Glimpsing the future of light sport
Manufacturers preview models under Part 22
After its announcement at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) is now fully in effect.
This overhaul of sport pilot rules and the rules governing light sport category aircraft separates pilot privileges from aircraft certification. The aircraft certification provisions took effect July 24, 2026.
The FAA now defines the light sport category not by weight, but by stall speed. To earn certification under the new Part 22, airplanes may have up to four seats, a stall speed of up to 61 knots calibrated airspeed with flaps extended, and a maximum airspeed of 250 KCAS. Light sport category aircraft may have any number or type of powerplant (except rockets) and fixed or retractable landing gear.
Manufacturers may secure airworthiness certificates for factory-built light sport category aircraft on the basis of attested compliance with industry consensus standards. On July 16, the FAA accepted a full set of ASTM specifications for light-sport category airplanes. Some manufacturers were ready at EAA AirVenture 2026 with updates on their offerings under the new rules:
Blackshape Aircraft’s U.S. distributor showcased the 916iS Prime Veloce at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
CubCrafters’ Carbon Cub ULT, a turboprop version of the Carbon Cub UL, will be offered as an experimental amateur-built or light sport category aircraft.
The Jabiru J432 twin-engine aircraft with two podded engines protruding from the nose made its U.S. debut at EAA AirVenture.
Skyfly exhibited its updated Axe electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The Axe has a canard-like design that the company describes as a “vertically capable, light sport category aircraft.”
Sling Aircraft announced the Sling 2M, capable of flying in instrument conditions, is available for August delivery. The company also plans to certify a twin under Part 22.
Texas Aircraft expects to build its first Colt under the new ASTM standards within six months, a version that is expected to have an increased useful load.
Textron announced the Pipistrel Voyager, a two-seat training aircraft designed for the new light-sport category aircraft certification rules.
Van’s Aircraft recently delivered its first MOSAIC-compliant RV–12iS made for IFR and instrument meteorological conditions.
Zenith Aircraft Co. introduced the four-seat CH 750 Super Cruzer. The high-wing, all-metal design combines the useful load of the STOL CH 750 Super Duty with the faster cruise performance of the CH 750 Cruzer.
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. To better understand how the new rules may affect you, check out our frequently asked questions online.
