What is the primary limitation of utility category airplanes during maneuvers?

The primary limitation of utility category airplanes during maneuvers is that they are allowed to perform limited acrobatics, including spins, provided that these maneuvers have been approved by the aircraft's manufacturer. Utility category airplanes are designed to handle a wider range of maneuvers than normal category airplanes but are still subject to specific limitations to ensure safety.

Unlike normal category aircraft, which primarily focus on protecting passengers and crew by prohibiting all acrobatic maneuvers, utility category planes can be used for certain aerobatic activities, including spins, under controlled conditions. This means that pilots can perform specific maneuvers that take the airplane beyond the normal flight envelope, as long as those actions do not exceed the aircraft's structural and operational limitations.

This is in contrast to the other options where either there are more prohibitions than what the utility category allows, or they imply an incorrect understanding of what maneuvers can be performed. Understanding the limitations of utility category airplanes helps ensure safe operation while allowing for a modest degree of acrobatic freedom.