SkyPutter
New Member
I was looking today and found a Pre-Publication version of the NPRM for MOSAIC and the new proposed definition of Light-Sport Aircraft.
https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-14425.pdf
Here's a summary of the new proposed 61.316:
§ 61.316 What are the performance limits and design requirements for the aircraft that a sport pilot may operate?
(a) If you hold a sport pilot certificate, you may act as pilot in command of an aircraft that, since its original certification, meets the following requirements:
(1) A maximum stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed without the use of lift-enhancing devices (VS1) of not more than 45 knots CAS, except for airplanes, which must have a VS1 speed of not more than 54 knots CAS at the aircraft’s maximum certificated takeoff weight and most critical center of gravity.
(2) A maximum seating capacity of two persons, except for airplanes, which may have a maximum seating capacity of four persons.
(3) A non-pressurized cabin, if equipped with a cabin.
(4) For powered aircraft other than powered gilders, a fixed or ground-adjustable propeller, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section.
(5) For powered gliders, a fixed or feathering propeller system.
(6) For gyroplanes, a fixed-pitch, semi-rigid, teetering, two-blade rotor system.
(7) For powered aircraft other than balloons or airships, the loss of partial power would not adversely affect directional control of the aircraft and the aircraft design must allow the pilot the capability of establishing a controlled descent in the event of a partial or total powerplant failure.
(8) For helicopters, they must be certificated with the simplified flight controls design and designation.
(9) For a glider, fixed or retractable landing gear.
(10) For an aircraft intended for operation on water, fixed or retractable landing gear or a hull.
(11) For powered-aircraft other than a glider or an aircraft intended for operation on water, fixed landing gear except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) If you hold a sport pilot certificate, you may act as pilot in command of an airplane that, since its original certification, has retractable landing gear or a controllable pitch propeller if you have met the training and endorsement requirements specified in § 61.331.
The biggest thing I saw was the removal of overall weight restrictions, and the discussion in the pre-publication proposal that the stall speed of 54 knots CAS would indirectly limit aircraft weights to around 3000 pounds max gross.
Thoughts?
https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-14425.pdf
Here's a summary of the new proposed 61.316:
§ 61.316 What are the performance limits and design requirements for the aircraft that a sport pilot may operate?
(a) If you hold a sport pilot certificate, you may act as pilot in command of an aircraft that, since its original certification, meets the following requirements:
(1) A maximum stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed without the use of lift-enhancing devices (VS1) of not more than 45 knots CAS, except for airplanes, which must have a VS1 speed of not more than 54 knots CAS at the aircraft’s maximum certificated takeoff weight and most critical center of gravity.
(2) A maximum seating capacity of two persons, except for airplanes, which may have a maximum seating capacity of four persons.
(3) A non-pressurized cabin, if equipped with a cabin.
(4) For powered aircraft other than powered gilders, a fixed or ground-adjustable propeller, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section.
(5) For powered gliders, a fixed or feathering propeller system.
(6) For gyroplanes, a fixed-pitch, semi-rigid, teetering, two-blade rotor system.
(7) For powered aircraft other than balloons or airships, the loss of partial power would not adversely affect directional control of the aircraft and the aircraft design must allow the pilot the capability of establishing a controlled descent in the event of a partial or total powerplant failure.
(8) For helicopters, they must be certificated with the simplified flight controls design and designation.
(9) For a glider, fixed or retractable landing gear.
(10) For an aircraft intended for operation on water, fixed or retractable landing gear or a hull.
(11) For powered-aircraft other than a glider or an aircraft intended for operation on water, fixed landing gear except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) If you hold a sport pilot certificate, you may act as pilot in command of an airplane that, since its original certification, has retractable landing gear or a controllable pitch propeller if you have met the training and endorsement requirements specified in § 61.331.
The biggest thing I saw was the removal of overall weight restrictions, and the discussion in the pre-publication proposal that the stall speed of 54 knots CAS would indirectly limit aircraft weights to around 3000 pounds max gross.
Thoughts?
