MOSAIC Opens Doors to IMC-capable Van’s Aircraft RV-12

On July 24, the long-awaited FAA Part 22 Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rules took effect, and a day later the first MOSAIC-compliant airplane—a Van’s Aircraft RV-12iS—was delivered at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Compliance with the MOSAIC ASTM International consensus standards allows the $246,200 RV-12 to be flown in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), expanding its capabilities as a training airplane.

Tom Snow of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, took delivery of the RV-12 from Van’s Aircraft founder Richard VanGrunsven and is leasing it to Crystal Air, a flight school at Chattanooga’s Lovell Field (KCHA).

MOSAIC expands the capabilities and the types of aircraft that can be manufactured in the light-sport aircraft category. The category was previously limited to airplanes that had a maximum takeoff weight of 1,320 pounds and maximum speed of 120 knots; MOSAIC unleashes designers of aircraft powered by an expanded menu of engine options such as electric and turbine, and even multi-engine configurations. 

“When Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled the MOSAIC rules at Oshkosh in 2025, it heralded tremendous possibilities for light aircraft, flight training, and pilot certification,” said Experimental Aircraft Association CEO and chairman Jack Pelton. “With the FAA’s publishing on July 24 of amended rules for the design, manufacture, airworthiness certification, operation, maintenance, and alteration of light-sport category aircraft, this year’s AirVenture was the perfect place to bring that language into reality.”