Horizons Continue to Expand for Advanced Air Mobility

Power lift aircraft now have not one but two pathways to certification.

Jack Daleo

Friday, October 10, 2025 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Beta Technologies says an AC change will open broader applications for its Alia-250. [Courtesy: Beta Technologies]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA's Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule significantly expands the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) category, replacing rigid limits with performance-based criteria, allowing for two-seat VTOL designs and diverse propulsion, and expanding sport pilot privileges.
The FAA also issued an advisory circular (AC) outlining a clear certification blueprint for larger, commercial electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) "powered-lift" designs, streamlining their path to type, production, and airworthiness certification.
These regulatory developments, alongside initiatives for pilot training and integration programs, provide crucial clarity and a more predictable path for advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft development and commercialization.

See a mistake? Contact us.

The introduction of electric, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), and other advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft into U.S. national airspace has raised plenty of questions, not least of which is how they will be certified and operated. The FAA is finally beginning to answer them.

The publication of a final Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) was a highlight of this year’s EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Sport pilots will likely be familiar with the rule’s major changes—namely, the replacement of rigid weight and seating limits with performance-based criteria, and expanded privileges, such as flying at night.