Homebuilt Experimental Aircraft
Building your own homebuilt, experimental aircraft means dedicating a huge amount of time, perseverance and resources into your aircraft project. Do not think that this can be done without too much trouble, it will not. It will take a lot of effort, time and dedication to finish.
When your aircraft is finished and knowing that you are the one that has built this with your own two hands, the smoking start of the engine running for the first time, initial taxi and test runs and then the exiting first flight before flying off between the clouds into the sunset...makes it really all worth your while!
We will discuss items like purchase cost, avionics, tools and an aircraft insurance. Eventually you will want to buy an engine and a choice needs to be made on which type: AVgas or diesel and the power rating you wish.
More power usually translates into a heavier engine and higher fuel flow so that long range tanks might then be an option for you. Keep in mind that useful load will suffer.
Realize that there is no such thing as the best experimental aircraft. It has to do with your expectation of aircraft looks, payload, engine, flying range and all of that. Its quite personal.
Some definitions
Before we dive into this fascinating subject lets establish some definitions about homebuilt and experimental aircraft as they need not be the same type. It all depends a little on your point of view.
Homebuilt Aircraft
Also known as amateur built aircraft, homebuilt aircraft are constructed by persons for whom this is not a professional activity. This is not to say that these builders do not build their aircraft professionally, they absolutely do and create a beautiful piece of work.
Experimental Aircraft
In generic use, an experimental aircraft is an aircraft that has not yet been fully proven in flight. Often, this implies that new aerospace technologies are being tested on the aircraft, though the label is more broad. Experimental aircraft is also a specific term referring to an aircraft flown with an experimental category airworthiness certificate (also issued for homebuilt aircraft).
The term experimental aircraft is often mistakenly used to mean homebuilt aircraft. While all homebuilt aircraft are experimental, there are many types of experimental aircraft that are not home or amateur built, e.g. the Space Shuttle.
Light Sport Aircraft (US only)
The Federal Aviation Administration has defined Light Sport Aircraft as an airplane with a maximum gross takeoff weight (MTOW) of less than 600 kg (1,320 lb) for land planes and 649 kg (1,430 lb) for seaplanes with a maximum airspeed in level flight of not more than 120 knots (222 km/h), and a maximum stall speed of 45 knots (83 km/h). Other limitations are: maximum of two seats, fixed undercarriage, fixed pitch or ground adjustable propeller and a single reciprocating engine.
The FAA has published a document which describes the certification process and operation of amateur-built aircraft in the US, but its a good read for anyone wishing to build an aircraft.
Sport Pilot License
You will need a Sport Pilot certificate to fly a LSA. Which is easier to obtain than a conventional recreational, private or commercial pilot license required for normal certificated aircraft. LSA's also have less restrictive maintenance requirements and can even be maintained by their pilots and/or owners.
European Ultralights
LSA aircraft can be compared to advanced European ultralights. Most LSA manufacturers have been selling their aircraft as ultralights in Europe for some years now. Piper Aircraft once sold the Czech Sport Aircraft (CSA) Sport Cruiser as the Piper Sport and Cirrus has done the same thing with the SRS but also has suspended the program.
Flying Cars
This is a hybrid (combination or compound) of a road vehicle and aircraft. It has qualities or properties which enables it to use roads to travel on and fly in the air. Being a hybrid means it can not excel with both qualities in one package or vehicle. You see the same thing happen with amphibious craft. They float a little (read: just about do not sink) and drive even less.
