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 Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule significantly updates the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) category and expands sport pilot privileges, marking the most sweeping change since 2004.
The rule replaces the LSA weight limit with performance-based criteria, allowing for faster, heavier, and more capable aircraft, including designs with up to four seats, retractable landing gear, constant-speed propellers, and alternative propulsion.
Sport pilots gain expanded operational privileges, such as night flight and the ability to operate more complex aircraft, including helicopters and powered-lift, while LSAs are now permitted for limited commercial activities like aerial photography and inspection.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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.