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MOSAIC
5 min readMay 17, 2026
MOSAIC vs Current LSA Rules: Side by Side
Comparison of the original Light Sport Aircraft rule and the FAA MOSAIC update — what changes for pilots and aircraft.
The original Light Sport rule was published in 2004. It was conservative by design — narrow weight, simple aircraft, low stall speed. MOSAIC modernizes it by moving to performance-based criteria. Here is the side-by-side.
Aircraft criteria
| Parameter | Original LSA (pre-MOSAIC) | MOSAIC |
|---|---|---|
| Max gross weight | 1,320 lb (land), 1,430 lb (seaplane) | Performance-based, ~3,000 lb |
| Max seats | 2 | 4 |
| Max stall speed (Vs1) | 45 KCAS | ~61 KCAS |
| Max cruise (Vh) | 120 KCAS | Removed |
| Landing gear | Fixed | Fixed or retractable |
| Prop | Fixed pitch or ground adjustable | Constant-speed allowed |
| Powerplant | Single reciprocating | Single reciprocating (electric allowed) |
Sport pilot privileges
| Privilege | Pre-MOSAIC | MOSAIC |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft seats | 2 max | Aircraft can have 4 (pilot + 1 passenger limit stays) |
| Passengers | 1 | 1 (unchanged) |
| Altitude | 10,000' MSL / 2,000' AGL | Unchanged |
| Day VFR | Yes | Yes |
| Night | No (sport pilot) | No (sport pilot — still need private) |
| IFR | No | No |
| Class B/C/D | Requires endorsement | Unchanged |
What this actually means
The most impactful changes are:
- The Cessna 150/152 is now sport pilot eligible. That single change opens up thousands of existing aircraft to sport pilots nationwide.
- Manufacturers can design modern four-seat LSA. Expect new product lines from Pipistrel, Tecnam, CubCrafters, Vashon over the next 24-36 months.
- Retractable gear and constant-speed props open up some classic singles (early Mooneys, certain Comanches) for sport pilot use, depending on their specs.
What it doesn't change
Sport pilots still cannot fly at night, in IMC, above 10,000', or with more than one passenger. MOSAIC is not a backdoor to the private pilot certificate.
Why A4 sits well under both rules
The Jabiru J230 and J250 already qualify under the pre-MOSAIC LSA rule and continue to qualify under MOSAIC. Our pilots don't have to wait, transition, or reorient — the fleet was built for this.