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FAA Approves Certification Standards for Next-Gen Light-Sport Aircraft Under MOSAIC
FAA has endorsed ASTM International standards enabling certification of larger, more capable light-sport aircraft under MOSAIC rules effective July 24, 2026.
The gist
FAA clears ASTM standards for certifying advanced light-sport aircraft under MOSAIC, paving way for bigger, more capable models.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has formally adopted a new set of ASTM International industry standards to facilitate the certification of larger and more capable light-sport aircraft under its Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) regulations. This decision provides manufacturers with an FAA-approved pathway to demonstrate compliance for airplanes, gliders, powered-lift aircraft, and gyroplanes meeting the updated requirements effective from July 24, 2026.
Previously, aircraft producers faced the challenge of having new regulatory frameworks without a detailed compliance structure for certifying aircraft under MOSAIC’s expanded light-sport category. The FAA's acceptance of four distinct ASTM integration standards remedies this gap, providing a structured means of compliance aligned with the agency’s new Part 22 airworthiness rules that went into effect on July 16.
These comprehensive ASTM standards, developed by the F37 committee, encompass critical aircraft design and production elements. They address structural integrity, flight characteristics, landing gear systems, engine and propeller configurations, fuel and electrical systems, installed equipment, and occupant protection measures. Additionally, the standards include protocols for production testing, quality assurance, ongoing maintenance programs, and continuous operational safety oversight.
Some aircraft applying for certification will also need to satisfy supplementary standards depending on their intended operation—such as nighttime flying, instrument flight rules (IFR), water operations, or specific aerial work tasks—which are integrated into the compliance framework. This layered approach assures that aircraft are sufficiently vetted across diverse operational environments.
MOSAIC’s overhaul replaces several rigid restrictions from the original light-sport aircraft category with performance-based standards. Notably, the new rule expands the category to include aircraft with up to four seats and permits features like retractable landing gear and constant-speed propellers, plus a broader array of propulsion types. The FAA eliminated the former 1,320-pound maximum takeoff weight for landplanes, instead imposing limits tied to stall speed, maximum level-flight speed, and other performance characteristics. This shift allows for light-sport aircraft with enhanced payload capacity, extended range, and improved overall utility.
It is important to note that the FAA’s recent acceptance of these ASTM standards does not equate to individual aircraft approval. Each manufacturer remains responsible for designing, testing, and certifying their aircraft against the relevant requirements, maintaining quality production systems, and submitting compliance statements prior to receiving an airworthiness certificate. Furthermore, only the specific versions of the ASTM standards listed by the FAA are approved; future revisions will need separate FAA validation to be accepted.
The FAA’s notice currently applies to aircraft certificated under MOSAIC on or after July 24, 2026, as well as experimental light-sport kits meeting the updated compliance criteria post that date. Aircraft certified previously will continue operating under their original certification bases and limits. Notably, the FAA has yet to approve integration standards for light-sport helicopters, though ASTM continues developing these through the F37 committee. Additionally, standards for simplified flight controls remain under review and are not included in this certification acceptance.
This FAA acceptance marks a significant milestone in the evolution of light-sport aircraft certification, removing a final barrier to implementing MOSAIC’s expanded category provisions. The move signals broader opportunities for innovation and versatility in smaller aircraft design and use, reflecting the FAA’s commitment to updating regulations in step with industry advancements.
Frequently asked questions
- What new standards has the FAA accepted for light-sport aircraft certification?
- The FAA has accepted four ASTM International integration standards covering design, production, safety, and operational requirements for larger light-sport aircraft under MOSAIC rules.
- When do the new MOSAIC certification standards take effect?
- The standards apply to light-sport category aircraft certificated on or after July 24, 2026, and to eligible experimental kits with compliance statements signed after that date.
- Does the FAA acceptance of the standards mean all new light-sport aircraft are automatically certified?
- No, manufacturers must still design, test, maintain production quality, and submit compliance statements; each aircraft is individually reviewed before FAA issues airworthiness certificates.
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