What is the legal implication of operating an experimental aircraft?

Operating an experimental aircraft carries significant legal implications, primarily outlined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. When a pilot operates an experimental aircraft, one of the essential guidelines is that it cannot be used for hire or compensation. This restriction is in place to ensure safety and to maintain the integrity of ongoing experimental flight testing, as these aircraft are often in a phase of development and may not meet all safety regulations required for commercial operations.

Experimental aircraft are typically used for the purposes of research, testing, or demonstration and are subject to specific operating limitations. Allowing these aircraft to be flown for compensation could pose safety risks to both the pilots and the public, as they may not have completed thorough testing to confirm their airworthiness in a commercial environment.

The other options suggest scenarios that do not align with the FAA's regulations regarding experimental aircraft operations. While research may be a core component of why these aircraft are permitted to fly, the emphasis on compensation and commercial use illustrates the FAA's priority on safety and experimental integrity. Therefore, option C accurately reflects the legal constraints placed on the operation of experimental aircraft.