es330td wrote:
Browsing controller.com I noticed that there is a category for
homebuilt/experimental aircraft. My limited understanding of
homebuilt aircraft is that it is an experimental plane, built for the
pleasure/education of the builder. The builder of said plane, being
the mfr, may work on it or an A&P mechanic can.

I didn't think the FAA would allow someone to legally fly an
experimental they bought; however, the number of planes on controller
indicate that this is allowed or at least not enforced. I am curious
then about a few things:

1. Are there people who just build kit/plan planes to sell them?
2. Does the FAA simply choose to ignore them?
3. What responsibilities does the builder have with the plane?
4. As the owner of a homebuilt they didn't build, can the purchaser
work on the plane or does it now become like a 172 that must be
repaired by an A&P guy?
5. How much can you trust a purchased homebuilt? I know they have to
get an airworthiness inspection to fly but that doesn't mean it was
built well. Is there a certain minimum level of quality a plane must
have to get the certificate?

What you think that once you build a HB you are stuck with it for life.
Of course you can sell it and the new owner can fly it. Now for your
questions.

1. Yes there are people that build Exp-HBs JUST to sell them. And it is
a violation.
2. The FAA is going to come down on these guys sooner or later.
3. That is a legal question that doesn't have a lot of case law on it.
4. The owner or anybody else can work on a Exp-HB. What he can't do is
the annual inspection. Only an A&P or the original builder who got the
Repairman's certificate can do that.
5. Like any aircraft you should get someone you trust to go over it.