Aircraft having experimental certificates: Operating limitations

In plain English

An experimental aircraft may be operated only for the purpose its certificate was issued for, and generally may not carry persons or property for compensation or hire. It must follow the specific operating limitations issued with it (often including an initial Phase I flight-test area), and any passengers must be told it is an experimental aircraft.

Key points

• Operate only for the purpose the experimental certificate was issued (e.g. amateur-built operation, exhibition, research).
• No carrying persons or property for compensation or hire (with narrow exceptions).
• Comply with the aircraft's assigned operating limitations — test area, markings, and passenger notification.

Common pitfalls

• Using an experimental aircraft for hire.
• Operating outside the assigned flight-test area during Phase I.

Summary: Experimental aircraft may be flown only for their certificated purpose, not for hire, and must follow their specific operating limitations including flight-test-area and passenger-notification rules.