The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially approved the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule, overhauling Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) regulations and aiming to boost general aviation in the USA, including the development of personal eVTOLs.
MOSAIC expands the definition of LSAs to include aircraft with up to four seats, compared to the current two-seat limit and permits features like retractable landing gear, constant-speed propellers, and alternative propulsion systems (like electric powertrains) on LSAs. It allows for higher speed and performance capabilities within the LSA category and means that Sport Pilots will be able to operate a wider range of aircraft, and the rule reduces regulatory requirements for certain aircraft. The rule also allows for aerial work activities such as infrastructure and forest inspections, photography/filming, and agricultural surveillance using LSAs.
According to the FAA:
“.The amendments enable enhancements in safety and performance and increase privileges under a number of sport pilot and light sport aircraft rules. These enhancements include increasing suitability for flight training, limited aerial work, and personal travel. This final rule expands what aircraft sport pilots may operate. This final rule also amends the special purpose operations for restricted category aircraft; amends the duration, eligible purposes, and operating limitations for experimental aircraft; and adds operating limitations applicable to experimental aircraft engaged in space support vehicle flights to codify statutory language.”
For more information
https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/MOSAIC_Final_Rule_Issuance.pdf
(Image: Pipestrel’s Velis Electro is the first ever type-certified, LSA electric-powered aircraft, fully approved for pilot training in Day VFR operations in more than 30 countries)