On Tuesday, EAA released some new data that shows the number of homebuilt aircraft is on the rise. The Oshkosh-based organization claims the homebuilt-aircraft segment has shown steady growth and there are now more than 25,000 U.S.-registered homebuilt aircraft. They account for more than 15 percent of the single-engine piston-powered general aviation fleet. EAA says about 1,000 additional homebuilt aircraft have received their airworthiness certificates and been added to the FAA register each year since the late 1980s. According to the organization, the number of new homebuilt aircraft registered annually surpassed the number of factory-built airplanes produced in many of the years cited. EAA says this substantial growth can be attributed to a growing number of aircraft kits, improved safety programs and the growth of support programs, like the EAAs Flight Advisor and Technical Counselor programs. Anyone who has ever attended the annual AirVenture event in Oshkosh can personally see the popularity of these types of aircraft. Didnt make it this year? The Discovery Wings Channel will premiere “Oshkosh 2003: Centennial Edition,” a one-hour special focusing on this year’s EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, on Wednesday, October 22, at 9 p.m. ET (8 p.m. CT).
Homebuilding On The Rise
Key Takeaways:
- The number of U.S.-registered homebuilt aircraft is steadily rising, now over 25,000 and representing more than 15% of the single-engine piston general aviation fleet.
- Approximately 1,000 new homebuilt aircraft receive airworthiness certificates annually, frequently outnumbering factory-built airplanes produced in many years.
- This substantial growth is attributed to factors such as an increased availability of aircraft kits, improved safety programs, and enhanced support initiatives like EAA's Flight Advisor and Technical Counselor programs.
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