The FAA’s final MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) rule was formally unveiled at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, FAA leadership, and EAA officials. Industry stakeholders herald it as one of the most transformative regulatory updates in general aviation in over 75 years. General Aviation News

Market Expansion & Pilot Access (“Sport Pilot 2.0”)

• LSA certification is redefined by stall speed, not weight:
  • Sport pilots may fly LSAs with a stall speed up to 59 knots.
  • Private pilots and higher certifications may operate LSAs with stall speed up to 61 knots, effectively bringing classic aircraft like the Cessna 172 within sport pilot privileges.
  • Potentially 70% of the existing GA fleet now becomes accessible under sport pilot limitations. General Aviation News

Propulsion & Aircraft Capabilities

• The LSA category now permits:
  • Electric, hybrid, and alternative propulsion
  • Four-seat fixed-wing airplanes
  • Enhanced features such as retractable landing gear, constant-speed propellers, and advanced avionics — all previously restricted. General Aviation News Federal Aviation Administration DLA Piper

Expanded “Aerial Work” Operations

• LSAs can now be used for limited commercial functions including:
  • Aerial photography, surveillance, pipeline patrol, banner towing, and agricultural operations — unlocking new revenue models for operators. General Aviation News

Certification & Compliance Reform

• A new “Statement of Compliance” (SOC) process replaces traditional Type and Production Certificates for LSA aircraft, enabling more agile manufacturer onboarding and reduced costs. DLA Piper

Implementation Timeline & Compliance Pathways

• Effective in two phases:
  • Core regulatory changes activate 90 days after Federal Register publication.
  • Provisions requiring consensus standards or new operating procedures, such as experimental & restricted category operations, phase in 365 days post-publication. Federal Aviation Administration

Strategic Opportunities for Stakeholders

Flight Schools & Training Providers

• Access to a broader fleet of legacy and modern LSAs under sport pilot training programs.
• Potential relief on costs and certification barriers, enabling accelerated growth.

Aircraft Manufacturers & Innovators

• The removal of weight and propulsion restrictions fosters development of four-seat LSAs, eVTOLs, and hybrid-powered aircraft.
• Reduced regulatory overhead through SOC certification encourages entry by non‑traditional aerospace innovators. DLA Piper

Operators & Service Providers

• New commercial opportunities in limited aerial work and mission-based operations.
• Potential to incorporate LSAs into service-based business models like aerial inspections or agricultural surveillance.