5 min readMay 17, 2026

The original modern rule was published in 2004. It was conservative by design — narrow weight, simple aircraft, low stall speed. modernizes it by moving to performance-based criteria. Here is the side-by-side.

Aircraft criteria

Parameter	Original aircraft (pre-modern)	modern
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)

Pilot privileges

Privilege	Pre-modern	modern
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 (pilot)	No (pilot — still need private)
IFR	No	No
Class B/C/D	Requires endorsement	Unchanged

What this actually means

The most impactful changes are:

1. The Cessna 150/152 is now eligible. That single change opens up thousands of existing aircraft to pilots nationwide.
2. Manufacturers can design modern four-seat aircraft. Expect new product lines from Pipistrel, Tecnam, CubCrafters, Vashon over the next 24-36 months.
3. Retractable gear and constant-speed props open up some classic singles (early Mooneys, certain Comanches) for pilot use, depending on their specs.

What it doesn't change

Pilots still cannot fly at night, in IMC, above 10,000', or with more than one passenger. modern is not a backdoor to the private certificate.

Why A4 sits well under both rules

The Light Sport J230 and J250 already qualify under the pre-Light Sport rule and continue to qualify under modern. Our pilots don't have to wait, transition, or reorient — the fleet was built for this.

See A4's Mosaic page · Fleet