As Malcolm Gladwell might say, "This thread has reached a Tipping Point".

Although the word "certified" is used interchangeably with the words "type certified", there is a difference between a "certified" airplane and a "type certified" airplane. The pilot requirements pointed out earlier in this thread are for operators of "type certified" airplanes (and "type certificated" to be more technically correct). OEMs (Cessna, Beech, Piper, Cirrus, etc.) play by the exact same regulations as EAB airplanes. Reference 21.19X for these regulations.

The Regulations (CAR3, 14CFR23, etc.) were written for type certification of aircraft … EABs were added later.

Looking at 21.19X, one can see all the different "Experimental" aircraft categories that exist (amateur built, research and development, market survey, show compliance, etc.). So, if one wants to design/build/fly a powered lift to fixed wing vehicle, there is nothing preventing that from happening. What is prevented is carrying "passengers" on an experimental airplane (through operating limitations on an EAB). OEMs have this same restriction on their prototype airplanes (all people on board an experimental airplane must be required flight crew). This is also why EAA has done all the work to get a "second pilot" on board the first flights of an EAB.

If one wants to carry passengers (not required flight crew), they can put the aircraft into experimental "market survey" to be allowed to do so. OR, the restriction can be removed from the operating limitations.

Even OEM-built prototype airplanes play by these same regulations their entire life, … even after the aircraft model is awarded a Type Certification (which does not cover the earlier built prototypes unless the prototypes are brought up the type certification configuration).

Now, if one wants to build these vehicles for commercial service (and/or as a type certificated aircraft) that is a totally different story.

I'm really, really hoping to help (clarify), but this is a very complicated subject.

Bottom line: Just design/build/fly it. There is a way.

Blue on Top,
Ron