- The FAA's MOSAIC rule expanded sport pilot privileges on October 22, 2025, and replaced the old LSA definition with a performance-based light-sport category on July 24, 2026.
- Sport pilots can now fly airplanes with up to a 59-knot stall speed (clean), four-seat airframes (one passenger only), and, with endorsements, retractable gear and constant-speed props.
- Insurers have said cover continues for sport pilots flying within their FAA privileges, but conditions may be added case by case at renewal. Disclose any new aircraft type to your insurer before flying it.
- Factory-built S-LSA and kit-built E-LSA are underwritten differently. E-LSA follows many experimental aircraft insurance rules.
Light sport aviation has always been the cheaper way into flying: a driver's license instead of a medical certificate, 20 hours minimum training for an airplane, and lighter, simpler aircraft. The FAA's MOSAIC rule has now expanded what counts as light sport and what a sport pilot can fly. Insurance terms are adjusting to those changes. This spoke of our aircraft & aviation insurance explained hub covers what has changed and what hasn't.
What MOSAIC Changed
| Item | Before MOSAIC | After MOSAIC |
|---|---|---|
| Light-sport definition | 1,320 lb max gross (1,430 seaplane), 45-kt stall, 120-kt max | Performance-based: up to 61 KCAS stall (flaps), 250 KCAS max, no weight limit (from July 24, 2026) |
| Seats | 2 | Up to 4 for airplanes |
| Sport pilot aircraft | Old LSA only | Up to 59 KCAS clean stall; four-seaters with one passenger (from Oct 22, 2025) |
| Gear / props | Fixed gear, fixed-pitch or ground-adjustable prop | Retractable gear and constant-speed props with endorsements |
| Helicopters | Not available to sport pilots | Simplified-control helicopters allowed |
Being legal to fly an older four-seat Cessna as a sport pilot doesn't mean your insurer will cover you in it. The pilot warranty still sets minimum hours and time in type. Tell your insurer before flying any aircraft type you haven't flown before. For Cessna-specific pricing, see Cessna insurance. Any change of aircraft or pilot should be added by insurance endorsement, not just a phone call.
S-LSA vs E-LSA vs Ultralight Insurance
- S-LSA (special, factory-built): Can be used for rental and flight training. Underwritten much like certified trainers, with standard hull and liability.
- E-LSA (experimental, kit- or plans-built): Limited to sport, recreation and instruction of the owner. Underwriters look at build quality and documentation, as covered in experimental aircraft insurance.
- Part 103 ultralights: No FAA pilot certificate or aircraft registration is required, and fewer insurers write them. Cover is often liability only, sometimes through ultralight associations.
Hull is still written at an agreed value. Light sport aircraft have lower values than four-seat certified singles, so total premiums are usually lower too. The rate mechanics are the same as in airplane insurance cost. The details of what hull cover pays are in what does aircraft hull insurance cover. Sport pilots who rent should still carry private pilot insurance, and those sharing an LSA should read aircraft partnership insurance. Light sport seaplanes have their own water-operation risks. See seaplane insurance.
Sport pilots don't need an FAA medical, but life and disability underwriters will still ask about aviation. See does life insurance cover private pilots before you apply for a new life policy.
Decide whether a higher hull deductible makes sense for a lower-value light sport aircraft.
Calculate your total protection requirement across life, health, and personal liability.