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Photo from EAAThe FAA has extended the comment period for the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification Notice of Proposed Rulemaking by 90 days in response to a request by an industry coalition.
The MOSAIC NPRM was proposed in July, meant to set performance safety standards for larger aircraft being built by expanding the definition of a Light-Sport Aircraft. On Wednesday the FAA extended the comment period, pushing the deadline to Jan. 22, 2024. The NPRM proposed amending rules related to the certification and operation of LSA, modernizing the regulatory approach to the light-sport category and including performance-based requirements to reflect current and future advances in technology and use for these aircraft. MOSAIC was proposed in response to the changing needs of the industry and the nearing introduction of new aircraft like eVTOLs.
The FAA published a final rule in 2004 titled Certification of Aircraft and Airmen for the Operation of Light-Sport Aircraft, establishing rules for the manufacturing, certification, operation and maintenance for the category of aircraft. Under the 2004 ruling, this included aircraft under 1,320 pounds, or 1,430 pounds for aircraft meant for operation on the water. This included light-weight airplanes, gliders, balloons, powered parachutes, weight-shift-control aircraft and gyroplanes. When the FAA passed the final rule, it intentionally established a certification for the light-sport category between the normal category of aircraft and the aircraft with experimental certificates.
While amateur-built aircraft are similar to light-sport aircraft, amateur-built aircraft are mostly used for recreational purposes and are in a lower category than light-sport due to the lower safety assurance for the aircraft design and strict operating limitations. Since the 2004 ruling, the FAA shared that the light-sport category has shown a lower accident rate than the experimental amateur-built planes. Due to the successful safety record of the category, the FAA wishes to expand the scope of certification for aircraft and operations. The expansion of the 2004 ruling is meant to increase safety by encouraging aircraft owners deciding between an experimental aircraft or an LSA to choose an aircraft with a higher level of safety and certification requirements.
With the new proposed rule, the FAA will also address aircraft holding a special airworthiness certificate. The FAA said it would codify additional special purpose operations for restricted category aircraft that have previously been approved. This includes amending the duration, eligible purposes and operating limitations. The FAA has identified proposals meant to improve the safety and functionality of the LSA category and the ruling would increase safety and performance while reducing risk.
"The FAA recognizes that this is a balancing act - where the risk is increased due to greater capability in one area, mitigations may be required from the other areas," The FAA said in its MOSAIC NPRM.
Groups like the EAA were initially pleased with the NPRM and the specific purposes listed in MOSAIC. The EAA gave comments to the FAA which included changes to the definition of LSA, privileges of sport pilots and changes to repairman certificates. Eight industry associations, primarily representing maintenance and repair communities urged the FAA to extend the comment deadline. The request was made based on factors like a potential overlap with a recent powered lift NPRM and the number of supporting documents provided by the FAA. The EAA shared on Wednesday that it would be using the extended period to coordinate with industry stakeholders in an effort to better understand the NPRM.
The MOSAIC rule would alter the FAA's approach to LSA to become more consistent with its approach to other types of aircraft. A notable change is that under the new rule, the weight limits for LSA would be eliminated. Regulations pertaining to LSA noise were also proposed in the NPSM, expanding the applicability of part 36 noise limits. Other changes include expanding the kinds of operations LSA may perform and new operating limits for experimental aircraft.
According to the FAA registry, as of January 2023 there were over 200 models and 5,321 aircraft designed and manufactured under the 2004 final rule. This includes 4,459 airplanes, 456 powered parachutes, 336 weight-shift controlled aircraft and 70 gliders. The FAA airman certification databases show that there are 7,000 sport pilots, 1,000 sport pilot instructors, 1,500 repairmen (light-sport aircraft) with a maintenance rating, and 10,000 repairmen (light-sport aircraft) with an inspection rating currently certified under the 2004 ruling.RELATED STORIES:Interview with AirEv - Air One eVTOL LSA certification and the path of least resistanceFly this light sport helicopter with just a driver's license, 30 hours of training
In a changing era in aviation, the introduction of new aircraft like eVTOL and flying cars means the industry has to prepare for the integration of new models, technology and infrastructure. Some companies are also preparing for the MOSAIC rule and the changes to LSA. AirEv, one of four eVTOL companies undergoing a formal certification process with the FAA, is the only company opting to go for type certification under the new LSA rule, allowing the company to hit the market sooner. The changes would also place helicopters in the LSA category for the first time and Rotor X has plans to release the ATRX-700 Light Sport Helicopter, allowing customers to fly with a driver's license and 30 hours of flight time.
Comments on the MOSAIC NPRM can be sent to the FAA before the Jan. 22 deadline.