New FAA Standards Streamline Light-Sport Aircraft Certification

You might care about this because the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has made it easier to get special airworthiness certificates for certain light-sport aircraft. The FAA announced that it now accepts new standards from ASTM International. These standards will be used to show that light-sport airplanes, gliders, powered-lift aircraft, and gyroplanes meet safety rules. This is important for both fully built aircraft and kit-built versions. The FAA's decision follows its recent Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule, which aimed to update regulations for these types of aircraft. These new standards, known as "means of compliance," became effective on July 16, 2026. This means that aircraft certified on or after July 24, 2026, must follow these new guidelines. Older light-sport aircraft or kits started before that date will continue under the previous standards. This update helps ensure that the growing light-sport aircraft community has clear and up-to-date safety requirements. It also helps manufacturers and builders know exactly what they need to do to get their aircraft certified. What makes these new standards particularly interesting is how they are structured and what they allow. The ASTM F37 Committee, working with the FAA, created a new system. It uses "integration standards" that bring together many "functional standards." Think of it like a main plan (integration standard) that points to all the smaller plans (functional standards) for things like engines, landing gear, or structures. This new framework simplifies the compliance process. It makes it clearer for aircraft designers and builders to meet all the necessary safety requirements. Importantly, these new standards expand the types of aircraft that can be certified. Now, newer aircraft designs, such as powered-lift aircraft and gyroplanes, are clearly covered. This shows the FAA's ongoing effort to include newer aviation technologies within its safety regulations. It helps the light-sport aircraft industry keep pace with modern aircraft design and manufacturing practices. Many groups will find this legal document highly relevant. First, anyone involved in designing, manufacturing, or selling light-sport aircraft should pay close attention. This includes small aircraft companies and those who build aircraft from kits. Second, pilots or future pilots of light-sport airplanes, gliders, powered-lift aircraft, or gyroplanes will be interested in these updated safety rules. Organizations that train pilots for these aircraft types will also want to understand the new compliance methods. Hobbyists who enjoy building and flying their own aircraft will find the details about kit-built certification important. Lastly, aviation safety professionals and legal experts specializing in aviation law might review these changes to understand how the FAA is adapting its certification processes for a changing aviation world. It affects anyone hoping to get a new light-sport aircraft certified in the near future.