FAA’s MOSAIC Ruling: What’s New & How It Affects Light-Sport Flight Training

Final Rule Issued: The FAA released the MOSAIC final rule on July 22–24, 2025, during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Federal Aviation AdministrationAOPAEAA.
Effective Dates:
- October 22, 2025 (about 90 days post-publication): Key changes affecting sport pilot privileges and operations go into effect AOPAAerospace AmericaEAA.
- July 24, 2026 (about one year later): Changes affecting certification and airworthiness of new aircraft under the light-sport category become effective AOPAAerospace America.

Removal of the old maximum takeoff weight limit (1,320 lb for land, 1,430 lb for seaplanes) DLA PiperFederal Aviation AdministrationHolland & Knight.
Sport Pilots can fly four-seat aircraft (only one passenger allowed) DLA PiperKitplanes.
Stall speed limit raised from 45 knots (CAS) to 59 knots (CAS)—bringing many popular types like Cessna 172 and high-performance homebuilt aircraft into the Sport Pilot envelope Kitplanes.

With proper training and logbook endorsements, Sport Pilots can now operate aircraft with:
- Retractable landing gear
- Constant-speed or controllable-pitch propellers Kitplanes.

Night flight becomes authorized—Sport Pilots may fly after dark if they:
- Hold a third-class medical or meet BasicMed
- Receive night flight training and logbook endorsement Kitplanes.

The MOSAIC rule removes the rigid “light-sport” aircraft definition and instead separates:
- Aircraft certification parameters (e.g., in 14 CFR Part 22)
- Pilot operating limits (e.g., in Part 61) Federal Aviation AdministrationE3 Aviation Association.
This separation allows Sport Pilots to fly a broader array of aircraft, as long as performance requirements are met KitplanesE3 Aviation Association.

The weight limit is eliminated; light-sport category certification will now be based on performance-based standards crafted in Part 22—allowing more innovation and adaptability Federal Aviation AdministrationE3 Aviation AssociationHolland & Knight.
Eligible aircraft types now include:
- Rotorcraft (e.g., gyroplanes, helicopters, eVTOL)
- Powered-lift vehicles
- Aircraft with multiple engines or different propulsion systems (electric, hybrid, hydrogen) Federal Aviation AdministrationHolland & KnightDLA Piper.
Certification will depend on manufacturer’s statement of compliance, Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) with flight training supplements, and an approved maintenance/inspection program Federal Aviation AdministrationDLA Piper.

Aircraft Training Options: From October 2025, your Sport Pilot students may train in:
- Four-seat trainers (even if only two are occupied).
- Aircraft with retractable gear or constant-speed props, given proper endorsements.
- Night flight training opportunities, increasing scheduling flexibility.
Fleet Versatility: With updated certification rules:
- Future additions to your fleet might include electric, rotorcraft, or powered-lift designs—thanks to performance-based certification.
Maintenance Dynamics:
- Repairman certificate privileges will expand in line with the broader aircraft category. Training and privileges for repairmen will be aligned with the increased aircraft complexity Federal Aviation Administration.

Opportunity	Impact
Expanded Training Fleet	You can diversify with four-seaters, gear- and prop-complex trainers, or even innovative aircraft forms—boosting appeal and utility.
Operational Flexibility	Night flight becomes viable, improving scheduling and making training programs more appealing to students.
Competitive Advantage	Being ahead in offering new endorsements (e.g., retractable gear training, night flying) positions your school as a modern, advanced-option provider.
Maintenance Readiness	Training and qualifications for maintenance personnel should reflect the broader aircraft capability and regulatory standards.

The FAA’s MOSAIC rule marks a seismic shift in light-sport aviation—from restrictive definitions to performance-based flexibility. For you:

Sport Pilot training gets real-world relevance, enabling use of more representative, versatile aircraft.
Fleet modernization becomes possible, opening doors to new aircraft types and technologies.
Operational scope broadens, giving students more flexibility and richer training experiences.