What is the flight authority for an aircraft that is owner maintained?

The flight authority for an aircraft that is owner maintained is indeed the special certificate of airworthiness - owner maintained. This type of certificate is specifically designed to allow owners to maintain and operate their own aircraft under certain conditions.

Owner maintenance typically applies to aircraft that are simpler in design or for which the owner has the necessary expertise and resources to perform maintenance tasks safely. The special certificate of airworthiness for owner maintained aircraft acknowledges that these owners take on the responsibility for the upkeep and safety of their aircraft, and it establishes guidelines under which they can legally operate it in a way that's distinct from aircraft under a standard certificate of airworthiness.

Choosing this certification indicates that the aircraft has been assessed to meet certain criteria and is deemed safe for operation by the owner who is responsible for its maintenance. Understanding this distinction is crucial, as it highlights the regulatory framework that accommodates owner involvement in aircraft maintenance while still ensuring safety and compliance with aviation standards.