First Phase of MOSAIC Arrives, Expands Sport Pilot Privileges

New FAA rule also removes weight limits for LSAs and introduces changes to aviator training and certification.

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 02:07 PM ET

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Meg Godlewski

A wide range of light aircraft and the pilots that fly them will be positively affected by the implementation of MOSAIC. [Credit: Leonardo Correa Luna]

Key Takeaways:

The first phase of the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule is now active, significantly overhauling Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) regulations.
MOSAIC replaces LSA weight limits with a 61-knot stall speed, greatly expanding the types of aircraft sport pilots can fly to include many vintage single-engine models and those with retractable gear or controllable-pitch propellers (with endorsements).
The new rule also allows for more cost-effective certification of new LSA designs, permits simulator time to count towards certification, and maintains a driver's license as a medical for sport pilots flying during the day.

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The first phase of Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) is now live.

In July the new rule was announced by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy during EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with the promise that within 90 days of the date (Wednesday) the vast majority of the single-engine general aviation fleet would be legally accessible to those holding sport pilot certificates. Additional changes to the rules regarding aircraft certification will follow in July 2026.