If you have an 'experimental' helicopter, can you be compensated for flying it?

When operating an 'experimental' helicopter, the regulations specifically prohibit any form of compensation for flight. This restriction is in place because experimental aircraft, by definition, are not yet certified for general use and are subject to specific limitations concerning their operation. The intent behind this rule is to ensure safety and compliance with established standards, as these aircraft are often undergoing testing to determine their flight characteristics and safety.

In this context, any flight conducted with the intention of generating income is fundamentally at odds with the parameters set for experimental aircraft. This means that pilots cannot accept compensation for flights, regardless of the purpose, whether for personal use or for activities that might otherwise seem benign, like charitable functions or research. The regulation aims to protect both the pilot and the public until the aircraft achieves its full certification and can be operated under general aviation standards.