What is FAA Mosaic? (A Simple Explanation)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently released a major proposal called Mosaic that would overhaul the rules around light sport aircraft (LSA). Mosaic aims to modernize and expand LSA capabilities to improve safety, accessibility and innovation in aviation.

Mosaic: The Key Points

1. Removes arbitrary weight limits on LSAs, basing it on stall speed instead. This allows heavier planes up to around 3,000 lbs.
2. Increases maximum LSA stall speed modestly from 45 to 54 knots.
3. Removes speed limit, potentially permitting LSAs to reach 250 knots.
4. Eliminates restrictions on advanced features like retractable landing gear.
5. Expands LSA categories to include helicopters, gyrocopters.
6. Allows IFR and night flying operations.
7. Sport pilots can fly up to 4-seat LSAs but only carry 1 passenger.
8. Enables commercial aerial work like photography with an LSA.
9. Public comments will shape the final rule expected in 1-2 years.

What Is Light Sport Aircraft (LSA)?

Light sport aircraft are small, simple planes optimized for recreation and flight training. The rules allow easier and cheaper certification than standard planes.

To qualify as an LSA today, an airplane must weigh under 1,320 lbs maximum and stall at 45 knots or less. They can cruise no faster than 120 knots.

The sport pilot license was introduced in 2004, allowing pilots to fly LSAs without a medical certificate. This made aviation more accessible. Mosaic builds on that by further expanding LSA capabilities.

The Path to Mosaic

Mosaic comes after years of effort by industry groups and the FAA to expand the LSA category. The light sport aircraft rules were pioneered in 2004, but stakeholders realized over time that the limitations held back safety and innovation.

Groups like the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), and General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) worked with the FAA over the past decade to develop Mosaic.

It aims to transform LSA into a vibrant segment using performance-based standards.

Prior attempts at rulemaking faltered, but dedicated FAA officials helped see Mosaic across the finish line. The proposed changes promise to revolutionize sport and recreational aviation.

How Mosaic Changes the Rules

Mosaic removes prescriptive limits that constrained LSA designs and replaces them with performance-based standards.

No more weight limit – Mosaic eliminates the 1,320 lb gross weight restriction. Instead, maximum weight will be dictated by stall speed. Models that stall at 54 knots or less can potentially weigh around 3,000 lbs. This allows bigger margins for safety, utility and comfort.

Higher stall speeds – Mosaic moderately increases the maximum LSA stall speed from 45 to 54 knots. This enables existing planes like the Piper PA-28 Cherokee to qualify as LSA. The FAA determined through data analysis that the slight increase maintains an adequate safety margin.

Faster speeds – Removing the 120 knot limit will let manufacturers pursue much higher cruise speeds, potentially up to 250 knots. This makes LSAs more capable for cross-country trips. Advanced propulsion like turboprops could enable such speeds.

More features – Mosaic opens the door to advanced capabilities prohibited before, like controllable pitch propellers, retractable landing gear, and multiple engines. These will enhance performance and safety.

Consensus-based standards – Industry groups will develop detailed LSA design standards through ASTM International committees under a consensus safety process. This will maintain high certification rigor.

Expanded categories – LSA can encompass new designs like helicopters, gyrocopters, and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This will spur innovation in VTOL, autonomy and advanced technology.

More privileges – Sport pilots will be able to obtain additional training to fly LSA at night and in instrument conditions (IFR). This maximizes utility while still ensuring competency.

What It Means for Sport Pilots

Under Mosaic’s proposed rules, sport pilots will have more aircraft and capability options:

• Fly heavier high-wing planes like Cessna 172s, 182s, and Piper Cherokees. But still limited to one passenger.
• Operate certain 4-seat LSAs, carrying just one passenger.
• Fly LSAs at night and in IFR after getting required endorsements.
• Exercise expanded privileges if also a private pilot or higher.

Note: the fundamental sport pilot certificate requirements will remain unchanged. Sport pilots will still fly without a medical certificate, meeting driver’s license requirements. The training time and process to earn a sport pilot license will largely stay the same.

Impact on Electric Aircraft

Mosaic has huge implications for electric aviation by removing barriers to innovation. With no limits on aircraft power sources, eVTOLs and electric airplanes can more easily certify as LSA.

The increased 3,000 lb weight allowance also enables larger battery packs and motors for extended electric flight. And higher permitted speeds let electric LSAs achieve practical cruise speeds for travel.

Electric helicopter and multicopter designs can potentially certify under the new LSA rotorcraft categories. Overall, Mosaic opens doors for electric LSAs to thrive.

Commercial Use Cases

Mosaic allows LSA to be used for commercial operations like aerial photography, surveys, agriculture, pipeline patrol, and more. This offers new business opportunities.

Manufacturers can optionally certify their LSAs for commercial work. Additional crew training may be required, but operating costs can be lower than full FAA certification.

Some constraints will remain, like daytime-only operations unless further equipped. But Mosaic makes LSAs much more capable tools for aerial work.

Concerns and Criticisms

While Mosaic has been widely embraced, some concerns and opposition remain. Critics worry about potential risks if standards are too relaxed, increased complexity, and regulatory burden.

However, the FAA designed Mosaic to balance innovation and safety through performance-based rules. The stall speed parameter and consensus standards aim to maintain rigor. Industry will help shape the final rules through public comments.

What Happens Next?

Mosaic is currently a proposal open for public comments until mid-October 2022. The FAA will review feedback and issue the final rule, likely in 2024. Once adopted, manufacturers can produce LSAs meeting the new standards. Exciting new designs will hit the market and revitalize aviation!

After finalization, there will be transition time as manufacturers gear up. Flight schools will need to update training programs. Insurance products will adapt to cover new aircraft and uses. But Mosaic promises a new era in recreational flying.

Here’s what the Taking Off crew had to say about Mosaic:

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The proposed Mosaic rule represents an exciting new chapter for general aviation. By unleashing innovation in the LSA segment through modern, performance-based standards, Mosaic will breathe new life into recreational flying and pilot training.

With the shackles of arbitrary limitations removed, manufacturers can push boundaries and revitalize light aviation. Expect to see LSAs get safer, faster, and more capable over time. New designs will make flying more accessible and affordable for student pilots.

For sport pilots, Mosaic multiplies the possibilities. Pilots will have many more aircraft options at their fingertips, with new privileges to fly at night, in IFR, and use LSA commercially. Aviation will be opened up to more people than ever through sport piloting.

The future looks bright under Mosaic. Light sport flying has always been about fun and freedom. Mosaic will amplify that by enabling excitement, adventure and utility through light aircraft innovation. While public comments may shape the details, one thing is clear – the LSA revolution is about to take flight!