"JK" wrote in message
link.net...
I have been planning to build my own airplane for quite a while, but I have
a nagging question that I never see addressed. FAR Part 91.319 (c)
appears
to prohibit flight of experimental aircraft over "densely populated areas"
(whatever that means).

The entire text is: "Unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator in
special operating limitations, no person may operate an aircraft that has
an
experimental certificate over a densely populated area or in a congested
airway. The Administrator may issue special operating limitations for
particular aircraft to permit takeoffs and landings to be conducted over a
densely populated area or in a congested airway, in accordance with terms
and conditions specified in the authorization in the interest of safety in
air commerce."

How do the rest of you deal with this? Does the "Unless otherwise
authorized ..." part help somehow? Do you avoid densely populated areas?

Thanks
John

This limitation is only in effect during "Phase 1" testing - the first 25 or
40 hours of flight. After that, your experimental can fly anywhere a
certified ship can.

Five years or more ago, the rule was as you quoted in your post, but it (or
the interpretation) has changed. Older homebuilts may still carry the
restriction in their operating limitations. However, the Feds will update
those "old" operating restrictions if the owner requests.

KB