Answers to Questions You May Have Prior to Building

If you know what the pointy end of a screwdriver is for, you can build an aircraft. The skills necessary to build today’s state-of-the-art aircraft kits are simple to learn and well within the reach of almost everyone. Every year, kit aircraft manufacturers continue to refine their offerings and take advantage of the latest manufacturing technology. All you really need is the desire to build and a willingness to learn.

The short answer is yes. As you may expect, the overall accident rate for homebuilt aircraft is slightly higher than factory-built aircraft. Studies by FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) show that amateur-built aircraft have an accident rate less than one percentage point higher than the general aviation fleet. In fact, the accident rate for amateur-built aircraft is dropping. The total number of registered homebuilt aircraft is increasing by about 1,000 each year, while the total number of accidents has stayed virtually the same.

After being inspected by the FAA, you will be required to complete a flight test program to determine that the aircraft is safe for flight. This will typically be a minimum of 40 hours, or 25 hours if you use an FAA-approved engine and propeller combination. Once flight testing is completed and the appropriate logbook entry made, you are able to use the aircraft following the normal operating rules of the sky. You may fly cross country, carry passengers, and generally enjoy yourself. The only significant restriction is that you are prohibited from carrying persons or property for compensation or hire.

In order to receive an E-AB airworthiness certificate when the aircraft is complete, you will need to be able to demonstrate that “amateurs” (you and any helpers) built the majority of the aircraft for “education and recreation.” This is often referred to as the “51-percent rule.” You will do this by keeping a “builders log” to show the FAA inspector that you completed the majority of the tasks. There is no set format required for a builders log; however, the burden of proof is on you. A simple log documenting the task completed and the date along with some photos will do. Probably the easiest builders log is to simply take lots of photos during the building process, including ones of you doing various tasks. Not only will this satisfy the FAA, but you also will find the photos helpful during future maintenance work, and it’s a great memento of the project.

The FAA, if requested by a kit manufacturer, will inspect an aircraft kit to determine that it will meet the “51-percent rule.” This provides potential builders the assurance of knowing that the kit will qualify as amateur-built when completed. The FAA does not evaluate the design and FAA’s review does not mean that the kit is FAA “certificated” or “approved” in any way. The list of kits that have received “Letters of Eligibility” is available at this website.

EAA’s Amateur-Built Aircraft Certification Kit was created to help you with the FAA paperwork required for building your own aircraft. The kit includes everything you need to register and certificate a new experimental amateurbuilt aircraft. The 15-page, step-by-step Certification Guide walks you through the entire process—from getting a registration “N number” to the aircraft inspection—and provides samples of how to complete each required form. The certification kit also includes all FAA forms, an “Experimental” sticker (in black), a dataplate, and a convenient placard decal sheet. To order, call EAA at 800-843-3612 or visit ShopEAA.org.

The cost of an aircraft kit typically excludes the engine, propeller, avionics, interior, and paint. A good rule of thumb is to budget one-third for the cost of the kit, one-third for the engine, and one-third for everything else. So for a kit that costs $15,000, you will have roughly $45,000 invested when it is completed and flying.

Scratch building is when you build your own aircraft but do not use a kit. Instead, you start with a set of plans and effectively build your own kit by making all the parts yourself. If you are working on a tight budget or simply enjoy the building process, this is an option to consider. You can often “cash flow” the building process with small purchases of materials because of the added time needed to build all the parts.

Yes, assuming the aircraft is appropriately equipped for instrument flight and you hold an instrument rating. Do I Need a Pilot’s Certificate to Fly a Homebuilt? Yes, you will need a pilot certificate with the appropriate ratings and endorsements (e.g. tailwheel) for the aircraft you build. 

You really don’t need all that much space to build an aircraft. It is only when you start attaching the wings to the fuselage that it takes up a lot of space. A one-car garage is enough to build most aircraft but a two-car garage is even better.

Kit aircraft can be built in as little as 500 hours to as many as 1,500 hours. A lot depends on the complexity of the aircraft design. Obviously, an aircraft with a retractable landing gear or a pressurized aircraft will take much more time than most of your basic metal kits.

EAA was formed in 1953 for this reason. We provide our members with articles, books, and videos that teach you what you need to learn to build an aircraft. Our two-day instructional SportAir Workshops are extremely valuable for learning the fundamentals of construction.

On a project as large as an aircraft, it is always good to have a second set of eyes inspect your work. EAA’s Technical Counselors are experienced aircraft builders who will visit your project and examine it for any substandard workmanship. There is no cost to the inspection, and EAA recommends a minimum of three visits during the construction of your aircraft. For more information, visit EAA.org/TechCounselors.

The FAA will mandate that the aircraft be flight tested for at least 40 hours (25 hours if you use a type-certificated engine and prop combination) to prove the aircraft is safe for flight. Once the flight time has been completed, a logbook entry is made indicating that the aircraft is “safe for flight.” At this point, passengers can be flown.

No, the builder does not need to be the test pilot. Any appropriately rated pilot can perform the test flying. You may choose to let a more experienced pilot do the first few flights and then you can finish the flight testing. Either way, EAA’s Flight Advisor program is a must. These dedicated volunteers will work with you to plan a safe first flight and thorough flight-test program. For more information, visit EAA.org/flightadvisors.

One of the major advantages of building your own aircraft is that you qualify for a “Repairman Certificate.” You must apply to the FAA for it, and once it is issued, it allows you to perform the required annual condition inspection to determine that the aircraft is in a “condition for safe operation.” By holding the repairman certificate, you are authorized to record the inspection in your aircraft logs. The repairman certificate is only issued to one individual per homebuilt aircraft and is non-transferrable.

Another major advantage of building a homebuilt is that anyone, not just the builder, can perform the maintenance and repairs. Any part deemed appropriate by the person performing the maintenance and repairs can be used. Not only does this save you the cost of labor but there can be a tremendous cost savings over FAA certificated parts.

Yes. EAA’s Aircraft Insurance Plan is available to provide liability and hull coverage for almost all the amateur-built aircraft offered today. In addition, construction insurance is available to protect the value of the kit while you are in the building process. Learn more at EAA.org/insurance.

Yes, the potential exists, but the reality is far different. In more than 60 years of homebuilding, we are unaware of a single successful lawsuit against an amateur builder.