Remember this old chestnut?
The FAA's proposed rule under its Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) initiative, published in July 2023, has sparked debate within the aviation industry. This rule aims to require eVTOL aircraft seeking light sport aircraft certification to meet the same noise standards as type-certified aircraft, a move criticized for its potential to significantly increase the time and cost of aircraft development. The MOSAIC expansion would cover larger and more powerful aircraft, doubling the current weight limit for light sport aircraft and bringing many currently exempt aircraft under stringent noise regulation for the first time.
Industry groups like the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and companies such as AIR, an eVTOL developer, have voiced opposition to the prescriptive noise certification process outlined by the FAA. They argue that it would be excessively burdensome and advocate for a consensus standard approach, which they believe would be more aligned with the FAA's treatment of other light sport aircraft safety aspects. The imposition of Part 36 noise requirements could delay aircraft development by 12 to 18 months, adding complexity and cost due to the need for specialized equipment and coordination with FAA personnel.
From a personal standpoint, I don’t want to hear 100 flying cars buzzing loudly overhead. But I know that new tech takes time, and THEY WILL get quieter as the technology for quieter rotors advances. We’ve covered articles about this in the past.
So as the FAA reviews over 1,400 public comments received on the MOSAIC proposal, the industry awaits further direction. The proposed rule aims to address noise impacts of non-type certificated aircraft on communities, acknowledging the need for modernization in the certification process. However, the potential for consensus standards offers a streamlined path forward, suggesting a balance between innovation and regulatory compliance could be achieved without imposing the full weight of Part 36 noise certification on emerging light sport aircraft designs.
I’m hopeful for a quiet future - but that does not come with the technological hurdle of tricking propellers into quietly moving the air for us. Let’s not let that be a hold up to getting these amazing vehicles into the skies.