If you’ve ever had dreams of flying, then now is an exciting time to be alive. With the technology, tools and information we all have available at our fingertips, the idea to build your own experimental aircraft is not as crazy as it sounds. There is a large experimental home-built aircraft community that continues to grow as well as companies and innovators that are looking to fuel that community. Read on to find more information on how to build your own aircraft out of the comfort of your own garage.
First Steps
Planning to build an aircraft is no small thing. In fact, it’s probably right up there with proposing marriage or buying a dream home. It’s something that takes real commitment, investment and focus to make a reality. Once you’ve decided to make that decision, though, then the next step is to decide on the aircraft you’d like to build. Maybe there is a specific airplane you’ve fallen in love with in the past and it’s an easy decision. If not, it’s important to focus first on how that airplane type will serve you and your lifestyle once you create it.
Time Commitment
Building your own aircraft takes a huge time investment. Some people spend decades building their own planes while others do it in a matter of months. Realistically, with 15-20 hour weeks spent on the project, you can expect to be done in about 2-4 years.
Workspace Commitment
The truth is you don’t need a massive warehouse or hangar in order to build a plane. Many airplanes have been built in sheds, basements, garages and backyards. The biggest components need a place to be stored (like the wings) but otherwise, a smaller workspace is manageable.
Money Commitment
Building your own plane is more affordable than you may think. Most home-built airplanes come out to a total cost of $50k to $65k.