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The FAA gets SUPER Reasonable!
Here at FL1, we LOVE our experimental homebuilts! While we might be diverging from our core focus of safety and proficiency, we thought it would be worth discussing the changes MOSAIC brings and how they’ll positively impact general aviation. We know that the accident rate for amateur-built experimentals is on par with that of certified aircraft, so we can remove that differentiator regarding safety.
The FAA has done something remarkable: they actually made life easier for us! The new MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) rule reshapes what general-aviation pilots—especially those flying experimental and Light Sport Aircraft—can build, buy, and fly.
A Peek Under the Cowling - What Is MOSAIC
The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule introduces significant changes to the aviation landscape, broadly expanding the types of aircraft pilots can fly and offering substantial benefits to the amateur-built experimental aircraft community. This new policy, which is set to become effective on October 22, 2025, with some provisions taking effect later, shifts from a weight-based aircraft classification to a performance-based one, opening the door for innovation and accessibility.
Putting More Aircraft on the Menu
MOSAIC dramatically broadens the definition of Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA), making a wider range of aircraft accessible to pilots with a sport pilot certificate. This expansion is achieved by replacing the previous restrictive weight limits with performance-based criteria.
Key Changes Expanding Aircraft Access:
- No More Weight Limits: The previous maximum takeoff weight of 1,320 pounds for land planes and 1,430 pounds for seaplanes has been eliminated. Instead, aircraft are now primarily defined by their stall speed.
- Increased Stall Speed: The maximum stall speed for LSA has been increased. For an aircraft to be flown by a sport pilot, it must have a clean stall speed (VS1) of 59 knots calibrated airspeed (CAS) or less. For LSA certification, the landing configuration stall speed (VSO) is capped at 61 knots CAS. This change allows for larger and more robust aircraft to qualify.
- Higher Performance: The maximum level flight speed has been increased to 250 knots CAS, a significant jump from the previous 120 knots. This allows for faster and more practical cross-country travel.
- More Seats: Airplanes can now have up to four seats, although sport pilots are still limited to carrying only one passenger. This adds flexibility for pilots with higher-level certificates and for training purposes.
- Advanced Features: Previously prohibited features in LSAs, such as retractable landing gear and controllable-pitch propellers, are now permitted. This allows for more complex and efficient aircraft designs to be included in the LSA category.
- Broader Range of Aircraft Types: The LSA category now includes helicopters and powered-lift aircraft, opening up new possibilities for urban air mobility and rotorcraft enthusiasts
Purchasing an Experimental Amateur-Builder Aircraft (E-AB) Just Got Way More Cost-Effective!
Historically, one of the most significant long-term costs of buying a used experimental aircraft has been the annual condition inspection. Before MOSAIC, only the original builder of an E-AB could obtain the repairman certificate, allowing them to perform this inspection themselves. Second-hand buyers had to hire a certified Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic yearly. This recurring expense—ranging from several hundred to over a thousand dollars annually—created a significant financial barrier for many prospective buyers and reduced the market appeal of used E-ABs.
MOSAIC lifts the maintenance-by-the-builder limitation by allowing new owners of amateur-built aircraft to obtain repairman certificates for their specific aircraft. Second-hand owners can conduct annual condition inspections by completing just a 16-hour training course on LSA aircraft. This change significantly reduces the total cost of ownership. The small upfront investment in the training course quickly pays for itself by eliminating yearly A&P inspection fees, saving owners thousands of dollars within just a few years. As a result, purchasing a pre-owned E-AB becomes a much more financially attractive option for a broader range of pilots. The argument can also be made that if you are actively involved with the care and maintenance of your aircraft, you will feel a deep sense of connection, and that if done correctly, you’ll be flying a safer airplane.
How These Benefits Tie to Pilot Proficiency & Confidence
At Flight Level One, we believe safety and proficiency are at the heart of using general aviation for connecting families, planning cross-country trips, or simply escaping to fly. MOSAIC supports that in practical ways:
- More flexibility lets you adapt your aircraft to mission needs without undue regulatory yuckiness.
- By opening the door to becoming more involved in your aircraft care and maintenance, you’ll connect to the whole process of flying on a deeper level.
- You’ll have an opportunity to experience more and varied aircraft without necessarily investing in advanced ratings, though this is never money poorly spent!
Download a free proficiency checklist, go to our free FL1 Proficiency Checklist, or visit www.flightlevelone.io to learn more about our platform and how you can become a safer and more proficient pilot.
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