By Mason Ross
On July 24, 2025, the FAA published a set of changes to the regulations applying to individuals seeking or currently holding Sport Pilot certificates: the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification, or MOSAIC.
Based on safety data gathered over the last twenty years, the aim of MOSAIC is twofold. It improves access to general aviation by expanding the types of aircraft that can be flown by Sport Pilot certificate holders, and it amends Part 21 to include a new certification for light sport aircraft under Part 22. It also removes overly restrictive definitions and limitations of “Light Sport Aircraft” currently found in § 1.1 of the Federal Aviation Regulations.
Essentially, the FAA is separating aircraft design standards from pilot certification requirements. Under previous regulations, they were closely linked. To explain this clearly, we will break it into two tables, referencing § 61.316 of the FARs and the FAA’s MOSAIC fact sheet. The table summarizing changes for pilot certification is shown below:
| Type | Original Regulations | New Regulations |
| Aircraft Types | Airplanes, gliders, weight shift control, powered parachutes, balloons, airships, gyroplanes. | Same as previous, with the addition of helicopters with simplified flight controls. |
| Maximum Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats for airplanes, 2 seats for other aircraft. |
| Maximum Occupants | 2 (Pilot + 1 passenger) | Same as previous. |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 1,320 lbs (land)1,430 lbs (seaplane) | None |
| Maximum Stall Speed | 45 knots calibrated airspeed (no flaps) | Airplanes: 59 knots calibrated airspeed (no flaps).Gliders and weight shift control: 45 knots calibrated airspeed. |
| Maximum Airspeed | 120 knots | None |
| Engine | Single, reciprocating engine. | No restriction, except for rockets. |
| Propeller | Fixed or ground adjustable only. | Fixed, manual, or automatic pitch control. Controllable pitch propellers require additional training and endorsement. |
| Landing Gear | Fixed (except for gliders and seaplanes). | Gliders: fixed or retractable.All others: fixed or retractable. Retractable gear requires additional training and endorsement. |
| Simulator Training Creditable | None. | Up to 2.5 hours of aviation training device or flight simulation training device may be credited toward flight time. |
| Night Operations | None | Allowed with additional training, instructor endorsement, and BasicMed or a third-class medical. |
| Medical Requirement | State-issued driver’s license, never denied a medical. | Same as previous, with BasicMed or a third-class medical required for night operations. |
| Additional Pilot Privileges | Proficiency check with a flight instructor. | Same as previous, with the addition of helicopter privileges with simplified flight controls and a practical test with an examiner to add airplane or helicopter privileges.. |
This allows us to transition from pilot privileges to aircraft design standards. Originally categorized in 2004, a light sport aircraft was defined as an aircraft that had to meet specific requirements under § 1.1 of the CFRs. These included takeoff weight, airspeed, stall speed, number of seats, and more. MOSAIC expands this by making stall speed the primary limitation rather than takeoff weight.
Additionally, after July 24, 2026, aircraft can be designed under Part 22 of the FARs, expanding the range of designs and performance options for light sport category aircraft. The table summarizing these changes is shown below:
| Type | Original Regulations | New Regulations |
| Aircraft Privileges | Sport, recreational. | Same as previous, with the addition of personal travel and some aerial work. |
| Aircraft Class | Airplanes, gliders, powered parachutes, weight shift control, and lighter-than-air. | Any class of aircraft, subject to upcoming industry standards under FAR Part 22. |
| Maximum Seats | 2 seats. | 4 seats for airplanes; 2 seats for other aircraft. |
| Maximum Weight | 1,320 lbs (land).1,430 lbs (seaplanes). | None |
| Maximum Stall Speed | 45 knots CAS (no flaps). | 61 knots CAS for airplanes (flaps extended).Gliders: 45 knots CAS (flaps extended).Weight shift control: 45 knots CAS (no flaps). |
| Maximum Airspeed | 120 KCAS | 250 KCAS |
| Engine | Single, reciprocating engine. | Any number or type, except for rockets. |
| Propeller | Fixed | Any |
| Landing Gear | Fixed | Fixed or retractable. |
| Design / Approval of New Aircraft | N/A | To be developed under upcoming industry standards of Part 22. |
| Continuing Operational Safety | Mandatory compliance with manufacturer safety directives and Airworthiness Directives. | Voluntary compliance with manufacturer safety directives and mandatory compliance with Airworthiness Directives. |
Another important point is that sport pilot certification, at its most basic level, does not require an FAA medical certificate. It only requires a valid state-issued driver’s license, compliance with any restrictions on that license, and that the individual has never been denied an FAA medical certificate. For individuals who may not be able to obtain an FAA medical, MOSAIC further opens a path to aviation without requiring them to fly smaller light sport aircraft or invest additional time and money to find one.
The aeronautical experience requirements, or flight hours, for sport pilots are also lower than those for private pilots by about one-half, based on the minimum hours in Part 61 of the FARs. However, the subjects of knowledge and flight proficiency are very similar for both certifications, and private pilots have fewer limitations than sport pilots.
So what does this all mean? While MOSAIC lowers certain barriers to entry and creates more opportunities for sport pilots and higher-level certificate holders to exercise sport pilot privileges, it does not remove the responsibility for safety before, during, and after flight.
Because there are more opportunities to fly, safety must continue to be emphasized throughout training, regardless of certification. There are still specific requirements for sport and private pilot certificates found in subparts J and E of Part 61 of the FARs, respectively. Sport pilots can now exercise privileges similar to private pilots, such as flying into Class B, C, and D airspace or flying at night. However, these operations require training from a flight instructor and endorsements under § 61.325 and § 61.329.
Should you pursue sport or private pilot training? There is no single correct answer. The decision depends on what you want to achieve in aviation. Regardless of which path you choose, the shared priority between sport and private pilots is safety for both the pilot and their passengers.