Changes to 51-percent rule unnecessary, AOPA says

AOPA is asking the FAA to enforce existing policies for amateur-built aircraft rather than creating new rules that could negatively affect homebuilders.

In comments filed Sept. 30 with the FAA, AOPA argues that proposed changes in the rules would add unnecessary complexity and place an unreasonable burden on the individual amateur builder.

Under current rules, amateur builders must complete the majority of the work on their aircraft, a requirement known as the 51-percent-rule. The FAA has proposed changing the rule to specify that amateur builders must complete at least 20 percent of the assembly and 20 percent of the fabrication of the aircraft with the remaining 11 percent falling into either category at the builder’s discretion.