A decade-long effort by the Experimental Aircraft Association, in association with the Federal Aviation Administration and other entities, became reality on July 22 with the announcement that the MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) rule has been finalized and signed. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy made the announcement during the second day of the annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in convention.
“This is one of most significant rule packages for general aviation in the past 75 years,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board, who joined Secretary Duffy for the announcement. “This creates what can be called Sport Pilot 2.0, as it builds on the safety and momentum established by that rule two decades ago and opens tremendous possibilities for current and future pilots, flight schools, manufacturers, and many others. It is fitting that this major modernization was announced at Oshkosh, where the nation’s aviators gather each year.”
The announcement of the MOSAIC signing and its publishing in the Federal Register allow EAA and other organizations to review the new rule in-depth and create programming to meet the possibilities now available. Among the potential benefits of the new rule are:
- Expansion of the aircraft fleet available to be flown by sport pilot certificate holders and those exercising sport pilot privileges, to as much 70 percent of the current GA fleet;
- Availability of most of the current flight training fleet for sport pilot training, reducing costs for new pilots;
- Potential to include a much broader base of flight instructors available to teach students;
- Ability for GA flight schools to use their current fleet for a wider spectrum of students;
- Opportunities for aircraft manufacturers to introduce new designs unencumbered by former weight limits.
“I can’t think of a better place than at the largest general aviation airshow in the U.S. to announce that we’re unleashing American ingenuity with a new rule to promote new designs, safer materials, and upgraded technology in the recreational aviation sector,” Secretary Duffy said. “Our recreational pilots and plane manufacturers have correctly noted outdated regulations were inhibiting innovation and safety. Let’s bring this industry into a new age!”
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is hosting numerous forums and seminars during its event to update the entire general aviation community of the potential within MOSAIC. More resources are also available at the EAA website, and additional webinars and updates will be scheduled in the coming weeks.
