---
kind: "section"
citation: "14 C.F.R. § 437.7"
title: "14"
number: "437.7"
heading: "Scope of an experimental permit."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/14/437.7"
---

# §437.7. Scope of an experimental permit.


An experimental permit authorizes launch or reentry of a reusable suborbital vehicle. The authorization includes pre- and post-flight ground operations as defined in this section.

- (a) **A pre-flight ground operation includes each operation that—**
  - (1) Takes place at a U.S. launch site; and
  - (2) **Meets the following criteria—**
    - (i) Is closely proximate in time to flight,
    - (ii) Entails critical steps preparatory to initiating flight,
    - (iii) Is unique to space launch, and
    - (iv) **Is inherently so hazardous as to warrant the FAA's regulatory oversight.**
- (b) A post-flight ground operation includes each operation necessary to return the reusable suborbital vehicle to a safe condition after it lands or impacts.

## Notes

### Amendments

[Doc. No. FAA-2006-24197, Amdt. No. 437-0, 72 FR 17019, Apr. 6, 2007, as amended by Amdt. No. 437-4, 89 FR 76726, Sept. 19, 2024]

### Authority

Authority: 51 U.S.C. 50901-50923.

### Source

Source: Docket No. FAA-2006-24197, 72 FR 17019, Apr. 6, 2007, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[Doc. No. FAA-2006-24197, Amdt. No. 437-0, 72 FR 17019, Apr. 6, 2007, as amended by Amdt. No. 437-4, 89 FR 76726, Sept. 19, 2024]