Definition
An aircraft type-certificated by the FAA in the Limited category, typically a former military aircraft that has been accepted for civil use under specific airworthiness rules. Limited category aircraft may not be operated to carry persons or property for compensation or hire.
Plain English
A special FAA classification for certain aircraft (often retired military types) that are allowed to fly in civilian hands but are not allowed to be used commercially to make money carrying people or things.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of aircraft certification, airworthiness certificates, and the legal operating limits placed on certain former military aircraft.
Derivation
Called 'Limited' because the FAA places limits on how the aircraft can be used. The category exists to allow these aircraft to fly legally in civil airspace while restricting the kinds of operations they can perform.
Why Pilots Care
If you fly a limited category aircraft, you must understand the operating restrictions printed in its airworthiness certificate. Using it for paid passenger or cargo flights would violate its certification and the regulations.
Intuition Check
Limited does not mean the aircraft is weak or low-performance. It means the FAA has placed legal limits on how that aircraft may be used.
Example Sentence 1
The owner registered his surplus military trainer as a limited category aircraft, so he could fly it personally but not offer paid rides at airshows.
Example Sentence 2
Before taking passengers, the pilot verified that the limited category aircraft was approved for the planned exhibition flight.