NPRM Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certificates [MOSAIC] Released for Comment: New Light Sport Rules Are Coming!

FAA released a preview of Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certificates (MOSIAC), changes to light-sport and other proposed changes Wednesday, July 19th. You can see the entire 318 page proposal that is released for public comments, clock is ticking as there are only about 60 days left as this came in after the deadline for the newsletter. https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-14425.pdf Comment here by 10/23/2023:

Federal Register :: Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification I went through the 318 pages and for our membership, these are the changes being proposed that could have the most impact:

• Remove the definition of Light sport aircraft from 14 CFR 1.1 which limits to aircraft weight, seating, stalling speed, maximum speed, engine type, propeller type, etc.
• Part 61 will define the parameters of a sport pilot may operate to decouple the certification requirements for light sport category aircraft certification and sport pilot certification.
• Persons exercising the privileges of a sport pilot certificate or a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating would no longer be restricted to operating light-sport aircraft as defined in § 1.1
• Remove gross weight limit.
• VH not to exceed 250 knots.
• VS1 does not exceed 54 knots.
• Parameters above put max gross around 3000 pounds and depending on the aircraft, some lighter planes are outside that envelope.
• Max seating capacity increased to 4 yet only 1 passenger is allowed.
• Allowed to use CS/controllable pitch prop.
• Allowed retractable gear.
• Allow aerial work for light-sport category.
• Allowed night flight (current medical/Basic Med required)
• Allowed rotorcraft.
• Allowed a certain number of hours in simulator for Sport pilot cert.
• • Removal of the word “reciprocating” from § 22.100 to allow for alternate propulsion… bring on the light-sport turbines!
• Remove the requirement for manufacturers to mark category aircraft as “light-sport.”
• Creates light-sport repairman training courses.
• May allow experimental operations to operate over dense population for special airworthiness phase I certs (some kit, no plans built)
• Implement language for space support vehicles.
• Create a new category: light-sport kit-built aircraft.
• Noise certification requirements for new or acoustic altered aircraft The list above is not exhaustive, focused on what our membership may be interested in. Here are a few articles on the announcement and expect more as AirVenture is now in the rearview mirror:

https://www.eaa.org/eaa/news-and-publications/eaa-news-and-aviation-news/news/mosic-takes-significant-step-forward https://www.flyingmag.com/faa-releases-mosaic-rule-proposal-for-light-sport-aircraft/ https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2023/july/19/light-sport-envelope-expansion-proposed-at-last MOSAIC proposed rule published - AOPA What is FAA Mosaic? (A Simple Explanation) (pilotpassion.com)