FAA Releases Final MOSAIC Rule

Today at AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, the FAA formally unveiled its long-awaited Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) final rule, an overhaul that redefines what Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) are and what Sport Pilots can do.

Did flight training just get a whole lot cheaper? For many pilots, MOSAIC offers potential savings. Let’s dive into the details.

The Biggest Aircraft Changes

MOSAIC redefines aircraft eligibility for Light-Sport operations, not by max weight, but by performance.

• Stall Speed Limit Raised: Now 61 knots CAS (VS0) for certification of aircraft as LSA and 59 knots CAS (VS1) for sport pilots to be able to fly, allowing common legacy trainers like the Cessna 150/152/172 and Piper PA-28 into the category.

• Max Speed Expanded: LSAs under MOSAIC can fly up to 250 knots, a far cry from the previous 120-knot limit.

• Seats Increased: Aircraft with up to 4 seats are eligible for LSA certification (though Sport Pilots remain limited to one passenger).

• Retractable Landing Gear Allowed: Retractable gear is now fair game for Light-Sport Aircraft, under certain conditions.

• Certification Simpler: Aircraft can be certified under ASTM consensus standards, lowering costs and speeding up innovation.

These changes open the door to dozens of existing aircraft and a new generation of exciting and affordable designs from manufacturers.

What Sport Pilots Can Now Do

MOSAIC significantly expands the privileges of Sport Pilots, creating a broader, more flexible entry point to flying.

• Fly more aircraft: Including heavier, faster, complex aircraft. Up to 4 seats.

• Use modern equipment: Constant-speed props, retractable gear, and advanced avionics, all previously off-limits.

• Night Flight Permitted: With appropriate training and either a 3rd class medical or BasicMed.

• No Medical? Still OK: For day VFR in eligible aircraft, pilots can still fly using only a valid U.S. driver’s license.

With these changes, Sport Pilot becomes a viable long-term certificate path, not just a stepping stone.

What It Means for Flight Schools

MOSAIC may radically reshape flight training economics and fleet planning:

• Legacy trainers are back: Cessna 150s, 152s, and even older 172s are now legal for Sport Pilot use, bringing down training costs.

• Fleet upgrades easier: Schools can adopt modern, fuel-efficient LSAs with advanced avionics, cutting maintenance and fuel expenses.

• More students, lower barriers: Reduced flight hour requirements and lower costs may increase student enrollment and retention.

• Electric aircraft inclusion: MOSAIC accommodates electric and hybrid aircraft, future-proofing training fleets.

Flight schools that act early may gain a strong competitive edge with newer, more flexible training options.

What’s Not Changing (Yet)

• Passenger Limit: Sport Pilots can still carry only one passenger, even in a four-seat airplane.

• Night Flying Requires Medical: Though aircraft capability has expanded, nighttime flight still requires at least BasicMed.

• Rule Implementation: The rule is effective 60 days after publication, but aircraft certified under new standards may take longer depending on ASTM updates.

Timeline & Next Steps

• Rule Released: July 22, 2025 at AirVenture Oshkosh

• Goes into Effect: Likely Sept–Oct 2025

• Training & Certification Adjustments: Expect updates to training syllabi, aircraft certification procedures, and insurance standards in the coming months.

Why It Matters

MOSAIC is the biggest shift in GA certification rules since 2004. It reflects what pilots and instructors have long argued: that capability, not arbitrary weight, should define what’s safe to fly.

This rule empowers a new generation of pilots and aircraft owners with more flexibility, more capability, and fewer regulatory hurdles.

What Does This Mean For You?

Here’s one potential example: You’re a new sport pilot student training in a sport certificated Cessna 172. If you decide halfway through your training to pursue a Private certificate (let’s say that medical finally came through), you can keep training in the same aircraft, as long as you meet all requirements.

Whether you’re a prospective Sport Pilot, a flight school owner, or an aircraft manufacturer, MOSAIC opens doors. At FlightInsight, we’re already preparing new training content to reflect the expanded privileges and helping schools rethink their fleets.

Have questions about how MOSAIC affects your training path or flight school operations? Drop us a comment or reach out directly. We’ll be updating resources as the rollout continues.