omebuilder needs to have the Barnett, 2aircraft inspected by a FAA approved inspector. (Kolczynski, 4) A construction log needs to be maintained with photographic documentation of the building process. After the aircraft is completed, it is required to have the marking “Experimental” on the fuselage. (Kolczynski, 4) Next, the homebuilder must submit a FAA form 8130.7 along with the progress log to the FAA for a post-construction inspection of the new aircraft. After the inspection, a special airworthiness certificate is issued with operating limitations that the airplane may be flown only within a limited geographical test area for a certain number of hours. After completion of these proving flights, the restrictions are lifted and the homebuilt aircraft can be flown like any other general aviation aircraft. An experimental class aircraft can legally carry passengers, but it can not be used to carry passengers for compensation or hire. (Kolczynski, 4) Product liabilities for homebuilt kits are designed to protect consumers. The consumers of homebuilt aircraft are different depending on whom we are talking about. The person purchasing a homebuilt aircraft kit is a consumer and so are passengers that ride in the aircraft after it is completed. If the manufacturer of the airplane kit has a defect in the product then the manufacturer is liable for that. If the homebuilder puts the plane together negligently then the builder is held liable. The kit manufacturer has continued product liability for the plans and parts beyond the fist purchaser of the kit. This liability comes from possible defects in the design of the aircraft or the instructions accompanying the design. Liability can also come from a lack of adequate warnings, which should have come with the designs. In addition, misrepresentation made about the finished product including performance characteristics is a liability paid by the manufactu...
