Do You Need a License to Fly Experimental Aircraft?
Many people dream of flying unusual or unconventional aircraft, known as experimental aircraft. Before you can take to the skies in one of these unique planes, you must navigate the regulatory requirements and obtain the necessary licensure. In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of experimental aviation, the types of licensure available, and what you need to know before taking the controls of a homebuilt or experimental airplane.
What is Experimental Aviation?
Experimental aircraft are planes that don’t conform to standard certification processes or don’t meet the technical requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a specific type design. This can include anything from homebuilt planes with custom designs to modified warbirds or vintage aircraft being restored. Experimental aircraft require a unique approach to airspace regulation and licensure due to their non-standard certification.
Types of Licenses for Experimental Aircraft:
There are two primary categories of licenses for experimental aircraft pilots: Experimental Pilots Certificate and Sport Pilot Certificate. Below we break down what these types of licensure entail.
- Experimental Pilots Certificate: This certificate authorizes you to fly single-seat or multi-seat gliders, sailplanes, and some experimental aircraft used for recreational purposes. Applicants must pass a written and practical exam, demonstrate experience flying at least 1,000 hours, or have 500 hours under the guidance of a FAA-certified flight instructor.
Experimental Pilot Certificate Requirements | |
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— | — |
Time Requirement | 1,000 hours of flight time or 500 hours guided by a certified flight instructor |
Written Exam | Yes, FAA written test |
Practical Exam | Yes, practical flight testing |
- Sport Pilot Certificate: This certificate offers a less restrictive licensure option for pilots who seek to fly light-sport aircraft, including some categories of experimental aircraft. In exchange for fewer requirements and lower minimum age limits (14 years old), this certificate comes with more limiting conditions.
Sport Pilot Certificate Requirements | |
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— | — |
Age Limit | Must be at least 15 years old |
Airframe & Engine | Lightweight, 2-seat engine-powered aircraft with a speed of less than 150 mph and a maximum seating capacity of 2 adults |
Medical Certificate | No requirement for a second-class medical certificate |
Training | 20-30 hours of flight experience and passing a written examination |
Additional Requirements
To fly experimental aircraft under either license, you must have a valid Third Class Medical Certificate. Experimental pilots also need to conduct specific training and checkout procedures with a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) before flying an unlicensed experimental aircraft.
Key takeaways:
- Both the Experimental Pilot’s Certificate and Sport Pilot’s Certificate require a valid pilot’s certificate.
- You cannot fly an Experimental Aircraft with a Private Pilot Certificate, as these certification categories have different requirements for flying unconventional aircraft.
- The type of licensure you obtain will depend on the aircraft you wish to fly, your experience levels, and the specific mission requirements (recreational, experimental, or testing).
Conclusion
Navigating the world of experimental aviation requires a significant understanding of regulatory requirements. Gaining the correct licensure is not only crucial for safety and compliance but also essential to fully appreciating the exhilarating experience of flying homebuilt or experimental aircraft.
In this article, we’ve highlighted the main options for licensure, and what to expect from them. As you embark on your journey to become a certified experimental pilot, prioritize thorough understanding of the prerequisites, regulations, and special considerations surrounding experimental aviation.
References:
- Federal Aviation Administration (2022). Experimental Aircraft Guide.
- Federal Aviation Administration (2022). Licenses and Ratings.
- AOPA (2019). Experimental Aircraft, Explained.