Does a person have to be a licensed pilot to fly these airplanes? Yes. Pilots of amateur-built/homebuilt aircraft must earn and maintain the same federal pilot training and ratings as those who fly factory-built aircraft such as Cessnas, Pipers, and Beechcrafts.

Yes, you can legally fly a homemade plane in 2026, provided you follow the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) "Amateur-Built" regulations under the Experimental category. To qualify, you must prove that you (the builder) completed at least 51% of the fabrication and assembly for your own education or recreation—a rule often called the "Major Portion" rule. Once the aircraft is built, it must pass a rigorous inspection by an FAA inspector or a designated representative to receive an Experimental Airworthiness Certificate. You also need a valid pilot's license with the appropriate category and class ratings. Furthermore, the plane must undergo a mandatory "Phase I" flight testing period (usually 25–40 hours) in a restricted area to ensure it is safe before you can fly it over populated areas or carry passengers. It is a highly regulated but flourishing community for aviation enthusiasts.