We all know the limitations placed on E AB aircraft, and we could debate any possible benefit and usefulness of E AB in commercial use.
I think it's pretty clear and generally agreed that E AB aircraft are as safe as certificated aircraft, based on statistics and insurance costs. "Studies by FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) show that amateur-built/homebuilt aircraft have an accident rate less than one percentage point higher than the general aviation fleet. In fact, the accident rate for amateur-built/homebuilt aircraft is dropping. The total number of registered homebuilt aircraft has doubled since 1994, and the total hours flown have increased by 123 percent, while the total number of accidents has stayed virtually the same.
Another good barometer of safety is insurance rates. Companies that insure both homebuilts and production aircraft charge about the same rates for owners of either type of airplane. That indicates a similar level of risk."
https://www.eaa.org/eaa/about-eaa/eaa-media-room/experimental-aircraft-information
What may be widely known, but not to me, is the basis and rational for the limitations placed on us by the FAA. Why does the FAA place constraints on E AB aircraft not imposed on certificated aircraft?
I have no commercial use intended or imagined for my project, yet I chafe at such restrictions.
Post was edited to include EAA safety statement from FAA studies and insurance quotes.
I think it's pretty clear and generally agreed that E AB aircraft are as safe as certificated aircraft, based on statistics and insurance costs. "Studies by FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) show that amateur-built/homebuilt aircraft have an accident rate less than one percentage point higher than the general aviation fleet. In fact, the accident rate for amateur-built/homebuilt aircraft is dropping. The total number of registered homebuilt aircraft has doubled since 1994, and the total hours flown have increased by 123 percent, while the total number of accidents has stayed virtually the same.
Another good barometer of safety is insurance rates. Companies that insure both homebuilts and production aircraft charge about the same rates for owners of either type of airplane. That indicates a similar level of risk."
https://www.eaa.org/eaa/about-eaa/eaa-media-room/experimental-aircraft-information
What may be widely known, but not to me, is the basis and rational for the limitations placed on us by the FAA. Why does the FAA place constraints on E AB aircraft not imposed on certificated aircraft?
I have no commercial use intended or imagined for my project, yet I chafe at such restrictions.
Post was edited to include EAA safety statement from FAA studies and insurance quotes.
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