About EAA

What is EAA?

How does one describe an EAA member? That question does not have a definitive answer.

EAA members represent every aspect of aviation and often have multiple interests. We fly them. We fix them. We even build them. EAA members are what we like to call the "keepers of the flame." Sure, we love airplanes. But it goes beyond that. It's about passion, camaraderie, that ol' can-do spirit, and a grassroots way of sharing our love of aviation with others. It’s the airplanes that bring us together. It’s the people who keep us coming back.

We are…A community of passionate aviation enthusiasts that promotes and supports recreational flying.

Our vision…A vibrant and growing aviation community.

Our mission…To grow participation in aviation by promoting the “Spirit of Aviation.”

We serve the community by:

Inspiring new participants in aviation

• Inviting the public to experience flight

• Providing a compelling view of possibilities

• Nurturing interest in aviation

• Supporting clear pathways to participation

Enriching the participation experience

• Protecting rights and the freedom to fly

• Encouraging affordable flying in a local environment

• Cultivating and providing knowledge, information, and resources

• Embracing diverse interests, camaraderie, and fun 

• Supporting and promoting aviation events and activities

Experimental?!?...don't let the name scare you...

Amateur-built aircraft are built by individuals and licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as “Experimental.”  It defines aircraft that are used for non-commercial, recreational purposes such as education or personal use. Under FAA regulations, if an individual builds at least 51 percent of an aircraft, the aircraft is eligible to be registered in the amateur-built category. 

FAA’s Experimental category also includes nearly 10 other subcategories, including aircraft used for crew training, air racing, and historic aircraft (such as World War II military aircraft) flown to air shows and exhibitions.

Who constructs amateur-built/homebuilt aircraft?

People from all walks of life, including astronauts, airline pilots, military jet pilots, machinists, welders, engineers, professional people and others.

Why do they build them?

A variety of reasons...a personal challenge, education, performance. Many amateur-built/homebuilt aircraft utilize composite materials that help create airplanes that are lighter, faster and more fuel efficient than similar production aircraft.

How are these aircraft regulated?

All amateur-built/homebuilt airplanes must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These airplanes must be inspected by an FAA inspector or a designated inspector before an airworthiness certificate can be issued.  

This is a fairly rigorous process. The builder(s) must provide logs of when, where and how construction took place, along with supporting documents and photographs. If the aircraft passes this inspection, a pilot must fly between 25-40 hours of test flights in specific non-populated areas to make sure all components are operating properly. Only after that test time is flown may passengers be flown in the aircraft.

In addition, an amateur-built airplane is subject to condition inspections every 12 months, the same scrutiny required of other production aircraft.

Does a person have to be a licensed pilot to fly these airplanes?

Yes. Pilots of amateur-built/homebuilt aircraft must earn and maintain the same federal pilot training and ratings as those who fly factory-built aircraft. They also must follow all appropriate federal regulations during each of their flights.

Click HERE to learn more about experimental aircraft at EAA National.