homebuilding

December 12, 2024December 12, 2024

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — California Mooney M20

By Richard Brown, EAA 1266320 This piece originally ran in the November 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. My wife and I were sitting in an Oklahoma City hotel ... Read more

December 5, 2024December 12, 2024

Plansbuilt or Kit?

Homebuilding, Member Stories

By Lisa Turner, EAA Lifetime 509911 This piece originally ran in Lisa’s Airworthy column in the November 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. If you were one of the ... Read more

November 25, 2024November 25, 2024

Becoming a New Amateur-Built Aircraft Owner

Homebuilding, Member Stories

By Vic Syracuse, EAA Lifetime 180848 This piece originally ran in Vic’s Checkpoints column in the October 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. I mentioned I would continue with ... Read more

November 7, 2024November 7, 2024

Wishful Thinking or Great Ideas?

Flying Tips, Homebuilding

By Lisa Turner, EAA Lifetime 509911 This piece originally ran in Lisa’s Airworthy column in the October 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. The history of flight is rooted ... Read more

October 17, 2024November 12, 2024

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Washington Murphy Rebel

History, Member Stories

By Tim Fiedler, EAA Lifetime 256056 This piece originally ran in the September 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. This was started in 1992 by Jim LePard, an A&P/IA ... Read more

October 10, 2024October 11, 2024

A Beginner’s Guide to Propeller Inspections

Flying Tips, Member Stories

By Lisa Turner, EAA Lifetime 509911 This piece originally ran in Lisa’s Airworthy column in the September 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. I left the FBO and walked ... Read more

September 26, 2024September 26, 2024

A Dream Takes Flight in a Remote Indian Village

Homebuilding, Member Stories

By Sabu Sivaraman, EAA Lifetime 709426 Though India has a very long aviation history and is now considered the fastest growing aviation market, experimental aviation or recreational aviation is almost ... Read more

September 12, 2024September 16, 2024

Buying a Flying Homebuilt: The Top Five Mistakes

Flying Tips, Homebuilding

By Lisa Turner, EAA Lifetime 509911 This piece originally ran in Lisa’s Airworthy column in the August 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. An unexpressed thought sometimes hides like ... Read more

August 22, 2024August 22, 2024

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Missouri Glasair Sportsman

Homebuilding, Member Stories

By Keith Eisberg, EAA Lifetime 1136501 This piece originally ran in the July 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. My SkyRocket, a kitbuilt Glasair Sportsman, is my first kitbuilt ... Read more

August 15, 2024August 15, 2024

Getting Help

Homebuilding, Member Stories

By Lisa Turner, EAA Lifetime 509911 This piece originally ran in Lisa’s Airworthy column in the July 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. “Now that you’re a pilot, you ... Read more

July 22, 2024August 1, 2024

From Hand Model to Homebuilder

AirVenture, Homebuilding

Call him the George Costanza of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024. Randy Rettler, EAA 1030161, may not wear oven mitts to protect his hands like George did in “The Puffy Shirt,” ... Read more

July 11, 2024July 11, 2024

Should You Install a Parachute in Your Homebuilt?

Homebuilding, Learning to Fly

By: Lisa Turner, EAA Lifetime 509911 This piece originally ran in Lisa’s Airworthy column in the June 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. It’s that perfect spring day when ... Read more

June 20, 2024

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Oklahoma Carbon Cub EX-3

Homebuilding, Member Stories

In a recent piece for EAA Sport Aviation, EAA member Dave Embry takes us through the build, particularly the painting process, of his stunning Carbon Cub.

June 11, 2024

AI in Your Toolkit

From The Hangar Floor, Homebuilding

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Lisa Turner discusses how artificial intelligence could help when it comes to small aircraft maintenance.

June 5, 2024June 5, 2024

EAA’s Unknown Alumnus

Homebuilding, Member Stories

The interesting and little-known story of the man who started construction on the first homebuilt Pitts Special.

May 22, 2024May 22, 2024

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Minnesota Glasair IIRG

Homebuilding, Member Stories

In a recent piece for EAA Sport Aviation, EAA member Russell Cunningham takes us through the build of his pristine Glasair IIRG.

May 15, 2024May 16, 2024

Should You Paint Your Airplane Yourself?

From The Hangar Floor, Homebuilding

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Lisa Turner discusses the pros and cons of painting your homebuilt aircraft yourself.

April 24, 2024April 24, 2024

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — South Carolina AutoGyro MTO Classic

Homebuilding

In a recent piece for EAA Sport Aviation, EAA member Ben Davis takes us through the build of his AutoGyro MTO Classic.

March 28, 2024April 3, 2024

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — California Van’s Aircraft RV-14

Homebuilding, Member Stories

In a recent piece for EAA Sport Aviation, EAA member and Navy veteran Ken Taylor talks about the four-year build of his RV-14.

February 29, 2024February 29, 2024

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Missouri Wittman W-10 Tailwind

Homebuilding, Member Stories

In a recent piece for EAA Sport Aviation, EAA member Michael D. Wilson takes us through the three-decade build of his W-10 Tailwind.

February 22, 2024February 23, 2024

Building Your Airplane

Homebuilding

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Lisa Turner discusses some items to consider when planning out your aircraft build.

February 15, 2024February 15, 2024

My Dream of Flying

Member Stories

One EAA member shares her inspiring path from sleeping on the streets to flying high in the sky in her homebuilt Midget Mustang.

February 1, 2024February 1, 2024

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Texas Van’s Aircraft RV-10

Homebuilding

In a recent piece for EAA Sport Aviation, EAA Lifetime member Steve Lutte takes us through the build of his RV-10, which he completed in an impressive 30 months.

January 4, 2024January 10, 2024

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Alabama Fly Baby

Homebuilding, Member Stories

In a recent piece for EAA Sport Aviation, EAA member Greg McCormick takes us through the lengthy build of his Fly Baby.

December 6, 2023December 8, 2023

Kaboom!

From The Hangar Floor, Homebuilding

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Vic Syracuse discusses a recent incident he had with his newly built Hummingbird helicopter.

November 21, 2023November 22, 2023

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Washington Just Aircraft Highlander

Homebuilding, Member Stories

In a recent piece for EAA Sport Aviation, EAA member Steve Cameron takes us through the build of his Just Aircraft Highlander.

November 16, 2023November 17, 2023

The First 100 Hours

DIY, Homebuilding

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Lisa Turner discusses areas to pay close attention to in your newly built kit aircraft.

November 9, 2023November 9, 2023

Hummingbird Flight Testing

Homebuilding

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Vic Syracuse discusses blade and engine adjustments needed during flight testing for his Hummingbird helicopter.

September 28, 2023October 4, 2023

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — New Hampshire Van’s Aircraft RV-7

Homebuilding, Member Stories

EAA member Dave Setser takes us through the lengthy build process for his immaculate Van’s RV-7.

September 20, 2023September 21, 2023

Secondhand Projects

Homebuilding

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Lisa Turner discusses the pros and cons of purchasing a used homebuilt aircraft project.

September 13, 2023September 19, 2023

Helicopter First Flights: Part 2

From The Hangar Floor

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Vic Syracuse discusses the continued flight testing of his Hummingbird helicopter.

August 22, 2023August 22, 2023

All Covered Up

Homebuilding

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Lisa Turner discusses a number of fabric-covering myths.

August 3, 2023August 8, 2023

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Ontario Van’s Aircraft RV-4

Homebuilding, Member Stories

In a recent issue of EAA Sport Aviation, EAA member Wayne Roberts takes us through the build of his Van’s RV-4.

June 22, 2023June 28, 2023

Fuel Systems

DIY, Homebuilding

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Vic Syracuse discusses some of the intricacies of fuel systems within homebuilt aircraft.

June 15, 2023

EAA’s The Green Dot — Talking Homebuilts with EAA Safety Committee Chairman Charlie Precourt

Homebuilding, Podcast

This time on The Green Dot, hosts Hal and Tom are joined by former U.S. Air Force test pilot and NASA astronaut Charlie Precourt, currently an EAA board member and ... Read more

EAA’s The Green Dot — Talking Homebuilts With EAA Safety Committee Chairman Charlie Precourt

This time on The Green Dot, hosts Hal and Tom are joined by former U.S. Air Force test pilot and NASA astronaut Charlie Precourt, currently an EAA board member and ... Read more

June 8, 2023June 8, 2023

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Mississippi Van’s Aircraft RV-10

Member Stories

In a recent issue of EAA Sport Aviation, EAA member Jeff Justis takes us through the build of his Van’s RV-10.

May 10, 2023May 10, 2023

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Florida Van’s Aircraft RV-8A

Homebuilding

In a recent issue of EAA Sport Aviation, EAA member Paul Barreto takes us through the build of his striking Van’s RV-8A.

April 12, 2023April 17, 2023

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Michigan Van’s Aircraft RV-8

Homebuilding, Member Stories

In a recent issue of EAA Sport Aviation, EAA Lifetime member Martin J. Filiatrault takes us through the build of his RV-8.

April 4, 2023April 4, 2023

My Experience Building an RV-9A

Bits and Pieces, Homebuilding

Bits and Pieces editor Ian Brown takes us through his time building an airplane over the course of nearly a decade.

March 29, 2023March 31, 2023

Understanding Ignition Timing Differences

DIY, Homebuilding

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Vic Syracuse discusses the nuances between magnetos and electronic ignition systems.

March 15, 2023March 20, 2023

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Florida Pitts S-1S

Homebuilding, Member Stories

In a recent issue of EAA Sport Aviation, EAA member Jeremy Wicker take us through the lengthy build of his Pitts S-1S.

March 3, 2023March 7, 2023

Ruffled Feathers: Homebuilding — Special DNA Required

Homebuilding

Bits and Pieces contributor John Wyman takes a detailed look at the art of homebuilding.

February 16, 2023February 16, 2023

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Michigan Zenith Aircraft CH 750 Cruzer

Homebuilding, Member Stories

In a recent issue of EAA Sport Aviation, EAA member Phil Cook takes us through the build of his Zenith CH 750 Cruzer

December 7, 2022December 12, 2022

Quarter Turn

Homebuilding

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robert N. Rossier discusses the dangers of improper, worn, or missing fasteners.

August 3, 2022August 3, 2022

Changing Things: Top Traps

DIY, Homebuilding

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Lisa Turner discusses what to be aware of when considering making changes to your aircraft.

July 7, 2022July 7, 2022

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Oregon Sonex Aircraft Waiex-B

From The Hangar Floor, Homebuilding, Member Stories

In a recent issue of EAA Sport Aviation, EAA member Ron Heberlein takes us through the build of his Sonex Waiex-B.

June 1, 2022June 2, 2022

The Top Five Lubrication Mistakes

Homebuilding

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Lisa Turner discusses some of the most common errors made when lubricating aircraft components.

May 25, 2022May 26, 2022

Cub Clones — The Icon That Keeps on Giving

Homebuilding

A look at what makes the Piper Cub and its variants such popular airplanes, and the many clones that have spawned over the years.

April 27, 2022April 28, 2022

Materials

Homebuilding

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Lisa Turner discusses some common materials-related repair mistakes and how to avoid them.

March 7, 2022

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Kentucky Zenith CH 750

Homebuilding, Member Stories

EAA member Paul Gabehart takes us through the build of his Zenith CH 750 in the February 2022 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine.

March 2, 2022

Prelude to a Preflight

Flying Tips, Homebuilding

EAA Sport Aviation contributor Lisa Turner discusses the key elements of developing a preflight checklist for your homebuilt aircraft in a recent column.

February 24, 2022

Bits and Pieces — Painting a Zenith CH 750

Homebuilding, Member Stories

EAA member Mike Davenport helps a hangar neighbour paint his Zenith project.

February 22, 2022

Experimenting Out of Need

Homebuilding

EAA Sport Aviation contributor Vic Syracuse takes us through the build of his hydraulic helicopter cart in a recent column.

February 7, 2022

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Alabama Van’s RV-7A

From The Hangar Floor, Homebuilding

EAA member Scott Millhouse discusses the build of his Van’s RV-7A in the January 2022 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine.

January 25, 2022

Cub Clones

Homebuilding, Vintage

EAA Sport Aviation contributor Budd Davisson takes a look at the beloved Piper Cub and its many variants.

January 13, 2022

A BigFoot Replica for Christmas

Member Stories

Jay Jolley received an exciting surprise Christmas morning, an RC replica of his Carbon Cub, BigFoot, built by Daniel Baggett.

January 5, 2022

Blueprint for a Build

Homebuilding

EAA Sport Aviation contributor Lisa Turner discusses a few key fundamentals for a successful homebuilt project in her latest column.

November 16, 2021

EAA’s The Green Dot — Scratchbuilding

Homebuilding, Podcast

This time on EAA’s The Green Dot, host Tom Charpentier welcomed EAA staff members Charlie Becker and John Egan to the show to talk about scratchbuilding.

Scratchbuilding

This time on EAA’s The Green Dot, host Tom Charpentier welcomed EAA staff members Charlie Becker and John Egan to the show to talk about scratchbuilding. ... Read more

November 15, 2021

Battle of the Biplanes

Homebuilding

EAA Sport Aviation contributor Budd Davisson gives some advice on choosing the right two-winged homebuilt.

November 9, 2021

Bits and Pieces: Creating a Bearhawk Rudder Trim System

Homebuilding, Member Stories

EAA Chapter 245 President Mark Richardson takes us through the inception and creation of the rudder trim system he’s installing on his scratchbuilt Bearhawk.

November 3, 2021

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Texas Van’s RV-10

Homebuilding, Member Stories

Robert G. Skinner, EAA 773419, takes us through the build of his beautiful Van’s RV-10.

October 26, 2021

The One Big Thing

From The Hangar Floor

EAA Sport Aviation contributor Lisa Turner discusses the dangers of hidden aircraft damage in her latest column.

October 18, 2021

Back to the Future in E-AB Land

Homebuilding, Honoring The Past

EAA Sport Aviation contributor Budd Davisson gives us his guide to still-viable homebuilt classics.

October 6, 2021

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Florida Van’s RV-10

Homebuilding, Member Stories

EAA member Blake Gambsky takes us through the build of his immaculate Van’s RV-10.

September 30, 2021September 30, 2021

Homebuilt Roundup — Products and Kits Every Homebuilder Should Keep an Eye Out For

AirVenture, Homebuilding

From simple tools to engines and avionics, all the way to full-blown kits, we are giving you the lowdown on the latest for homebuilders.

September 22, 2021

Pilots, Start Your Engines!

Flying Tips, From The Hangar Floor

EAA Sport Aviation columnist Vic Syracuse discusses engine starting problems and gives some advice on the topic in a recent column.

September 9, 2021

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Turks and Caicos Comp Air 4 and Zenith CH 701

Homebuilding, Member Stories

EAA member Mark Woodring takes us through the build of his Comp Air and Zenith CH 701.

August 26, 2021

A Newbie’s Guide to Sport Aviation

Flying Tips, Homebuilding, Learning to Fly, Ultralights, Vintage, Warbirds

Are you looking to get started in aviation? EAA Sport Aviation magazine writer Budd Davisson gives some advice on how to do just that.

August 24, 2021August 24, 2021

Staying Sharp

Homebuilding, Member Stories

It’s never a bad time for a new challenge, as columnist Vic Syracuse explains in the July 2021 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine.

August 5, 2021

Outsourcing for the Homebuilder

Homebuilding

When it’s time to go beyond DIY.

July 31, 2021

Homebuilt Sperocco Starts With a Good Plan and Makes It Better

AirVenture, Homebuilding, Member Stories, Stories Of Oshkosh

It is gray and subdued, an understated exterior for a smooth custom homebuilt firmly rooted in the plans of the legendary Marcel Jurca.

July 31, 2021

Aircraft Art Honors Armed Forces

AirVenture, Homebuilding

While there are many ways in which veterans are honored at AirVenture, pilot Rodney Jarrell, EAA Lifetime 1132855, found a unique way to do so.

July 30, 2021

A Great Big Little Bomber

AirVenture, History, Homebuilding, Member Stories

“It’s just an airplane.” That’s how the late Jack Bally, EAA 348338, a lifelong pilot and builder, described his one-third scale replica of a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress — just ... Read more

July 30, 2021

One-of-a-Kind Twin-Engine RV Creates Stir

AirVenture, Homebuilding, Member Stories

Jim and Ginger Tomaszewski of Clayton, Georgia, flew their stunning and diminutive TwinJAG to Oshkosh where it generates a lot of buzz.

July 28, 2021July 28, 2021

Birds of a Feather

AirVenture, Homebuilding

With so many aircraft around the grounds, it can be easy to miss a single airplane. However, one you won’t want miss is Howard and Linda Plevyak’s Stoddard Hamilton GlaStar, ... Read more

July 27, 2021July 27, 2021

A Tale of 2 Sharks

AirVenture, Homebuilding, Member Stories

As you make your way around the grounds, you can find many unusual or even unique airplanes. However, you won’t see many paint jobs as eye-catching as Lonnie Autry’s RV-8, ... Read more

July 15, 2021July 15, 2021

My Deuced Brakes

Homebuilding

I found out yesterday the Deuce’s right main brakes were worn to the rivets.

July 15, 2021

First Homebuilt Arrives at AirVenture 2021

AirVenture, Homebuilding

Ron Lem, EAA 1159879, of Concord, California, is a volunteer at EAA’s print/mail center and owns the first homebuilt airplane that has arrived on the AirVenture grounds.

July 8, 2021

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Ohio EAA Biplane

Homebuilding, Member Stories

EAA member Jonathan Walters takes us through the lengthy build of his EAA Biplane.

July 1, 2021July 1, 2021

What A&Ps Should Know About Experimental Aircraft

Homebuilding

The A&P mechanics reading EAA Sport Aviation are likely to know a lot about homebuilt airplanes. However, there is a large group of A&Ps who have not been exposed to ... Read more

June 16, 2021

The Wichawk Turns 50

History, Homebuilding, Honoring The Past, Member Stories

Remembering my dad’s design, 50 years after its first flight.

June 9, 2021

Learning on the Job

Chapters, Homebuilding, Member Stories

One man’s unfinished history with a Pietenpol.

June 3, 2021June 3, 2021

Time or Condition?

DIY, Homebuilding

EAA Sport Aviation columnist Lisa Turner discusses aging parts in her latest piece.

May 26, 2021

Keeping the Lights On

DIY, From The Hangar Floor, Homebuilding

Tips for a robust and reliable electrical system.

May 12, 2021May 12, 2021

Bits and Pieces Prolific Builder Series – Gord Baxter

Homebuilding, Member Stories

I started my flight training June 1963 at age 18 in a 1946 Fleet Canuck (taildragger) at Breslau, Ontario, and received my PPL one year later in June 1964.

May 10, 2021

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Florida Airdrome Aeroplanes Fokker E-III Replica

Homebuilding, Member Stories

EAA member Mike Dann takes us through the build of his Airdrome Aeroplanes Fokker E-III replica.

May 5, 2021

Technical Difficulties: Are You a Builder or a Flyer?

From The Hangar Floor, Homebuilding

As I’ve visited aircraft build projects as a technical counselor over the years, I’ve noticed one thing that stays the same between the builds. The fit between the builder’s personality ... Read more

April 22, 2021

Connecticut Kids Continue RV-12 Build With Help From Chapter 166

Chapters, Homebuilding, Youth & Young Eagles

How one EAA chapter’s relationship with a local school led to a win-win for all involved.

April 22, 2021April 22, 2021

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — New Jersey Questair Venture

Homebuilding

EAA member Jack A. Frohbieter takes us through the build of his Questair Venture.

April 22, 2021April 22, 2021

Prolific Builders — Tom Martin

Homebuilding, Member Stories

One day, a friend suggested that I build an airplane.

April 8, 2021April 8, 2021

Problems in the Exhaust System

DIY, Homebuilding

EAA Sport Aviation columnist Lisa Turner discusses aircraft exhaust systems in her latest piece.

April 8, 2021April 8, 2021

It Takes a Village to Build a Biplane

Homebuilding

Having built three Hatz biplanes over the years, Rick Hansen, EAA 143651, knew his latest aircraft project would be a massive undertaking. Restoring a Travel Air is no small task. ... Read more

March 26, 2021March 26, 2021

Prolific Builders — Dale Lamport

Homebuilding, Member Stories, Why We Fly

By email interview with Dale Lamport of Smiths Falls, Ontario, we put together the following this first in a series of articles about amazing Canadians who have built several aircraft.

March 18, 2021March 22, 2021

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — California Lockwood AirCam

Homebuilding, Member Stories

EAA member Mike Bell takes us through the build of his Lockwood AirCam.

March 11, 2021

After the Build

Homebuilding, Youth & Young Eagles

Why not teach kids how to build an airplane? You obviously have the experience and skills. You have the tools and space. You can start a new project and share ... Read more

March 4, 2021March 11, 2021

Where the Rubber Meets the Runway — Part 1

DIY

I’m always amazed at the condition of some of the tires we see when an airplane comes to our shop for a condition inspection. Sometimes, they are downright scary and ... Read more

March 4, 2021March 4, 2021

Chapter Youth Pay it Forward

Chapters, Homebuilding, Youth & Young Eagles

EAA Chapter 690 has been investing in youth for years, and their efforts have paid off.

February 25, 2021February 26, 2021

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — New Jersey Waco RNF

DIY, Homebuilding

EAA member Chuck Griffiths takes us through the restoration of his Waco RNF.

February 11, 2021February 15, 2021

New Year Reflections

Chapters, Homebuilding

Questions and answers.

January 21, 2021

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Nevada Javron PA-18 Replicas

Homebuilding, Member Stories

EAA member Ron Kodimer takes us through the build of three identical Javron Super Cubs.

January 14, 2021

Ottawa Chapter 245 Makes Cruzer Progress Despite Restrictions

Chapters, Homebuilding

The 750 Cruzer project resumed in September after COVID-19 restrictions eased enough to allow a small group to work well spaced in the hangar.

January 13, 2021

Oh the Consequences Could Have Been … !

Member Stories

Recently I started up my engine and, while the engine seemed to be running fine, the analog instruments in the panel all started jumping around wildly. I had no idea ... Read more

January 13, 2021

Measure Twice, Cut Once

Homebuilding, Member Stories

The painful and powerful lessons of scratch-building.

December 16, 2020

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Michigan Zenith CH 750 Cruzer

Homebuilding, Member Stories

Mark Pensenstadler takes us through the build of his Zenith CH 750 Cruzer.

December 15, 2020December 15, 2020

A Tour of Scott Black’s Hangar

Chapters, DIY, From The Hangar Floor, Homebuilding

Thanks to the magic of remote video conferencing, we took a virtual tour of one of our chapter members’ hangars.

December 9, 2020

The Technical Counselor Visit: Special Topics

DIY, Homebuilding

As a Technical Counselor and/or Flight Advisor, just imagine how much safety and joy you bring to aviation. As we know well, it’s one of the most rewarding things you ... Read more

November 11, 2020November 11, 2020

The Technical Counselor Visit: Reporting

DIY, Homebuilding

The reporting that the TC has to do is minimal, and there’s a form and a method already designated and designed just for you. And, you might not know that ... Read more

October 29, 2020October 29, 2020

A Non-Builder’s Guide to Buying a Homebuilt

Homebuilding

The things you need to think about.

October 15, 2020October 16, 2020

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Florida Van’s Aircraft RV-8

DIY, From The Hangar Floor, Homebuilding

EAA member Robert Welsh takes us through the build of his Van’s Aircraft RV-8.

October 15, 2020October 15, 2020

The Technical Counselor Visit: The Builder’s Log

DIY, Homebuilding

EAA Sport Aviation columnist Lisa Turner discusses the importance of keeping a builder’s log.

October 14, 2020October 14, 2020

In Search of the Ultimate Kit Aircraft: DarkAero 1, Chapter 1

AirVenture, Homebuilding

How I chose my upcoming airplane project.

October 1, 2020October 1, 2020

Youth Aircraft Building Project Teaches Skills, Enthusiasm

Homebuilding, Member Stories, Youth & Young Eagles

Having worked in the airline industry for decades, EAA member John Cronin saw firsthand the decline in younger generations’ involvement and pursuit of aviation as a career choice or hobby. ... Read more

September 24, 2020September 24, 2020

Worth the Wait

Homebuilding, Member Stories

After more than 30 years, my big brother finally fought his way back to the cockpit.

September 23, 2020September 23, 2020

Safety Margins

DIY, From The Hangar Floor, Homebuilding

Five reasons why you should engage a technical counselor in your aircraft building or restoring project.

September 15, 2020September 15, 2020

The Dreaded Denial Letter

DIY, Homebuilding

Details that can derail your airworthiness inspection.

September 10, 2020September 10, 2020

The Technical Counselor Visit: Workshop Essentials

DIY, From The Hangar Floor, Homebuilding

It doesn’t matter whether you have a large hangar to build in, or a one car garage to build in: setting it up at the beginning for your aircraft build ... Read more

September 9, 2020September 9, 2020

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — California Carbon Cub EX-2

From The Hangar Floor, Homebuilding, Member Stories

Jackie and Tobias Burch take us through the build of their CubCrafters Carbon Cub EX-2.

August 12, 2020August 12, 2020

The Technical Counselor Visit: Navigating Paperwork

DIY, Homebuilding

If you can get your builder started off on the right foot from the moment they unpack everything, the paperwork responsibilities will be much smoother.

June 11, 2020June 11, 2020

The Biggest Question in Homebuilding

Homebuilding

The answer might surprise you.

June 10, 2020June 10, 2020

The Technical Counselor Visit: Skills

From The Hangar Floor, Homebuilding

Getting your builder to consider their weaknesses and how to get more experience is a big step forward in shepherding a successful project through to flight.

May 14, 2020May 14, 2020

The Technical Counselor Visit: Safety

From The Hangar Floor, Homebuilding

Without safety awareness and practice, an accident is waiting to happen.

April 30, 2020April 30, 2020

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Massachusetts Van’s Aircraft RV-10

Homebuilding

EAA member Richard Dupée takes us through the building of his Van’s RV-10.

April 9, 2020April 9, 2020

The Technical Counselor Visit: Human Factors

Homebuilding

The best-laid plans can be foiled by human factors.

April 1, 2020April 2, 2020

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Missouri Kitfox 7SS

Homebuilding

Richard Kampeter, EAA Lifetime 1128617, began constructing his Kitfox approximately four years ago. He performed a lot of the build himself, including installing the landing gear, airfoils in the tail, ... Read more

February 19, 2020February 19, 2020

Traps and Tips for the Secondhand Homebuilt Owner — Don’t Forget to Do Your Homework

Homebuilding

While there is a lot to like about buying a homebuilt, there are some serious traps for the unwary.

February 12, 2020February 12, 2020

The Technical Counselor Visit: Setting Expectations

Homebuilding

Structuring your visits from that first call can help you and your builder navigate the complex landscape of what to work on, what questions to ask, and in what order ... Read more

February 6, 2020February 6, 2020

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — Texas Javron Experimental Super Cub

Homebuilding

One of the many aviation aspirations I have had for several decades — building a Piper Super Cub (PA-18) replica — has finally come true. My dream started to become ... Read more

January 15, 2020January 16, 2020

The Technical Counselor Visit Matrix

Homebuilding

Structuring your visits from that first call can help you and your builder navigate the sometimes complex landscape of what to work on, what questions to ask, and in what ... Read more

January 9, 2020January 9, 2020

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — California Van’s RV-12

Homebuilding

I am happy to say that my RV-12’s first flight on August 19, 2018, was a successful one.

January 2, 2020January 2, 2020

What Should Be in Your Builder’s Log — Documenting Your Project

Homebuilding

A builder’s log is a necessary item to have for any homebuilder.

December 10, 2019December 10, 2019

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring — North Carolina Just SuperSTOL

From The Hangar Floor, Homebuilding

In the midst of the stressful process of selling my business over the course of 18 months, I kept telling myself, “If I get out of this with two nickels ... Read more

November 13, 2019November 13, 2019

Sonerai Gets a New Skin

From The Hangar Floor, Homebuilding

I went for a speed flight a few weeks ago, just to see what sort of top speed I might get at full throttle.

October 23, 2019October 23, 2019

EAA’s The Green Dot — Van’s Aircraft Director of Media, Marketing, and Community Greg Hughes

Homebuilding, Podcast

The Green Dot crew sat down with Van’s Aircraft Director of Media, Marketing, and Community Greg Hughes to discuss his beginnings in aviation, how he got his start at Van’s ... Read more

October 10, 2019October 11, 2019

How to Select and Use Aircraft Screws

Homebuilding

There are several types of screws available for aircraft use; however, two of the most popular are the AN525 washer head and the AN526 screw. Both are protruding-head screws and ... Read more

August 28, 2019August 28, 2019

Top Three Causes of Aircraft Build Errors and How to Avoid Them

DIY, Homebuilding

Even if you consider yourself to be advanced, an extra pair of eyes from someone highly knowledgeable and as passionate about building as you are will improve the quality and ... Read more

July 20, 2019July 20, 2019

Baby Ace Comes Back

AirVenture, Homebuilding

Back in May of 1955, a Corben Baby Ace graced the cover of Mechanix Illustrated magazine with a simple headline: “Build this plane for under $800 including engine!” The magazine ... Read more

May 30, 2019May 30, 2019

Dyke Delta Donated to EAA Aviation Museum

EAA Museum, Homebuilding

The Dyke Delta JD-2, N555A, was the very first airplane to land on the EAA Oshkosh grounds in 1970. This model is also the first of its kind, built by ... Read more

May 16, 2019May 16, 2019

Be Your Own Mechanic — The Secondhand Homebuilt Aircraft Owner’s Guide to Maintenance

Homebuilding

There is an argument that as the owner of your own airplane, you will actually be the best person to maintain it, assuming you have the skills or are willing ... Read more

May 9, 2019May 9, 2019

EAA Step Stool

Homebuilding

A step stool may not be the most exciting thing you have in your hangar, but it’s sure to be one of the most useful.

May 1, 2019May 1, 2019

The Matter of Materials — The Pros and Cons of Wood, Steel, Aluminum, and Composites

Homebuilding

When the vast majority of general aviation pilots (as opposed to purely recreational pilots) think about buying a more-or-less modern airplane, the question of what material that airplane uses in ... Read more

April 10, 2019April 10, 2019

Buying An Uncompleted Project — When Is Free Too Much?

Homebuilding

The allure is obvious: An uncompleted project looks like a way to greatly aid completion. However, it’s really easy for a shortcut to a dream to lead to a nightmare.

March 27, 2019March 27, 2019

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring: Minnesota RotorWay Turbine 420

Homebuilding, Member Stories

About 30 years ago, I decided that if I were going to continue to fly my first RotorWay helicopter, I needed more power. So, back then I designed and built ... Read more

March 27, 2019March 28, 2019

Homebuilt HUD – A $300 (really) head-up display for every airplane

Homebuilding

It started out as a joke. After a dismal performance in a flour bombing contest John Marzulli laughed with friends that he should build a targeting computer to improve his ... Read more

February 14, 2019August 21, 2019

Top 5 Trouble Areas on a New Homebuilt

Celebrating Women, Homebuilding

Read about the top 5 trouble areas on a new homebuilt airplane.

February 7, 2019February 7, 2019

New Look, Same Spirit

AirVenture, Homebuilding

In some ways, Peter Sripol is just like any other homebuilder. There are a few differences between the average builder and Peter, though. Most EAAers aren’t using foam insulation from ... Read more

December 13, 2018December 13, 2018

According to Plan: Alabama Falco F.8L

Homebuilding, Member Stories

When Larry Weldon got the green light from his wife, Jane, to begin working on a Falco F.8L, it didn’t take him long to jump into action and begin to ... Read more

December 12, 2018December 12, 2018

I Really Like Clecos

Homebuilding

A little history behind the unsung hero of sheet metal aircraft building.

November 20, 2018November 21, 2018

EAAer Building F.8L Falco

Homebuilding

Jim Quinlan has been working on an F.8L Falco in his retrofitted garage in New Jersey for more than two decades, and he’s getting close to completing it.

November 14, 2018

EAA Chapter Celebrates Two First Flights in One Day

Chapters, Homebuilding

Two Gregs, two RVs, two first flights, and one fantastic day for Chapter 5 in Middlefield, Ohio.

October 15, 2018October 18, 2018

EAA Chapter 1202 is Teaching Through Building

Chapters, Homebuilding, Youth & Young Eagles

EAA Chapter 1202 is helping students learn STEM skills in Virginia by having the students help build a Zenith.

October 2, 2018

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring – Tennessee Zenith CH 701

Homebuilding, Member Stories

EAA member Mark Phillips takes us through the build of his Zenith CH 701.

September 27, 2018

Take a Tour of Peter Sripol’s Workshop

AirVenture, Homebuilding, Ultralights

Take a tour of YouTuber and foam airplane builder Peter Sripol’s workshop in Ohio.

September 20, 2018

A Man and His Airplane

Chapters, Member Stories

Paul Adrien is a soft spoken man that you would not realize has a wealth of knowledge and experience when you first meet him, unless you happen to mention airplanes.

September 13, 2018September 13, 2018

Three Decades of Solo Stinson Restoration

Homebuilding, Member Stories

John Chiprean, EAA 156445, completed every part of his Stinson 10A Voyager restoration himself over three decades.

August 23, 2018

Getting Away – Javron Super Cub

Homebuilding, Member Stories, Why We Fly

Bill Rusk, EAA 350098, built his Javron Super Cub for a specific mission: Alaskan bush flying.

March 30, 2017March 31, 2017

The Ups and Downs of First Flights

Member Stories, Why We Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

By Justin Inman, EAA 1057655 Flying the first flight in an experimental airplane is unlike anything else in the world. The mix of emotions, physical senses, extreme focus, and heightened ... Read more