In July 2025, the FAA released the final MOSAIC rule, which stands for Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification. Some changes took effect in October 2025, with others following in July 2026. MOSAIC is the result of years of collaboration between the FAA and industry organizations, including AOPA, and will significantly expand access to general aviation and modernize how light sport aircraft are defined and certified.
The rule separates and redefines sport pilot and light sport aircraft regulations by expanding sport pilot privileges, allowing certificate holders to fly more types of aircraft than before. Seperately, it also expands the types of aircraft that are now considered light-sport category aircraft by removing the weight limit and instead limiting them by stall speed.
Changes affecting sport pilot privileges to fly existing aircraft took effect on October 22, 2025, while changes affecting airworthiness certification of new aircraft take effect on July 24, 2026.
This is a major milestone in improving access to GA.
AOPA has created a “Frequently Asked Questions” page that addresses many of the most common questions received by AOPA since the FAA started the MOSAIC process in 2023. AOPA will update the FAQ site as additional questions are identified and answered.
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