FAA Lifts Some Restrictions on Experimental Aircraft

Agency will eliminate some ‘red tape’ for pilots in the process.

Ryan Ewing

Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 03:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By: Steve Spears

Multiple aircraft sit parked at EAA AirVenture in 2025 at Oshkosh, Wisconsin.[Shutterstock/Thierry Weber]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA has implemented a new policy, effective immediately, that streamlines the process for experienced pilots to operate additional experimental aircraft.
Pilots who possess three existing high-performance experimental aircraft authorizations can now operate new types by completing aircraft-specific ground and flight training, without the previously required practical test.
Authorization for these additional aircraft will be provided through a simple logbook endorsement from a flight instructor, replacing formal FAA documentation, though an amended airworthiness certificate is necessary to utilize this new system.

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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.