A year-end update on proposed changes to LSA — General Aviation News (2025)
It seems like years since pilots began talking about the FAA’s new regulation for Light-Sport Aircraft called Mosaic or theModernizationOfSpecialAIrworthinessCertification. As 2021 closes, it doesn’t feel so far away anymore.
Here is an update on what we know, with a disclaimer that everything is subject to change until the FAA finalizes its work.
One aspect of Mosaic that is often overlooked — partly as the new proposal is often called by its abbreviated name — is the word “Special.” This refers to the airworthiness certificates given to specific classes of airplanes, including warbirds, Experimental-Amateur Built, Light-Sport Aircraft, and perhaps the biggest group that we may be welcoming into our airspace: Drones, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and eVTOLs or multicopters … or whatever you prefer to call them.
For clarification, Cessna, Piper, Cirrus, Mooney, and others haveStandardcategory certificates, notSpecial.
Mosaic is a big, sprawling regulation but, as always, my focus remains on Light-Sport Aircraft and the kit-built aircraft that Sport Pilots may fly.
Nearby you will see an information-packed slide that was shown as part of a presentation from the FAA given to LSA industry leaders at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021. The slide is only one of several FAA officials presented, but this one has so much detail that it is worth a closer review.
You should study it and interpret the information for yourself, but allow me to suggest a few items of particular interest and address some commonly-asked questions:
Will LSA gain additional capabilities such as weight, speed, capacity, extra seats, retractable gear, in-flight adjustable props and more?
Yes, it appears, although details are still being determined. Certainly, however, it seems the LSA category is set for a major expansion.
Of note, 2020’s proposed new term and category, Light Personal Aircraft, was scrapped during meetings at AirVenture 2021 between industry representatives, general aviation organizations, and the FAA.
Which of the new aircraft will Sport Pilots (or higher-certificated pilots using Sport Pilot privileges to fly without an aviation medical) be allowed to fly?
Answers are hinted, but another division inside FAA called Flight Standards will decide. That group has been less forthcoming to date because the FAA will continue to make all rules for pilots and operations, while the industry, through consensus standards pounded out by ASTM, will provide the FAA with the criteria to approve aircraft.
Because of the industry’s pivotal involvement in the aircraft approval process, FAA rule writers have to share draft proposals with ASTM committee members so that the private group can accommodate the major changes associated with Mosaic and revise the standards. This is a large task and it will mostly be done by people who volunteer their time to prepare standards.
What about gyroplanes — that were never fully brought into the LSA segment — or other rotary-winged flying machines?
“Rotorcraft” will be included, although exactly in what form is still a question. It seems quite certain that gyroplanes will at long last be approved as fully-built aircraft — but the term rotorcraft can imply accommodations for helicopters, too.
What about current-day LSA that have received weight exemptions from the FAA (Icon, Terrafugia, Vickers)?
Aircraft that have received weight exemptions should no longer have to rely on the exemption method. Those increased weights may now be incorporated into the regulation so the exemptions (always intended as a short-term fix) can be ended.
What will happen to professional builder-assist centers?
America’s homebuilt sector — which over many years of support from the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has grown to be a substantial share of all aircraft flying in the USA — has evolved through professional builder-assist centers. These have been operating in a gray area of regulation, and through inclusion in Mosaic, professional build centers may expand.
Everyone recognizes that expert help can help make safer homebuilts, especially when those designs are more sophisticated assemblies.
Will existing general aviation airplanes — for example, the Cessna 150, 152 and 172, Piper Cherokees, and others, including vintage designs — be included? Will Sport Pilots be permitted to fly them?
This must be a two-part answer as the question has two elements.
Yes, the FAA may include aircraft as those described in a category that can be flown by someone with a Sport Pilot certificate (or using those no-medical privileges with a higher certificate). Those aircraft willnotbecome LSA. They will retain their current airworthiness certificates.
A common follow-on question is: “Can a Sport Pilot fly a four seater like the Cessna 172?” As noted earlier, we do not have full information about this from the Flight Standards people but, for example, the FAAmaypermit a Sport Pilot privilege user to fly with only two persons on board.
If a GA aircraft that otherwise fits the eventual parameters is retractable, can a Sport Pilot fly it? This is already permitted for amphibious LSA that have what FAA once called “repositionable gear.” Additional training may be required.
The most intriguing aspect of the preceding discussion involves the endorsement process. FAA officials are pleased with how this has worked in LSA, where a pilot can obtain additional training — learning how to properly fly into Class B airspace, for one example — and can then begin doing so after an instructor endorses his or her logbook.
Endorsementscouldallow a Sport Pilot to get retractable gear training and then fly using the endorsement method. No checkride is needed.
All these changes are subject to an overriding mantra: Keep Light-Sport Aircraft “light and docile.” What does that mean, exactly?
The FAA wants the industry and the flying community to define this. That means extra work for ASTM volunteers, but permits us, the recreational flying community, to make decisions.
Many experts are pleased about much of what the FAA proposes. These developments have a way of changing in unexpected directions, but since I’ve been listening to these rule writers for several years, I’ve gained confidence that most of the changes will be well received by pilots and manufacturers alike.
When will we see the Mosaic regulation?
My prediction is for the FAA to introduce its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022. That’s not so much guessing the future as back-calendaring the agency’s Congressionally-imposed deadline.
When the FAA sought additional funding a few years back (partly to accommodate drones), political leaders agreed but dictated that the FAA integrate drones into the National Airspace System and to complete this work by the end of 2023.
Remember, this happened during the Trump administration when the president was requiring the elimination of two regulations before bureaucrats created a new one. To make changes to the LSA rules as requested by the industry associations, such as the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association (LAMA), it would be required that one regulation cover more — explaining the inclusion of drones with all the rest in the proposed Mosaic rule.
Once an NPRM is issued, citizens will be able to comment. FAA officials must read and evaluate every single one of these comments. To do this properly, then to make changes to the draft to accommodate comments and new ideas raised, the FAA needs time. How much time? The agency advised “16 months.”
Since the regulation needs to be done by the last day of 2023, it’s a simple calculation to say the FAA needs to issue the NPRM at AirVenture 2022 in order to meet the deadline. Of course, in bureaucratic maneuvering, things can change that were never planned.
Regardless of the exact dates and the specifics of what will be included, FAA’s Mosaic regulation is fast approaching its official introduction to the public. For those interested in this newest of aviation regulations, get ready to read the analysis by several organizations and then —please!— plan to comment. It’s your right and the FAA needs to hear what you think!
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has just released a report confirming that General Aviation has declined by 18 percent over the last five years. Recreational Aviation has increased by 0.2 percent in the same time period.
No, the Cessna 150, 152, and 172 does not meet the definition of light-sport aircraft. All of these airplanes are over the maximum weight allowed for someone with only a sport pilot license to fly. This is a very commonly asked question since these Cessna planes are very popular and widely available.
The safest light sport aircraft in its category is the AKOYA from Lisa Airplanes. It offers aerodynamic forms and practical design, focusing more on safety features. It has an aerodynamic fuselage that can withstand the short gusts of wind, and it has a glide ratio of 1:20.
This is the fastest ultralight money can buy. Fast, sleek and packed with all the latest technology. 2020 FAI world record holder (50km on closed circuit & over a straight course).
Many general aviation (GA) accidents are survivable if you have the right equipment and employ the right techniques. For example in Alaska, adding seatbelts — especially four- or five-point seatbelts — and helmets could save 60 percent of the lives involved in an aircraft accident.
The global general aviation market is expected to grow from US$ 26,208.00 million in 2021 to US$ 36,461.60 million by 2028; it is estimated to register a CAGR of 4.8% during 2021-2028. The elevated demand for charter operations across different regions is propelling the general aviation aircraft market growth.
The Sport Pilot rule allows a pilot to fly light-sport aircraft without the need for an FAA medical certificate. However, a sport pilot must hold at least a current and valid U.S. driver's license in order to exercise this privilege.
(5) This aircraft is to be operated under VFR, day only, unless appropriately equipped for night and/or instrument flight in accordance with 14 CFR § 91.205, and when allowed by the manufacturer's operating instructions.
The answer is a resounding no — none of the previously manufactured Cessna two-place aircraft models (120s, 140s, 150s or 152s) qualify as light-sport aircraft because all exceed the LSA maximum weight limit.
There is at least one LSA that is approved for IFR flight: The Zodiac 650 (available as a kit, or a factory-built Special Light Sport Aircraft). More broadly, you can operate light sport aircraft under IFR (in VMC or IMC) as long as it's permitted by the operating instructions.
According to federal regulations, a powered ultralight is an aircraft that weighs less than 254 pounds, carries a maximum 5 gal. of gas, doesn't fly faster than 63 mph and seats only one person. You can legally fly it without a pilot's license, without training -- without any qualifications at all.
The FAI has recently ratified the admirable performance achieved by father (Colin Fargher, 55) and son (Louis, 19). Together, they broke the world record for the Distance in a straight line without landing* onboard a Skypper Nuvix LOR 75 microlight, manufactured by Air Création.
The Diamond DA62 is revolutionizing everything we know about flying traditional piston twins. Diamond's safety record is simply astounding and there are specific design characteristics unique to Diamond Aircraft that drive this record.
The Cessna 172 is the easiest airplane to learn to fly in, according to a survey of flight schools around the world on Insider Monkey. Also on the list: The Cessna 150/152, Piper PA-28, Diamond DV20/DA20 Katana, and American Champion Citabria.
The number of certified, private pilots, non-fatal aircraft accidents, fatal aircraft accidents, and number of general aviation hours flown are all in decline. Meanwhile, the average age of an American private pilot has increased by several years. All of these factors indicate that the industry is in decline.
The good news is that general aviation flying is getting safer. Accidents through 2018 are essentially flat over the preceding four years: about 1,200 accidents per year and 200 fatal accidents per year. However, the rate of accidents, which adjusts for hours flown, was down 13% over the last five years.
Even though not luxurious as an A380, general aviation planes are still expensive because they must also be reliable. You can't just build an aircraft and start selling it. It must be certified by international organizations, such as EASA and FAA, and that is not cheap.
The general aviation market is projected to record a CAGR of about 3% during the forecast period. The COVID-19 pandemic affected the general aviation market in the short term as the overall orders and deliveries witnessed a decline in 2020 and 2021.
for business and public services that need transportation more flexible than the airlines can offer. More than 90% of the roughly 220,000 civil aircraft registered in the United States are general aviation aircraft. More than 80% of the 609,000 pilots certificated in the U.S. fly GA aircraft.
You should know that any current private pilot may fly a light-sport aircraft (LSA) they are qualified for without a FAA medical but using their drivers license as medical eligibility. To be a “current pilot” you need a biennial flight review (flight review every 2 years) same as all pilots need to be current.
So, piloting a hot air balloon counts toward the flying hours, as long as you're rated for it, but not the airplane hours. Since ultralights don't have an airworthiness certificate they don't fit under 61.51 (j)(1). Therefore no logging hours in those. That's the FAA's requirements.
One of the most common questions is: Can someone with a sport pilot license fly at night? No, someone with a sport pilot license is NOT permitted to fly at night. They are required to fly during the daytime using VFR (Visual Flight Rules).
The Sport Pilot program is a fantastic way for aspiring aviators to get into aviation in less time and for a lower cost than the traditional Private Pilot program. Sport Pilot students will fly the technically advanced Cessna 162 Skycatcher: a sporty, fun airplane with a glass cockpit featuring a Garmin 300.
The holder of a valid sport pilot certificate may: Operate as pilot in command of a sport pilot eligible aircraft. Carry a single passenger and share expenses (fuel, oil, airport expenses, and aircraft rental).
In the “FTD” or “Flight Simulator” column, log the total time in the simulator. In “PIC” and “Total Flight” columns, log all applicable simulator time as this shows the "pilot experience” time. A DPE/Examiner can see the time in SEL/MEL for actual aircraft time and PCATD/BATD/AATD time for simulator time.
Sport Pilots are allowed to fly to an altitude of 10,000 feet above mean sea level, or 2,000 feet above ground level, whichever is higher. Sport Pilots are allowed to operate in Class E and G Airspace. With additional training and a logbook endorsement, they may also operate in Class B, C, and D controlled airspace.
The recreational pilot certificate may be right for you if you plan to fly for fun in your local area. It generally takes less time to earn than the private pilot certificate, and can serve stepping stone should you decide to move on to the private pilot certificate later.
When you buy a used light-sport aircraft you may be on your own as warranties are seldom transferable and the original dealer usually has no obligation to support you. All light-sport aircraft (LSA) require an Annual Condition Inspection every year by FAA certified repairman.
Do I need a pilot's license to fly a Kitfox? Yes, a minimum of a student license is required. We The Kitfox currently in production does not qualify as an ultralight aircraft under FAR part 103.
IFR flight in experimental aircraft is acceptable, provided the aircraft has passed its flight test period, meets the equipment requirements of 14 CFR 91.205 and has the appropriate statements in the operating limitations.
The Sling LSA is The Airplane Factory's pride and joy! Designed to meet and exceed the FAA Light Sport Aircraft ASTM Compliance Standards. The Sling is a high performance, 2 place aircraft that fits the needs of private individuals as well as flight schools and flying clubs with its Special Airworthiness Certificate.
According to Part 107 of the FAA's Small UAS rule, every drone heavier than 250g needs to be registered, even if you are using your drone just for fun.
How far can you fly in a gyrocopter? That all depends on the model of gyro you have, how many people are on-board and how big the fuel tank is. But on average, you can easily be cruising the skies for around two hours, covering in the range of 130 miles on a full tank.
The FAA defines a light sport aircraft as an aircraft, other than a helicopter or powered lift, that since its original certification, has continued to meet the following: Max. gross takeoff weight: 1,320 lbs (600 kg) or 1,430 lbs for seaplanes (650 kg) Max.
Piloting a plane is no longer an awe-inspiring art, re- served for a small group of supermen. It's easy to fly! In fact, whether you are sixteen or sixty, if you are in average good health and are capable of exercising normal judgment, you can solo a Piper Cub with as little as eight hours of dual instruction!
The recreational pilot license allows you to fly larger aircraft commonly flown by those with a private pilot license. The sport pilot license requires you to fly only “light sport aircraft” that meet certain FAA requirements like being under 1320 pounds and only having 2 seats.
A: Your SEL pilot license, along with your current medical certificate, will allow you to fly the Challenger at night, as long as it is properly equipped for night flight and you follow the operating limitations issued for the Challenger and all applicable FARs.
The Sport Pilot rule allows a pilot to fly light-sport aircraft without the need for an FAA medical certificate. However, a sport pilot must hold at least a current and valid U.S. driver's license in order to exercise this privilege.
Yes.As long as the pilot is IFR rated with a medical certificate and the aircraft is properly equipped. Including IFR certified lighting, avionics and power-plant. The ASTM commitee voted to ban LSA flight into IMC, but that has not been approved by the FAA, as mentioned here.
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is widely considered the easiest plane to fly. While many factors come into play that makes the Cessna 172 so easy to fly, the most influential features are its high wing configuration, powerful engine, spacious & comfortable cockpit, and intuitive and forgiving controls.
Much like Henry Ford's Model T idea, Cubs came in one standard color; Cub Yellow. When carrying only the pilot, the Cub had a top speed of 85 mph, a cruise speed of 75 mph, a service ceiling of 12,000 ft , a stall speed of 38 mph, an endurance of three hours, and a range of 225 miles.
Some time after the [Second World War], when the supply of nitrate dope was dwindling, bids went out from Piper for a paint manufacturer to come up with a pigmented yellow butyrate dope that would as closely match the nitrate shade as possible.
The Sport Pilot program is a fantastic way for aspiring aviators to get into aviation in less time and for a lower cost than the traditional Private Pilot program. Sport Pilot students will fly the technically advanced Cessna 162 Skycatcher: a sporty, fun airplane with a glass cockpit featuring a Garmin 300.
The holder of a valid sport pilot certificate may: Operate as pilot in command of a sport pilot eligible aircraft. Carry a single passenger and share expenses (fuel, oil, airport expenses, and aircraft rental).
A recreational pilot certificate only allows flights within 50 miles of home airport. A sport certificate has no distance limits even though it's easier to get - no medical certificate, less flying time and less instruction.
Lancair IV is a single-engine, four-seat, home-built kit plane designed and manufactured by Lancair International. It is one of the fastest civil aviation aircraft in the world.
So, piloting a hot air balloon counts toward the flying hours, as long as you're rated for it, but not the airplane hours. Since ultralights don't have an airworthiness certificate they don't fit under 61.51 (j)(1). Therefore no logging hours in those. That's the FAA's requirements.
Hobby: Web surfing, Rafting, Dowsing, Stand-up comedy, Ghost hunting, Swimming, Amateur radio
Introduction: My name is Virgilio Hermann JD, I am a fine, gifted, beautiful, encouraging, kind, talented, zealous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
