The sun was shining, the planes were buzzing, and the energy at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 was electric when US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced some pretty big MOSAIC news for the general aviation world.
Joined by EAA CEO and Chairman Jack Pelton, FAA Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau, and US Representative Sam Graves, Duffy announced the finalization of the FAA’s Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule. It is a landmark update that’s set to reshape the Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) category and Sport Pilot privileges.
For the thousands of pilots, builders, manufacturers, and avgeeks gathered on the second day of the world’s biggest general aviation airshow, this is the news you’ve been waiting for.
Let’s talk about MOSAIC and what it means for the skies.
Unleashing American Ingenuity
“Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025,” Pelton began, setting the stage under the gorgeous Wisconsin sky. “It’s a great day to go flying, and we’ve got some great news about flying, too.” Pelton, a familiar face at AirVenture, highlighted the massive impact of general aviation: $300 billion in economic activity, over a million jobs, and critical roles in humanitarian relief, medical flights, and law enforcement. But the real spotlight was on MOSAIC, a rule that’s been 20 years in the making.
Duffy, who happens to be a Wisconsin native, says he proud to serve in an administration that cares deeply about aviation. He shared how the President tasked him with focusing on aviation safety and modernization, alongside “big, beautiful roads and bridges.”
“I can’t think of a better place than at the largest general aviation airshow in the US to announce that we’re unleashing American ingenuity,” Duffy said, his enthusiasm echoing across the AirVenture grounds. “This new rule will promote better designs, safer materials, and upgraded technology in the recreational aviation sector.”
For years, pilots and manufacturers have pointed out that outdated regulations were holding back innovation and safety in the LSA world. MOSAIC is the FAA’s answer, and it’s a big one.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford says MOSAIC opens up opportunities for more aircraft: “This landmark rule aims to increase the availability of safe, modern, and affordable aircraft for recreational aviation, flight training, and certain aerial work.”
So what does this mean, exactly? It means that the LSA category, which includes airplanes, gliders, powered parachutes, weight-shift-control aircraft, helicopters, gyroplanes, balloons, and airships, is about to get a whole lot more versatile. There is room for faster, heavier, and more capable designs, all while keeping safety first.
MOSAIC: What You Need to Know
What’s in the MOSAIC rule? It’s a substantial overhaul. In fact, it’s the most significant change since the LSA category and Sport Pilot certificate were introduced in 2004.
“For too long, our rules have been outdated, holding back our pilots, our builders, and our innovators,” Duffy said. “It’s been over 20 years since this rule has been updated. A lot has changed!”
Indeed, it has.
Here are some of the highlights:
- No More Weight Limits: Forget the old 1,320-pound cap for LSAs. MOSAIC swaps it for performance-based criteria, opening the door to heavier and faster aircraft with more safety features, like advanced avionics, retractable landing gear, and constant-speed propellers. Even electric propulsion systems are now fair game.
- More Seats, More Flexibility: LSAs can now have up to four seats, though Sport Pilots are still limited to one passenger (two souls on board total). “It’s two souls on board, four seats,” Duffy clarified during the Q&A, addressing a key point for pilots. The rule also opens the door to aircraft like Cessna 172s, 150s, and Piper Cherokees, based on a 61-knot stall speed limit.
- Expanded Sport Pilot Privileges: With the proper training and endorsements, Sport Pilots can fly at night (provisions for which are still being finalized) and operate more complex aircraft with advanced systems. It’s a big step toward making the Sport Pilot certificate more practical and appealing for those looking to fly without the heavier requirements of a private pilot license.
- New Missions for LSAs: For the first time, LSAs can be used for limited commercial work, like infrastructure inspections, aerial photography, and agricultural surveillance. This opens up new opportunities for pilots and businesses alike.
- Noise and Global Reach: Responding to over 1,300 public comments, the FAA made important changes, including voluntary noise standards for manufacturers. “We want our manufacturers to be able to sell aircraft overseas,” Duffy explained, ensuring US-built LSAs can compete globally.
- Turnkey for Existing Aircraft: Good news for owners of aircraft like Cessna 172s now qualifying as LSAs: no additional inspections are required. “It’s turnkey,” Rocheleau confirmed, making the transition seamless for pilots.
A Team Effort for Safety and Innovation
The MOSAIC rule has been a long time coming.
Rocheleau praised the collaborative effort: “We went through over 1,300 comments in our public notice. Thank you to the industry for contributing to this rule.”
The FAA’s data-driven approach, built on two decades of LSA safety records, ensured that MOSAIC balances innovation with safety. “General aviation remains the backbone of American aviation, and its safety continues to be our top priority,” Rocheleau said.
Representative Sam Graves, a pilot and longtime AirVenture attendee (this was his 30th trip!), was instrumental in pushing MOSAIC forward.
“I was there when we did the first Sport Pilot rule,” he said. “We put a deadline for the FAA to get the final rule for MOSAIC done within two years, and they beat that by nine months.”
Graves credited Duffy’s leadership and the FAA’s commitment, noting, “I’ve never seen a Secretary more committed and engaged in fixing the problems we see as pilots.”
Jack Pelton echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the broader context. “What’s very special about AirVenture is it’s not just in one country; it’s a national treasure,” he said, highlighting how MOSAIC aligns with the event’s focus on innovation and safety. He also gave a shout-out to the FAA team: “If you see those blue shirts with the FAA logo, please say thank you. They’ve been on the forefront of driving innovation and safety.”
When Does MOSAIC Start?
MOSAIC is live now. You can check out the full rule online. However, the rollout will take time. Changes for Sport Pilots and light-sport repairmen kick in 90 days after publication in the Federal Register, while LSA certification updates take effect in a year.
“It’s very long, it’s very detailed, and it’s going to mean different things for different operators,” Rocheleau said, promising close collaboration with industry to ensure a smooth transition.
Duffy also hinted at broader ambitions, tying MOSAIC to advancements like eVTOLs and advanced air mobility.
“It’s going to allow us more capabilities and benefits to advance air mobility,” he said, noting partnerships with countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to harmonize standards globally. And he’s keeping the door open for more ideas: “The best ideas do not come from DOT. If you have great ideas on what we can do better to drive innovation and safety, we are all ears.”
A New Era for General Aviation
MOSAIC is a monumentally welcome change for general aviation. It’s about making flying more accessible, sparking innovation, and keeping safety first. “This is going to make light-sport more accessible and versatile, and it’s going to bring more pilots into the process,” Graves said, summing up the rule’s promise. From Cessna 172s joining the LSA ranks to Sport Pilots gaining new freedoms, MOSAIC is a runway to a whole new world in recreational aviation.
As Secretary Duffy put it, “Spend a little more money than you anticipated in Wisconsin to help drive this great economy!”
With MOSAIC, the skies are more inviting than ever.
And with that, let’s raise a Spotted Cow to a new era of flight. See you up there!
For more details, check out the full MOSAIC rule at FAA.gov or catch up with FAA experts at AirVenture’s forums. Watch the full announcement from today’s announcement below.
