FAA Advances Safety in Light-Sport Pilot Training

The U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced a new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rule aimed at removing outdated regulations that limited innovation and safety in the recreational Light Sport Aviation (LSA) sector.

The Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule removes weight limits on LSAs, allowing for enhanced safety features and design flexibility. It also expands aircraft types to include higher speeds, more seats, retractable landing gear, new propulsion methods, and modern avionics. Additionally, it permits certain aerial work such as inspections and agricultural surveillance under LSA operations and broadens Sport Pilot privileges.

LSAs are lightweight aircraft operated by pilots holding Sport Pilot certificates, which require fewer training hours than private pilot certificates. The FAA created the LSA category in 2004 to support safe, economical recreational and training aircraft.

Changes for Sport Pilots and light-sport repairmen take effect 90 days after publication; certification updates follow after 365 days.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said, "This landmark rule aims to increase the availability of safe, modern, and affordable aircraft for recreational aviation, flight training, and certain aerial work. It enables industry to meet the growing demand for more versatile aircraft with higher performance capabilities while maintaining high standards of safety."

U.S. Representative Sam Graves (R-MO) noted, "This is a huge win that will fundamentally transform general aviation. It will ensure light sport aircraft are more versatile and accessible, foster innovation in the light sport aircraft category, and make it easier for more people to become pilots."