The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) yesterday released the new MOSAIC rule that will overhaul the definition of light sport aircraft.
Known correctly as the Modernisation of Special Airworthiness Category, the new rules will enable LSAs to have higher maximum take-off weights without having to be type-certified. It also permits power plants other than piston engines, higher stall speeds and more seats.
The FAA made the announcement at EAA Airventure at Oshkosh yesterday.
"This new rule will promote better designs, safer materials, and upgraded technology in the recreational aviation sector," said US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. "Our recreational pilots and plane manufacturers have correctly noted outdated regulations were inhibiting innovation and safety. No more. Let’s bring this industry into a new age!"
MOSAIC makes several changes to the LSA definition, including:
- removing the weight limit, which allows for more safety features and safety-design flexibility
- encompassing aircraft with higher speeds, more seats and retractable landing gear
- allowing for new types of propulsion and modern avionics
- allowing four seats
- setting a stall speed for an aeroplane at 61 CAS at most critical CoG.
For the US, it also removes the maximum speed limitation, expands the types of aircraft flown under the Sport Pilot licence and permits some non-passenger commercial air work.
"This landmark rule aims to increase the availability of safe, modern, and affordable aircraft for recreational aviation, flight training, and certain aerial work," said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.
"It enables industry to meet the growing demand for more versatile aircraft with higher performance capabilities while maintaining high standards of safety."
The new rules will come into force one year from yesterday in the USA, but won't come into force in Australia until CASA adopts the regulation.
US adoption of the MOSAIC rules doesn't guarantee CASA will implement the rule completely as written in Australia, nor does it guarantee that LSA owners will be able to register aircraft with Recreational Aviation Australia if the MTOW exceeds 760 kg.
A CASA spokesperson told Australian Flying that the regulator was still going through the new ruleset.
"CASA has been closely watching and engaging with the US FAA as they developed their policy and we welcome the release of their final rules and framework for the future," the spokeperson said.
"We have reviewed draft versions of the FAA Modernisation of Special Airworthiness Category (MOSAIC) policy and whilst we have been aware of some of the major changes in the proposal, we are only seeing the final detail now it has been publicly released.
"We considered what we reviewed so far to be good policy, but need to review the final rules in the context of Australian operations, including how it would apply in the context of Part 149 Approved Self-Administering Aviation Organisations.
"It is likely that some of the initiatives will be easier to implement than others, and in some cases may already be part of our regulatory framework. For example, the new US FAA rules will allow some commercial aerial work operations by recreational aircraft, in Australia we already allow commercial activities such as towing banners/gliders/flying training.
"We are committed to reducing regulatory burden on general aviation, ensuring that regulation is proportionate to risk and that we maximise flexibility for the sector while maintaining an appropriate level of safety."
CEO Maxine Milera has said that RAAus is currently assessing the impact of MOSAIC and how it aligns with the organisation's strategic position.
edited from original article to include CASA and RAAus comments.