FAA approves MOSAIC regulatory framework to boost general aviation in the US  

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) finalized the MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) rule on July 22, 2025. 

MOSAIC represents a significant overhaul of Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) regulations in the United States with the aim of facilitating innovation and growth in this segment of the industry, particularly as it also covers new types of aircraft currently under development. 

One of the key novelties of this new framework is that it expands the definition of light sport aircraft to cover aircraft with up to four seats (from the current two), which opens up new design pathways for aircraft manufacturers. 

It also covers a whole set of technology features, which, from now on, will be allowed on aircraft within this category, such as retractable landing gear, constant-speed propellers and, crucially, alternative propulsion systems such as electric powertrains. 

The new norms also allow faster and higher-performing aircraft to be included in the light sports aircraft category. It also increases the maximum stall speed permitted and flexibilizes weight limits that may hinder the addition of safety-enhancing designs. 

Sports pilots will also be allowed to perform a broader range of missions, such as night flying, provided they receive relevant training and endorsements. 

The FAA has explained that these changes are based on the satisfactory safety record shown by the data collected since 2004, when the current regulatory framework, under the “Certification of Aircraft and Airmen for the Operation of Light-Sport Aircraft” rules, was approved. 

The approval of MOSAIC is the latest in a number of recent initiatives, such as the repeal of the overland supersonic flight ban and the “Unleashing American drone dominance” Executive Order, which aim to accelerate investment in aerospace innovation in the US.  

Under MOSAIC it is expected that the time and resources needed to gain a new light aircraft type certified will decrease, facilitating the launch of new products in this space and leading to a broader adoption of private and general aviation among the public. 

MOSAIC had already been cleared for publication in the Federal Register on July 18, 2025, but its signature was finally confirmed by US Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, on July 22, 2025.  

Duffy made the announcement during a visit to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, the largest air show for private and general aviation in the US, which is taking place at the Wisconsin locality of the same name between July 21 and 27, 2025. The post FAA approves MOSAIC regulatory framework to boost general aviation in the US   appeared first on AeroTime.

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