Experimental aircraft Vs factory built

[Julio Morris]

Hello. I'm Julio Morris and this my first time posting a question.
My wife and I thought about buying a Piper Arrow and placing it under a school management to help covering the operation cost and hopefully make some profit to pay for the aircraft. However, the idea of building an experimental with good performance (200 mph cruising speed) such as an VR-8, Lancaster, etc, seems very attractive. Thus, we would like to know the following:
1- What do you think about the first option, I have seem people doing that before.
2- Can an experimental be used for training purposes. I looked up regulations and I could not find a clear answer.
Thanks.
Julio.

[jrbauerjr]

Julio, I notice that nobody has given you an answer yet, Let me say that leasing an aircraft to a flight training operation is the Black Hole of aircraft ownership. You the owner are responsible for insurance, accidents, repairs, inspections and everything having to do with the aircraft. Check most of the aircraft specific boards such as the Cessna Owners Association and you'll find all the horror stories. The only people that I know that make out are CFI's that lease their own plane to the school and insist on being the only ones to instruct in it (probably illegal from an IRS standpoint)

PS, Most people building their own planes hill tell you that it's a 5 to 10 year process. Buy a plane, fly it and enjoy it. If you can't afford it and can't find a good partnership, join a flying club and use theirs.

[Denny of Oakland]

Julio, I would like to back up what was already stated. Purchasing an aircraft in leasing it to a flight school is a bad idea. Most if not all flight school aircraft and abused. Legally the owner/operator is responsible so in the case of a lease back the operator of flight school is responsible. However if an accident happens you may find yourself in civil court for any loss.

I work with a lot of homebuilders that build aircraft. Let me say you are not allowed to lease it to a flight school for flight training. The rule is in FAR 21.191(g). You can read all about experimental aircraft on my web site http://www.stacheair.com

You may want to look into the Light-Sport aircraft for what you are describing this may work better for you. On my web site there is information about them.

I would also suggest purchasing a CE-172 or similar model for your own enjoyment, but remember it cost $2,000 and up for expenses every year to maintain.

Denny of Oakland