What is MOSAIC?
MOSAIC stands for "Modernisation of Special Airworthiness Certificates" and describes a comprehensive set of regulations of the US aviation authority FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). The aim of the project is to continue the class of Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) and adapt it to the technological and market advances of the last two decades.
The existing LSA regulation had given general aviation a boost in innovation - many new aircraft manufacturers entered the market because they were not subject to the high requirements of the classic certification categories. However, technological progress has long since overtaken the existing regulations: modern materials, new avionics, electric drives and higher performance reserves hardly fit into the tight corset of the previous LSA criteria.
This is exactly where MOSAIC comes in: The new regulation should more weight, higher cruising speeds, more complex systems and even 4-seater aircraft under certain conditions. This would allow many modern aircraft that currently require expensive standard approvals to be certified more easily and cost-effectively - with significant benefits for manufacturers, pilots and flight schools.
Hopes for AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 disappointed
The AirVenture in Oshkoshthe world's largest general aviation meeting with over 600,000 visitors annually, was originally intended to provide the stage for the final publication of the MOSAIC rules. Manufacturers, associations and aviation experts worldwide were looking forward to July 2025 as a milestone.
However, as industry insiders report, the FAA postponed the publication - apparently for political and organisational reasons. The Change of government in the USA and an associated Uncertainty about the FAA's budget have caused the project to stall. Although MOSAIC is still considered to be economically desirable, the authority apparently needs more time to finalise the project.
Political influences: Economic promotion versus customs policy
In the context of President-elect Donald Trump's economic policy, who has declared his aim to strengthen American industry, MOSAIC could well receive a tailwind - provided the FAA is able to economic benefit can be clearly quantified.
At the same time, however, the Restrictive customs policy of the new administration for uncertainty. Import duties on aircraft or components could not only burden European manufacturers, but also US companiesthat are dependent on internationally sourced primary products.
The Associations GAMA (General Aviation Manufacturers Association) and LAMA (Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association) are therefore exerting pressure: they are demanding a Duty exemption for aircraft and aeronautical componentssimilar to that already in place for certain spare parts in previous years. The aim is not to jeopardise competitiveness unnecessarily - neither on the US market nor in exports.
Significance for European manufacturers
MOSAIC is also a much-discussed topic in Europe - and not only because many European manufacturers such as BRM Aero, Pipistrel and Flight Design produce specifically for the US market. There is also hope that the EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) adopts or at least influences some of the new regulations as part of transatlantic harmonisation.
One example of this is the new 600 kg class for microlight aircraft in Europewhich already represents a step towards a more modern authorisation logic. MOSAIC could serve as an international frame of reference here in order to better master the balancing act between safety, innovation and cost-effectiveness in Europe too.
Outlook: When is MOSAIC coming?
A specific date for the publication of the final MOSAIC regulation is currently not foreseeable. In well-informed circles, a formal decision is not expected until the end of 2025 at the earliest. However, the process remains dynamic: it can be assumed that industry representatives will continue to exert political pressure to ensure timely implementation.
In the meantime, many manufacturers are pinning their hopes on a Interim regulation or a "early adoption"in which selected elements of the MOSAIC draft could already be applied in advance - for example in the context of special authorisations or trial authorisations.
Conclusion
MOSAIC stands for an urgently needed modernisation of light aircraft certification in the USA - with potential positive effects for international aviation as a whole. However, political upheaval and economic uncertainties are delaying the launch. For general aviation, this means: wait and see, but be prepared. Because when MOSAIC arrives, it will fundamentally change the rules of the game for manufacturers, operators and authorities.
Source references:
Aviation magazine