FAA Refines ‘All Makes and Models’ Program

Following up on user feedback, the FAA has revised its program that enables pilots to receive authorization to act as PIC of certain experimental warbird aircraft after completing aircraft-specific ground and flight training and with a prescribed amount of previous experience. Those eligible pilots will not have to take a practical test for an experimental authorization (akin to a type rating for experimental aircraft). Similar to the FAA’s original “All Makes and Models” program from nearly 30 years ago, this is an approach that requires qualified individuals to train with an appropriate instructor.

The “All Makes and Models” program is now separated into single-engine piston and multi-engine piston tracks for experimental exhibition aircraft. For aviators seeking to add this designation, they must have at least three previous experimental authorizations in the same class of aircraft — multi-engine or single engine — on their certificate (some limited category type ratings are also eligible for determining qualification; the FAA maintains a list of these aircraft).

Once a pilot has three experimental authorizations from the same class of aircraft and is ready to add the fourth, they can receive training with a qualified instructor and receive an endorsement to become qualified as PIC. The pilot will simply fill out a Form 8710 and work with a designee to submit the application to add “All Makes and Models” to their certificate, with the actual aircraft authorizations listed underneath that new moniker on their certificate. No more practical test will be required with an FAA specialty aircraft examiner.