Special airworthiness certificate

The special airworthiness certificate is a Federal Aviation Administration authorization to operate an aircraft in United States airspace in one or more categories.

Category	Purpose(s)	Title 14 CFR Section
Primary	Aircraft flown for pleasure and personal use	21.24, 21.184
Restricted	Aircraft with a "restricted" category type certificate, including: Agricultural Forest and wildlife conservation Aerial surveying Patrolling (pipelines, power lines) Weather control Aerial advertising Other operations specified by the Administrator	21.25, 21.185
Multiple	Multiple airworthiness certificates	21.187
Limited	Aircraft with a "limited" category type certificate	21.189
Light-Sport	Operate a light-sport aircraft, other than a gyroplane, kit-built, or transitioning ultralight like vehicle	21.190
Experimental	Research and development Showing compliance with regulations Crew training Exhibition Air racing Market surveys Operating amateur-built aircraft Operating kit-built aircraft Operating light-sport aircraft Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)	21.191, 21.193, 21.195
Special Flight Permit	Special-purpose flight of an aircraft that is capable of safe flight	21.197
Provisional	Aircraft with a "provisional" category type certificate for special operations and operating limitations	Part 21 Subpart C, Part 21 Subpart I, Section 91.317

References

• The Code of Federal Regulations Title 14, Volume 1, Part 21