The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently working on a significant modernisation of its light aircraft certification regulations. This new initiative, known as MOSAIC (Modernisation of Special Airworthiness Certificates), is intended to replace the existing LSA (Light-Sport Aircraft) rules and provide manufacturers with more flexibility in the development and certification of their aircraft. MOSAIC is at the centre of a broad discussion within the aviation community, and various interest groups have already submitted comments and suggestions on the proposed changes.
The opportunity to submit comments on the current MOSAIC version by 24 January 2024 was actively used by many associations and interest groups. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) recently published a summary of the comments submitted, which also included contributions from other organisations such as the Experimental Aircraft Association, the National Business Aviation Association and the National Air Transportation Association. This summary highlighted both positive aspects and concerns raised by the associations in relation to the new certification regulations.
One of the positive points emphasised by the associations is the removal of the weight limit of 1320 pounds (around 600 kilograms) for aircraft certified under MOSAIC. This opens up the possibility for manufacturers to develop a wider range of aircraft models that fall under these new regulations. In addition, the increase in the maximum speed to 250 knots and the possibility of using different engine types, variable pitch propellers and retractable landing gear was welcomed. The authorisation to fly at night on condition that the pilot has the necessary qualifications and the option to operate MOSAIC-approved aircraft commercially were also viewed positively.
Despite these positive aspects, the associations have also expressed some concerns and requests for changes to certain aspects of the MOSAIC regulations. Some of the proposed changes include an increase in stall speed to 58 knots to qualify more aircraft types for MOSAIC certification, as well as an increase in the maximum number of seats to four, including for helicopters and gyroplanes. In addition, an increase in the maximum flight altitude to 12500 feet is required for greater safety over mountainous terrain.
Another important point raised by the associations concerns the application of noise protection regulations in accordance with FAR Part 36 for experimental aircraft. Here, a waiver of these regulations is called for in order to facilitate the development process and the certification of experimental aircraft.
Overall, it is expected to take some time to process the approximately 1,300 comments submitted. AOPA estimates that the MOSAIC rules will not come into force until 2025. Despite this delay, the association draws a positive conclusion and encourages the FAA to implement the new rules.
As far as the impact on Germany is concerned, the current LSA rules are only relevant for the USA. Nevertheless, the topic of MOSAIC is also of interest to German pilots, as the FAA is working closely with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to possibly harmonise the regulations in the future. Harmonisation of the certification regulations could enable German manufacturers to obtain certification for both the USA and Europe at the same time, which would simplify the certification process and provide greater flexibility for pilots. MOSAIC therefore remains an important topic for the German aviation community, which will continue to be closely monitored.
