The FAA’s Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification rule, known as MOSAIC, took effect in phases beginning October 2025. Aviation media has called it the most significant regulatory overhaul since the Sport Pilot and Light Sport Aircraft rule was introduced in 2004.  

Part 2 is Still Coming, and It’s a Big Deal 

The second, and arguably more significant, phase of MOSAIC, covering LSA airworthiness certification for new factory-built aircraft, takes effect July 24, 2026. Expect this to be a major topic at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this summer. 

As new factory-built Light Sport Aircraft enter the market under MOSAIC’s streamlined certification path, the broader aviation conversation will shift toward what’s available, what it costs, and what the tradeoffs are. Understanding where your RV sits in that landscape, in terms of performance, value, and ownership experience, will matter more than ever. 

What Is MOSAIC? 

MOSAIC modernizes how the FAA defines, certifies, and regulates Light Sport Aircraft. The core changes include removing the old maximum takeoff weight restriction, raising the maximum stall speed threshold to 59 knots calibrated airspeed, allowing LSA to have up to four seats, and expanding Sport Pilot privileges to cover a much broader range of aircraft, including most existing RVs. 

Van’s Aircraft CEO Mikael Via said the results “exceed most people’s expectations,” and Van’s was one of the key voices shaping the rule, with company leadership participating directly in the ASTM committee process from the beginning. 

For a full breakdown of what Phase 1 delivered for Sport Pilots and RV owners, read the complete overview on vansaircraft.com. 

What MOSAIC Changes for RV Owners 

MOSAIC delivers several meaningful improvements for the RV community. 

Maintenance privileges expanded: For the first time, there is a path for non-builder owners of E-AB aircraft to complete a 16-hour Repairman (Light Sport, Inspection) course and legally perform their own annual condition inspection. Previously, this right was limited to the original builder or a licensed A&P mechanic. This change could lower costs, increases accessibility, and create new infrastructure around RV ownership. 

Flight instruction simplified: MOSAIC eliminates the Letter of Deviation Authority (LODA) requirement that previously made compensated flight instruction in E-AB aircraft inconsistent and difficult to obtain. Any CFI who holds a rating in the same category and class as the aircraft can now provide compensated instruction without special FAA authorization. For most RVs, that means a CFI with an airplane single-engine land rating. No additional endorsement, designation, or LODA is required beyond that existing rating. 

More RVs qualify for Sport Pilot operations: If your aircraft has a clean stall speed (VS1) at or below 59 knots, you may now be eligible to operate it under Sport Pilot privileges, including using a driver’s license medical for daytime VFR flight. All existing RV models save for the RV-14 and RV-10 meet this threshold. 

Night flight now permitted: Sport Pilots can now fly at night with specific training and at least a third-class medical or BasicMed qualification, expanding the utility of the RV fleet significantly. 

New endorsements available: Sport Pilots can now obtain endorsements for retractable landing gear and controllable-pitch propellers, opening up more capable aircraft for the Sport Pilot certificate track. 

The RV-12iS: Factory-Built and Ready Now 

The RV-12iS is the benchmark for factory-built RV ownership under the new rules. Van’s has been producing it as a Special Light Sport Aircraft since 2013, and it remains the only complete, ready-to-fly Van’s Aircraft available as of today. 

Under MOSAIC, the RV-12iS becomes more relevant than ever. Its clean stall speed sits comfortably within Sport Pilot limits, making it accessible to a broader range of pilots than at any point in its history. For the pilot who wants a modern glass cockpit, exceptional handling, and the Van’s quality reputation without building from a kit, the RV-12iS is the direct path to the flight line. 

The MOSAIC model about to enter production includes updated creature comforts, a heated pitot tube in the wing, and will have the ability to fly in actual instrument conditions. Currently, the RV-12iS is used for IFR training, it can fly in the IFR system and file flight plans, just not fly in actual instrument conditions. Flight schools have been adopting it at an accelerating pace, which speaks to both its reliability and its long-term value as an asset. 

The RV-15 and the Post-MOSAIC Era 

Van’s newest plane, the RV-15, was engineered from the ground up to be MOSAIC-compliant. It’s Van’s first high-wing design, built for backcountry and utility missions, with a clean stall speed that qualifies it for Sport Pilot operations.  

The RV-15 represents what the post-MOSAIC era looks like: a high-performance, highly capable aircraft designed to take full advantage of the new regulatory landscape, without giving up any of the things that make flying an RV worth doing.

Ready to Get Flying? 

Whether you’re researching your first RV or ready to place an order, Van’s Aircraft team is here to help you find the right aircraft for your mission, timeline, and goals. 

Which RV is Right for Me?| Schedule a Consultation 

The post What MOSAIC Means for RV Owners appeared first on Van's Aircraft Total Performance RV Kit Planes.

Successful Reno racer Kevin Eldredge was first in line at EAA AirVenture 2025 to place a deposit on the RV-15 wing kit, and was the first to pick up his kit at the factory this week. The second kit was originally purchased by Eldredge for his wife, but will now be built by Spanky Melton. 

Eldredge and company arrived in time for a tour of Van’s Aircraft, a quick visit with Van’s leadership team and CEO Mikael Via, and even a brief chat with founder Richard VanGrunsven. Since he arrived early, Kevin was able to see a few of the vinyl-protected parts before the lid was screwed down and got to open one of the new “RV Tackle Box” parts-bins debuting with the RV-15. In place of commingled parts, the new system places all kit components into segmented stackable plastic boxes that come with a “placemat” guide including a photo of the actual part, part number, and a QR code that points to our webstore in case additional or replacement parts are needed.

A quick ceremony where all the Van’s employees signed the top of the first crate was followed by loading of the precious cargo onto Eldredge’s flat-bed trailer. His next stop is Spokane, Washington, where his build will take place. Kevin told us that he plans to start on the project soon after Christmas.

RV-15 wing kits will continue to roll out of the factory through the end of the year and deliveries will accelerate in January. Sales of the RV-15 wing kit continue to be above expectations.

With capricious weather disrupting our final flight tests of the RV-15’s horizontal tail, sales of the tail kit will move to the end of January, with deliveries still expected to begin around the end of March. Builders with wing kits already delivered or on order will receive priority when the tail kits are released for sale.

The post First RV-15 Kits Delivered appeared first on Van's Aircraft Total Performance RV Kit Planes.

That’s next summer. But for now, as of October 22, 2025, the pilot portion of MOSAIC goes into effect, with the immediate result that those flying as Sport Pilots (as well as those flying under Sport Pilot privileges) will have a much broader range of aircraft available to them. 

From the original LSA limitations — 1320-pound max weight for landplanes, 120-knot cruise, etc. — the new regulations permit them to fly any single-engine aircraft with a clean stall speed (VS1) of 59 knots (calibrated) or less, four-or-fewer seats (though they can only carry two people, including the pilot), and a maximum level flight speed of 250 knots or less. 

That’s quite the step up from the previous LSA limitations. Even better news: MOSAIC includes most Van’s RV models. Under these regulations, the RV-12 is obviously included, since it met the previous, more restrictive LSA rules. 

Among our current production kits, all variations of the RV-7/7A, RV-8/8A, and RV-9/9A have VS1 stall speeds below the limit, while the RV-10 and RV-14/14A are just above the limit. Among our legacy RVs, the RV-3, RV-4, and RV-6/6A all land inside the MOSAIC rules, so Sport Pilots can enjoy them as well. It’s expected the RV-15 will also be well within the new MOSAIC Sport Pilot limit.

“It’s exciting that so many RVs are available to be flown as a Sport Pilot,” says Rian Johnson, Van’s head of design engineering. “It’s beyond the expectation that we had in the early phases of MOSAIC.” 

Indeed, early iterations of MOSAIC were proposing an upper limit of 54 knots VS1, which would have excluded the RV-7 and RV-8 series — there are more than 3,600 of these airplanes flying, roughly a third of the RV fleet and even by themselves a notable proportion of the entire homebuilt world.

Looking forward, the second half of the MOSAIC program will launch at EAA AirVenture 2026, enabling changes in what a Light Sport Aircraft is. (Spoiler alert: The RV-10 and RV-14 both meet the broader definition of MOSAIC aircraft, though they would still not be flyable by Sport Pilots or those flying under Sport Pilot rules.) For now, though, current Sport Pilots and other pilots wishing to fly under the Sport Pilot rules have something of a Christmas in October.

The post Hooray for Sport Pilots: Part 1 of MOSAIC Now Active appeared first on Van's Aircraft Total Performance RV Kit Planes.

While AOPA’s editor at large Dave Hirschman and the AOPA photo/video crew was visiting this summer, Dave got a chance to fly with Aric Krause in the updated 2026 RV-12iS.

Noting the new model’s full Garmin G3X Touch panel, Hirschman noted, “This airplane has the sort of technology that will will take people all the way up through the G3000 type avionics suites.” Considering the interior and ergonomic improvements for the new model, Hirschman said, “The things that you touch have sort of an outsized impact on the enjoyment and the experience of the flight. The seats you obviously touch every flight, the stick grip, [and the] interior panels…those things make a tremendous difference.”

See the whole review on AOPA’s video, including some gorgeous videography along the Oregon coast.

The post AOPA’s Dave Hirschman Flies Our 2026 RV-12iS appeared first on Van's Aircraft Total Performance RV Kit Planes.

AOPA’s editor at large Dave Hirschman visited Van’s soon after we returned from AirVenture to fly and report on the RV-15. His report went live this morning along with a video review.

“Runup is standard, and the moderately loaded RV–15 is soon cleared for takeoff on Runway 35 at Aurora State Airport. Acceleration is rapid despite an 80-something-degree-Fahrenheit summer day, and directional control is excellent with an authoritative rudder. I hold a tail-low attitude, and the RV–15 lifts off in about seven seconds after a 500-foot takeoff roll with flaps up. The airplane accelerates to 80 knots indicated in a 10-degree nose-up attitude and climbs at 1,500 feet per minute. Pitch and roll forces are moderate and beautifully balanced, and my first surprise is how crisply the airplane responds. Pushrod elevator and aileron actuation means no slop, and anyone who’s flown an RV will recognize the family resemblance. In the practice area, I go through a series of orientation maneuvers that include steep turns, lazy eights, slow flight, and stalls through the full range of flap positions. The RV–15 makes it all stress free with obedient handling, benign stalls, and rock-solid slow flight.”

Dave flew with Brian Hickman in the morning, toured the factory, and then committed a late-day photo mission with Mt. Hood in the background.

“During an evening photo flight next to a Van’s Aircraft RV–10, following AOPA Senior Photographer David Tulis’s and AOPA Videographer Brianna Cabassa’s directions required making subtle yet nearly constant corrections. Despite its bulldog appearance, the RV–15 moves with subtle precision,” Hirschman reported in the AOPA online story.

Describing the RV-15 as “more and better,” Hirschman noted, “Among the sleek, low-wing designs at the Van’s Aircraft hangar at Aurora State Airport, the RV–15 stands apart. It seems like a big, brawny, misfit. Yet flying the RV–15 reveals that, somehow, it’s been imbued with the same ‘total performance’ DNA as other RVs. And it’s about to bring that hard-won versatility to a new, highly specialized, and uniquely demanding aviation niche.”

The post “Big, Brawny, Agile” — AOPA Reports on the RV-15 appeared first on Van's Aircraft Total Performance RV Kit Planes.

The first-ever high-wing design from Van’s Aircraft, which has more than 50 years’ experience designing high-performance low-wing airplanes, has entered production. Van’s has begun manufacturing wing kits, which will be shipping and in builders’ hands this year.

On the first morning of EAA AirVenture 2025, Van’s opened orders for the wing-kit portion of the smooth-handling RV-15. Deliveries of the wing kits, which are made up of aluminum skins and structural components that are “pre punched” to final size and assembled with easy-to-use, aerospace-quality blind rivets, will begin before year’s end. This construction method greatly reduces build time and makes the RV-15 easier to construct than any Van’s RV in history.

“The RV-15 is a game changer for the backcountry flying community and Van’s Aircraft,” said Mikael Via, Van’s Aircraft CEO. “Our design engineers have worked tirelessly to create an airplane that takes Van’s idea of ‘Total Performance’ into the utility category. The RV-15 has the ideal mix of very low stall speeds and docile handling that backcountry pilots love with unexpectedly high cruise speeds. The RV-15 is capable of cruising at 140 knots while also feeling comfortable on short, challenging remote airstrips.”

The wing kit, which is so easy to assemble that there will be little need for so-called quickbuild components, is being offered at an introductory price of $19,650. Timelines have been set as follows:

• Tail kits, the next in line, will go on sale in December 2025, with deliveries in March 2026
• Fuselage orders will open in August 2026, with deliveries in October 2026
• Firewall-forward kits will go on sale in August 2026, with deliveries by the end of 2026
• Finish kits will go on sale in November 2026, with deliveries by the end of 2026

Prices for the remaining kits are estimated at $9,000 for the tail kit, $20,000 for the fuselage kit, $13,000 for the firewall-forward kit, and $23,000 for the finish kit.

Sharing virtually no components with any other Van’s RV, the RV-15 embodies new technologies and design concepts for the back country market. Its patented articulated landing gear has proven to take a pounding on rough strips while helping this taildragger model have extremely benign handling qualities. New thinking in the flap design, which has integrated vortex generators hidden during cruise for drag reduction, combines very high lift values with a high-drag configuration to permit short, steep approaches to challenging airstrips.

Van’s will have the next kit segment, for the horizontal and vertical tails, moved into production late in 2025 with deliveries starting in the first quarter of 2026. Work to complete the fuselage design and firewall-forward configuration will take place in early 2026, with those kit deliveries taking place late in the year, fully one year ahead of initial availability estimates for this revolutionary design. 

More than 11,000 RVs are flying worldwide, making them the most popular owner-built airplanes ever.

The post Van’s RV-15 Goes Into Production appeared first on Van's Aircraft Total Performance RV Kit Planes.

These aircraft represent the earliest chapters of Van’s Aircraft and are the foundation of Total Performance. As kit orders for these models have declined, and as we focus on streamlining operations and bringing new designs into production, we’ve decided to end active kit production for these RV models.

What to know:

The last day to order kits for the RV-3, RV-4, and RV-6 is September 30th, 2025.

After that date, we will no longer manufacture empennage, fuselage, wing, or finish kits for these aircraft.

To order a new RV-3, RV-4, or RV-6 kit — or to order kit portions you need to finish an ongoing project — please call 503-678-6545 or email us at kits@vansaircraft.com.

Support continues: We will continue offering replacement parts and technical assistance.

While this chapter is closing, the RV-3, RV-4, and RV-6 remain a lasting part of the Van’s story and a testament to the joy of building and flying an RV.

-The Van’s Aircraft Team

The post Entering Retirement: The RV-3, RV-4, and RV-6 appeared first on Van's Aircraft Total Performance RV Kit Planes.

This time-saving option was developed in direct response to feedback from RV builders. With flaps and ailerons fully assembled and ready to install, you can reduce build time, simplify your process, and keep your project moving forward.

Pricing Information

When added to a new or existing wing kit order (discounted upgrade pricing):

• RV-10: $2,729 (includes QB flaps and QB ailerons)

• RV-14/14A: $2,679 (includes QB flaps and QB ailerons)

When purchased separately through our webstore (standard pricing):

• RV-10: $3,400 (QB flaps and QB ailerons)

  • QB Flaps only: $2,379

  • QB Ailerons only: $1,360

• RV-14/14A: $3,350 (QB flaps and QB ailerons)

  • QB Flaps only: $2,329

  • QB Ailerons only: $1,360

How to Order:

Pre-built flaps and ailerons are in stock and available through the RV-10 and RV-14/14A wing kit order forms and on our webstore. If you already have a wing kit on order and haven’t received your final payment request, email us at kits@vansaircraft.com to upgrade your existing kit order.

Order Policy Note:

If you have an existing QuickBuild (QB) wing kit order, you cannot cancel it and switch to a standard wing kit order with the pre-built flap and aileron option. QuickBuild kits are already in production, and we are unable to modify these orders.

We’re committed to making the RV build process more efficient and rewarding. We hope this new upgrade brings you one step closer to your first flight.

The post Pre-Built Flaps and Ailerons Now Available for RV-10 and RV-14/14A appeared first on Van's Aircraft Total Performance RV Kit Planes.

As editor in chief of Kitplanes magazine for a total of 11 years (and more than 130 issues) and a multi-time builder, Marc has a deep appreciation for homebuilt aircraft. A multiengine and instrument-rated pilot, Marc has flown 5,000 hours across more than 200 types. He’s flown all popular models of RVs except for the RV-3.

Marc’s responsibilities will draw on his experience as a content director for a manufacturer and distributor outside of aviation, where he led e-commerce platform integration with sales and manufacturing systems. We’re excited to welcome him to the Van’s team, where he’ll help enhance the online customer experience and strengthen how we engage with and support the Van’s community.

The post Marc Cook Joins Van’s Aircraft as E-Commerce and Media Manager appeared first on Van's Aircraft Total Performance RV Kit Planes.

The post UPDATED PHONE SUPPORT HOURS STARTING APRIL 21ST appeared first on Van's Aircraft Total Performance RV Kit Planes.