Buying Experimental Aircraft, Demystified

Consider these expert tips before purchasing a homebuilt aircraft.

Monday, January 02, 2023 at 05:54 PM ET

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“CubCrafters is one of the few aircraft manufacturers that offers similar aircraft in both certified and experimental categories," said Brad Damm, vice president of sales and marketing for CubCrafters. [Credit: Stephen Yeates]

Key Takeaways:

The growing market for "non-builder owners" (NBOs) of experimental/amateur-built (E/AB) aircraft presents unique challenges, as these buyers lack the intimate construction knowledge of original builders, leading to potential frustration, wasted resources, and safety risks.
E/AB aircraft vary significantly in build quality and modifications based on the individual builder, making thorough pre-purchase inspections by type-specific experts and understanding the builder's history crucial for NBOs.
NBOs experience a dangerously high accident rate during their initial hours of ownership, underscoring the critical need for proper transition training, specific test flights, and engagement with the broader E/AB community and its resources.

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The lines blur in between the worlds of certified and experimental/amateur-built aircraft—and to most, that’s a good thing.

The demystification of the building process and the advent of quick-build kits and builder support mean there’s a wider variety of models to choose from for pilots wanting to take advantage of the technology access and added value offered by kit built aircraft.