Regulations
MOSAIC Learning Center
Plain-language guide to the FAA's Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification rule — with sources for every section.
Expanded privileges are not automatic. Most require additional training, an instructor endorsement, or medical qualification. Always confirm with the current regulations and your CFI.
What MOSAIC means
- MOSAIC stands for Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification.
- The final rule was published July 24, 2025, with two effective dates: October 22, 2025 and July 24, 2026.
- It expands the aircraft sport pilots may fly and modernizes how light-sport category aircraft are certificated.
Verified 2026-11-08FAA MOSAIC Fact Sheet
What changed for Sport Pilots
Effective Oct 22, 2025- Sport pilots may now operate aircraft other than "light-sport aircraft", as long as the aircraft meets the limits in 14 CFR §61.316.
- Retractable landing gear and adjustable-pitch propellers are allowed after the required training and endorsement.
- Pilots holding a higher certificate may exercise sport pilot privileges, but must follow sport pilot limits.
Aircraft eligibility
Effective Oct 22, 2025- §61.316 sets the performance limits, including a maximum clean stall speed (VS1) of 59 knots CAS for airplanes.
- The aircraft must be single-engine (reciprocating, electric or turbine as specified in the rule) and not pressurized.
- Check the exact limits in §61.316 before flying any specific aircraft.
Verified 2026-11-0814 CFR Part 61 Subpart J
Passenger limitations
Effective Oct 22, 2025- A sport pilot may carry no more than one passenger, regardless of how many seats the aircraft has.
- Sport pilots may not fly for compensation or hire, except as specifically allowed by the rule.
Verified 2026-11-0814 CFR Part 61 Subpart J
Medical eligibility
Effective Oct 22, 2025- For day flight, a valid U.S. driver's license may be used in place of a medical certificate if you meet the §61.303 conditions.
- You may not use a driver's license if your most recent medical application was denied, or your medical was suspended or revoked.
- You must not know of any condition that would make you unable to fly safely.
Verified 2026-11-0814 CFR §61.303
Airspace privileges
Effective Oct 22, 2025- Operating in Class B, C or D airspace, or at a towered airport, requires ground and flight training plus an instructor endorsement.
- Class E and G airspace are available without that endorsement.
Verified 2026-11-0814 CFR §61.325
Night flying and required qualifications
Effective Oct 22, 2025- Night flight is now possible for sport pilots — but it is not automatic.
- You need the required night training and a logbook endorsement.
- You must also hold at least a third-class medical certificate or BasicMed. A driver's license alone does not qualify for night flight.
Training and endorsements
Effective Oct 22, 2025- Many expanded privileges (towered airspace, night, retractable gear, adjustable props) each require specific training and an endorsement.
- Adding an airplane privilege at the sport pilot level requires passing a practical test per the applicable PTS or ACS.
Verified 2026-11-08FAA Sport Pilot page
Light-sport category aircraft certification
Effective Jul 24, 2026- The "light-sport aircraft" definition is removed from 14 CFR §1.1.
- New airworthiness certification rules under parts 21 and 22 apply, including a 61-knot VS0 stall speed limit for light-sport category airplanes.
- Operating limitation changes also take effect on this date.
Verified 2026-11-08FAA MOSAIC Fact Sheet
September 2026 Sport Pilot PTS alignment update
- The FAA has updated its Sport Pilot Practical Test Standards to align with MOSAIC.
- Details of this update are still being reviewed against the official FAA document before we summarize them here. Use the FAA link for the current standard.
Pending verificationFAA Airman Certification Standards & PTS