The late rock star Tom Petty yearned to be a pilot, as far as we know, but when he sang “The waiting is the hardest part …” aviators can understand, especially as it relates to the long-awaited MOSAIC rule now in the final stages of FAA approval. With a final rule release date anticipated for early to mid-2025, MOSAIC will move from a proposal to an evolution best described as Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft 2.0.
During EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024, there will be multiple opportunities to discover what this evolution means for prospective pilots, current pilots, aircraft owners, flight instructors and schools, and the small aircraft industry. Each segment mentioned will see new possibilities for growth while maintaining safety. EAA’s advocacy team, which has been working on this initiative for more than a decade, is eager to share those opportunities with attendees at Oshkosh.
During EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024, there will be multiple opportunities to discover what this evolution means for prospective pilots, current pilots, aircraft owners, flight instructors and schools, and the small aircraft industry. Each segment mentioned will see new possibilities for growth while maintaining safety. EAA’s advocacy team, which has been working on this initiative for more than a decade, is eager to share those opportunities with attendees at Oshkosh.
Daily briefings on MOSAIC are available from members of EAA’s advocacy team at the advocacy booth located in the EAA Member Center (which is part of the EAA Four Corners) at the following times:
- Monday, July 22: 8-10 a.m.
- Tuesday, July 23: 8 a.m.-noon
- Wednesday: July 24: 8-10 a.m.
- Thursday, July 25: 8 a.m.-noon
- Friday, July 26: 8 a.m.-noon
- Saturday, July 27: 1-3 p.m.
In addition, nine forums are scheduled at various venues for more information to benefit current private and sport pilots, prospective sport pilots, and flight instructors and schools. Check the EAA website or EAA Events app for the details on each of those forums.
As currently written, the rule would increase several regulatory parameters for light-sport aircraft (LSA). Notably, it replaces the current arbitrary weight limit with a more flexible approach that uses stall speed as a parameter. For fixed-wing airplanes, the new definition specifies a clean stall speed (VS1) of 54 knots calibrated airspeed, a maximum level flight speed (VH) of 250 knots, and a maximum seating capacity of four occupants. These changes represent significant increases over the current rule and would allow larger, easier-to-fly aircraft up to approximately 3,000 pounds to fit the category.
Sport pilots and pilots with higher-level certificates (private, commercial, ATP) who are exercising sport pilot privileges will be able to fly any aircraft meeting the new definition and may continue to carry one passenger, regardless of seating capacity. Additionally, the notice of proposed rulemaking introduces new privileges for sport pilots, such as flying aircraft with retractable landing gear and constant-speed propellers, as well as complex aircraft with the appropriate endorsements. They will also be allowed to fly at night, provided they hold a current medical certificate or BasicMed certificate
In comments submitted to the FAA earlier this year, EAA offered several minor alterations to enhance the proposed rule while maintaining high safety standards within the sport pilot/light-sport aircraft community. Recommended enhancements include slightly increasing the stall speed, allowing sport pilots to fly with up to three passengers, providing alternative methods to verify night vision minimums for night-flying endorsements, and maintaining the existing requirements and structure for light-sport aircraft repair certificates.
“All of EAA’s recommendations consider safety as the priority, while envisioning pathways to take full advantage of opportunities that MOSAIC can provide for increased growth and vitality of recreational aviation,” Pelton said.
While the waiting might be the hardest part for MOSAIC to reach the finish line, its realization in the next year will continue in the legacy of EAA’s work to create more freedom of flight over the past 70 years, flowing from homebuilt regulations to Part 103 to sport pilot/light-sport aircraft. We encourage everyone to discover the coming opportunities that are available for you!
