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 Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) category to include larger, heavier, faster aircraft, notably allowing rotorcraft (helicopters) and personal (1-2 seat) eVTOLs/powered-lift aircraft.
This creates a new, potentially streamlined certification pathway for advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft like personal eVTOLs, accelerating their market entry.
MOSAIC expands privileges for sport pilots, instructors, and repairmen to operate, train on, and maintain these new rotorcraft and powered-lift LSAs, requiring updated training and certification.
The proposal removes the single-reciprocating engine limitation, explicitly opening the LSA market to electric propulsion systems and encouraging innovation in electric aircraft development.

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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.