Re: Buying/selling homebuilts

"es330td" <es330td@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:47df7e84-222c-4ed2-890e-f9726c681abb@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Browsing controller.com I noticed that there is a category for
homebuilt/experimental aircraft. My limited understanding of
homebuilt aircraft is that it is an experimental plane, built for the
pleasure/education of the builder. The builder of said plane, being
the mfr, may work on it or an A&P mechanic can.

Or, if you buy it, you can work on it. The builder can do the annual "condition inspection" (assuming the get a repairmans's certificate). A second owner would have to get an A&P, an AI, or the original owner to do the inspections.


I didn't think the FAA would allow someone to legally fly an
experimental they bought; however, the number of planes on controller
indicate that this is allowed or at least not enforced. I am curious
then about a few things:

It's legal to sell and buy a homebuilt.

1. Are there people who just build kit/plan planes to sell them?

Yes. Though, that is not the intent of the regs.

2. Does the FAA simply choose to ignore them?

Depends.

3. What responsibilities does the builder have with the plane?

Pretty much the same as Cessna or Piper or... You wreck it, your heirs can attempt to sue the builder.

4. As the owner of a homebuilt they didn't build, can the purchaser
work on the plane or does it now become like a 172 that must be
repaired by an A&P guy?

As above, you can do work, but the inspections must be done by an A&P (or AI) so it makes a lot of sense to not do the work without making sure the A&P will sign off on it when the time comes.

One would also want to make sure that one's A&P of choice is willing to inspect and sign the work done by the original builder BEFORE putting a money down. Remember - it is likely that the aircraft has never been seen by an A&P...

5. How much can you trust a purchased homebuilt? I know they have to
get an airworthiness inspection to fly but that doesn't mean it was
built well. Is there a certain minimum level of quality a plane must
have to get the certificate?
Buyer Beware. The FAA makes sure you have done all the required paperwork.

Most homebuilts are very well built. But there are those with flaws. Even if it looks well built, it's possible, for example, that the builder liked to "add stuff" and/or "beef it up a bit" and/or but a larger than original engine and... It wouldn't be the first time a very nice looking homebuilt with all the bells and whistles came out with an empty weight that exceeds the designers intended gross weight. Find someone who has built and flown the type you are looking at to inspect the aircraft with you (along with your choice of A&P). Most common designs have some kind of builders association who can help you out.

There are a lot of really nice homebulit aircraft out there. But you (as a buyer) have to do some extra work to make sure you know what you are really getting.

Remember - each individual homebuilt aircraft is unique.

--
Geoff
The Sea Hawk at Wow Way d0t Com
remove spaces and make the obvious substitutions to reply by mail
When immigration is outlawed, only outlaws will immigrate.

.

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