FAA Finalizes Major Overhaul of Light Sport Aircraft Rules

New MOSAIC regulation expands airplane options and pilot privileges under light sport category.

Ryan Ewing

Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 02:10 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announces the new MOSAIC change on Tuesday at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. [Credit: Ryan Ewing]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA's new MOSAIC rule significantly updates Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) regulations and sport pilot privileges, marking the most sweeping changes since 2004.
It removes existing LSA weight limits, allowing for larger, faster, and more capable aircraft (up to four seats, complex systems, and alternative propulsion) based on performance criteria.
Sport pilot privileges are expanded to include night flying, operation of more complex aircraft (including helicopters and powered-lift), and specific limited commercial activities.
The rule aims to increase the availability of safe, modern, and affordable aircraft for recreational aviation, flight training, and certain aerial work.

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The FAA has finalized its long-awaited Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule, implementing broad changes to the light sport aircraft (LSA) category and sport pilot privileges.

Signed on July 18 and unveiled at EAA AirVenture on Tuesday in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the rule marks the most sweeping update to this segment of general aviation since 2004, the agency said.