78-560: The Bowers Fly Baby is a homebuilt , single-seat, open- cockpit , wood and fabric low-wing monoplane that was designed by famed United States aircraft designer and Boeing historian, Peter M. Bowers . The prototype Fly Baby first flew in 1962, becoming the winner of the Experimental Aircraft Association 's 1962 design competition. Variants include a biplane version called the Bowers Bi-Baby or Fly Baby 1-B,
156-424: A floatplane version, and several dual-cockpit designs by various builders. Bowers also designed a side-by-side two-seat version he called Namu II , but few examples have been built. Over 500 Fly Babies have been completed to date, with numerous still flying worldwide and an active network of builders and owners. It is built from plans and was designed to be constructed in a garage using only basic hand tools, by
234-401: A knowledge test (a computerized multiple-choice test, typically called the "written test"), an oral test, and a practical test carried out by either an FAA inspector or a Designated Pilot Examiner . Another form of authorization is a logbook endorsement from a flight instructor that establishes that the certificate holder has received training in specific skill areas that do not warrant
312-538: A CFI can endorse the student's logbook to authorize limited solo flight in a specific type (make and model) of aircraft. Additional endorsements must be logged for specific airports where a student operates solo. There is no minimum aeronautical knowledge or experience requirement for the issuance of a student pilot certificate. There are, however, minimum aeronautical knowledge and experience requirements for student pilots to solo, including: Solo requirements: Limitations while flying solo: The sport pilot certificate
390-456: A Commercial Pilot holder with a glider rating may have only Private Pilot privileges for single-engine land airplanes. The FAA may impose limitations on a pilot certificate if, during training or the practical test, the pilot does not demonstrate all skills necessary to exercise all privileges of a privilege level, category, class or type rating. For example, a holder of a DC-3 type rating who does not demonstrate instrument flying skills during
468-431: A Pilot exercising the privileges of a Sport pilot certificate are: The Sport pilot certificate is also ineligible for additional ratings (such as an Instrument rating ), although time in light-sport aircraft can be used towards the experience requirement of other ratings on higher certificate types. The recreational pilot certificate requires less training and offers fewer privileges than the private pilot certificate. It
546-426: A business is permitted; however, a private pilot may not be compensated in any way for services as a pilot, although passengers can pay a pro rata share of flight expenses, such as fuel or rental costs. A Private Pilot may be reimbursed for the aircraft operating expenses that are directly related to search and location operations, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees, and
624-428: A category is so divided, a pilot must hold a class rating to operate an aircraft in that class: A student pilot certificate does not list category or class ratings but is instead endorsed by a flight instructor to confer privileges in specific makes and models of aircraft. A type rating is required in a specific make and model of aircraft if the aircraft weighs more than 12,500 lb (5,700 kg) at takeoff,
702-547: A commercial airplane pilot must log 10 hours of training in either a technically advanced airplane, a complex airplane , or a turbine-powered airplane. The requirements are: By itself, this certificate does not permit the pilot to set up an operation that carries members of the public for hire; such operations are governed by other regulations. Otherwise, a commercial pilot can be paid for certain types of operation, such as banner towing, agricultural applications, and photography, and can be paid for instructing if she or he holds
780-603: A completed airframe, was the Baby Ace in the late 1920s. Homebuilt aircraft gained in popularity in the U.S. in 1924 with the start of the National Air Races , held in Dayton , Ohio . These races required aircraft with useful loads of 150 lb (68 kg) and engines of 80 cubic inches or less and as a consequence of the class limitations most were amateur-built. The years after Charles Lindbergh 's transatlantic flight brought
858-421: A flight instructor certificate (In the case of lighter-than-air, only a commercial pilot certificate is required to teach for that category). To fly for hire, the pilot must hold a second class medical certificate, which is valid for 12 calendar months if the pilot is 40 years or older; if the pilot is less than 40 years old the certificate is valid for 24 calendar months. Often, the commercial certificate reduces
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#1732869816595936-453: A four-place kit with cabin pressurization and a turboprop engine , cruising at 24,000 feet (7,300 m) and 370 knots (425 mph, 685 km/h). Although aircraft such as this are considered "home-built" for legal reasons, they are typically built in the factory with the assistance of the buyer. This allows the company which sells the kit to avoid the long and expensive process of certification, because they remain owner-built according to
1014-505: A full test, such as the ability to fly a tailwheel-equipped, high-performance, complex, or pressurized airplane. Pilot certificates do not expire, although they may be suspended or revoked by the FAA. However, a pilot must maintain currency — recent flight experience that is relevant to the flight being undertaken. To remain current, every pilot has to undergo a flight review with an instructor every 24 calendar months unless she or he gains
1092-732: A high tensile strength (usually fiberglass or carbon fiber , or occasionally Kevlar ) combined with a structural plastic (usually epoxy , although vinylester is used in some aircraft). The fabric is saturated with the structural plastic in a liquid form; when the plastic cures and hardens, the part will hold its shape while possessing the strength characteristics of the fabric. The two primary types of composite planes are moulded composite, where major structures like wing skins and fuselage halves are prepared and cured in moulds, and mouldless, where shapes are carved out of foam and then covered with fiberglass or carbon fiber. The advantages of this type of construction include smooth surfaces (without
1170-457: A knowledge exam is not required for a practical test are for some add-on ratings after the initial license, such as a powered aircraft pilot adding another category rating at the same license level. To take knowledge tests for all pilot certificates and ratings, the applicant must have a sign-off from a ground or flight instructor. These are usually given by an instructor who has taught a ground school course, provided ground instruction or reviewed
1248-417: A larger market for our airplanes. Emerging markets such as China and India could also boost demand for our products, but entire infrastructures will need to be formed before small players like us could benefit. Homebuilt aircraft can be constructed out of any material that is light and strong enough for flight. Several common construction methods are detailed below. This is the oldest construction, seen in
1326-436: A low-cost, folding-wing airplane that was easy to build and fly, and could be towed or trailered. The Fly Baby was designed to be a very simple aircraft. For example, the fuel gauge is a stiff wire attached to a float poking up through the gas cap (a common application in the 1930s and 1940s, as seen on Piper and Aeronca light aircraft). The structure is of aircraft-grade spruce and plywood (Bowers did not advocate skimping on
1404-542: A medical certificate; a valid vehicle driver's license can be used as proof of medical competence provided the prospective pilot was not rejected for their last Airman Medical Certificate. Before a trainee can start the solo phase of flight training, a Student Sport Pilot Certificate must be issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These may be obtained from an FAA Flight Standards District Office or FAA Designated Pilot Examiner. To qualify for
1482-459: A new pilot certificate or rating in that time or satisfies the flight review requirement using an alternate approved means. For most types of certificate, she or he must also undergo a medical examination at intervals ranging from six months to five years, depending on the pilot's age and desired flight privileges. Other currency requirements apply to the carriage of passengers or to flight under instrument flight rules (IFR). A medical certificate
1560-468: A peak of interest between 1929 and 1933. During this period many aircraft designers, builders and pilots were self-taught and the high accident rate brought public condemnation and increasing regulation to amateur building. The resulting federal standards on design, engineering, stress analysis, use of aircraft-quality hardware and testing of aircraft brought an end to amateur building except in some specialized areas, such as racing. In 1946 Goodyear restarted
1638-471: A person of average "home handyman" skill in 1962. The plans consist of over one hundred pages of typewritten instructions and dimensioned drawings. After Bowers' death in 2003 the plans were unavailable for a time. Starting in 2007 they were back on the market, sold by the Bowers family. To win the 1962 Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Design Contest, Bowers designed the small plane to meet EAA's criteria for
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#17328698165951716-494: A pilot to act as a first officer in a two-pilot crew if they do not meet certain requirements. For example, the total flight time requirement is reduced to as little as 750 hours and the age requirement is reduced to 21. see 14CFR61.160 . Experience is often gained using these methods: The FAA offers a progression of pilot certificates or licenses. Each license has varying experience and knowledge requirements and has varying privileges and limitations. A student pilot certificate
1794-451: A pilot to fly in instrument meteorological conditions . For aircraft categories where an instrument rating is available, commercial pilots without an instrument rating are restricted to daytime flight within 50 nautical miles (93 km) when carrying passengers for hire. In 2018, the FAA updated the training requirements to no longer require 10 hours of training in a complex airplane . Now,
1872-669: A positive influence on the professionalism of its industry members and on the builders/pilots of its products. With concern over fuel prices, we might see a trend toward lower-powered aircraft intended more for pure sport flying rather than the trend toward cross-country aircraft, which has been the norm over the past 30 years. I would expect that toward the end of that period, there might be some design ventures into electric-powered aircraft, but only if battery technology improves significantly. We might see more motorglider-type homebuilts, tied both to high fuel prices and emerging electric-propulsion technology. What we do at Van's could mirror some of
1950-448: A private pilot in about three months and a commercial pilot in as quick as seven months. Most pilot certificates and ratings require the applicant to pass a knowledge test, also called the written test. The knowledge test results are valid for a period of 2 years, and are usually a prerequisite for practical tests. Resources available to prepare for the knowledge test may be obtained from pilot supply stores or vendors. The exceptions where
2028-565: A scheduled air carrier. Air carriers generally require that the pilots they hire have hours of experience far in excess of the legal minimum. Effective August 1, 2013, all airline pilots must have an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP) or an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with restricted Privileges (ATP-r). An ATP allows a pilot to act as the captain or first officer of an airline flight and requires 1,500 hours of total flight time as well as other requirements (i.e. 25 hours of night, 23 years old), see 14CFR61.159 . An ATP-r certificate allows
2106-436: A single-car garage or a car trailer. The wings can be folded or unfolded in about 15 minutes. The airplane was designed to be stored in a garage and towed to the airport on its own gear. In practice, most owners use a trailer or keep their Fly Baby hangared at an airport. The landing gear is fixed and unsprung. The main landing gear struts are made of laminated wood with a steel axle. The only shock absorption comes from
2184-743: Is evidence that an individual is duly authorized to exercise piloting privileges. The pilot certificate is one of several kinds of airman certificates issued by the FAA for flight engineers , flight instructors , ground instructors , aircraft dispatchers , mechanics/repairmen , parachute riggers , control tower operators , flight navigators , and flight attendants . A pilot is certificated to fly aircraft at one or more named privilege levels and, at each privilege level, rated to fly aircraft of specific categories . Privilege levels of pilot certificates are, in order of increasing privilege: Pilots can be rated in these aircraft categories: Most aircraft categories are further broken down into classes . If
2262-487: Is not a professional activity. These aircraft may be constructed from "scratch", from plans, or from assembly kits. In the United States , Brazil , Australia , New Zealand and South Africa , homebuilt aircraft may be licensed Experimental under FAA or similar local regulations. With some limitations, the builder(s) of the aircraft must have done it for their own education and recreation rather than for profit. In
2340-622: Is not as good as certified general aviation aircraft. In the United States, in 2003, amateur-built aircraft experienced a rate of 21.6 accidents per 100,000 flight hours; the overall general aviation accident rate for that year was 6.75 per 100,000 flight hours. The accident rate for homebuilt aircraft in the U.S. has long been a concern to the Federal Aviation Administration . At Sun 'n Fun 2010, FAA administrator Randy Babbitt said that homebuilts "account for 10 percent of
2418-495: Is not necessary to fly a glider, balloon, or light-sport Aircraft. An ultralight aircraft may be piloted without a pilot certificate or a medical certificate. In addition to pilot certificates, the FAA issues separate airman certificates for flight engineers , flight instructors , ground instructors , aircraft dispatchers , mechanics/repairmen , parachute riggers , control tower operators , flight navigators , and flight attendants as of November 2021 . Most pilots in
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2496-425: Is obtained through the FAA's Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system. The student pilot certificate is only required when exercising solo flight privileges. Student pilots must also possess a medical certificate when conducting flights requiring medical certification. As of April 1, 2016 student pilot certificates do not expire. Once a student has accrued sufficient training and experience,
2574-500: Is powered by one or more turbojet engines , or is otherwise designated as requiring a type rating. The Boeing 747 , Beechcraft Super King Air 350 , and the Hawker Hunter are examples of aircraft that require type ratings. To legally operate under instrument flight rules (IFR), a pilot can separately add an instrument rating to a private or commercial certificate. An airline transport pilot implicitly holds an instrument rating, so
2652-638: Is toward wood-composite aircraft. The basic load carrying material is still wood, but it is combined with foam (for instance, to increase buckling resistance of load carrying plywood skins) and other synthetic materials like fiberglass and carbon fiber (to locally increase the modulus of load carrying structures such as spar caps). Examples of wood-composite designs include: Planes built from metal use similar techniques to more conventional factory-built aircraft. They can be more challenging to build, requiring metal-cutting, metal-shaping, and riveting if building from plans. "Quick-build" kits are available which have
2730-642: The Sun N' Fun Fly-In, which occurs in the early spring in Lakeland, Florida , and the Northwest EAA Fly-In in Arlington, Washington . These events are called fly-ins as many people fly their homebuilts and other aircraft into the airport hosting the show, often camping there for the duration. Both events last a week. Takeoffs and landings at these shows typically number in the thousands. Pilot certification in
2808-814: The United States of America the FAA categorizes the Fly Baby as an Experimental Amateur-Built aircraft . It also fits the FAA's specifications for a Light Sport Aircraft and can be flown in the US by pilots holding a Recreational Pilot or Sport Pilot certificate . In Canada the Fly Baby may be built as an amateur-built aircraft or as a basic ultra-light aeroplane . It may be flown with an Ultra-light Pilot Permit or higher aeroplane licence. Data from Plane and Pilot:1978 Aircraft Directory General characteristics Performance Homebuilt aircraft Homebuilt aircraft , also known as amateur-built aircraft or kit planes , are constructed by persons for whom this
2886-430: The canard design to the homebuilding world and pioneered the use of composite construction. Metal construction in kitplanes was taken to a new level by Richard VanGrunsven in his RV series . As the sophistication of the kits improved, components such as autopilots and more advanced navigation instruments became common. Litigation during the 1970s and 1980s caused stagnation in the small aircraft market, forcing
2964-639: The English language, a rigorous written examination, and being of good moral character. An Airline Transport Pilot – restricted (ATP-r) is also available for pilots that do not meet the more rigorous requirements of an ATP. The only hour requirement for the ATP-r is 1,500 total and 200 cross-country. The "total time" requirement is reduced to 750 hours for former military pilots, 1,000 hours for graduates of university bachelor's degree programs, or 1,250 for graduates of university associate degree programs. The holder of an ATP-r
3042-519: The FARs. Part 141 requires that a certificated flight school provide an approved, structured course of training, which includes a specified number of hours of ground training (for example, 35 hours for Private Pilot in an airplane). Part 61 sets out a list of knowledge and experience requirements, and is more suitable for students who cannot commit to a structured plan, or for training from freelance instructors. Under Part 61 pilot training, individuals can become
3120-484: The GA fleet, but 27 percent of accidents. It's not the builders [getting into accidents], but the second owners. We need better transition training." In the US, flight instruction , including primary flight training, can be received in the owner's homebuilt aircraft from any instructor willing to provide such training. A study released in 2012 by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board concluded that homebuilt aircraft in
3198-621: The National Air Races, including a class for aircraft powered by 200 cubic inch and smaller engines. The midget racer class spread nationally in the U.S. and this led to calls for acceptable standards to allow recreational use of amateur-built aircraft. By the mid-1950s both the U.S. and Canada once again allowed amateur-built aircraft to specified standards and limitations. Homebuilt aircraft are generally small, one to four-seat sportsplanes which employ simple methods of construction. Fabric-covered wood or metal frames and plywood are common in
Bowers Fly Baby - Misplaced Pages Continue
3276-426: The U.S. have an accident rate 3–4 times higher than the rest of the general aviation fleet. Almost 10% of accidents involving homebuilt aircraft occurred on the craft's first flight. A further 9% of accidents occurred on their first flight after being sold, due to the new owner's unfamiliarity with the craft. The study also identified that powerplant failures and loss of control in-flight accidents were much higher than
3354-449: The U.S. undergo flight training as private individuals with a flight instructor, who may be employed by a flight school. Those who have decided on aviation as a career often begin with an undergraduate aviation-based education. Some pilots are trained in the military and are issued with civilian certificates based on their military record. Others are trained directly by airlines. The pilot may choose to be trained under Part 61 or Part 141 of
3432-509: The U.S., the primary builder can also apply for a repairman's certificate for that airframe. The repairman's certificate allows the holder to perform and sign off on most of the maintenance, repairs, and inspections themselves. Alberto Santos-Dumont was the first to offer for free construction plans, publishing drawings of his Demoiselle in the June 1910 edition of Popular Mechanics. The first aircraft to be offered for sale as plans, rather than
3510-405: The US. Poberezny's Mechanix Illustrated articles gained worldwide acclaim and the concept of aircraft homebuilding took off. Until the late 1950s, builders had mainly kept to wood-and-cloth and steel tube-and-cloth design. Without the regulatory restrictions faced by production aircraft manufacturers, homebuilders introduced innovative designs and construction techniques. Burt Rutan introduced
3588-620: The United States#Sport pilot Pilot certification in the United States is typically required for an individual to act as a pilot -in-command of an aircraft . It is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a branch of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). A pilot may be certified under 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 61 or 14 CFR Part 141 (if a student attends an approved part 141 school). Pilots may also be certified under 14 CFR Part 107 for commercial drone operations. An FAA-issued pilot certificate
3666-415: The United States. All the requirements to obtain a private pilot certificate for "airplane, single-engine, land", or ASEL , (which is the most common certificate) are: Holders of a foreign private pilot licence (PPL) may obtain a temporary United States private pilot certificate without any further showing of proficiency, provided they keep the foreign PPL valid. Such a temporary certificate will include
3744-404: The above limitations, except the one-passenger, four-seat and single-engine restrictions, can be relaxed or lifted individually through instructor endorsement. These endorsements are obtained by participating in a prescribed course of ground and/or flight instruction given by an FAA-certificated instructor, including a minimum number of instructor-led flight in a plane or situation normally requiring
3822-418: The above thinking. Unfortunately, I don't see the growth potential that there was in the 1980s and 1990s. There seems to be a shrinking pilot base from which to draw people to build kits. Plus, with demographic changes, there is possibly a diminishing interest in, or ability to undertake, aircraft building as a pastime. Hopefully, EAA and AOPA initiatives to interest more people in learning to fly will help create
3900-907: The aircraft structure, but increasingly, fiberglass and other composites as well as full aluminum construction techniques are being used, techniques first pioneered by Hugo Junkers as far back as the late World War I era. Engines are most often the same as, or similar to, the engines used in certified aircraft (such as Lycoming , Continental , Rotax , and Jabiru ). A minority of homebuilts use converted automobile engines, with Volkswagen air-cooled flat-4s , Subaru -based liquid-cooled engines, Mazda Wankel and Chevrolet Corvair six-cylinder engines being most common. The use of automotive engines helps to reduce costs, but many builders prefer dedicated aircraft engines , which are perceived to have better performance and reliability. Other engines that have been used include chainsaw and motorcycle engines. A combination of cost and litigation , especially in
3978-412: The applicant to be familiar with, the flight instructor to reference, and the examiner to use to conduct the exam. A practical test is administered by an FAA Inspector or an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner . The check-ride is divided into two parts: the oral exam followed by a flight test in the aircraft. Upon successful completion of the practical test, the examiner issues a temporary airman certificate with
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#17328698165954056-417: The applicant's self-study preparations. Certain circumstances don't require sign-offs for some flight instructor or airline transport pilot knowledge tests. All pilots certificates and ratings, except sUAS, require a practical test, usually called a check ride . For each practical test, the FAA publishes an Airman Certification Standards (ACS) document (formerly Practical Test Standards (PTS)) that they expect
4134-490: The cutting, shaping, and hole-drilling mostly done, requiring only finishing and assembly. Such kits are also available for the other types of aircraft construction, especially composite. There are three main types of metal construction: sheet aluminum , tube aluminum, and welded steel tube. The tube structures are covered in aircraft fabric , much like wooden aircraft. Examples of metal-based amateur aircraft include: Composite material structures are made of cloth with
4212-599: The drag of rivets), the ability to construct compound curves, and the ability to place fiberglass or carbon fiber in optimal positions, orientations, and quantities. Drawbacks include the need to work with chemical products as well as low strength in directions perpendicular to fiber. Composites provide superb strength to their weight. Material stiffness dependent upon direction (as opposed to equal in all directions, as with metals) allows for advanced "elastic tailoring" of composite parts. Examples of amateur craft made of composite materials include: The safety record of homebuilts
4290-788: The endorsement. Common types of endorsement for recreational pilots can allow: A recreational pilot will typically only get a few of these, to allow operation of an aircraft in a few exceptional situations applicable to their locale (the Class B/C/D endorsement, for instance, is practically required for pilots living in major cities). Pilots requiring a large subset of these endorsements are typically better served by obtaining their private pilot certification. The private pilot certificate allows command of any aircraft (subject to appropriate ratings) for any non-commercial purpose, and gives almost unlimited authority to fly under visual flight rules (VFR). Passengers may be carried and flight in furtherance of
4368-554: The first aircraft and hence the best known. For that reason, amateur-built aircraft associations will have more specialists for this type of craft than other kinds. The most commonly used woods are Sitka spruce and Douglas fir , which offer excellent strength-to-weight ratios. Wooden structural members are joined with adhesive, usually epoxy . Unlike the wood construction techniques used in other applications, virtually all wooden joints in aircraft are simple butt joints , with plywood gussets . Joints are designed to be stronger than
4446-468: The first homebuilt aircraft. In 1928, Henri Mignet published plans for his HM-8 Pou-du-Ciel , as did Pietenpol for his Air Camper . Pietenpol later constructed a factory, and in 1933 began creating and selling partially constructed aircraft kits. In 1936, an association of amateur aviation enthusiasts was created in France. Many types of amateur aircraft began to make an appearance, and in 1938 legislation
4524-474: The holder's foreign ratings, including an instrument rating if the holder passes the written US instrument rating knowledge test. A certificated commercial pilot may act as pilot-in-command of an aircraft for compensation or hire, as well as carry persons or property for compensation or hire. Training for the certificate focuses on a better understanding of aircraft systems and a higher standard of airmanship . The commercial certificate itself does not allow
4602-714: The instrument rating does not appear on an ATP certificate. The FAA issues instrument ratings separately for airplane and powered lift categories and the helicopter class (INSTA and INSTH). Glider and airship pilots may also operate under Instrument Flight Rules under certain circumstances. An individual may hold only one pilot certificate at one time; that certificate may authorize multiple privilege levels distinguished by aircraft category, class or type. For example, an Airline Transport Pilot certificate holder may be permitted to exercise ATP privileges when flying multi-engine land airplanes, but only Commercial Pilot privileges when flying single-engine land airplanes and gliders. Similarly
4680-511: The instrumentation installed is up to the builder, most Fly Babys are equipped for visual flight rules (VFR) only. An electrical system is optional; many Fly Baby owners hand-prop the engine for starting, and use a handheld radio. Some of the components used, such as the fuel tank and engine, were designed to be taken from the Piper Cub, which were cheap and plentiful in 1962. Even today, the total cost of construction can be under US$ 10,000. In
4758-401: The members. After the structure has been completed, the aircraft is covered in aircraft fabric (usually aircraft-grade polyester ). The advantage of this type of construction is that it does not require complex tools and equipment, instead employing commonplace items such as saw, planer, file, sandpaper, and clamps. Examples of amateur-built wood and fabric designs include: A recent trend
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#17328698165954836-408: The mid-1950s when EAA founder Paul Poberezny wrote a series of articles for the magazine Mechanix Illustrated where he explained how a person could buy a set of plans and build their own aircraft at home. In 1955, Poberezny co-founded, with Robert D. Blacker, EAA's first youth outreach program, Project Schoolflight , which brought "homebuilding" into high school industrial arts classes throughout
4914-472: The mid-1980s era, discouraged general aviation manufacturers from introducing new designs and led to homebuilts outselling factory built aircraft by five to one. The history of amateur-built aircraft can be traced to the beginning of aviation. Even if the Wright brothers , Clément Ader , and their successors had commercial objectives in mind, the first aircraft were constructed by passionate enthusiasts whose goal
4992-424: The new license or rating. To take practical tests for all pilot certificates and ratings (except airline transport pilot), the applicant must have proper logbook endorsements from their flight instructor, and meet basic eligibility requirements required for the ratings desired. In aviation, a pilot's level of income and experience are closely related. There are multiple ways to gain the experience required for hire by
5070-443: The operation is sanctioned and under the direction and control of a public or private agency that conducts search and location operations. Private pilots may also operate charity flights, subject to certain restrictions, and may participate in similar activities, such as Angel Flight , Civil Air Patrol and many others. Besides the student pilot certificate, the private pilot certificate is the most commonly issued pilot certificate in
5148-644: The pilot's insurance premiums, as it is evidence of training to a higher safety standard. An airline transport pilot (commonly called an " ATP ") is tested to the highest level of piloting ability. The certificate is a prerequisite for acting as a flight crew-member in scheduled airline operations. The minimum pilot experience is 1,500 hours of flight time (1200 for Helicopters), 500 hours of cross-country flight time, 100 hours of night flight time, and 75 hours instrument operations time (simulated or actual). Other requirements include being 23 years of age, an instrument rating, being able to read, write, speak, and understand
5226-407: The practical test would be assigned a limitation reading, "DC-3 (VFR Only)". To obtain a certificate or add a rating, a pilot usually has to undergo a course of training with a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) under 14CFR61 or enroll at an approved course at a 14CFR141 approved flight school. The applicant must accumulate and log specific aeronautical experience, and pass a three-part examination:
5304-424: The quality of structural wood), covered with doped aircraft fabric . Aileron controls are push-tube, elevator controls are a combination of push-tube and cable, the rudder is cable-controlled. Although it is not intended for intense aerobatics , the Fly Baby can reportedly be flown through spins, simple loops, and barrel rolls. The Fly Baby's wings fold up against the fuselage enabling it to be stored in
5382-466: The regulations. One of the terms applied to this concept is commonly referred to as "The 51% Rule", which requires that builders perform the majority of the fabrication and assembly to be issued a Certificate of Airworthiness as an Amateur Built aircraft. A small number of jet kitplanes have been built since the 1970s, including the tiny Bede Aircraft BD-5J . Van's Aircraft and Aircraft Kit Industry Association (AKIA) President Dick VanGrunsven
5460-623: The same rates for certified aircraft. Most nations' aviation regulations require amateur-built aircraft to be physically marked as such (for example in the U.K. "Occupant Warning – This aircraft ... is amateur built." must be displayed ), and extra flight testing is usually required before passengers (who are not pilots themselves) can be carried. The largest airshow in the world is the Experimental Aircraft Association 's annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh airshow in Oshkosh, Wisconsin , which takes place in late July and early August. Other annual events are
5538-545: The sport pilot certificate, an applicant must: The above requirements are for heavier-than-air powered aircraft (airplanes). The requirements for gliders, balloons, gyroplanes, and dirigibles vary slightly. Sport pilots are only eligible to fly aircraft that are either certificated specifically as light-sport aircraft (LSA) or were certificated prior to the LSA regulations and are within the maximum weight and performance limitations of light-sport aircraft . The restrictions placed on
5616-472: The surviving companies to retain older, proven designs. In recent years, the less restrictive regulations for homebuilts allowed a number of manufacturers to develop new and innovative designs; many can outperform certified production aircraft in their class. An example of high-end homebuilt design is Lancair , which has developed a number of high-performance kits. The most powerful is the Lancair Propjet ,
5694-525: The tires themselves. (Some have been modified from, the original design, to use shock-absorbing, spring-steel landing gear legs.) Hydraulic wheel brakes are usually fitted. The aircraft was designed to be powered by a 65-horsepower (48 kW) Continental A-65 piston engine taken from a Piper Cub . Engines of up to 100 horsepower (75 kW) have been fitted, including the Continental O-200 and converted Corvair automotive conversions . While
5772-778: Was amended to provide for a Certificat de navigabilité restreint d'aéronef ( CNRA , " restricted operating certificate for aircraft "). 1946 saw the birth of the Ultralight Aircraft Association which in 1952 became the Popular Flying Association in the United Kingdom , followed in 1953 by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in the United States and the Sport Aircraft Association in Australia . The term "homebuilding" became popular in
5850-513: Was asked about the future of the kit aircraft industry in a wide-ranging interview in KitPlanes magazine in December 2012: I don't expect to see dramatic changes in the industry within the next five years. Ten years; who knows – it’s too dependent on fuel prices, FAA policy, etc. Overall, I think our industry will continue to mature, particularly as AKIA is successful in growing and having
5928-543: Was created in September 2004. The intent of the new rule was to lower the barriers of entry into aviation and make flying more affordable and accessible. The new rule also created the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) category of aircraft, which are smaller, lower-powered aircraft. The sport pilot certificate offers limited privileges mainly for recreational use. It is the only powered aircraft certificate that does not require
6006-493: Was originally created for flying small single-engine planes for personal enjoyment; the newer Sport Pilot certificate overlaps this need and is easier to get, but the recreational certificate allows access to larger single-engine aircraft, and instructor endorsements are available to recreational pilots that are not applicable to sport pilots, such as flying at night or cross-country . Eligibility requirements: Limitations and restrictions (without additional endorsement): Most of
6084-594: Was to fly. Aviation took a leap forward with the industrialization that accompanied World War I . In the post-war period, manufacturers needed to find new markets and introduced models designed for tourism. However, these machines were affordable only by the very rich. Many U.S. aircraft designed and registered in the 1920s onward were considered "experimental" by the (then) CAA, the same registration under which modern homebuilts are issued Special Airworthiness Certificates . Many of these were prototypes, but designs such as Bernard Pietenpol 's first 1923 design were some of
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