CASA has said it is considering a phased introduction of the new MOSAIC LSA rules as it continues to work on on policy and regulation changes that will enable Australia to take advantage of new designs.
MOSAIC updates the definition of light sport aircraft (LSA) and amends rules in the USA for Sport Pilot Licence holders, to be introduced as FAR Part 22.
Among the many changes, FAR Part 22 aircraft will have no MTOW limit, stall speeds of up to 61 kt and new technology and systems not permitted under the previous LSA parameters.
A CASA spokesperson told Australian Flying that the regulator viewed the new rules in a positive light.
"We’ve been closely monitoring the rollout of MOSAIC in the United States, which began this month, and see it as a positive policy direction that can be progressively introduced in Australia," the spokesperson said.
"But it will require regulatory changes, and we’re considering our policy approach with a view to phased implementation."
Part of what CASA is developing is how to adapt the standards given that the existing US system differs from Australia, particularly in comparing the Sport Pilot Licence with the CASA RPL and the RAAus RPC.
"Our first step would be to lay the airworthiness and definitional groundwork to support the safe use of new light sport aircraft (LSA) locally," the spokesperson said.
"This would include amendments to redefine light sport aircraft in the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) dictionary, adopt suitable airworthiness standards for new LSA, and introduce enhanced airworthiness assurance arrangements within CASR Parts 21 and 22."
As part of the MOSAIC changes, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has considered enhanced airworthiness safety assurance arrangements for manufacturers in the United States.
"An important consideration for Australia will be how we adapt that methodology given the scope of aircraft that will be used. For example, our controls would need to be fit for purpose to accommodate LSA manufactured in any country, not just those considered by the FAA."
CASA also said they were keen to write regulations that helped the Australia aircraft manufacturing industry open new markets, particularly in the USA.
"Supporting Australian manufacturing is also something we think is important, including how any Australian manufactured aircraft would be accepted in the US and other jurisdictions," the spokesperson said.
"It’s worth noting that while this will take time and regulatory changes are needed, the FAA airworthiness reforms are not scheduled to commence until July 2026.
"Importantly, consensus standards (industry-agreed technical rules for aircraft design and certification) must first be finalised and adopted by the FAA before newly manufactured aircraft can be issued with a special certificate of airworthiness and subsequently become available to Australian operators."
MOSAIC as it applies to the US Sport Pilot privileges began in late October, but recognition for new aircraft designs won't be implemented in the USA until 24 July 2026.
"While a small number of manufacturers may be ready to take advantage of the new scheme earlier, we anticipate most will not be in a position to do so until late 2026 or early 2027.
"We’ll continue analysing the FAA’s MOSAIC rules in the context of existing CASA regulations and work closely with industry to identify the best outcome for Australia."