Devils Amongst the Details

In the days preceding the gala opening of EAA’s AirVenture 2023, the FAA published its long-anticipated and much-discussed proposal to expand opportunities—certification and otherwise—for Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) and Sport Pilots.

Dubbed Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC), the proposed legislation’s ramifications are broader, considerably, than many LSA enthusiasts yet realize. In point of fact, the NPRM pertaining to MOSAIC is wide-ranging, affecting myriad facets of the aerospace sector.

While media attention germane to MOSAIC has focused primarily upon Part 21: Certification Procedures for Products and Articles and the expansion of the aircraft that may be eligible for future certification as a Light Sport Aircraft; and Part 61: Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors with the expanded authority of a sport pilot, the proposed rule affects 14 CFR Parts 1, 21, 22, 36, 43, 45, 61, 65, 91 and 119.

Obfuscated by the merry din of celebration are: changes to Part 1, which directly affects the entirety of Civil Aviation’s sectors, to include airports and FBOs; the establishment of Part 22, which sets the certification foundation for all future consensus standard-based aircraft certifications; the expansion of the environmental standards applicable to the initial certification and modification of all LSA; changes to Parts 43 and 45; significant changes to Parts 61 and 91, which pertain to pilot certification and flight operations respectively; a change from a prescriptive hour-based approach to qualifying LSA repairmen to a performance-based approach more consistent with certificated mechanics; and the introduction of commercial space to Part 119.

MOSAIC is a tortuously complex proposal eminently and urgently deserving of thoughtful and thorough review. Aviation stakeholders are reminded comments pertaining to the MOSAIC NPRM must be submitted no later than 23 October 2023.

FMI: https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-14425.pdf