MOSAIC — Modernization of
Special Airworthiness Certificates
The most significant update to Light-Sport Aircraft regulations since 2004. More aircraft. New privileges. Same accessible path to flight.
What is the MOSAIC Rule?
A modernization 20 years in the making
The FAA's Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certificates (MOSAIC) final rule rewrites the framework governing Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) and the Sport Pilot certificate. The original LSA category was created in 2004 to lower barriers to flight training — but its prescriptive design standards and strict weight limits quickly became outdated.
MOSAIC replaces those prescriptive standards with performance-based criteria. Instead of dictating exactly how an aircraft must be built, the new rule defines what an aircraft must be able to do. The result: a dramatically broader pool of eligible aircraft, including many that pilots have been flying for decades.
For Sport Pilot certificate holders and students, MOSAIC means access to faster, more capable aircraft — and new operating privileges that were previously out of reach.
Official Rule Reference
What Changed — Before & After MOSAIC
MOSAIC rewrites the definition of a Light-Sport Aircraft. Here's what the rule actually changed.
What Sport Pilots Can Now Do
MOSAIC directly expands what a Sport Pilot certificate holder is authorized to do — without requiring additional ratings.
Fly More Aircraft
Sport Pilots now have access to a dramatically expanded pool of eligible aircraft — including higher-performance designs with retractable gear and constant-speed propellers that previously required at least a Private Pilot certificate.
Night VFR Operations NEW
Under MOSAIC, Sport Pilots may fly at night under VFR conditions after completing the required ground and flight training from an authorized instructor and receiving a logbook endorsement. Night flight was previously prohibited for Sport Pilots.
Higher-Weight Aircraft
The expanded 3,000 lb MGTOW limit opens access to aircraft that were too heavy under the old 1,320 lb rule — including many single-engine aircraft that were previously off-limits for Sport Pilot operations.
Modern Equipment
Aircraft eligible for Sport Pilot operations can now feature retractable landing gear, constant-speed propellers, and advanced avionics — equipment previously associated exclusively with Private Pilot-required aircraft.
More Aircraft Categories
MOSAIC expands the LSA category to include gliders, gyroplanes, and certain powered-lift aircraft. Sport Pilots with appropriate training and endorsements can operate these additional aircraft types.
Still No Medical Required
One of the most valuable Sport Pilot privileges remains unchanged: a valid U.S. driver's license continues to serve as the medical standard. No FAA medical exam required — even with the expanded privileges under MOSAIC.
What Still Applies to Sport Pilots
MOSAIC expands Sport Pilot privileges significantly — but several important limitations remain in effect.
VFR Only (No IFR)
Sport Pilots are authorized for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations only. Instrument flight (IFR) requires an Instrument Rating, which cannot be held with a Sport Pilot certificate alone.
Single Passenger Limit
Sport Pilots may carry no more than one passenger at a time. The aircraft must have no more than two seats. Multi-passenger operations require at least a Private Pilot certificate.
No Compensation or Hire
Sport Pilots may not act as pilot in command of an aircraft for compensation or hire. Flying for business or as a commercial operator requires a Commercial Pilot certificate.
Class A Airspace Prohibited
Sport Pilots may not fly in Class A airspace (above 18,000 feet MSL). Additionally, operations in Class B airspace require a specific endorsement from an authorized instructor.
Night Requires Endorsement
While MOSAIC now permits night VFR, it is not automatic. Sport Pilots must complete required ground and flight training and hold a current logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor before flying at night.
Driver's License Medical Standard
The driver's license medical standard is subject to conditions: if a pilot has been denied an FAA medical certificate, they may not exercise Sport Pilot privileges until specific FAA requirements are met. See 14 CFR 61.303.
Light-Sport Aircraft Only
Sport Pilots may only act as PIC of aircraft that meet the Light-Sport Aircraft definition under 14 CFR Part 1 (as updated by MOSAIC). Flying aircraft outside LSA category requires a higher certificate.
No International Operations
Sport Pilot certificates issued under 14 CFR Part 61 are subject to limitations on international operations. Always verify with the relevant foreign aviation authority before any cross-border flight.
What It Takes to Get Your Sport Pilot Certificate
MOSAIC didn't change the Sport Pilot certificate requirements — just what you can do with it. Here's the path from zero experience to Sport Pilot.
Meet the Basic Requirements
You must be at least 16 years old to fly solo in an airplane (17 to receive the Sport Pilot certificate). You must hold a valid U.S. driver's license — no FAA medical examination is required. If your most recent FAA medical application was denied or revoked, special conditions apply under 14 CFR 61.303.
Pass the FAA Knowledge Test
Complete the Sport Pilot Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved testing center. The test covers aeronautical knowledge including regulations, airspace, weather, and aircraft performance. A passing score of 70% or better is required. Preparation typically takes 20–40 hours of self-study using FAA-approved materials.
Complete Flight Training
Per 14 CFR 61.313, the minimum aeronautical experience for a Sport Pilot certificate in an airplane includes 20 hours total flight time — of which at least 15 hours are flight training from an authorized instructor (including specific maneuver and cross-country requirements) and at least 5 hours are solo flight time. New Tech Aviation's Sport Pilot program is designed to meet and exceed these minimums efficiently.
Pass the Practical Test (Checkride)
Demonstrate your knowledge and skills to an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). The practical test evaluates aeronautical knowledge (oral exam) and flight proficiency (flight exam) against the Sport Pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS). Your instructor will determine when you're ready and endorse you for the test.
Take Advantage of MOSAIC
Once certificated, you can exercise the full privileges of a Sport Pilot under MOSAIC — including access to the expanded LSA category. To add night VFR privileges, complete the required training with a CFI and receive your logbook endorsement. New Tech Aviation offers complete Sport Pilot training and post-certificate endorsements at KPSK.
Ready to Take Advantage of MOSAIC?
Start your Sport Pilot training at New Tech Aviation in New River Valley, Virginia. Our CFIs are up to date on MOSAIC and ready to get you in the air — on the fastest, most efficient path to your certificate.