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Hands, Mind, and Heart

What started as a handful of passionate enthusiasts has developed into a major force—and a significant component—of the aircraft industry.

Intro to Aircraft Building

Love the dream of owning your own homebuilt airplane? In the process of building and need some help finishing your project? These resources will help you get the skills, experience and confidence you need to build or restore your own aircraft. EAA offers an Aircraft Building Sourcebook as one resource to help get you started.

At first, building your own aircraft might seem like a crazy idea. However, there are some real advantages to taking on this challenge.

Advantages

You get to build it
Succeeding on a big project gives you a huge sense of accomplishment. You can choose to build an airplane, helicopter, gyroplane, or glider.
Ultimate freedom
You get to choose the kit, the paint job, the panel. This project can be a reflection of you.
Latest technology
Cutting-edge glass panels, lightweight composite materials, and high-performance engines are just some of the options you’ll get to choose by building the aircraft yourself.
All New (if you want to)
Every part and piece of the aircraft can be brand new. Or you can save some serious dollars by scrounging around for used bargains like mid-time engines or first-generation glass panels.
More performance
If you want a hot rod, homebuilding is where you’ll find the performance you want. The fastest designs available are all kit aircraft. Or, do you simply want more performance out of the same horsepower by picking a more efficient, modern kit design?
Lower maintenance costs
The freedom to do your own maintenance and inspections will save you thousands of dollars every year. Plus you’ll get to source your parts to save more money.

Disadvantages

You have to build it
Of course, not everyone enjoys the challenge of a big project or learning new things.
No commercial use
The only real limitation on homebuilts is that they cannot be rented or used for any commercial purpose. So, if you want to rent your aircraft to students, building isn’t a good fit.
Foreign travel
You must obtain written permission from another country’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) prior to flying your aircraft in or over that country. For countries other than Canada and the Bahamas this can present a challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions See What Our Members are Building

Webinar- So You Want to Build an Airplane?

Building your own aircraft can be a most rewarding experience. EAA's Charlie Becker will take you through the entire building process, including the relevant FAA rules, and some of the common misconceptions involved in building your own aircraft.

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EAA Aviation Center, 3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, WI 54902 | 800-564-6322 | membership@eaa.org

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