Experimental Aircraft: Letters of Deviation Authority (LODA)

In 2004, the FAA established a Letter of Deviation Authority (LODA) process for operators who advertise or “hold out” their experimental aircraft for use in training, testing or checking in exchange for compensation. See 69 Fed. Reg. 44771 (July 27, 2004). To obtain a LODA, the operator must submit an application to the FAA that includes airworthiness and maintenance records, and an aircraft-specific training outline at least 60 days in advance of the first training operation. The FAA uses this collection of information to ensure that operators of an aircraft with an experimental airworthiness certificate who broadly offer their aircraft for training, testing or checking follow appropriate safety precautions. Application is made to the FAA electronically by email, fax, in-person delivery, or mail, to the responsible FAA Flight Standards District Office. This requirement applies to the registered aircraft owner seeking to conduct operations through deviation authority, or their agent. Importantly, the LODA requirement in this information collection does not apply to owners (and those affiliated with owners) of experimental aircraft who receive training, testing or checking in their own aircraft. On July 12, 2021, in response to a court ruling, the FAA issued a “Notification of Policy for Flight Training in Certain Aircraft” in the Federal Register (86 FR 36493) that established a shortened, email LODA requirement for owners of experimental aircraft who receive training, testing or checking in their own aircraft. However, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2023 eliminated this requirement. The FAA no longer requires owners of experimental aircraft to apply for a LODA to receive training, testing or checking in their own aircraft.

The latest form for Experimental Aircraft: Letters of Deviation Authority (LODA) expires 2026-06-30 and can be found here.