Duffy Announces Completion At EAA AirVenture

After U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy announced the completion of the FAA’s MOSAIC rule expanding light sport aircraft category, sport pilot privileges, as well as other aspects of general aviation at the EAA AirVenture airshow and fly-in at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the National Business Aviation Association released a statement praising the news.

While some details remain to be clarified along with dotting some i’s and crossing some t’s, the final rule expands on the 2004 rule for Certification of Aircraft and Airmen for the Operation of Light Sport Aircraft, the updated version has significant implications and potential for flight training, aerial work, and personal travel by expanding the types of aircraft sport pilots may fly.

Doug Carr, NBAA Senior Vice President of Safety, Security, Sustainability and International Operations for NBAA said, “The long-awaited final rule, MOSAIC, is the culmination of decades of FAA and industry light-sport aircraft and sport pilot certification efforts and the result of an over 20-year successful safety record of light-sport category aircraft.

“In addition to expanding privileges for sport pilots and capabilities for light-sport category aircraft, the rule will play a crucial role in development of innovative technology for the cockpit.”

The new and improved rule permits sport pilots to operate some helicopters, fly at night, and fly aircraft with retractable landing gear, constant speed props, and/or are considered high-performance.

Such privileges can be secured through training and endorsements and most provisions become effective 90 days after the rule is published in the Federal Register.

Carr went on to add, “NBAA applauds the FAA’s recognition of the decades-long safety record of light-sport aircraft and the agency’s commitment to the MOSAIC rulemaking effort. The long-term impacts of this rule will reach beyond the light-sport aircraft and sport pilot community.

“While largely applicable to light-sport category aircraft and sport pilots, this final rule is a critical step in the FAA’s acceptance and implementation of emerging technologies, including simplified flight controls and alternative propulsion sources, which will enhance aviation safety and sustainability and lower the cost for pilot training and recreational aviation activity.”

There are too many additional provisions in the rule to enumerate here, but readers are welcome to read the full text on the FAA website. As the saying goes though—caveat emptor: it’s a long one.

FMI:  nbaa.org/ , www.faa.gov/