Experimental Aircraft for Sale
Experimental, homebuilt and kit aircraft.
About Experimental Aircraft for Sale
The Experimental Amateur-Built (E-AB) category is where the most interesting flying in general aviation happens. These aircraft are built by their owners — or by previous owners — from kits or from plans, and certified by the FAA (or equivalent authority) under a specific category that allows enormous freedom in design, modification and equipment. The result is a market full of aircraft that simply could not exist as certified production aircraft: 200-knot single-seat speedsters, STOL bush planes that land on 100 feet of grass, gyroplanes, autogyros, and everything in between.
Van's Aircraft alone has delivered over 11,000 RV kits worldwide since 1972 — making RVs the most-built series of homebuilt aircraft in history. The RV-6, RV-7, RV-8 and RV-10 dominate the used experimental market. Outside the RV family you find Kitfox bush planes, Zenith STOL machines, Europa composite cross-country tourers, RANS S-series sport planes, Glasairs and Lancairs in the speed segment, and an extraordinary variety of one-off and small-production designs.
On MarketplaceAviation we list experimental and kit aircraft from individual builders and second-owners worldwide. Listings include build status (completed, project, kit), engine type and time, builder identity, airworthiness category, and Phase 1 flight test completion — the data that defines value in the EAB market.
Most popular models in this category
Van's Aircraft RV-6 / RV-7 / RV-7A
The most popular kit aircraft ever — fast, aerobatic, refined.
Van's Aircraft RV-8 / RV-8A
Tandem seating, sport flying classic, beautiful canopy line.
Van's Aircraft RV-10
Four-seat kit — IFR-capable, family hauler at experimental costs.
Van's Aircraft RV-12
Newer LSA-eligible kit — Rotax-powered, easier build.
Kitfox / Highlander STOL
Bush flying favourites — taildragger, off-airport champion.
Zenith CH 750 STOL / 701
Honest, robust STOL — minimal build skill required for the price.
Lancair 320 / 360 / IV / IV-P
Speed kings — composite, 200+ kt cruise, high-performance.
Europa Classic / XS
British composite, mono-wheel, exceptional efficiency.
What to verify before you buy
Builder identity and quality
EAB value is heavily influenced by who built it. A reputable builder with prior experience generally produces a higher-quality, more valuable aircraft than a first-time builder. Ask for build logs, photos throughout the build, and the original builder's contact info if possible.
Engine — certified vs experimental
Many experimental aircraft run certified engines (Lycoming, Continental) — these are easier to insure and resell. Others run experimental-only engines (UL Power, Jabiru, Rotax 912/915, Yamaha-conversion) which are less expensive but can affect resale and parts availability.
Phase 1 flight test status
EAB aircraft must complete a Phase 1 flight test period (typically 25–40 hours in a defined test area) before being released to normal operations. Verify Phase 1 is complete and signed off in the logbook, otherwise you inherit the restrictions.
Airworthiness certificate and operating limitations
EAB carries an Experimental Airworthiness Certificate with specific operating limitations — typically restricted from flight over densely populated areas, IFR only if specifically equipped and tested, etc. Read the actual operating limitations document attached to the airworthiness certificate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a used experimental aircraft cost? +
A flyable Van's RV-6 or RV-7 typically trades between \$70,000 and \$130,000 depending on engine, panel and build quality. An RV-10 or Lancair sits at \$160,000–\$280,000. Project aircraft (partial builds) can be found for \$15,000–\$50,000 — but completion costs vary enormously. Top-end Lancair IV-P or polished RV-10 with full glass reach \$300,000+.
Can I fly an experimental aircraft with a private pilot certificate? +
Yes — most EAB aircraft can be flown by any pilot with appropriate ratings (private pilot certificate for single-engine, instrument rating for IFR if the aircraft is so equipped). Insurance typically requires type-specific dual instruction, and high-performance EAB (Lancair, Glasair) often require transition training with an experienced instructor before quoting.
Are experimental aircraft safe? +
Modern EAB designed and built well are statistically as safe as comparable certified aircraft — the FAA data shows the accident rate is heavily skewed toward first-flight test phase and pilot transition. A well-built RV with several hundred hours flown by a current pilot has a safety record indistinguishable from a Cessna or Piper. The variation in the EAB world is wider, both up and down.
Where can I sell my homebuilt or experimental aircraft? +
List your experimental on MarketplaceAviation for free — builders, dealers and second-owners worldwide. Include build logs and photos when available, the original builder identity if known, and full equipment list. Specialty markets like the Van's Air Force and Barnstormers are also worth checking for type-specific traffic.