The Zenith CH 750 STOL is an example of a popular E/AB kit airplane that can be flown with a sport pilot certificate. [Photo: Zenith Aircraft].
Key Takeaways:
New factory-built Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) have become increasingly expensive due to added features, making Experimental/Amateur-Built (E/AB) kit airplanes a significantly more affordable alternative for recreational sport pilots.
Companies like Zenith Aircraft specialize in E/AB kits that are easy and quick to build, offering potential cost savings of up to 50% compared to new factory-built LSA and allowing builders control over expenses and customization.
Ample resources, including builder workshops, active online communities, EAA chapters, and events like EAA AirVenture, are available to support and guide builders through their projects, even those with limited mechanical experience.
Upcoming FAA regulations (MOSAIC) are anticipated to expand the E/AB market by allowing for larger aircraft and providing updated certification rules, potentially increasing the appeal and options for self-built airplanes.
Back in 2004 when the FAA created the light sport regulations and the sport pilot certificate, it flooded the general aviation community with optimism that we’d soon see much more affordable GA airplanes coming to market. There was talk of many new models that could be bought brand new for under $100,000.
That was then, and this is now.
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
Dan Pimentel is an instrument-rated private pilot and former airplane owner who has been flying since 1996. As an aviation journalist and photographer, he has covered all aspects of the general and business aviation communities for a long list of major aviation magazines, newspapers and websites. He has never met a flying machine that he didn’t like, and has written about his love of aviation for years on his Airplanista blog. For 10 years until 2019, he hosted the popular ‘Oshbash’ social media meetup events at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
