Sport Pilot and LSA Expansion Still on Track—MOSAIC Rulemaking Update

May 20, 2021 – EAA participated last week in the meetings of ASTM International Committee F37 on Light-Sport Aircraft that were focused on the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certificates (MOSAIC) rulemaking initiative. The committee is tasked with updating industry consensus standards for light-sport aircraft to prepare for and accommodate anticipated changes to the regulations under the MOSAIC project.

Top on the priority list for many EAA members, the MOSAIC package is still on-track to expand sport pilot privileges and the range of aircraft they can fly, including a shift to a performance-based metric describing sport pilot-eligible aircraft (LSA) as opposed to the current weight limit. Additionally, a new category will allow larger and more complex aircraft to be built under LSA-like rules but will likely require a recreational or private pilot certificate to operate as is the case for similar type-certificated aircraft today. As we have previously reported, this category is being termed Light Personal Aircraft, or LPA.

LPA is promising because it will fully deliver on the potential of affordable aircraft certified based on industry consensus standards. Along with fully manufactured aircraft, it could allow many of today’s kit aircraft to come to market factory-assembled or professionally built for customers interested in this ownership option.

It is important to stress, however, that a broader redefinition of LSA and sport pilot privileges is planned alongside the development of the new and larger LPA, and EAA is advocating for the maximum possible expansion. The end result should be significantly-increased utility of the sport pilot certificate and privileges, which has proven its worth as a gateway to personal aviation since 2004.