By Howard Deevers
Not everyone wants to build their own airplane. But enough pilots DO want to build their own airplane that a whole culture exists around that idea. It is called the EAA; Experimental Aircraft Association. It is so large that they have their own convention each year in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, now named “AIRVENTURE.” And it has grown to be the largest fly-in air show and convention in the country, with many visitors from other countries attending as well. If you are not in aviation at all, you may not even know that it exists.
I didn't know. When taking flying lessons, my instructor told me about Oshkosh. I had no idea that an annual event like that existed. My instructor said that when I get my Private Pilot License, he will take me with him to Oshkosh. My instructor, John, had been to Oshkosh several times already. He suggested we not go on opening day, but wait a few days and the 'early birds' would be leaving and you could get a good camping spot easier then. We packed the usual camping gear, and loaded it into his Cessna 172 and it was a wonderful trip, camping, and experience, plus great air shows. Build your own airplane? What a ridiculous idea! But, wait; I built my own boat at age 20 from plans, not a kit. No one came around to see if I was doing it right or not, and no inspections were required before getting it into the Mississippi River. Airplanes are a bit different.
At Oshkosh, the 'home builder' is king. There will be more 'Experimental' aircraft to see and inspect than you ever knew about! After all, aviation, as we know it today, began with a couple of home builders experimenting with the idea of powered flight at Kitty Hawk North Carolina. They proved a concept, and we see the results flying over head of us every day now.
I have not built an airplane, and probably never will. But I do have a great admiration for those that do build their own airplanes. I have followed the progress of builders and the kits that they purchased, and how they did everything to assemble the final product; an airplane that you can actually fly. Many of the home-built airplanes I have seen at Oshkosh are more than just the required parts to make an airplane; they qualify as 'works of art.' I know how much time it takes to build a boat, but build an airplane? With all of the inspections, assembly and work it takes, it really is a wonder that anyone would want to build their own airplane. But, then again, you have to look at how many there are flying and talk to the builders.
Not all builders do complete the projects. I have seen partially built kit planes that the builder just could not finish. There is a lot of help available at the EAA Chapters, and if you do want to build your own airplane I highly recommend joining a Chapter near you. The members learn from each other and the National EAA convention, now called “AIRVENTURE” held in Oshkosh each year shows just how important this idea of building your own airplane really is. If you really do want to build your own airplane, I will be there to cheer you on! But, still not likely to do the job myself.
If you are a home builder, or just bought your first airplane, join the ARIZONA PILOTS ASSOCIATION, and come to a safety seminar near you. They are free, and “Don't forget to 'bring your wingman.'