Welcome to the Affordaplane Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page!
(Updated 11/14/2025).

Is the Affordaplane difficult to build?

  • The Affordaplane is one of the simplest aircraft in the world to build! She was designed that way (by me) from the first drawing. Common hand tools are all that is needed, and there is NO WELDING required at all! Many aircraft in this same class require extensive welding skills to successfully complete, such as the Legal Eagle etc. This means you need to purchase welding equipment, learn how to weld AIRCRAFT tubing, which means your welds have to pass much higher aircraft standards, which usually takes a long apprenticeship to learn. Many people just pay someone to do it. There is NONE of that in the Affordaplane!
    Building my plane is a lot like building a large model aircraft. You cut your parts out of aluminum, drill some holes, and now you have an aircraft part! One you KNOW will be safe in the air. It really is that simple. Knowing every part of the airplane you built yourself, having that kind of certainty, that peace of mind is worth gold when you are flying! 
    Also, I designed the A-Plane to be built as money allows. Not all of us are rich, and some of us cannot afford to purchase a high priced kit from an aircraft company. Especially in this economy. You don’t need a hangar to build this airplane in! I built the prototype in a 19 foot by 9 foot camper porch! That is why you only need a table to build the airframe with, and when that is finished you can hang the entire frame on two nails on your wall (It only sticks out 2.5 inches from the wall!) and move on to the next part, without taking up any shop space!  Plus, being all anodized aluminum, it won’t degrade over time like a wood aircraft would. See, there is are many reasons the Affordaplane is so popular! 

How much does it cost to build an Affordaplane?

  • As everyone knows, the price of materials has increased dramatically in the last year or so. That makes the Affordaplane even more popular now. The Affordaplane is one of the most inexpensive aircraft to build and fly. You can build as money allows. The average price to build ranges from $7k-$10k for a flying, complete aircraft.  Plus you can build as your money allows. They hold their resale value very well, just this past year, one really nice A-Plane sold for $20K!

What motor should I use?

  • This aircraft can use any 33 to 40 hp motor, including the Polini Thor 202, Rotax 377, 447, Kawasaki 440, 1/2 Volkswagen, and many others work well in the Affordaplane. There are still many great deals on motors now, especially used ones. 

Can you build the Affordaplane as an FAR 103 ultralight or Light Sport Aircraft?

  • The Affordaplane  can be built as an ultralight under FAR 103 or as a Light Sport Aircraft.  A complete 103 package of drawings are available in the plans. You can also built the A-Plane as a Light Sport Aircraft, and log the hours you fly.

Where do you get your materials from?

  • We use mainly local suppliers for our metal (the aircraft is all aluminum), saving on shipping costs, and that can save you up to 50% compared to shopping from traditional aircraft supply houses. 

Why is the Affordaplane one of the most popular ultralights /Light Sport Aircraft?

  • 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 that have built and flown A-Planes LOVE the way they fly! The A-Plane is also one of the easiest taildraggers to fly. Plus we have a 25 year perfect safety record, with many hundreds of A-Planes flying all over the world.

Where can I get the Affordaplane Plans?

  • Complete Plans Sets are only $19.95 for the Affordaplane Digital Plans. Printed plans for only $69.95 plus shipping. 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. Visit https://www.affordaplane.com/buy-affordaplane-plane/ to start your adventure!

What kind of support is available?

    • The best! I am always available to answer any questions via email. I have been helping people just like you get their wings affordably and safely for over 25 years. Plus we have a large Facebook group (nearly 30k!) that is very active and has a ton of useful info (and great people) regarding the Affordaplane. It’s at: http://www.facebook.com/groups/affordaplane
      Join us and share in the fun and adventure!

      How can I avoid scammers that are using your Affordaplane name?

  • Affordaplane has been on the internet for over 25 years, I started the web site in 1998, so we have a large group of people and a long history. Plus we were featured on a Smithsonian Channel TV Show last year, some people smell money and scam sites appear overnight, then disappear.
    Scammers will say that they got permission to sell my products, or this or that. Here is the truth:
    THE AFFORDAPLANE.COM SITE IS THE ONLY OFFICIAL SITE ON THE NET FOR THE AFFORDAPLANE, PERIOD.
    I have no partners at all, I have no affiliations, everything that comes from me comes from THIS SITE! I have given no permissions to anyone. Simple, and effective! All updates and important news is right here, in one site.
    If you see any sites using my name or saying they are affiliated with me, they are SCAMMERS.
    Also, the same goes for groups on Facebook. The Official Affordaplane Group is the ONLY official group for Affordaplane. That is the reason we have nearly 30k fantastic members. Do you want to build and fly a really fun, safe airplane? Here, you CAN. Just remember AFFORDAPLANE.COM and you will be fine. Thanks and as always,
    BLUE SKIES!