What is the difference between experimental and certified aircraft?
Experimental aircraft are those that have not undergone the full FAA certification process required for commercially produced aircraft. Unlike standard certified aircraft—such as Cessna, Piper, or Cirrus models—experimental aircraft do not have a type certificate that ensures strict compliance with FAA regulations. Amateur-built aircraft are built by individuals and licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as “Experimental. The Experimental designation has been in existence for more than five decades. It defines aircraft that are used for non-commercial, recreational purposes such as education or personal use.Am I allowed to receive flight instruction in an Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft? The short answer is yes, you can receive flight training in an amateur-built aircraft. However, there are some issues that may limit this opportunity.Experimental aircraft, or X-planes, are built for a wide range of research purposes – technology or concept demonstrators, unmanned test missiles, and even as prototypes.
Can an LSA fly IFR?
Light-sport Aircraft. Can I fly a special light-sport aircraft (S-LSA) in IFR conditions or at night? Only day/VFR conditions are specifically addressed in the ASTM consensus standards that govern the design, safety, and production of S-LSA. As long as a private pilot is current and has a medical, the private pilot can fly an LSA at night or in Instruments if pilot-rated and the airplane is properly equipped.
What planes qualify as LSA?
Airplanes (both powered and gliders), rotorcraft (gyroplanes only, not helicopters), powered parachutes, weight-shift control aeroplanes (commonly known as trikes), and lighter-than-air craft (free balloons and airships) may all be certificated as LSA if they fall within the weight and other guidelines established by . Original designs and built from plans aircraft that meet the LSA definition, can be registered as Experimental Homebuilt, and are subject to the 51% rule. A Sport Pilot, as long as they meet the LSA definition, can fly these aircraft.Experimental light-sport aircraft (E-LSA) may be flown by sport pilots. E-LSA kits that do not conform to amateur-built certification requirements and will be certificated in the E-LSA category must be based on an aircraft that has received a special LSA (S-LSA) airworthiness certificate.