What It’s Like Flying an Experimental Aircraft

Flying an experimental aircraft is not just about getting from point A to point B — it’s about personal freedom, hands-on innovation, and experiencing aviation in its rawest form. These aircraft are often misunderstood, but for thousands of pilots, they represent the future of flight.

Breaking the “Experimental” Myth

Let’s clear the air: the word "experimental" doesn’t mean unsafe or unproven. In fact, the FAA uses the term to describe a category of aircraft that operate under different regulations than standard certified aircraft. There are several types of experimental certificates: from Exhibition and Market Survey to Air Racing and Amateur-Built, the most common.

Unfortunately, some pilots and buyers still associate “experimental” with something incomplete or unreliable — which couldn’t be further from the truth. Many modern experimental aircraft exceed the performance, safety, and technology of their certified counterparts.

Why Pilots Are Choosing Experimental

Over the past decade, the perception of experimental aircraft has evolved. Pilots are realizing that these aircraft offer:

  • Greater Freedom in customization and upgrades

  • Access to the latest avionics and safety tech

  • Lower cost of ownership

  • The ability to perform their own maintenance

  • Unmatched pride in building and flying your own airplane

Whether you build a kit aircraft from scratch or use a builder-assist program like some manufacturers offer, the connection between pilot and machine is deep, personal, and lasting.

Practical Benefits in the Cockpit

Experimental aircraft can operate in broader conditions — even IFR if properly equipped. You can integrate new LED lighting, advanced suspension, oversized tires, and digital EFIS systems without waiting for long certification processes.

And with tight cockpits, portable gear becomes essential. That’s where the Dream Pilot Magic Kneeboard  comes in.


The Magic Kneeboard: The Perfect Match for Experimental Flyers

When you're flying something you've built or customized yourself, you expect your gear to be just as adaptable.

The Dream Pilot Magic Kneeboard  gives you secure, magnetic, and universal mounting for any device — iPhone, iPad, Android, tablet — even in bumpy conditions. With its soft strap, durable construction, and European-made quality, it's already a favorite among ultralight and experimental pilots.

No need for paper checklists or awkward holders. This kneeboard is sleek, compact, and reliable — just like your airplane.

Whether you're chasing horizons in your Carbon Cub or perfecting your own homebuilt project, the Dream Pilot Magic Kneeboard keeps your flight plan, navigation, and cockpit workflow right where you need it — on your knee.