FAA’s MOSAIC Preview Has Major Implications for Helicopters, eVTOL

Soon, helicopters and powered-lift aircraft may be certificated as light sport aircraft, and pilots, instructors, and repairmen may gain new privileges.

Jack Daleo

Friday, July 21, 2023 at 04:40 PM ET

Verified

Smaller eVTOL aircraft, like Air’s two-seater Air One, could soon be certified as light sport aircraft. [Courtesy: Air]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA's MOSAIC proposal significantly expands the scope of Light Sport Aircraft (LSA), allowing for larger, heavier, and faster aircraft.
It introduces a new certification pathway for rotorcraft (helicopters) and one- or two-seat eVTOL (powered-lift) aircraft within the LSA category.
The proposal grants expanded privileges to Light Sport pilots, instructors, and repairmen, enabling them to operate, teach, and maintain certain helicopters after meeting new training requirements.
MOSAIC removes the single reciprocating engine limitation for LSA, explicitly opening the door for electric propulsion systems and encouraging innovation in electric aviation.

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The FAA’s ahead-of-schedule release of its Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification proposal (MOSAIC) has the aviation world abuzz—and for good reason.

The proposed rule, scheduled to be published in the Federal Register for comments next week, would greatly expand privileges for light sport aircraft (LSA) pilots, including the ability to fly larger, heavier aircraft at greater speeds. It covers changes to just about every aspect of LSA, from manufacturing and certification to operations, maintenance, and alteration.