After years of waiting and wondering, the FAA’s Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule is finally here, and it’s big news for flying clubs. For too long, the Light Sport category has been limited to two-seat, lightweight airplanes that didn’t always fit the needs of a diverse membership. MOSAIC changes that. With new privileges for sport pilots and a reimagined framework for aircraft certification, flying clubs now have an opportunity to expand, grow, and offer more value than ever before.
Perhaps the most exciting change for clubs is the way MOSAIC defines light-sport aircraft. Instead of focusing on a strict weight limit, the new rule uses stall speed as the key metric. This opens the door for a wide range of four-seat legacy aircraft that were previously off-limits to sport pilots.
For clubs, this means fleet planning just got a lot more interesting. These airplanes bring true utility: real cross-country capability, space for family and friends, and the ability to serve a wider range of missions. And because they can now fall under the light-sport umbrella, they’re accessible to more pilots, making membership more appealing to a broader audience.
For clubs, this could mean a surge in sport pilot interest. With fewer limitations and more practical privileges, the certificate is no longer a “dead end.” It’s now a viable entry point into club membership and a stepping stone for long-term engagement.
Of course, MOSAIC doesn’t remove all restrictions, and clubs need to be clear with members about what’s possible and what’s not.
What Clubs Can Do Today
Now is the time for clubs to get ahead of the curve. Start by reviewing your fleet: Which airplanes could qualify as light-sport under the new standards? How might that affect membership growth opportunities? Next, update your training programs to prepare for night flying endorsements, and educate members on the details of MOSAIC to avoid misunderstandings. Finally, think strategically about recruitment. The sport pilot certificate is now a more attractive option than ever before. Use that as a selling point when reaching out to potential members.
MOSAIC is more than just a regulatory update. It’s a tailwind for flying clubs, giving them the ability to expand fleets, attract new members, and provide more opportunities for safe, affordable flying. While there are still limitations to navigate, the overall direction is clear: MOSAIC makes clubs increasingly popular.
Flying has always been better when shared. With MOSAIC, clubs now have even more tools to build thriving communities of aviators, inspire the next generation, and keep flying fun, safe, and accessible for all.
