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.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08943 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-10293 — Prohibition of Remote Dispatching
The FAA wants to stop airplane dispatchers from working remotely, except in emergencies when the main center is down. This change affects all domestic, flag, and supplemental airline operators and aims to keep flight safety tight and clear. Comments on this rule are open until July 21, 2026, so airlines and dispatchers should get ready for a new way of working that could shake up their routines.
2026-10270 — Airworthiness Directives; Embraer S.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Yaborã Indústria Aeronáutica S.A.; Embraer S.A.) Airplanes
The FAA is requiring certain Embraer ERJ 190-100 ECJ airplanes to get a close check on their overheat detection sensors because some parts might not work right. If problems are found, those parts must be replaced, and no faulty parts can be installed anymore. This rule kicks in on June 26, 2026, helping keep flights safe without breaking the bank.
2026-10256 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
If you fly Airbus EC130T2 helicopters, the FAA wants you to install a new fix on the tail rotor drive shaft and keep checking its vibration regularly. This update replaces old rules and stops certain parts from being used unless they meet new safety standards. You’ve got until July 6, 2026, to share your thoughts, and while this might cost some bucks, it’s all about keeping flights safe and smooth.
2026-10271 — Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes
The FAA is making sure certain Bombardier BD-700 airplanes are safe by checking and fixing bolts on the baggage door that might have been tightened wrong. Owners need to inspect and adjust or replace these bolts by June 26, 2026, to keep flying safely. This fix helps avoid any door problems and keeps passengers secure without breaking the bank.
2026-10272 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
If you fly or work with Airbus A330 planes, listen up! The FAA found a problem where a backup fuel pump might fail quietly, trapping fuel that can’t be used. Starting June 8, 2026, airlines must regularly check these pumps and fix any issues to keep flights safe—no big wallet hits expected, just smart safety moves.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-11519 — Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Generic Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Extension of Comment Period
The government is giving more time for people to share their thoughts on a plan about how kids qualify for CHIP, a health program for children. No new changes are being made, just an extension to collect more feedback. If you already sent your comments, no need to send them again!
Next: 2025-11522 — American Centrifuge Operating, LLC; American Centrifuge Plant; Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is planning to let American Centrifuge Operating, LLC keep running its uranium plant longer—until June 30, 2034—and increase how much special uranium they can have. This helps them meet a big government goal to produce 900 kilograms of uranium each year. The NRC checked the environment and found no big problems, so the plan looks good to go!