Oshkosh, Wisconsin

FAA expansion of light-sport rules welcomed by NBAA as step forward for aviation access

The National Business Aviation Association welcomed the Federal Aviation Administration’s publication of the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification Final Rule (MOSAIC).

The final rule, released at EAA’s AirVenture, builds on the 2004 Certification of Aircraft and Airmen for the Operation of Light-Sport Aircraft and has significant potential for flight training, aerial work and personal travel by expanding the aircraft sport pilots may operate.

“The long-awaited final rule, MOSAIC, is the culmination of decades of FAA and industry light-sport aircraft and sport pilot certification efforts and the result of an over 20-year successful safety record of light-sport category aircraft,” said NBAA Senior Vice President of Safety, Security, Sustainability and International Operations Doug Carr.

“In addition to expanding privileges for sport pilots and capabilities for light-sport category aircraft, the rule will play a crucial role in development of innovative technology for the cockpit.”

Under the new rule, sport pilots may operate certain helicopters; operate at night; and operate aircraft with retractable landing gear, constant speed propellers and/or high-performance capabilities. These privileges will be obtained through training and endorsements and most provisions become effective 90 days after publication in the Federal Register,
MOSAIC also expands certification limitations of aircraft under the light-sport category.

This includes use of more performance-based rules using industry consensus standards; removal of prescriptive weight limits; increase in the maximum stall speed; and faster, higher-performing aircraft. The FAA believes these expanded capabilities will result in more robust aircraft for pilot training.

The final rule also will encourage development and implementation of innovative technologies. For example, the new regulations define and permit the use of “simplified flight controls” in light-sport aircraft, allowing development of certain automation and interface devices that result in safe, effective pilot inputs without traditional primary flight controls. It also allows the use of electric and other alternative propulsion sources in light-sport category aircraft.

Certain light-sport category aircraft may be used to conduct certain aerial work for compensation or hire. Further, repairman certificate (light-sport) privileges are expanded to allow work on all aircraft in the newly expanded light-sport aircraft category.

“NBAA applauds the FAA’s recognition of the decades-long safety record of light-sport aircraft and the agency’s commitment to the MOSAIC rulemaking effort. The long-term impacts of this rule will reach beyond the light-sport aircraft and sport pilot community,” said Carr.

“While largely applicable to light-sport category aircraft and sport pilots, this final rule is a critical step in the FAA’s acceptance and implementation of emerging technologies, including simplified flight controls and alternative propulsion sources, which will enhance aviation safety and sustainability and lower the cost for pilot training and recreational aviation activity.”