FAR 91.305 — Flight Test Areas

FAR 91.305 sets a simple but important restriction on where you can flight test an aircraft. Flight testing means evaluating an aircraft's performance, handling, or systems—often after major maintenance, modifications, or as part of certification.

Under this rule, flight tests must be conducted only over:

• Open water, or
• Sparsely populated areas with light air traffic

Why it matters operationally: Flight testing carries elevated risk. The aircraft may behave unpredictably, systems may fail, or the pilot may be intentionally exploring the edges of the envelope. By keeping these flights away from congested areas and busy airspace, the FAA limits exposure to people and property on the ground and reduces the chance of a midair conflict.

If you're flying a newly overhauled aircraft, an experimental, or any aircraft requiring a test flight, plan your route carefully. Pick a practice area well clear of cities, towns, and major traffic flows—and brief an emergency landing plan before takeoff.