The FAA announced an immediate policy change that allows experienced pilots to operate multiple experimental aircraft with less documentation and procedures.
Effective immediately, pilots who hold three Authorized Experimental Aircraft (AEA) authorizations in high-performance piston aircraft can operate additional experimental aircraft by completing only aircraft-specific ground and flight training, without the previously required practical test.
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“Experimental aircraft pilots have had to jump through many cumbersome hoops in order to operate additional experimental aircraft,” said Representative Sam Graves (R-Mo.), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, in a statement. “Based on a requirement I fought hard to include in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the FAA has now streamlined this process and made it easier for experienced pilots to operate multiple types of aircraft without all the red tape. This commonsense change will reduce costs for the agency and allow more pilots to enjoy their freedom to fly.”
A big win for pilots! Thanks to @RepSamGraves and @EAA, experienced pilots can now operate multiple experimental aircraft.✈️ This change is effective immediately for pilots who hold three authorized experimental aircraft authorizations in high-performance piston aircraft. It… pic.twitter.com/mpoDaO2543
— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) May 13, 2025
The change represents a major shift in how the FAA manages authorizations for experimental aircraft operations. Previously, pilots needed to submit formal applications and documentation to the FAA for each additional experimental aircraft they wanted to fly.
Program Details
The Experimental Aircraft “All Makes and Models” Program implements Section 806 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which mandated the agency to authorize pilots with three AEAs to operate additional experimental aircraft without the practical test requirement.
Under the new program, authorization will be provided through a simple logbook endorsement from the flight instructor who provided the training, rather than through formal FAA documentation. This endorsement serves as proof of authorization and must state that the pilot “holds at least three high-performance single-engine piston or high-performance multi-engine piston AEA authorizations, has received the required ground and flight training, and is proficient to act as PIC” of the specific make and model of experimental aircraft.
For pilots who don’t yet have the required three AEAs, the traditional process outlined in FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 5, Chapter 9, Section 2 remains in effect. These pilots will still need to follow the established procedures to obtain their initial authorizations before qualifying for the simplified process.
The agency notes that previously-issued airworthiness certificate operating limitations specify that pilots must hold a model-specific type rating, AEA, or temporary letter of authorization (LOA). As a result, pilots wanting to utilize the new program must first apply for an amended airworthiness certificate with an operating limitation that allows for the new logbook endorsement.
While the new program is effective immediately, the FAA is seeking public input on the guidance. Comments must be submitted by June 9 and should reference docket number FAA-2025-0906.
The FAA also said the program may be revised based on comments received, and interested parties can review the associated guidance posted to the docket number.
