[n86121]

What is the fundamental difference between certified and experimental?

Certified means, that with a trembling pen, a USG agency has affirmed in writing that the aircraft meets FAA 'requirements (standards)' applicable at the time of manufacture.

My suspicion is that construct came from the original USG procurement of aircraft: To bid or be a supplier to a USG contract requires the suppliers' products meet the USG tender bid specifications. "Best price for 1,000 P40 warhawks to the following requirements"

The only things that stop anyone from 'de-certifying' their aircraft, and making it experimental, ...is the paperwork.

The FAA's only existing process for 'restricted use' is to accommodate temporary testing or special use. To provide a temporary bridge from certification, to experimental, AND BACK,

The statutory authority (powers authorized by Congress when an agency was created),
of FAA over that process, or its authority to restrict it, would be interesting ...to explore.

Lastly, the insurance companies would have to recognize and be willing to insure formerly certified aircraft as 'experimental.'

Lastly would be the potential impact in asset value.