EAA supports MOSAIC proposal to increase opportunities for pilots, new recreational aircraft

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (January 22, 2024) — The Experimental Aircraft Association today urged the Federal Aviation Administration to move forward with its rule proposal titled MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification). EAA notes that the new rule will significantly benefit general aviation – expanding the capability, size, and scope of aircraft that can be built utilizing industry consensus standards and aircraft that can be flown while exercising Sport Pilot privileges.

Other major aviation organizations, including AOPA, NBAA, and NATA, are co-signers with EAA on its comments to the FAA’s NPRM (Notice of Proposed Rulemaking). In submitting its comments, EAA emphasized that MOSAIC builds on 20 years of safety and success since the introduction of the sport pilot and light-sport aircraft regulations in 2004.

“For a decade, EAA has offered ideas to the FAA on safely expanding the potential of sport pilot and light-sport aircraft, and those innovations are the genesis of the MOSAIC concept,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board. “With MOSAIC, EAA’s initial ideas have been encompassed in an initiative that will maintain elevated levels of safety while expanding access to training aircraft and foster innovation, as well as bringing economic growth and workforce development into the aviation community. EAA has also brought forward suggestions for minor modifications that would make MOSAIC in its final version even more effective.”

Among the areas where EAA recommended enhancements to the proposal:

• Slightly increasing stall speed
• Allow sport pilots to fly with up to three passengers
• Provide alternate means to verify night vision minimums for sport pilots to earn a night-flying endorsement
• Maintain existing requirements and structure for light-sport aircraft repair certificates

“All of EAA’s recommendations consider safety as the priority, while envisioning pathways to take full advantage of opportunities that MOSAIC can provide for increased growth and vitality of recreational aviation,’ Pelton said.

The FAA will now review the thousands of comments it has received during the just-concluded public comment period. The agency is expected to issue a final rule sometime in 2024 or early 2025.

About EAA
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and embodies The Spirit of Aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 270,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org.