Questions builders ask first

The Affordaplane was designed to be one of the simplest aircraft in the world to build. Common hand tools are all that are needed, and there is no welding required.

Building the A-Plane is a lot like building a large model aircraft: cut parts from aluminum, drill carefully, and assemble each part according to the plans.

The A-Plane was also designed to be built as money allows. You do not need a hangar to build it; the prototype was built in a 19 foot by 9 foot camper porch, and the airframe can be hung on a wall while you move on to the next part.

Being all anodized aluminum, it will not degrade over time like a wood aircraft would. There are many reasons the Affordaplane is so popular.

The average price to build ranges from $7k-$10k for a flying, complete aircraft. The Affordaplane can be built as money allows, which is one reason it remains popular as material prices change.

Actual build cost depends on materials, engine, equipment, local sourcing, shipping, and builder choices. Nice completed A-Planes have also held resale value well.

This aircraft can use any 33 to 40 hp motor, including the Polini Thor 202, Rotax 377, Rotax 447, Kawasaki 440, 1/2 Volkswagen, and many others that work well in the Affordaplane.

There are still many great deals on motors, especially used ones. The final engine choice affects weight, performance, installation, and regulatory eligibility, so choose carefully and follow the plans and applicable rules.

The Affordaplane can be built as an ultralight under FAR 103 or as a Light Sport Aircraft (or to be more precise, an Experimental Amateur-built Aircraft that qualifies as Light-Sport). A complete 103 package of drawings is available in the plans. You can also build the A-Plane as a Light Sport Aircraft (Experimental) and log the hours you fly.

Final regulatory eligibility depends on the completed aircraft, equipment, engine, weight, workmanship, and configuration. Builders are responsible for understanding and meeting the rules that apply to their airplane, including any required FAA or non-US airworthiness process for Light-Sport (Experimental) operation.

We use mainly local suppliers for our metal. The aircraft is all aluminum, and buying locally can save on shipping costs. In some cases, that can save up to 50% compared to shopping from traditional aircraft supply houses.

Look for local metals suppliers in your city. Long aluminum tubing can often be purchased locally and transported carefully with simple protection, such as padding around the tubes.

Grass roots flying on a budget is what the Affordaplane is all about. You get great performance, classic looks, and safety too, all in one airplane.

The people who have built and flown A-Planes love the way they fly. The A-Plane is also one of the easiest taildraggers to fly. The Affordaplane has a 25 year perfect safety record, with many hundreds of A-Planes flying all over the world.

Complete plans sets are available on the official plans page. Our plans are the most complete, information-filled pages at a great price. They contain a Builder's Manual and complete drawings. Every fitting is drawn full size, with dimensions.

Get the plans now to start your adventure.

Affordaplane.com is the only official site on the internet for the Affordaplane. Dave has no partners, no affiliations, and has given no permissions to anyone else to sell his products.

The Official Affordaplane Group is also the only official Facebook group for Affordaplane. If you see sites or groups using the Affordaplane name or claiming affiliation with Dave, treat them as unauthorized unless they are confirmed here.

Just remember Affordaplane.com and you will be fine. Blue skies!

Dave is available to answer builder questions by email and has been helping people get their wings affordably and safely for over 25 years.

The official Facebook group is also active, with many builders sharing useful Affordaplane information. Join at .

Common hand tools are enough for the core work. Affordaplane construction includes cutting, drilling, bending metal, filing, and sanding. Useful tools include a jigsaw, chop saw with a metal cutoff blade, speed square, files, emery cloth, clamps, tape, and a belt sander for finishing aluminum parts.

The official plans and construction manual control the actual tooling, procedures, and sequence.

The listed build time is approximately 250 hours. Actual time varies by builder experience, workspace, pace, engine choice, finish, and how closely the build follows the plans.

Digital plans are sent to the buyer's email address shortly after ordering in PDF format. Printed bound plans are also available through the printed plans checkout on the official plans page.