Experimental amateur-built or “homebuilt” aircraft require that the major portion of the fabrication and assembly tasks be performed by persons who are building the aircraft for their own education and recreation. (This is commonly referred to as the "51% rule".) These aircraft can be flown under the SP/LSA regulations as long as they meet the definition of a light-sport aircraft as called out in FAR Part 1.1. These aircraft can be flown for sport or recreation, but can’t be used for flight training for hire or rental. In addition, the maintenance rules for these aircraft have not changed as a result of the sport pilot regulations.
Some examples of amateur-built or “homebuilt” aircraft that meet the definition of a LSA include Sonex, Kitfox Model IV, Pietenpol Aircamper, and the Zenith 601.
