Experimental aircraft definitions
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: S Warwickshire
Generally an experimental certificate is issued for an aircraft that doesn't comply with a type certificate (amateur built, ex-military, research etc).
In US law it is covered under FAR 21.191
In US law it is covered under FAR 21.191
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Joined: Aug 2006
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
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From: Ontario, Canada
In Canada, a reasonable definition of "Experimental" s associated with the application for flight authority:
(2) Flight Permit - Experimental An experimental flight permit is issued for any aircraft, excluding aircraft that are operated under a special certificate of airworthiness in the owner-maintenance or amateur-built classification, which is manufactured for, or engaged in, aeronautical research and development, or for showing compliance with airworthiness standards.
It seems that Canada differs with the U.S., as an amateur built is very certainly not automatically "Experimental" in Canada.To get an experimental flight permit, I must provide a flight test plan, which, is essence, describes the experiment.
(2) Flight Permit - Experimental An experimental flight permit is issued for any aircraft, excluding aircraft that are operated under a special certificate of airworthiness in the owner-maintenance or amateur-built classification, which is manufactured for, or engaged in, aeronautical research and development, or for showing compliance with airworthiness standards.
It seems that Canada differs with the U.S., as an amateur built is very certainly not automatically "Experimental" in Canada.To get an experimental flight permit, I must provide a flight test plan, which, is essence, describes the experiment.

Joined: Feb 2005
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From: flyover country USA
In the US, there are several sub-categories, i.e. Amateur-built, R&D, etc.
There is also Restricted, used for aerial photo work, aerial application, - usually modified Standard category a/c.
There is also Restricted, used for aerial photo work, aerial application, - usually modified Standard category a/c.







