Join ARSA Ask ARSA Pay ARSA

ARSA, AEA Point to History with Joint MOSAIC Comments

On Jan. 22, ARSA and the Aircraft Electronics Association jointly submitted comments on the FAA’s Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) proposal. The associations referenced multiple past rulemaking efforts as well as the history of continued airworthiness regulation in critiquing the technical specifics of the proposal while generally supporting the FAA’s effort to revise sport pilot privileges and limitations.

As reported by AEA, the joint comments focused in the following areas:

(1) Decoupling sport pilot privileges from the design and certification of light-sport aircraft as a viable option that should increase pilot recruitment, certification and operations. Recommending a 10 percent increase over the proposed stall speed of 54 knots CAS as supported by the FAA in a 30 year-old rulemaking.

(2) Enhancing the safety, performance and increased privileges for light general aviation aircraft. Providing research demonstrating the current regulations already support the FAA’s goal, without additional rulemaking. Beginning in 1989, the FAA proposed and succeeded in three separate rulemakings designed to create “simplified procedures for type, production, and airworthiness certification, and associated maintenance procedures.” Each of these three regulations allows for “the development of certification standards by the private sector and represents the most productive and cost-effective manner of streamlining the certification process.” (i.e., consensus standards)

(3)  Leveraging the agency’s 30-year development of a safety continuum for the design, manufacturing and certification of viable general aviation aircraft, which is represented in the current regulations.

To read the complete comments, click here.

Previously updates on MOSAIC rulemaking...

10/5/23 - FAA Grants Industry Request to Extend MOSAIC Comments

October 5, 2023

On Oct. 4, the FAA extended the comment period on its Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) proposal by 90 days. The public now has until Jan. 22, 2024 to submit comments.

For background on the industry’s request for this extension, review the August 2023 update below.

Industry Requests More Time for MOSAIC Comments

August 29, 2023

On Aug. 29, ARSA joined six trade associations and one member company in requesting the FAA extend the comment period on its Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) proposal. The group requested an additional 90 days beyond the current Oct. 23 deadline and provided a digest of issues to be carefully analyzed in assessing the notice of proposed rulemaking.

The request urged the FAA to consider:

(1) The true extend and nature of the proposal, which would amend nine parts of 14 CFR.

(2) The significant technical, administrative, and financial impact on small businesses.

(3) How the 2016 final rule revising part 23 was implemented to resolve most of the issues meant to be addressed by MOSAIC.

(4) Expanding the economic analysis to truly cover all impacted parties.

(5) How the rulemaking for powered-life aircraft operations, which is also in process, relates to, impacts, and complicates the MOSAIC proposal.

(6) How the ongoing work of the ARAC Repairman Working Group impacts the MOSAIC proposal.

As the association collaborates on high level analysis and comments on the MOSAIC proposal, ARSA encourages members to follow the rulemaking and comment (regardless of when the final comment due date falls).

To view the rulemaking docket, click here.

To review the extension request letter, which more thoroughly explains the six points above, click here.

To see ARSA’s training on engaging the government through rulemaking comments, follow the link below.

In addition to ARSA, the extension request letter was signed by the Aircraft Electronics Association, the Aviation Suppliers Association, the Aviation Technician Education Council, Helicopter Association International, the Modification and Replacement Parts Association, the National Air Transportation Association, and International Air Response, Inc.

On Demand Bundles – Effective Comments and the Fourth Branch of Government



More from ARSA

Surveying to Update Knowledge Test

FAA testing contractor PSI Services is conducting a survey of aviation maintenance professionals actively exercising mechanic certificate privileges. Results will support ongoing improvements to the agency’s knowledge test, particularly test…Read More

ARSA Honors the Already Honorable

During its Annual Repair Symposium on March 19, ARSA recognized the Honorable John Goglia with the association’s Leo Weston Award for Excellence in Government Service. The award is given regularly during…Read More

Supply Chain Throttling Aerospace Maintenance Expansion

On March 18, ARSA released its 2026 Global Fleet and MRO Market Report prepared by Oliver Wyman Vector. Presentation of the report’s findings was a key part of the association’s annual…Read More

2026 Annual Conference – Thank you

March 17-20, 2026 2026 Event Information Arlington, Virginia and Washington, D.C. with Livestream Options for Online Participants ARSA is grateful for an incredibly successful 2026 Annual Conference. Where you there? …Read More

SMS Integration Webinar Series Concluded

On March 10, ARSA and the Aircraft Electronics Association completed the final edition of six planned webinars – a monthly series begun in October – explaining effective integration of a…Read More
ARSA