Dude wrote:
As far as I know, there is no other way to be able to fix your own plane
than build it or be an AP.

Nope, there is another way. Anybody can work on a homebuilt, even if they
didn't build it. The only thing the builder gets is the option to get
a certificate to do the annual condition inspections. If you're not the
builder, you'll have to find an A&P (doesn't need to be an IA like a normal
certificated aircraft).


Many people get an AP to let them do their own
work and pay him to check the work and sign it off. This is legal.

Yes, this is a good idea. My mechanic doesn't charge any additional
for owners helping. She does divide her customers into two groups,
those who participate in the maintenance of their aircraft and those
who are (in her words) "just pilots."

A guy based at our field one day popped in and said he thought there
was something wrong with his battery. The mechanic told him to go
bring it in so it could be tested. He gave her a blank look. "Oh
yeah, I forgot, you're just a pilot. Ron, go give him a hand pulling
out his battery."