Homebuilts

Cash-Strapped Van’s Announces ‘Recovery Plan’

Van’s Aircraft is curtailing normal business functions for two weeks as staff and management focus on saving the company from a serious cash crunch. As reported by KITPLANES Editor Marc Cook, Van’s founder Richard VanGrunsven announced Oct. 27 that the process, to be aided by a business crisis consulting company, will address “serious cash flow issues, […]

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Homebuilt Fatal Accidents Down 28 Percent

The Experimental Aviation Association (EAA) says the number of amateur-built fatal accidents dropped by 28 percent compared to the previous year. During the FAA’s 12-month period, which concluded Sept. 30, 2023, there were 28 fatal accidents in amateur-built aircraft—down from 39 fatal accidents in the previous year. Additionally, experimental category aircraft saw a nearly 30 […]

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JetEXE Buys Lancair, Plans Sustainable Designs

JetEXE Aviation has bought Lancair International and has big plans for the historic kitplane company. The Sacramento-based MRO, training and charter business’s owner says that for now the focus will be on keeping up support for the existing fleet, but there’s a plan for the iconic brand. “New designs, expansion and moving to new facilities […]

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LODA Relief Implemented For Most Experimental Owners

Most owners of experimental aircraft no longer need special authorization to get training or checkouts thanks to a notification of policy published by the FAA on Feb. 8. The relief from the requirement for a letter of deviation authority (LODA) for paid training in an experimental airplane was in the James M. Inhofe National Defense […]

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Experimental Fatals Jump

Fatal accidents in experimental aircraft jumped about 25 percent last year compared with the previous year, and EAA says “focused efforts to enhance safety even further remain essential.” In a news release, the organization says the 56 fatal accidents in the year ending Sept. 30, 2022, was up from 42 in the previous 12 months. […]

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Phenomenal SW-51 Debuts At Sun ‘n Fun

Every year at Sun ‘n Fun one or two planes generate a buzz that sparks everyone’s interest. This year, that plane is the Scale Wings SW-51, straight from Eggenfelden, Germany. What distinguishes this 70% replica of the iconic P-51 Mustang fighter of World War II is the unbelievable attention to detail. The whole airframe is […]

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Getting Started with Kit Aircraft: Deciding Whether to Build

If you are considering building a new homebuilt aircraft from a kit—or are thinking of buying someone’s completed homebuilt—this series maybe the most valuable hobby-related information you will ever read. That is because the hobby of building and flying your own full-size aircraft is likely to be a highlight of your life. Thousands of builder/pilots […]

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Getting Started with Kit Aircraft: Staying Married

If you are considering building a new homebuilt aircraft from a kit — or are thinking of buying someone’s completed homebuilt—this series maybe the most valuable hobby-related information you will ever read. That is because the hobby of building and flying your own full-size aircraft is likely to be a highlight of your life. Thousands […]

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Getting Started with Kit Aircraft: Testing the New Aircraft

If you are considering building a new homebuilt aircraft from a kit — or are thinking of buying someone’s completed homebuilt—this series maybe the most valuable hobby-related information you will ever read. That is because the hobby of building and flying your own full-size aircraft is likely to be a highlight of your life. Thousands […]

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Getting Started with Kit Aircraft: Licensing the Aircraft

If you are considering building a new homebuilt aircraft from a kit — or are thinking of buying someone’s completed homebuilt—this series maybe the most valuable hobby-related information you will ever read. That is because the hobby of building and flying your own full-size aircraft is likely to be a highlight of your life. Thousands […]

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