Fly Experimental Planes Without a Test? FAA's New Pilot Authorization Rule
Published Date: 6/24/2025
Notice
Summary
The FAA is giving pilots of experimental aircraft a new way to get authorized to fly without taking a practical test, as long as they complete special training. This change affects pilots flying certain experimental planes and aims to make the process easier and faster. The FAA is reopening the comment period so everyone has more time to share their thoughts before finalizing the program.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Train Instead of Practical Test
The FAA would let certain pilots of experimental aircraft become authorized as pilot in command (PIC) by completing aircraft-specific ground and flight training instead of taking a practical test. This program is implemented under Section 806 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and was described in the FAA notice published May 9, 2025.
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