In order to legally build an aircraft, you will need an aircraft builder's license. This license is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is required for any person or organization that wants to construct an aircraft for their own use.
Yes, the FAA requires that you have a certain level of knowledge and experience before they will issue an aircraft builder's license. You will need to complete a comprehensive training program, such as the Experimental Aircraft Association's SportAir Workshops, and provide proof of this training to the FAA.
While anyone can technically build an aircraft, the FAA does have certain requirements that must be met before an individual can obtain an aircraft builder's license. These include being at least 18 years old, having a solid understanding of aircraft construction and safety, and being able to pass a written and practical exam.
Yes, there are two types of aircraft builder's licenses: the amateur-built aircraft license and the light-sport aircraft license. The amateur-built aircraft license allows you to build any type of aircraft for personal use, while the light-sport aircraft license only allows you to build a specific type of aircraft known as a "light-sport aircraft."
The time it takes to obtain an aircraft builder's license can vary, as it depends on the individual's knowledge and experience level. However, on average, it can take anywhere from 6 months to a year to complete the necessary training and pass the required exams to obtain an aircraft builder's license.