Buying a Homebuilt Experimental Aircraft

For some of us building is not an option. Building an aircraft will take a lot of your spare time for the next couple of years. Spouses and family may not like the idea of you building an aircraft.

Also, if you want to fly next week instead of in two or three years from now, there is no other option then to go out there and look for an aircraft. Remember that when you buy an aircraft built by someone else you don't buy the repairman certificate or the experience the original builder has.

This means you can only do the 'normal' maintenance a pilot does as if he owned a 'certificated' aircraft. This has to be taken into consideration, as you cannot do everything a builder could do on his own aircraft. Maintenance will cost more, unless you are a licensed aircraft engineer or know a friendly one.

There are a number of web sites specializing in selling and buying aircraft or parts. Make sure that you read all the fine print for placing ads on their sites and about their fee (if any) if you should sell or buy and aircraft through them. Some require you to lower your selling price if you want to get back at the home page again.

The buying process

Buying a used or new aircraft is nothing to be scared off. I have done the buying and selling part a couple of times now and it helps to be patient, the process will take some time. The projects I sold were usually gone within 6 months to a year or so, but don't be suprised if it takes longer. I bought my latest project even without seeing or flying the aircraft. Just from the brochure. That's not for everyone, though. I recommend to do a test flight, a couple (at least) of them in different weather circumstances. That really helps to get to know the aircraft and how it handles the weather, turbulence and how comfortable the seats are.

Before buying any aircraft, it is wise to get an instructor or safety pilot familiar with the type. Having a good checkout on the type is very important to be able to fly safe for years to come. I have seen pilots go off buying an aircraft thinking they could fly it... and finally crashing on the trip home. Really, one picked his aircraft up from the factory and never made it home. Just watching the movie Top Gun is not going to make you a pilot, but then again, some of us have a private jet...

Set goals before you buy

Think beforehand what goals you have for the aircraft: speed (could be important for cross country trips), number of seats, baggage capacity, fuel capacity (endurance and range), engine type and power, high or low wing type. Homebuilt aircraft usually have one engine so I'm skipping the twins here. And last but not least: do not forget to include your spouse in this process, if you want him or her to join you on trips and maintain a good relationship too...

Make a list of aircraft fitting the goals set above. Using the Internet search engines can be very helpful finding the right aircraft. There are lots of websites selling aircraft, do not forget these. Make sure to search your local area too. Experimental aircraft associations can help you find suitable aircraft to your goals. Talk with owners on how they bought their dream machine.

Step one

After selecting a couple of aircraft fitting the goals set above it is time to do some research. Get pictures, talk to other owners of the same type. If its clear at this point that the aircraft in question is not what you thought of it, just stop. No need to go into the pre-buy inspection phase then. If you do find an aircraft interesting enough get detailed information. Obtain it's tail number and call the NTSB or visit their site to see if there were incidents or accidents with it.

Maintenance

Maintenance records must be kept by the owner including records of servicing, maintenance and inspections and any relevant AD's. Make sure that all logs are present and in good order, it can influence the resale value. Things to check for are:

Get and A&P mechanic (Aircraft and Powerplant Mechanic, or sometimes called a LAME - Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer) and go over the above items with him if you are not sure about these topics.

Step two, hands on inspection

The same friendly aircraft mechanic can do the pre-buy inspection on the aircraft, he or she will look over the complete aircraft in detail from tail to spinner. All systems should be checked: fuselage, wings, see if any corrosion exists, landing gear, engine and propeller, fuel tanks to name a few items. This will make sure that all is in good order and he or she can give you a well informed opinion on the aircraft. With this information you make a sound decision. It's really worth it!

Homebuilt experimental aircraft

As these are not built to accepted standards (builders use higher standards) it is important to see if any changes are made by the owner/builder that are not in the original design. If any, they must be approved by the kit manufacturer.

Experimental aircraft have a special airworthiness certificate, make sure to check the limitations on it. Get the POH, Pilot Operating Handbook, and read it thoroughly. See what the limitations are for this particular aircraft.

Finally

Make sure that the aircraft has all documentation complete and in good order; including aircraft, engine and propeller log books, airworthiness certificate, operating limitations, aircraft data plate, weight and balance forms and all current maintenance records. It is very strongly suggested that you have an A&P mechanic or someone very familiar with the type to inspect the aircraft. With all your research and inspections done together with your A&P mechanic, it is time to make a decision whether or not to buy the aircraft or to go on to the next on your list. Good luck!