There are more solutions than obstacles. Nicolas Zart
The Federal Aviation Administration’s MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) was announced this week at EAA AirVenture in July 2025. It marks a significant shift for the aviation industry and shifts the rules for light sport aircraft, including advanced air mobility (AAM).
What Has Changed with MOSAIC
With over 1,300 comments, MOSAIC, Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) Sport Pilot redefines the sport pilot category by removing earlier fixed limits, bringing flexibility to both designers and pilots. The key changes include removing the maximum weight restriction on LSA aircraft, which are now evaluated by performance figures such as stall speed rather than mass. Next, the seating has expanded from the former two-seat restriction to now allow up to four seats per aircraft, even if two are unoccupied. Increases in allowable speed mean faster and more capable models. Finally, more complex equipment, such as retractable landing gear and constant-speed propellers, is now allowed. This opens the category to a broader range of electric, hybrid, and innovative propulsion systems.
With it, the definition of an eligible aircraft is broader and includes helicopters, tiltrotor craft, powered lift, gliders, and other emerging designs that fall within this category. Sport pilots are granted additional privileges, including the possibility of flying at night, operating more advanced aircraft, and even limited commercial work with extra training.
How MOSAIC Benefits Advanced Air Mobility
With lower barriers for developers, the new framework offers a clearer certification path for electric aircraft and AAM vehicles. By removing the historic weight and configuration barriers, manufacturers can design with safety features and incorporate electric powertrains without concern for limitations. This reduction in cost and complexity is expected to speed up development and entry to service for new eVTOL and electric aircraft.
Pilot Training and Workforce Advantages
Flight schools can now use higher-performance electric and four-seat aircraft for training under the revised rules. This allows a new generation of pilots to learn with modern technology that more closely matches the aircraft they will fly in tomorrow’s urban and regional air mobility operations.
Supporting Innovation and Market Growth
Manufacturers and startups can bring prototypes to market more quickly and affordably. Airports and communities will find greater incentive to build out electrical charging infrastructure and adapt their facilities, since a wider variety of aircraft will be entering service and public exposure will increase.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford explained that MOSAIC continues to bring safe, modern, and affordable aircraft for recreation, flight training, and even some limited aerial work together without compromising safety. According to a handful of industry leaders, these changes bridge the gap between today’s experimental realm and tomorrow’s certified electric and AAM fleets.
Looking Ahead
This MOSAIC update is a big step forward and reflects a vision for future-ready rules that support cleaner, more accessible, and technology-friendly aviation. As both design and pilot access rules are modernized, there will be a surge in electric aircraft activity and greater progress toward fully realized advanced air mobility.
Whether you are a manufacturer, airport, pilot, or city official, this is a turning point for preparing your operation for electric flight. Stay connected to electricairmobility dot news for future coverage and industry insight