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 Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) eliminates the weight limitation for Light Sport Aircraft (LSA), redefining them by a "clean" stall speed of 61 knots, significantly expanding the range of aircraft sport pilots can operate.
This rule change opens up access to a broader selection of single-engine aircraft, including many vintage models and those with complex features like retractable landing gear or controllable-pitch propellers, requiring additional training and endorsements for sport pilots.
Sport pilots can continue to fly day operations using a U.S. driver's license (if medically fit) but will need BasicMed or an FAA medical certificate for night flights, along with specific training and endorsements.
MOSAIC also streamlines the certification process for new LSA designs through industry consensus standards, with further updates expected in July 2026 concerning simplified flight controls.

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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.