the agency received over 1,300 submissions, which led to several revisions. Among the updates are higher stall speed thresholds for LSAs and Sport Pilots, as well as an option for manufacturers to voluntarily comply with FAA noise standards.

The regulatory changes will take effect on a staggered schedule: modifications affecting sport pilots and LSA maintenance technicians will be implemented 90 days after the rule's publication, while changes related to aircraft certification will take effect 365 days after publication.

The LSA category was originally created in 2004 to support the development and use of safe, cost-effective aircraft for recreational flying and flight instruction. The Sport Pilot certificate, introduced at the same time, was intended as a more accessible alternative to the private pilot license, though with more restrictive operational limits.