Frequently Asked Questions,
Answered.

The Questions

Related to Chapter 122

EAA in General

The Answers

What does Chapter 122 offer for members that don't have a pilot's license?


The Chapter provides a common ground and meeting location for those interested in general aviation and the guidance and support to steer them in the right direction to pursue their own personal goals. Non-licensed members can learn to fly, or even start their own aircraft project in advance of learning to fly. They can also help build other members' aircraft, thus gaining valuable skills, knowledge, and experience. Some may wish to utilize computer skills for research, creating databases, or creating websites for other builders in the Chapter. They can help organize various Chapter events and activities, write articles for the newsletter, or just hang out with like-minded people who have a passion for aviation. If you have an interest in things that fly, then Chapter 122 is the place to be!


Can members be involved in aircraft building if they don't want to build their own airplane?


EAA recognizes that not all persons can afford, or will want to build their own aircraft, but may have the skills and interest to help another builder. The Chapter will attempt to partner you with a builder who has similar interests in aviation.


Does Chapter 122 offer airplane rides?


All EAA Chapters are founded on the principles of education, building aircraft, and flying. Chapter 122 offers introductory rides at our Chapter-sponsored Fly In events, and throughout the year at special aviation events. Chapter 122 can partner you with a member to develop knowledge of aviation, and share flying costs.


Does Chapter 122 have fun?


YES! If we didn't, we wouldn't exist. We've been having fun as a Chapter for 42 years!


What are amateur-built/homebuilt 'Experimental' aircraft?*


Amateur-Built (also known as homebuilt or custom built) aircraft are built by individuals and licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as "Experimental." The Experimental designation has been in existence for more than five decades. It defines aircraft that are used for non-commercial, recreational purposes such as education or personal use. Under FAA regulations, if individuals build at least 51 percent of an aircraft, it can be registered in the Amateur-Built/Homebuilt Category. They are available in kits (where some of the airplane is already fabricated), or plans (where the builder manufactures all the parts and assembles them). These airplanes are also commonly known as "homebuilts." Currently, more than 23,000 amateur-built/homebuilt aircraft are licensed by FAA. They represent proven aircraft designs that have been flown safely for many years.


Who constructs amateur built/homebuilt aircraft?*


People from all walks of life, including astronauts, airline pilots, military jet pilots, machinists, welders, professional people and many others.* Nearly anyone with the desire can learn regardless of background or experience.


Why do they build them?*


A variety of reasons - a personal challenge, education, performance; or to invest "sweat equity" into the cost of an airplane. Costs range from under $5,000 to more than $100,000 based on desired performance characteristics and optional engine and avionics packages. By comparison, a new factory-built Cessna 172 costs more than $150,000. Many amateur-built/homebuilt aircraft utilize composite materials that help create airplanes that are lighter, faster and more fuel-efficient than similar production aircraft.


How long does it take?*


An average amateur-built/homebuilt aircraft will take between 1,000 and 3,000 hours to complete. Some individuals build their airplane in less than a year; others may take a decade or more.


Are amateur-built aircraft safe?*


Amateur-built aircraft must meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety criteria in order to obtain an airworthiness certificate, which allows that aircraft to fly within the restrictions prescribed by the flight inspector. Amateur builders have a vested interest to build their aircraft to the highest standards. *Studies by FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) show that Amateur Built/Homebuilt aircraft have an accident rate less than one percentage point higher than the general aviation fleet. In fact, the accident rate for Amateur-Built/homebuilt aircraft is dropping. The total number of registered homebuilt aircraft is increasing by about 1,000 per year, while the total number of accidents has stayed virtually the same. Another good barometer of safety is insurance rates. Companies that insure both homebuilts and production aircraft charge about the same rates for owners of either type of airplane. That indicates a similar level of risk. In 2003, Experimental aircraft comprised 15% of the General Aviation fleet for the first time.


Are these aircraft the same as ultralights?*


No. Ultralights are light, one-person flying machines that operate under a completely different set of federal regulations. All Amateur-Built/Homebuilt aircraft are registered with the federal government in the same manner as production aircraft with corresponding "N-numbers" on the fuselage.


Must you be a licensed pilot to fly these aircraft?


Yes. Pilots of Amateur-Built/Homebuilt aircraft must earn and maintain the same Federal pilot training and ratings as those who fly production aircraft (such as Cessna, Piper and Beechcraft). They also must follow all appropriate federal regulations during each of their flights.*


What is EAA and how does it support the amateur-built/ homebuilt program?*


EAA, the leader in recreational aviation, is an international 170,000-member association of aviation enthusiasts. EAA was founded in 1953 with a focus on Amateur-Built/Homebuilt aircraft activities. Since that time, the interests of EAA members have grown to include virtually all of aviation's broad and dynamic spectrum. The core of EAA activities continues to revolve around Amateur-Built/Homebuilt activities. For nearly 50 years, EAA has been educating builders and pilots so they can enhance the safety of their aircraft and their individual flying abilities. For instance, EAA Technical Counselors, who are experienced airplane builders, restorers and mechanics, volunteer their time to visit builders and review their projects. EAA Flight Advisors help pilots evaluate their flying skills so they are well suited to flying this particular type of aircraft. In some cases, the evaluation will point toward more flight training before a pilot flies a newly built or restored airplane. EAA also offers a full range of instructional books and educational videotapes, as well as a full-time Information Services staff that provides information on specific aircraft so people can embark on a project suited to their individual needs and abilities.


How are these aircraft regulated?*


All Amateur-Built/Homebuilt airplanes must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These airplanes must be inspected by an FAA Inspector or a Designated Inspector before an Airworthiness Certificate can be issued. This is a fairly rigorous process. The builder(s) must provide logs of when, where and how construction took place, along with supporting documents and photographs. If the aircraft passes this inspection, a pilot must fly between 25-40 hours of test flights in specific non-populated areas to make sure all components are operating properly. Only after that test time is flown may passengers be flown in the aircraft. In addition, an amateur-built airplane is subject to major condition inspections every 12 months, the same as small production aircraft.