Building Airplane Yourself Is Easy With A Kit

Building an ultralight aircraft with a kit is like assembling your first Lego or similar meccano. Do you remember doing this as a kid? It was not easy, but everyone did it. It was exciting and fun and you were proud when you had it done, weren't you?

Later in the years some kids continued to build more complicated meccanos and to enjoy this, while other preferred to move into different activities. If you are from the first group, keep reading this article to understand the basics of using an ultralight aircraft kit.

Ultralight aircraft kit in a nutshell

The ultralight and microlight aircraft kits are documented and tested packages of parts, which allow you to build a fully functional airplane. If built properly, your new vehicle will be in no way less safe or less high-grade than any other completed aircraft.

The planes built from kits are considered experimental category and they should be registered as such after completion. Just like with any other aircrafts you need a pilot's license to fly with your home built one. In some countries the building process is observed by specialized agencies, otherwise you won't get registered (as usual, check your country law).

Almost all companies which sell aircrafts also sell kits. Usually there are many more models, colors and variations offered as kits rather than as ready airplanes.

Ultralight aircraft kit specifics

A good airplane kit must meet the following criteria:

low weight - high strength

corrosion resistance

low cost

easy to work with

simple to repair

All of the kits offered by the reliable companies are not only complying with the above, but have many more advantages.

How much does it cost

Like with the prices of the ready planes, it varies a lot. Most kits starts at $10,000 - $20,000 but $20,000 is not the limit. On the other hand, with some more research you can get an ultralight aircraft kit for less than $6,000.

If you don't want to build the airplane yourself, there are companies who can do it for you. Of course this will add to the costs. And of course, this is not what the original idea of the aircraft kits is.

So you purchased the kit - now what?

Well... start building! Most aircraft kits require very minimal technical skills. All you need to do is to carefully follow the instruction manual. The most difficult part is to get started - especially if you don't know where to start from.

Its a good idea if you can visit a nearby factory shop and take a look how they do it, and eventually get some useful advice.

Building your airplane from a kit can take 3, 6 months or more - depending on how much free time and passion you have. In working hours it usually takes between 500 and 1,000 hours. So yes, if you don't sleep at all you can have your vehicle ready in 21 days. But probably you are building it for pleasure, not for competition?

Using an ultralight aircraft kit is a more affordable way to own an airplane - and it to be exactly the one you want. But remember, it takes work and passion, and if you are not such kind of person, then it is not for you.

For these who like to build - now it's time to turn your garage into aircraft factory. In fact most of the homebuilt airplanes are done exactly like that. So what stops you to be the next one?

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