Pilots Have Questions When It Comes to MOSAIC

Here’s an overview of the proposed MOSAIC regulations and some opinions provided during the comment period.

Dan Johnson

Friday, March 15, 2024 at 08:49 AM ET

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An AirCam flies low and slow out West over the desert. [Courtesy: Lockwood Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

The MOSAIC proposal significantly expands the capabilities of special airworthiness certificate aircraft (MOSAIC LSAs) by removing gross weight limits (potentially up to 3,000 lbs), increasing stall and maximum speeds, allowing up to four seats, retractable gear, adjustable propellers, and permitting new propulsion types like electric/hybrid and turbine engines.
However, the proposal has raised significant concerns regarding pilot and maintenance privileges, including the continued requirement for medical certificates for sport pilots in larger MOSAIC LSAs, inconsistencies in proposed night and IFR flight privileges, new noise regulations, and potential impacts on maintenance technician training and owner-maintenance rights.
These "people"-related concerns and other inconsistencies in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking have led to a successful extension of the public comment period, aiming to resolve issues before the regulation is finalized.

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MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) is a regulation that affects all aircraft with special airworthiness certificates. Aircraft built by Cessna, Piper, Cirrus, Diamond, and others instead have standard certificates, and their new models remain untouched by this proposed regulation.

In contrast, all light sport aircraft (LSA), experimental amateur-built airplanes, and warbirds are issued special certificates. In my view, the rule can be divided into two main parts: airplane descriptions and capabilities, and pilot certificates, technician privileges, and operating limitations. In short, airplanes or people.