Top 5 Best Kit Airplanes In The World

[@mojogrip]

One of the most affordable Kit Build Airplanes for $40,000 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWqzpoyQjt2eZrs

[@tropicthndr]

I dont see any usefulness to these little kit planes currently on the market that have no utility where you cant put a folding bike in the back seat, if you can even get anything in there in the first place. On top of that your wasting your time calling Uber everywhere you go. Until someone builds a lancair or Cirrus "type acft" with stretched fuselage and cabin doors on the back like a Bonanza you wont have a kit plane thats not just plain stupid.

[@UncleKennysPlace]

And that's one man's opinion. Many small airports have fee loaner cars (but as a pilot, you knew that, right?) And many airports have restaurants within walking distance. (Heck, the Rock and Roll HOF is withing walking distance of an airport!) And your friends and relatives will pick you up when you go to visit them and land at the local airport.

[@songmaster9308]

@@tropicthndr wtf.

[@brent1041]

Build a Bearhawk that has the huge baggage compartment like you want

[@Wild_Bill57]

Top five if you're loaded with $$$.

[@jamesbabbath5306]

"The Lancair Evolution sounds like the right kit plane for me!" *it costs about 1.2 million dollars on average* "...ok what's next on the list"

[@northtexasskies3243]

And 85% of that cost is most likely the engine

[@danevlogs9470]

Let alone can’t take passengers if you have a full tank :/

[@michaelmcclellanjr9831]

Is the stall speed less than the Lancair IV-P? What about the recovery performance? Lancair IV-P is known to spin.

[@reidhorne6398]

Just realistically, most aspiring pilots need to go down the list, down to around the 1970s Cessna 172 area of the list, if the list kept on going down. May not be fast but they are safe..

[@kennethkustren9381]

TRY A PLANS BUILT SEQUOIA FALCO F.8L

[@jonathanstein1783]

I met Van when he was building the prototype RV-4 at Hillsboro Airport, Hillsboro, Oregon. I had a friend who worked for him , as I did briefly back in the early eighties. His aircraft kits have always been top quality, and he never inflated performance figures for them. Ease of construction, reliability, and performance as advertised have made his planes some of the most popular world-wide.

[@scottfranco1962]

That's the great thing about aviation. No matter how much money you have, there is a way to dispose of it.

[@jamessanders1973]

Scott Franco 5

[@andrewallen9993]

Scott Franco Well said sir!

[@dandrumm9834]

james sanders P

[@brentjohnson6654]

For sure. Why do I have boating and aviation as my hobbies? Lol

[@solarasolarwind4323]

that's the worst thing about Aviation!

[@therocinante3443]

Dude, I found your channel just looking up airplane videos. Little did I know you have an entire list of topics you produce videos for. I'm super impressed with your knowledge, style and general helpfulness. Bravo!

[@mojogrip]

Haha sweet! Happy you found me. More videos coming. Thanks.

[@johnlile7562]

Van's is hard to beat for #1 spot, it makes up 25% of the experimental planes, and as you stated, the community is great with support you get, and just all around total performance plane, Van's comes through. Carbon Cub are sweet planes, but I think you'll find the Bearhawks ever bit as sweet, compare the specs side by side, most are surprised at the results.

[@timsmith854]

I completed an RV-10 kit in my spare time (I am a commercial Aircraft Mechanic) for a friend's father. With the full leather luxury trim kit, 300hp Lycoming and proper stick control it was a fantastic aircraft. I cannot say enough about the quality of the package and technical backup that Van's supplies. The plane was borrowed continuously by a certified test pilot where it was hangared. If you have never built a kit plane before, these can be built if you have basic hand skills and the CORRECT tools.

[@lvgeorge]

Hey, Thanks for the Heads-up on the RV-10. Quality and build time is almost as imporant to me as Safety (almost as important, most important!) I'll look into it!

[@megamonkeyblaster3627]

Tim Smith Van's has supplied quality aircraft (initially plans) and kits since day 1. I remember seeing the prototype RV 4 at Hillsboro Airport, lo, these many years ago. Have you ever been to Oshkosh and parked in the RV section?!

[@AuggyNole]

I want a velocity XL so bad I can taste it!! love your channel and appreciate the content and information! Even if the Velocity didnt make your list..lol

[@kr6dr]

You overlooked the Europa XS. It's a fantastic 2 seater that can be stored at home.

[@simonshum2054]

Mike, your list is right on queue, RV 10 is the best in terms of price, flexibility and performance, community support and value down the stretch. Thks for sharing.

[@andrepatacchini]

And by the way. Your videos are incredible.

[@GDKimble]

I disagree, or at least I think there's a plane missing: the Velocity XL. For a pilot with a family, as you say, you can't beat it's performance.

[@scottlarson2865]

Useful load of the Evolution is more like 2000 pounds, of which up to 1100 can be fuel. This means it can still carry around 900 pounds of passengers and cargo with full tanks. Production ended in 2012.

[@kevinbutler9786]

I literally flew sling 169TW yesterday. I am learning in this plane and it is amazing.

[@joeyabrown9401]

I was lucky enough to work at Stoddard Hamilton Aircraft ( GLASAIR ) for many years. Having flown many homebuilts over the years I can say they are all fantastic birds!! Fly as many of them as you can you will know which one speaks to your heart.

[@darioushdadyan1288]

Thank you, Mike, you have convinced me, the RV 10 will be my first plane to buy just as soon as my wife lets me buy one. Maybe you should talk to her!

[@RobRast]

This is why I love this channel - great breakdown, no BS

[@Markr1221]

Beautifully crafted and produced video! Mike, your getting better with each one. Let’s all help Mike raise his numbers by sending it out to others!

[@miojogames1887]

You forgot The VELOCITY, I think they até incredible.

[@davidthedutchman8566]

Love the Velocity! My fav for 20 years. I am a V-35 Bonanza Pilot.

[@herbscheit2061]

Totally agree!

[@herbscheit2061]

Totally agree

[@MountedMontersMagazine]

They are dope

[@harrisonlelievre7948]

Hey Mike, have you considered the Bede BD4C ? OK, it’s a flying boxcar, but the numbers add up. An inexpensive, simple kit, low time to build & low running costs. It also performs amazingly well. The company was the first to produce kits & is still operating.

[@elk9414]

Probably wouldn't make your list but I'm sticking with the Zenith CH701 particularly for it's STOL capability. It's so convenient to hop from a property to the airport and then back when I'm done with a longer trip. Not only nice to avoid the road traffic but it's nice to fly directly onto a farm or ranch without anyone seeing you coming or going necessarily. And the price is right for that convenience factor. It's not fast, it's not pretty, but it gets me where I need to be and I don't need much to take off or land.

[@philipritson8821]

You could build a Zenith CH701 and a Sonex B for less than some of these aircraft cost. Want to fly low and slow today, jump into the Zenith. Want to go fast? Take the Sonex.

[@adamtyler8695]

Ain't no way I'm getting into an airplane I built myself😂

[@losr98]

Lmaooo I was just thinking that when I read this comment. I know myself too well.

[@daveriley6310]

The Velocity. Efficiency, beauty, and much more reasonable cost. Wide variety of powerplants and performance.

[@TheAvenstar]

Great video!

[@hogster5935]

My fave Ex. aircraft are Glasair III, Lancair SE and of course RV10 and other Vna's models. Nice vid.!

[@pilotkamalov7132]

Hello from Uzbekistan. Thanks for the video and for the information.

[@sarc88]

Mike, what a great video - thanks for another informative show.

[@MrJrbryan]

man you do great videos..perfect voice...thanks

[@carlosmitchell6625]

The velocity seem to be a good one too

[@robertthrailkill1368]

Nice picks, different flight envelopes but all good kits. Well done.

[@drervfrewt7711]

cool content, it was a pleasure to watch!

[@V_MA]

Thanks for making this video. Every time I watch your video I learn something new. Keep up good work!!

[@sanBastian123]

Mike's melodious story telling is amazing. Content superb. Keep good work mate

[@AnthonyMorris_007]

Love it. Great job Josh. Keep the videos coming.

[@Edgardocelectric007]

Great video and your choices were good, one aircraft which should have been included is the Volicity safe almost stall proof and looks like a starship

[@edham78580]

i like your videos, i learn a lot and it is always interesting.

[@SidestickPilot]

I wouldn’t recommend a Lancair Evolution. If you want something fast and nimble then get a glassair. They’re cheaper, fulfill the same role and is much more efficient. Also the X-Cub is certified under Part 23.

[@dieselyeti]

And their windshields don't explode. Hopefully.

[@Aviator27J]

Does the build price include estimates for paint as well? I know it isn't cheap to paint an airframe and you can't just head over with a spray can or something (although I'm more familiar with painting airliners in my profession, so maybe it's allowed to paint general aviation/non-commercial aircraft; I can't remember).

[@RV6Pilot]

Nope, paint is not included. It is very expensive and should be done by a professional paint shop.

[@danmcbride6258]

I love the Cub crafter airplane. The large balloon tires are great for landing on gravel or sand. I think it’s STOL capable as well.

[@kevinbezona8241]

What's the difference between the sling 4 ant the sti? Are they the same plane?

[@joolkano]

You need to learn more about the Sequoia F8L Falco. Designed back in 1955 by famed Stelio Frati and it is the predecessor to the SF260 military trainer. It was a certified plane until the design was acquired and entered as an experimental in the USA. Best of all, it is an all wood airplane just like the DeHavilland Mosquito.

[@davidgolden6068]

Why did you leave Velocity XLRG, XLFG, or TXL out of this list? Spacious, fast, efficient, and relatively inexpensive depending on model and the TXL is good to 25,000ft. Just curious

[@blitznone1142]

I really enjoy your channel. Good info.

[@ericswain4177]

When you say "Kit" does it come with all the materials ? or just a set of plans and how to assemble it ?

[@jburning17]

Many of the selections here seem to be favored because of their speed. Don't get me wrong, I really love speed. But, when it comes to folks building kitplanes many do not get completed because of the very large amount of labor required. Or, they end up languishing in a garage for 10 years before they are finished. For that reason I think that expected build time should be a significant factor when choosing a kit. The Zenair products are quick to build, but slow to fly...and that works for many people. The new Rans S21 has my eye for being even quicker to build and recovers a fair amount of the speed that I like. If only it had 4 places. Both of those are also much cheaper than the choices in the video.

[@mojogrip]

Good point. I didn't include build time because honestly that will very from builder to builder. Also with build assist programs available for almost all these aircrafts, it's tough to put a mark on which airplane will have the quickest or best build time.

[@brentjohnson6654]

Great point. I too had my eye on the Rans

[@michaeldundee8300]

Ty nice format n info

[@adamwest3637]

How much would you have to spend on tools to build the Xcub?

[@papajohn357]

Just recently found your channel. I like that you show several different aircraft. Look forward to many more videos

[@markseifried3959]

I did not know Van's had a turbo RV 10. Is it possible to get in without stepping on the seat? Please tell me the answer.

[@Normalhowaboutyou]

Keep up the great work

[@mrwonk]

Bought my Lancair 360 for less than $100,000 (complete already built with glass cockpit and autopilot). I do 180 kts / 205 mph on 8 gallons an hour. That's 25 miles per gallon boys and girls. Doesn't get any sweeter than that if you like to go places :)

[@mojogrip]

Lancair 360 is a sweet ride. How many hours under your belt before getting into one?

[@mrwonk]

A few months after getting my private. I'd say about 100 hours under my belt when I bought it, most of that being instruction time. I've gotten close to 250 on it since buying it though. Perfect for true cross countries (East Coast to West Coast).

[@mojogrip]

Wow, and did you train in one or in a different aircraft?

[@mrwonk]

I trained in 150, 152, and mostly 172's. When I bought the Lancair, thankfully, the insurance company required me to have duel instruction in it before I flew it on my own. I brought a flight instructor with me when I bought it, and we flew it home together.

[@mojogrip]

Okay. You certainly didn't waste any time going from a cessna 150 to a Lancair 360. Almost double the speed. Curious what the adjustment was like. I've always loved the Lancair 360. Being a low time pilot though, I couldn't see myself flying one at least not yet. Kudos to ya. Safe out there!

[@edwardhasiak7961]

Good video. How about a video on the 5 Best Best High Wing Kits.

[@scottmills4368]

Love your videos! One correction is that the XCub is I believe a FAR 23 certified airplane, not an experimental. All of Cub Crafter's Carbon Cub models are experimental.

[@louisdesclee7047]

Hey Mike! I love your content, especially when you compare airplanes. I'm just asking, I am very interested in an in-depth video about the Sonnex Waiex-b, the famous 30 000$ airplane kit. Keep the awesome content! Louis

[@yerffejmurffy]

Building an RV-10 with my dad right now. So yeah I would agree that the RV-10 is the best kit plane for the cost of the kit!

[@justacrlon3963]

I would like to see every step of the build. From getting the kit to flying the plane. It would be interesting.

[@yerffejmurffy]

WC you are right the RV10 is a kit plane just like all the other planes in the RV family. You buy the kit and then you assemble the plane from the kit and add any modifications of your own to the plane. For my mission (which is to fly recreationally with friends and family, build time, and fly cross country) the RV10 is the best plane for the cost of the kit. At least that is my opinion. I am sorry I used the word “build” I did not know that would be a trigger word for you. What planes have you built?

[@karlb185]

Jeffrey Henry Well done on taking the high road!

[@samuelherman4859]

How much it cost the kit?

[@samuelherman4859]

Jeffrey Henry How much it cost the kit?

[@denniswhealton8650]

Mike I am impressed with your overall knowledge and easy presentation keep up the good works an old Vietnam helicopter pilot

[@KingPatrickVII]

Enjoyed this review. Thank you. Appreciated the personal opinions besides just the specs.

[@thewalkindude7716]

I love the Lancair line of aircraft.

[@frank60315]

Great video!!!

[@davidkisler8104]

Great commentary.... What Stol planes are you looking at?

[@brianfalls559]

Great job Mike! I enjoyed seeing the side by side comparisons you put together for the viewer. Keep up the great work sir.

[@viewsandreviews180]

Good video. I know it’s an old design but I wonder why the BD4 wasn’t included. The plans can be bought for low cost, it has a payload of around 1000 pounds, seats four, cruises around 150, duration (with mod) 6 hours and spacious cockpit.

[@g.choppa4448]

How many inspections do you go through during the build , and the cost for the inspections ?

[@songmaster9308]

How about a top 5 AFFORDABLE LSA kit build airplanes video :)

[@ctsteve1967]

but there is no such list

[@IanCaine4728]

Yeah, aviation is a rich man's hobby, period.

Next time cover the fuel requirements and capacity, and range of the planes you are posting

[@cliffordagius717]

Where would the Sling4 TSI fit in this list? Faster than the sling 4 but not as fast as the RV10trying to decide which to build...

[@conservativeokie]

Mojo Mike, I owe you an apology for sure! I have utterly enjoyed your channel for quite a while now and have developed an extreme amount of respect for you and your journey in aviation! Having said this, I realized I had never actually subscribed to your channel! I know, right?! My sincerest apologies, but I corrected this oversight this evening!! Keep on truck’n my friend! I sincerely and consistently find your episodes informative, relevant, newsworthy and enjoyable! Please keep it up up Mike, and if you are ever in central Oklahoma, please know you never need an “Air-BnB” as you are welcomed anytime!!! God bless you!

[@carlosc3768]

Great video Mark, thank you!

[@Zdubzz]

Great video Mike! Honorable mention to the RV-6 with great prices and performance.

[@devilsadvocate2548]

There haven't been complete kits (wings and empennage) available for the RV6 for many years now. Especially since it was replaced by the RV7 in 2001.

[@nicholasboscaino6262]

Will need to be updated with the Raptor soon. First flight this week.

[@mojogrip]

I'm patiently waiting to see the Raptor fly Nicholas.

[@nicholasboscaino6262]

@@mojogrip did you see that the test pilot turned it down today? He seems so downtrodden. He needs a boost in morale. Sux. Airplane is 99% there and it's almost back to the drawing board.

[@danblumel]

Glasair III used is more like 100,000 to $200,000 depending on age condition, engine, prop and avionics. They burn between 12 and 16 gallons per hour depending on engine altitude and other variables.

[@okcpicker]

Loved the cameo appearance of Austin Meyer climbing into his Lancair.

[@PaulAnthonyDuttonUk]

Think you should look at the glasair sportsman... It's a very versatile kit build. Can be configured as a taildragger or tri gear at the drop of a hat. Quite fast, can be adapted for floats. Big useful load. Bit thirsty though.

[@brentjohnson6654]

Great video as usual. I like the RVs. What do you think of the STOL planes such as KitFox or Phoenix (I think from Mexico Missouri). They seem to be able to get off airport pretty well as well as side by side seating. Also for health reasons the LSA type may be what I have to use due to complications in getting a medical or full 3rd class. Again, thanks for another good video.

[@dkroen17]

Always a great video. What about Kitfox? Did I miss it?

[@usagaucho]

For me, I like the versatility of the GlasAir Sportsman Diesel w FADEC to travel around the world...

[@henrikjonsson3397]

The Glasair 3 will probably burn more fuel than a 172 since it's ussualy equiped with a O540. The X-Cub are certified

[@belgianbuzzer]

he probably meant fuel used per distance traveled

[@tonybrown3203]

Pretty good rundown of various aircrafts. ..thanks

[@patbarrett9263]

can you do a list of kit builds for us LSA flyers? good video as usual

[@mikeviard8195]

When i did m'y flight training in Miami, long time ago, the Long eazy was available in kit, what about this aircraft now?

[@steventanner1428]

I have always been interested in the Murphy Moose. Six person high wing. Kind of a replacement for the De Havilland Beaver.

[@galja6889]

I love all your videos! Not too detailed just the right amount of detail ! But we need some airplanes that I don't need to sell my soul to buy one. I was used to Cessna 152 prices! Please give us one of your superb videos for us pikers!

[@Optimus-Prime-Rib]

Mike whats your thoughts on the Volace 600?

[@natepate6117]

Yo I really love your Chanel I’ve learned so much in a short time thank you much

[@thomasa.froburgsr.6240]

Hey I just viewed your 5 best kit planes, I was wondering if you have checked out the BD-4C, Zenith CH-640, or Velocity XL? Would be nice to see what you think. Thx

[@westpearson6759]

I expect you speak with a lot of the manufacturers. Any clues you can get from them on what they might put out after MOSAIC gets put in place (homebuilt and LSAs)?

[@josephburton92]

Great video! Can you buy one of these and get a cfi to teach you to fly in one of these?

[@oranmcclean7241]

What's the pilot wearing under his nose at 13:16?

[@pbeshears]

Great job on this video!

[@lukewarm1217]

M. Take a look at the Aerotrek a 220. See what u think of it as a bush plane. Thanx

[@KCdurt]

Hey dude, if you like the Vans, check out the Zenith Ch640. It's basically a kit plane version of the ch2000, which is a 4 place certified aircraft. I don't think very many of them have been built, but there are several of their certified counterparts still flying so it's a proven design. If you're really bold, you can get plans for 500 bucks and scratch build it. That's what I want to do. There's a guy in my local EAA chapter that scratch built a sonex and I had the chance to sit in that. I'm a little too tall for the legacy Sonex, but point being had he not told me it was scratch built, I'd have assumed it was a kit. Seeing in person that it can be done and done right is a big confidence booster. Several kit builders, it's actually a VAA chapter, so there are several A&P's and LSA gurus to annoy :D I watch a lot of your videos, are you planning on doing a kit plane at some point and if so, what are you gonna build?

[@coolhari2000]

Can experimentals be IFR certified ?

[@mcmimo88]

Is there a list of backcountry airplanes under 50k? Or even 100k?

[@thammanoonkamfunt5470]

Good Job !!!

[@jamescarroll6954]

Very nice review!

[@privateresident5998]

I love my Kitfox 7. Great little bush plane.

[@2404Pepe]

Thanks so much for your work. Hope some day to buy one

[@meacomefeyou]

I love your videos Mike there! Fun to watch and informative with nice music and good voice

[@ashokgtm]

If RV-10 is no. 1, why you build sling? I like to know more about what you consider to chose.

[@ClanMacNab]

I think you nailed it.