The FAA has released a 300-page unpublished version of a proposed rule that would amend and modernize its approach to regulating light-sport aircraft (LSA) to account for new technologies and use cases.
The Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule would incorporate performance-based requirements to allow larger, more robust types to qualify as LSA-category aircraft, a certification level that falls between experimental and normal-category aircraft. It would accommodate LSA types weighing up to 3,000 lb., more than double the current limit of 1,320 lb., by basing an aircraft’s weight limit on its stall speed and permitting higher stall speeds.
LSA-category aircraft would also be allowed to conduct aerial work operations for hire as specified by their operating limitations; under current rules, sport pilots can only tow a glider or an ultralight vehicle or conduct flight training for compensation.
Federal Register publication of the FAA notice of proposed rulemaking is scheduled for July 24, which triggers a 90-day public comment period.
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) applauded the FAA’s release of the MOSAIC draft rule on July 19, saying it has lobbied the agency hard to expand the light sport aircraft definition, relax most current operating limitations, and allow certain operations for hire that are now reserved for certified aircraft.
“Modernizing the light-sport category for the thousands of our members that fly these aircraft is something we’ve been long pushing for, and it just makes sense,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. “We’re pleased to see the FAA take this first step to help modernize the general aviation fleet and provide more options for pilots.”
LSA pilots would still not require a medical certificate as long as they hold a valid U.S. driver’s license and have not previously had an FAA medical certificate denied, revoked or suspended. Under the proposed rule, they could fly aircraft with controllable-pitch propellers, retractable landing gear and for night VFR operations. The FAA proposes allowing sport pilots to fly four-seat aircraft, but the current limitation of one passenger remains unchanged, AOPA said.
The FAA’s current regulation, published in 2004, established rules for the manufacture, certification, operation and maintenance of LSA aircraft, including airplanes, gliders, balloons, powered parachutes and gyroplanes, under a special airworthiness certification.
“Since the 2004 rule, light-sport category aircraft have shown a lower accident rate than experimental amateur-built airplanes,” the agency states in the unpublished draft rule. “[A]s a result, the FAA identified this proposed rule as an opportunity to expand the 2004 final rule to include a wider variety of aircraft, increase performance, and increase operating privileges to expand these safety benefits to more aircraft.”
