Experimental Classes

The Experimental Category represents the innovative spirit of sport aviation - where creativity, craftmanship, and performance meet in the open skies.

These aircraft are built by individuals or small teams rather than major manufacturers, showcasing unique designs, custom modifications, and cutting-edge engineering.

Pilots in this category race not only for speed but to prove the capability and reliability of their own handiwork. From sleek homebuilts to purpose-built racers, the Experimental Category embodies the essence of grassroots aviation excellence.

Turbine Classs

Any Experimental Category aircraft with a turbine engine, unlimited SHP (Shaft Horse Power). Class winners in both Fixed and Retractable gear.

Unlimited Class

Any Experimental Category aircraft normally aspirated or with a turbo/super-charged (any forced-induction) engine with a displacement greater than 1,000 cubic inches. Class winners in both Fixed and Retractable gear.

Sport Class

Any Experimental Category aircraft with a normally aspirated engine with a displacement of 1,000 cubic inches or less.

Sport-T Class

Any Experimental Category aircraft with a displacement of 1,000 cubic inches or less, forced-induction.

Sport FX Class

Any Experimental Category aircraft with 540/550 cubic inch displacement normally aspirated with Fixed Landing Gear for F-1, EVO Rocket, Harmon Rocket II etc.

Sport FX-T Class

Any Experimental Category aircraft with 540/550 cubic inch displacement, forced-induction with Fixed Landing Gear for RV-10s, F-1 Rocket, Harmon Rocket II etc.

Biplane Unlimited Class

Any aircraft having two main lifting wings, to include a tandem configuration, factory or experimental, with an engine displacement greater than 1,000 cubic inches and can be turbo/super-charged (any forced-induction).

Biplane Sport Class

Any aircraft having two main lifting wings, to include a tandem configuration, factory or experimental, using a normally aspirated engine with a displacement of 1,000 cubic inches or less.

Biplane Blue Class

Any aircraft having two main lifting wings, to include a tandem configuration, factory or experimental, with an engine displacement of 360 cubic inches or less, normally aspirated.

Biplane Red Class

Any aircraft having two main lifting wings, to include a tandem configuration, factory or experimental, with an engine displacement of 320 cubic inches or less, normally aspirated.

RG Blue Class

Any Experimental Category aircraft with an engine displacement of 360 cubic inches or less, normally aspirated, with retractable landing gear.

RG-T Blue Class

Any Experimental Category aircraft with an engine displacement of 360 cubic inches or less, turbo/super-charged (any forced-induction), with retractable landing gear.

RG Red Class

Any Experimental Category aircraft with an engine displacement of 320 cubic inches or less, normally aspirated, with retractable landing gear.

RG-T Red Class

Any Experimental Category aircraft with an engine displacement of 320 cubic inches or less, turbo/super-charged (any forced-induction), with retractable landing gear.

FX Gold Class

Any Experimental Category aircraft with an engine displacement of greater than 360 cubic inches, but less than 540 cubic inches, normally aspirated, with at least two fixed landing gear.

FX Blue Class

Any Experimental Category aircraft with an engine displacement of 360 cubic inches or less, normally aspirated, with at least two fixed landing gear.

FX-T Blue Class

Any Experimental Category aircraft with an engine displacement of 360 cubic inches or less, turbo/super-charged (any forced-induction), with at least two fixed landing gear.

FX Red Class

Any Experimental Category aircraft with an engine displacement of 320 cubic inches or less, normally aspirated, with at least two fixed landing gear.

FX-T Red Class

Any Experimental Category aircraft with an engine displacement of 320 cubic inches or less, turbo/super-charged (any forced-induction), with at least two fixed landing gear.

RV Gold Class

Open to any Van's RV-series aircraft powered by an engine over 360 cubic inches, normally aspirated.

RV-T Gold Class

Open to any Van's RV-series aircraft powered by an engine over 360 cubic inches, turbo/super-charged (any forced-induction).

RV Blue Class

Open to any Van's RV-series aircraft powered by an engine of 360 cubic inches or less, normally aspirated.

RV-T Blue Class

Open to any Van's RV-series aircraft powered by an engine of 360 cubic inches or less, turbo/super-charged (any forced-induction).

RV Red Class

Open to any Van's RV-series aircraft powered by an engine of 320 cubic inches or less, normally aspirated.

RV-T Red Class

Open to any Van's RV-series aircraft powered by an engine of 320 cubic inches or less, turbo/super-charged (any forced-induction).

Sprint Class

Any Experimental Category aircraft with an engine displacement of 240 cubic inches or less, normally aspirated.

Sprint-T Class

Any Experimental Category aircraft with an engine displacement of 240 cubic inches or less, turbo/super-charged (any forced-induction).

Sportsman Class

Any Experimental Category aircraft using a VW or Corvair normally aspirated engine conversion

Sportsman-T Class

Any Experimental Category aircraft using a VW or Corvair turbo/super-charged (any forced-induction) engine conversion

E-LSA Class

Any Experimental Category aircraft which meets the FAA definition of Light Sport Aircraft