New FAA regulations, typically viewed with skepticism, were met with applause this summer as the agency unveiled long-anticipated updates for drones, light sport aircraft, and eVTOLs. These changes mark a significant milestone in aligning innovation with safety and regulatory clarity.
For years, the lack of clear rules slowed U.S. progress in drones and advanced air mobility, allowing countries like China to dominate the commercial drone market. Similarly, eVTOL programs faced uncertainty until the FAA shifted its regulatory approach in 2022.
The headline reform, MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification), announced at EAA AirVenture 2025, expands the original 2004 Light Sport Aircraft rule. It now allows up to four seats, electric propulsion, helicopters, gyroplanes, and powered-lift aircraft — a move expected to “promote better designs, safer materials, and upgraded technology,” according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
Alongside MOSAIC, the FAA also issued Advisory Circular 21.17-4, providing certification guidance for powered-lift aircraft up to 12,000 lbs. This creates a clearer path for future eVTOL developers while complementing airworthiness approvals already granted to frontrunners like Joby and Archer.
Drone operators also received long-awaited news: the FAA finally published its draft Part 108 rule, enabling beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations. Additionally, the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) will launch under the FAA’s BEYOND framework, accelerating real-world testing and data collection for next-gen air mobility.
These steps highlight how delayed regulation can stifle innovation, but also how long-overdue clarity can unlock growth. With these rules, the U.S. is aiming to regain leadership in drones, eVTOLs, and recreational aviation, positioning itself for decades of advancement.
Source: Mike Hirschberg, via Forbes