The world of homebuilt aircraft — officially known in the United States as Experimental Amateur-Built Aircraft — has existed as long as powered flight. Even the Wright brothers were homebuilders, since they didn’t rely on a factory to construct their airplanes. They, like the homebuilders of today, used their own abilities and craftsmanship to construct safe and efficient flying machines.

Today, tens of thousands of homebuilt aircraft fly throughout the world. A significant number of homebuilt aircraft have flown around the globe and one, the Voyager in 1986, was the first airplane ever to fly around the world non-stop on a single tank of fuel.

EAA was founded in 1953 by a group of airplane enthusiasts mostly comprised of airplane builders, although anyone with an aviation interest has always been welcome in the organization. EAA has been the organization of record as the homebuilt movement moved from simple, single-place tube-and-fabric airplanes 60 years ago to today's wide spectrum of aircraft that feature plans- and kit-built models. No matter the airplane project, one thing remains constant – homebuilt aircraft provide a path where nearly anyone can pursue their personal dream of flight.

EAA's extensive resources, available through the EAA members' area or the association's staff, can help any aircraft builder or restorer to create a safe, efficient aircraft that provides recreation and education.