From the early days of the pandemic, I’ve watched the amateur-built kitplane market explode with activity—the busiest I’ve seen in years—and suppliers can’t meet the demand. My local EAA chapters are hustling with all kinds of projects in progress, many being assembled to impressively high standards by talented pro-level builders. Hackwork is not an option. No doubt you’ve considered building an aircraft from a kit or buying one that’s already finished. But what about taking on an unfinished project, where the builder got it started, but threw in the towel or died before the aircraft saw the light of day?
Since EAA chapters are prohibited from owning aircraft, many form flying clubs with kit projects. That requires putting dollar signs on the as-it-stands project for member buy-in. As one example, what’s a half-completed Van’s RV kit really worth? Turns out most common components are valued top dollar, but labor is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay for. Shoddy labor, of course, should be a deal breaker unless you’re prepared to redo the work.