The FAA has officially accepted ASTM consensus standards for several types of new light-sport aircraft — including airplanes, gliders, powered lift, and gyroplanes — the last step necessary for the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) changes to take effect on July 24, 2026.
The final rule was unveiled last July during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025.
“The release of the MOSAIC final rule last July was an important step toward cutting the cost and complexity of bringing new aircraft to market, but the work did not stop there. We applaud the FAA’s acceptance of these standards, which create rules and tests for manufacturers to follow,” said Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Acting Co-President Katie Pribyl.
“Over the last year, representatives from across the aviation industry, including AOPA, put a lot of work into developing consensus standards that will make general aviation safer, more affordable, and more accessible,” added Pribyl.
MOSAIC greatly expanded sport pilot privileges and what qualifies as a light-sport aircraft, which is now known as a light-sport category aircraft. The changes to sport pilot privileges took effect on Oct. 22, 2025.
The FAA is accepting public comments on the acceptance of ASTM standards through Aug. 17, 2026. You can read the full rule (FAA-2026-6965) and make comments here.
For more information: FAA.gov
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