A New Dawn for Light-Sport Aircraft: The Launch of FAA’s MOSAIC Rule Phase 2
General aviation stands on the brink of its most impactful regulatory transformation in over two decades. On July 24, 2026, a mere few days from now, the second and final phase of the FAA’s groundbreaking MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) rule comes into full force. This monumental change will fundamentally reshape the design, certification, and operation of light-sport category aircraft in the United States.
The most radical shift lies in the permanent replacement of the old 1,320-pound maximum takeoff weight limit for light-sport aircraft with performance-based standards. The most notable of these is a 59-knot clean stall speed threshold. This change paves the way for certification of four-seat aircraft, retractable landing gear, constant-speed propellers, electric propulsion systems, and even light twin-engine configurations within the light-sport category.
Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam has promptly responded by unveiling its MOSAIK59 product family. This lineup of updated models includes the P92 Echo MKII, P2008, Astore GT, P2010, and P2006T NG, all engineered to meet the new stall speed standard. The EAA has hailed MOSAIC as “the most monumental step recreational aviation has taken in more than 20 years,” while AOPA credits the rule with opening the door to faster, four-seat aircraft for sport pilots.
The introduction of the new rules under 14 CFR Part 22 is anticipated to ignite a surge of innovative new aircraft designs entering the U.S. market. This is expected to result in lower certification costs and greater design freedom for manufacturers worldwide.
Source: FAA — Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC)