Kits are an awesome option for owning an aircraft. They are significantly cheaper than buying an equivalent factory manufactured aircraft and some of the designs offer performance or fun that you couldn't possibly find in a factory aircraft of similar price. (For example, take a look at the RV-8, the Lancair IV P, the RotorWay A600 Talon, and the Zenair CH 701 below:)

As far as I can tell, there are at least two types of kit builders:

Type 1 builders love building things as much as they love flying. They have space for a workshop in a garage or basement and their family is understanding about their project occupying this space for an extended period of time. Although these builders look forward to someday flying their aircraft, they have no specific timeframe for completion of their project.

Type 2 builders like the idea of building becasue it's an interesting project and it allows them to be intimately familiar with their aircraft. However, these builders would rather be out flying than building.

While there is certainly nothing wrong with falling under Type 1, I am afraid I'd be Type 2. My three main concerns are:
1) I don't want to wait for years before I get to fly my aircraf.
2) I don't have a space to work on a kit plane.
3) I'm not sure I have the skill set I'd need to correctly build a kit. I'd prefer to have someone teach me those skills.

The EAA is a great resource for a builder seeking support. They have chapters all over the country and a membership that includes enthusiasm and experience.

However, another option is to seek out someone with intimate knowledge of the specific aircraft you are building, namely the kit's factory or an authorized distributor. Read on to find out more about the distributor that I got to visit in person.

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