Experimental Aircraft

An aircraft which does not have a type design or does not meet other certification standards. The "experimental" designation is one of several "Special Airworthiness Certificates" which allows the aircraft to operate in U.S. airspace. None may be used for commercial purposes. Experimental aircraft are divided into three groups: 1) amateur built: an aircraft, built by one or more persons who undertake the effort for the purpose of recreation and education; 2) exhibition: a unique (one-of-a-kind) aircraft, a replica, a foreign or U.S. military surplus aircraft which may be used for exhibition purposes-movie and television productions, or sanctioned, organized events where the unique or unusual characteristics of the aircraft can be displayed; 3) other: includes experimental aircraft that are not amateur or exhibition. This includes aircraft involved in research and development, crew training, market surveys, air racing, those used to show compliance with regulations and the like. (FAA6)