Can an SLSA manufacturer fly an SLSA that will fit the MOSAIC definition before the rule becomes effective, for example, for Sun n Fun Fly In? Is there a mechanism such as a special ferry permit or temporary registration that would allow specific flights of the aircraft to fly (to an event and at an event) before the rule change?
January 10th, 2026 | News
- Authorization of Flight Ops of Aircraft that “Meet” 22.100 Eligibility Requirements Before July 24, 2026. This question includes multiple important elements:
- Definition of Light-Sport Aircraft in 14 CFR Part 1. Keep in mind that this definition will be removed from 14 CFR effective July 24, 2026. On that effective date, issuance of special airworthiness certificates for light-sport category aircraft under 21.190 are limited by “eligibility” requirements in 14 CFR 22.100, not a definition.
- Compliance with Part 22. No manufacturer is currently able to comply with part 22 since none of the required consensus standards are completed and accepted by the FAA. It’s premature for any manufacturer to say their aircraft is MOSAIC compliant. However, they could say their aircraft meets the eligibility requirements of 14 CFR part 22.100 or “MOSAIC eligible.”
- Authorization of Operations. Since no aircraft will be eligible for a special airworthiness certificate under the new part 22 provisions before July 24, 2026, operations of such aircraft would have to be authorized by other means. For participation in air shows as you mentioned below, an experimental airworthiness certificate for the purpose of exhibition or market survey (limited to OEMs) would be appropriate. Manufacturers of foreign-registered aircraft could apply for a special flight authorization (SFA) under 14 CFR 91.715per the related procedures in FAA Order 8130.2. The purposes for issuance of a special flight permit (SFP) under 14 CFR 21.197 do not include the purposes you described.
- Issuance of Special Airworthiness Certificates Under 14 CFR 21.190 Until July 24, 2026. Until July 24th, all applications under 14 CFR 21.190 are limited to aircraft that meet the definition of light-sport aircraft in part 1 and comply with current, applicable consensus standards. This includes the 1,320/1,430 pound weight limits, fixed-pitch propellers, and such. Current consensus standards do not apply to design, manufacturer, airworthiness, and operation of constant speed propellers that are disengaged to operate as fixed-pitch propellers.
- Burden on Manufacturers. Unfortunately, the great opportunities celebrated by manufacturers for the expansions of the certification of light-sport category aircraft also include challenges for manufacturers before those MOSAIC provisions take effect. As described in the MOSAIC Final Rule, FAA sought to balance an effective date as soon as possible to enable manufacturers to capitalize ASAP on these new opportunities while providing sufficient time for industry to develop new consensus standards for FAA approval. Few commenters provided specifics comments in this regard. FAA found the comment recommending at least 12 months for the related effective date to be compelling, and that’s what the final rule is based on. The best way for manufacturers to mitigate schedule risks is to actively support F37 in developing consensus standards that impact their products for FAA acceptance.
