What must a pilot avoid when operating an experimental aircraft?

When operating an experimental aircraft, it is essential for a pilot to avoid towing gliders. The reason for this is that experimental aircraft, which are often newly designed or modified, may not have undergone the extensive testing and certification processes typical of standard, certified aircraft. This lack of testing means that the performance and handling characteristics of experimental aircraft can be unpredictable, especially when additional loads or stresses are placed on them, such as during glider towing.

Moreover, towing requires specific handling and stability characteristics from the aircraft, and since experimental aircraft may have design features that are not fully understood or may not perform as expected in such situations, towing could potentially lead to dangerous scenarios. This precaution helps to ensure the safety of both the pilot and any towed aircraft.

Other options, while having their own considerations, do not carry the same level of inherent risk associated with the unique challenges presented by the experimental nature of these aircraft. For instance, flying at night, flying solo, or in gusty winds can be managed with appropriate training and precautions, but towing is a specialized operation that is best avoided until the aircraft has been fully evaluated and tested under those conditions.