MOSAIC — A Big Win For Sport Pilots and General Aviation
On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the FAA made its most sweeping change to airman and aircraft certification policy in years – greatly expanding the privileges of sport pilots.
The long-awaited Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) was announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy at EAA’s Airventure festival in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Under the new rule, thousands of aircraft can now classify as Light Sport Aircraft (LSA), and sport pilots can now experience a new world of flying that was previously unavailable.
So what exactly changed? First, let’s take a closer look at what the old policy entailed.
Sport Pilot Rules on Their Way Out
Prior to MOSAIC, Sport Pilots were offered the opportunity to fly in Light Sport Aircraft without obtaining an FAA Medical Certificate. So long as the airman held a valid Drivers License, they could fly under sport pilot privileges.
However, sport pilots were limited to flying LSAs with a maximum gross weight of no more than 1320 lbs, no more than 2 seats, a maximum stall speed of 45 knots, and a maximum airspeed of 120 knots. They were also restricted to aircraft with fixed-pitch propellers and fixed landing gear. Sport pilots were also barred from flying at night or in instrument meteorological conditions.
What Does MOSAIC Change?
The finalization of MOSAIC ushers in a new era of general aviation, with a broad expansion of Sport Pilot privileges.
MOSAIC eliminates the LSA weight limit of 1320 lbs as well as raises the maximum stall speed to 59 knots. Sport Pilots are now also allowed to fly aircraft with a controllable pitch propeller and retractable landing gear. Additionally, Sport Pilots may now operate an aircraft with up to 4 seats, though they are still barred from carrying more than 2 persons at a time.
These expanded privileges will allow Sport Pilots to fly most of the general aviation fleet, including Cessna 172s, Cessna 182s, and Piper Cherokees, Piper Arrows, and more.
Conclusion
After years of anticipation, MOSAIC has finally arrived. The changes will officially go into effect 90 days after the regulation is published in the Federal Register. Because sport pilots have more lax medical certification standards, MOSAIC will offer the opportunity to fly to many people who otherwise would not have been able to. This is a huge step forward for the FAA, and a massive win for general aviation pilots and manufacturers.
