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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-special-airworthiness-cert

Which type of airworthiness certificate does an experimental or light-sport aircraft get?

A special airworthiness certificate.

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  1. A special airworthiness certificate ✔
  2. A standard airworthiness certificate
  3. A certificate of aircraft registration only

Why: Standard certificates go to normal, utility, acrobatic, commuter and transport category aircraft and manned free balloons. Aircraft outside those, like experimental, restricted, limited, provisional and light-sport, get a special certificate.

Huh, didn't know that: The PHAK notes light-sport aircraft receive a pink special airworthiness certificate.

The dad joke
My homebuilt plane got a special certificate. My mom says I'm special too, so it runs in the family.
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References

Answer: A special airworthiness certificate. Standard certificates go to normal, utility, acrobatic, commuter and transport category aircraft and manned free balloons. Aircraft outside those, like experimental, restricted, limited, provisional and light-sport, get a special certificate.

  1. 14 CFR 21.175 Airworthiness certificates: classification www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-21/subpart-H/section-21.175
    Special airworthiness certificates are airworthiness certificates issued for: (2) Aircraft certificated in the light-sport category; (3) Aircraft operating for an experimental purpose
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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