FAA Ground School Practice Test

If an aircraft has an experimental certificate, where is it generally prohibited from flying?

1. Over congested airways

2. In uncontrolled airspace

3. Over unpopulated areas

4. Over private property

The correct answer is: Over congested airways

An aircraft with an experimental certificate is generally prohibited from flying over congested areas because one of the primary purposes of such certificates is to facilitate testing of new aircraft designs or technologies. This includes research and development, which may involve flying characteristics that are not yet fully analyzed alongside potential risks. Flying over congested areas—such as cities, towns, or large gatherings—poses a higher risk to people on the ground in the event of an incident, which could be more likely with experimental aircraft. Regulations are stringent for these flights to ensure public safety, meaning that an experimental aircraft typically must maintain a safe distance from populated areas where failure modes could lead to severe consequences. In contrast, flying in uncontrolled airspace, over unpopulated areas, or over private property may be permitted under certain conditions. These environments pose less risk to the general public and can be more suitable for flight testing.