Airshow Aircraft Limitations
and Air Racing Aircraft Limitations

Operating limitations will be designed to fit the specific situation encountered. The FAA/DAR may impose any additional airshow aircraft limitations deemed necessary in the interest of safety.

The FAA/DAR will review each imposed operating limitation with the applicant to ensure that the operating limitations are understood.

One or more of the following operating limitations, as applicable, will be prescribed:

NOTE: The group applicability (I-IV) is identified in boldface parentheses at the end of each limitation.

1. No person may operate this aircraft unless Form 8130-7 is displayed at the cabin or cockpit entrance so that it is visible to passengers or flightcrew members. (Applicability: All)

2. No person may operate this aircraft for other than the purpose of meeting the requirements of FAR 91.319(b), as stated in the program letter (required by FAR 21.193) for this aircraft. This aircraft must be operated in accordance with applicable air traffic and general operating rules of FAR 91, as well as all additional limitations herein prescribed under the provisions of FAR 91.319(e). These operating limitations are a part of the special airworthiness certificate, and are to be carried in the aircraft at all times and made available to the pilot in command of the aircraft. (Applicability: All)

3. This aircraft may only operate from [identify name of outlying airport] until the requirements of FAR 91.319(b) have been met. The operator will use the described corridor (shown on the attached chart) to transition to that airport. After meeting the requirements of FAR 91.319(b), the aircraft may return to [enter home base airport name] and the established corridor will be used for all subsequent operations. (Applicability: All)

NOTE: This limitation applies to all certificates issued to meet the requirements of FAR 91.319(b), (assigned test area). This limitation also is used when the aircraft’s home base is located in a densely populated area and/or in a congested airway.

4. In accordance with FAR 47.45, the FAA Aircraft Registry must be notified within 30 days for any change of the aircraft registrant address. Such notification is to be made by submitting Aeronautical Center Form 8050-1 to AFS-750 in Oklahoma City. (Applicability: All)

5. This aircraft must be operated for at least ____ hours with at least ____ takeoffs and landings (to a full stop), and all operations must be conducted in the geographic area described and/or shown on the attached chart. (Applicability: All)

NOTE: This geographical area must be over open water or sparsely populated areas having light air traffic. The size of the area must be that required to safely conduct the anticipated maneuvers and tests. The area must be described by radius, coordinates, and/or landmarks. The minimum number of hours and maximum number of takeoffs and landings should be based on the aircraft’s condition and records, and the total time on the aircraft and its engine(s). To ensure national standardization, when issuing this limitation for turbine powered aircraft, the maximum number of hours normally should not exceed 10 and the minimum number of takeoffs and landings should be three.

6. Application must be made to the geographically responsible FSDO for any revision to these operating limitations.(Applicability: All)

7. This aircraft may not be operated over densely populated areas or in congested airways, except when otherwise directed by air traffic control. (Applicability: All)

NOTE 1: Special operating limitations for particular aircraft to permit takeoffs and landings may be authorized in accordance with FAR 91.319(c). The certificating FAA inspector or DAR will consult with a FSDO operations inspector in order to determine if takeoffs and landings should be authorized. If authorization is given, the operating limitation will read as follows:

“7. Except for takeoffs and landings, this aircraft may not be operated over densely populated areas or in congested airways, except when otherwise directed by air traffic control or in an emergency situation. When exercising this authorization, the pilot in command must request a departure route that will avoid densely populated areas and congested airways whenever possible.”

NOTE 2: The FAA will coordinate with the local FSDO operations unit to ensure that the departure/approach corridors that are established subject the fewest number of persons and least property to possible hazards and aircraft noise. This concept of a departure/approach corridor will be used when issuing operating limitations for aircraft that are based at airports within class B airspace. Established corridors will be used for all proficiency flights and event attendance.

8. This aircraft is to be operated under VFR, day only. (Applicability: All)

9. During the test flight phase, no person may be carried in this aircraft during flight unless that person is essential to the purpose of the flight. (Applicability: All)

10. No person may be carried in this aircraft during the exhibition of the aircraft’s flight capabilities, performance, or unusual characteristics at airshows, or for motion picture, television, or similar productions, unless essential for the purpose of the flight. Passengers may be carried during flights to and from any event outlined in the program letter or during proficiency flying, limited to the design seating capacity of the aircraft. (Applicability: All)

NOTE: This limitation is applicable to the aircraft after it has satisfactorily completed all flight testing requirements and has the appropriate endorsement in the logbook.

11. The pilot in command of this aircraft must advise each passenger of the experimental nature of this aircraft, and explain that it does not meet the certification requirements of a standard certificated aircraft. (Applicability: All)

12. No person may operate this aircraft for carrying persons or property for compensation or hire. (Applicability: All)

13. Aerobatic maneuvers intended to be performed must be satisfactorily accomplished and recorded in the aircraft records during the flight test period. (Applicability: All)

NOTE: In addition to the requirements of FAR 91.303, appropriate limitations identifying the aerobatic maneuvers and conditions under which they may be performed shall be presented. The FAA may witness aerobatic maneuvers ifdeemed necessary.

14. This aircraft may not be operated unless the replacement times for life-limited parts specified in the applicable technical publications pertaining to the aircraft and its components are complied with. This aircraft, including its related components and systems, must be inspected in accordance with an approved inspection program selected under the provisions of FAR 91.409(e). This inspection program must be recorded in the aircraft maintenance records.(Applicability: Group II; group IV turbine engine)

15. This aircraft must not be operated unless it is inspected and maintained in accordance with appropriate military technical publications and/or manufacturer’s recommendations. The owner/operator must select, establish, identify, and use an inspection program as set forth in § 91.409(e), (f), (g), and (h). This inspection program must be recorded in the aircraft maintenance records. (Applicability: Group II; group III over 800 horsepower; group IV turbine-powered;and group IV over 800 horsepower)

16. Inspections must be recorded in the aircraft maintenance records showing the following, or a similarly worded, statement: “I certify that this aircraft has been inspected on [insert date] in accordance with the [identify program, title] FSDO-approved program dated , and found to be in a condition for safe operation.” The entry will include the aircraft’s total time-in-service (cycles if appropriate), and the name, signature, certificate number, and type of certificate held by the person performing the inspection. (Applicability: Group II; group IV turbine engine)

17. No person must operate this aircraft unless within the preceding 12 calendar months it has had a condition inspection performed in accordance with the scope and detail of FAR 43 Appendix D, or other FAA-approved programs, and was found to be in a condition for safe operation. This inspection will be recorded in the aircraft maintenance records. (Applicability: Group I; group III under 800 horsepower; group IV non-turbine engine)

18. Condition inspections must be recorded in the aircraft maintenance records showing the following, or a similarly worded, statement: “I certify that this aircraft has been inspected on [insert date] in accordance with the scope and detail of FAR 43 Appendix D, and found to be in a condition for safe operation.” The entry will include the aircraft’s total time-in-service, and the name, signature, certificate number, and type of certificate held by the person performing the inspection. (Applicability: Group III under 800 horsepower)

19. Inspections must be recorded in the aircraft maintenance records showing the following, or a similarly worded, statement: “I certify that this aircraft has been inspected on [insert date] in accordance with the scope and detail of [identify military technical publications and/or manufacturer’s instructions] and found to be in a condition for safe operation.” (Applicability: Group III 800 horsepower and above)

20. Only FAA-certificated mechanics with appropriate ratings as authorized by FAR 43.3 may perform inspections required by these operating limitations. (Applicability: All)

21. The cognizant FSDO must be notified, and its response received in writing, prior to flying this aircraft after incorporation of a major change as defined by FAR 21.93. (Applicability: All)

22. This aircraft must display the word “EXPERIMENTAL” in accordance with FAR 45.23(b). (Applicability: All)

23. This aircraft must contain the placards, markings, etc., required by FAR 91.9. (Applicability: All)

24. The pilot in command of this aircraft must hold an appropriate category/class rating. If required for the type of aircraft to be flown, the pilot in command also must hold either an appropriate type rating or a letter of authorization issued by an FAA Flight Standards Operations Inspector. (Applicability: Group II; group III 800 horsepower and above, or more than 12,500 pounds; group IV turbojet, or more than 12,500 pounds)

25. The pilot in command of this aircraft must notify air traffic control of the experimental nature of this aircraft when operating into or out of airports with operating control towers. The pilot in command must plan routing that will avoid densely populated areas and congested airways when operating VFR. (Applicability: All)

26. The pilot in command of this aircraft should be knowledgeable of and use the procedures described in the EAA’s Jet Operations Manual, or other procedures acceptable to the Administrator. (Applicability: Group II; group IV)

27. The ejection seat system must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s procedures and inspected in accordance with the FSDO-approved inspection program applicable to this aircraft. In addition, the ejection seat system must be mechanically secured to prevent inadvertent operation of the system whenever the aircraft is parked or out of service. (As applicable)

28. This aircraft is prohibited from flight with any externally mounted equipment unless the equipment is permanently mounted in a manner that will prevent in-flight jettison, and there is an entry in the aircraft records indicating that flight testing has been accomplished with this equipment installed. (As applicable)

29. Following satisfactory completion of the required number of flight hours in the flight test area, the pilot must certify in the records that the aircraft has been shown to comply with FAR 91.319(b). Compliance with FAR 91.319(b) must be recorded in the aircraft records with the following, or a similarly worded, statement: “I certify that the prescribed flight test hours have been completed and the aircraft is controllable throughout its normal range of speeds and throughout all maneuvers to be executed, has no hazardous operating characteristics or design features, and is safe for operation.” (Applicability: All)

30. No person may operate this aircraft for other than the purpose(s) of [identify purpose(s)], to exhibit the aircraft, or participate in events outlined in [identify applicant]’s program letter (or any amendments) describing compliance with FAR 21.193(d). In addition, this aircraft must be operated in accordance with applicable air traffic and general operating rules of part 91, and all additional limitations herein prescribed under the provisions of FAR 91.319(e). These operating limitations are a part of Form 8130-7, and are to be carried in the aircraft at all times and be available to the pilot in command of the aircraft. (Applicability: All)

31. All proficiency/practice flights must be conducted within the geographical area described in the applicant’s program letter and any amendments to that letter, but no portion of that area will be more than 300 nautical miles from the aircraft’s home base airport. An exception is permitted for proficiency flying outside of the area stated above for organized formation flying, training, or pilot checkout in conjunction with a specific event listed in the applicant’s program letter (or amendments). The program letter should indicate the location and dates for this proficiency flying.(Applicability: Group I; group III under 800 horsepower)

32. All proficiency flights will be conducted in airspace with an operational radius of 600 nautical miles from the airport where the aircraft is based. This radius can be reduced if requested by the operator. Proficiency flights are limited to a nonstop flight that begins and ends at the airport where the aircraft is based. One alternate airport may be selected for each flight, within the operational radius of the airport where the aircraft is based. Operations outside this radius for organized formation flying, proficiency flying, or pilot checkout in conjunction with specific events must be listed in theapplicant’s program letter or the operator must notify the cognizant FSDO 48 hours before the date of the actual event.(Applicability: Group II)

33. All proficiency/practice flights must be conducted within the geographical area described in the applicant’s program letter and any modifications to that letter, but that area will not be more than 600 nautical miles from the aircraft’s home base airport. An exception is permitted for proficiency flying outside of the area stated above for organized formation flying, training, or pilot checkout in conjunction with a specific event listed in the applicant’s program letter (or amendments). The program letter should indicate the location and dates for this proficiency flying. (Applicability: Group III 800 horsepower or above)

34. All proficiency/practice flights must be conducted within the geographical area described in the applicant’s program letter and any modifications to that letter, but that area will not be more than 300 nautical miles from the aircraft’s home base airport. Proficiency flights are limited to a nonstop flight that begins and ends at the aircraft’s home base airport. An alternate airport selection is not permitted for this aircraft. However, an exception is permitted for proficiency flying outside of the area stated above for organized formation flying, training, or pilot checkout in conjunction with a specificevent listed in the applicant’s program letter (or amendments). The program letter should indicate the location and dates for this proficiency flying. (Applicability: Group IV)

35. Proficiency flights are authorized without geographical restrictions when conducted in preparation for participation in sanctioned meets and pursuant to qualify for Federal Aeronautique International (FAI) or Soaring Society of America (SSA) awards. These flights may only take place as defined in the applicant’s program letter, and prior to the specific FAI or SSA event. The pilot in command must submit a description of the intended route and/or geographical area intended to be flown to the local FSDO. (Applicability: Group I, gliders only)

36. This aircraft is restricted to airports that are within airspace classes C, D, E, and G during proficiency flights, except in the case of a declared emergency or when otherwise directed by air traffic control. (Applicability: All)

37. The owner/operator of this aircraft must submit an annual program letter update to the local FSDO that lists airshows, fly-ins, etc., that will be attended during the next year, commencing at the time this aircraft is released into phase II operation. This list of events may be amended, as applicable, by letter or fax to the FSDO prior to the intended operation amendments. A copy of the highlighted aeronautical chart, when applicable, must be carried aboard this aircraft and be available to the pilot. (Applicability: All)

38. This aircraft is authorized for flights or static display at airshows, air races, and in motion pictures conducted under a waiver issued in accordance with FAR 91.903. (Applicability: All)

39. After completion of phase I flight testing, unless appropriately equipped for night and/or instrument flight in accordance with FAR 91.205, this aircraft is only to be operated under day VFR. (Applicability: All)

40. Aircraft instruments and equipment installed and used under FAR 91.205 must be inspected and maintained in accordance with the applicable requirements of FAR's 43 and 91. Any maintenance or inspection of this equipment must be recorded in the aircraft maintenance records. (Applicability: All)

41. Aerobatic maneuvers that have been satisfactorily accomplished and recorded during the flight test time period may be performed. (Applicability: All)

42. Supersonic flight (true flight Mach number greater than 1) is prohibited unless specifically authorized under FAR 91.817. (Applicability: Group II; group IV if applicable)

43. The special airworthiness certificate and attached operating limitations for this aircraft have no expiration date. However, when an aircraft’s base of operation is changed or there is a transfer of ownership, the new owner/operator will provide the local FSDO with a copy of the approved inspection program, identifying the person responsible for scheduling and performing the inspections. New proficiency areas must be described in accordance with operating limitation No's. 28 through 33, as applicable. (Applicability: Group II; group IV turbine-powered)

44. This aircraft must not be used for glider towing, banner towing, or intentional parachute jumping. (Applicability: All)

45. This aircraft does not meet the requirements of the applicable, comprehensive, and detailed airworthiness code as provided by Annex 8 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. The owner/operator of this aircraft must obtain written permission from another country’s CAA before operating this aircraft in or over that country. That written permission must be carried aboard the aircraft together with the U.S. airworthiness certificate and, upon request, be made available to an ASI or the CAA in the country of operation. (Applicability: All)

46. Flights to airports other than an alternate airport and the airport where the aircraft is based are allowed for maintenance of the aircraft. (Maintenance, as defined in § 1.1, is the reference for the purpose of these flights.) Before the flight, the operator must notify and receive permission from the geographically responsible FSDO where the maintenance will take place, and notify the FSDO with the geographic responsibility where the aircraft is based of the intended maintenance flight. The maintenance performed in connection with the flight must be recorded in the aircraft records in accordance with FAR 43. (Applicability: All)

NOTE: The geographically responsible FSDO and the local area FSDO office where the maintenance will take place must concur prior to approving the flight request.

47. The following placard, pertaining to gliders and sail planes having experimental certificates, must be displayed in the cockpit in full view of the pilot in addition to the requirements of FAR 91.9.

“NOTE: No person may exceed the designer’s or builder’s recommended limitations as follows: maximum gross weight ______; CG limits _______; airplane tow speed ________; maximum airspeed in smooth air ________; and maximum airspeed in rough air _______.” (Applicability: Group I)

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