Experimental / Homebuilt for Sale Under $50K
(70)
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$38,500
For Sale
Total Time
1,200
Reg#
N35GB
US
Location
Midland, TX
Listed 2d ago
{'raw': 2003} ZENAIR Zenith Zodiac CH601
No Reg
$35,000
aerotrader.com
Corning, CA
$42,500
For Sale
Total Time
290
Reg#
N620RH
US
Location
Chico, CA
3 sources
Listed 16d ago
$34,919
↓ -$187
For Sale
Total Time
200
Reg#
I-ANER
Italy
Location
Ferrara, Italy
Listed 1mo ago
$12,221
↓ -$66
For Sale
Total Time
230
Location
Timisoara, Romania
Listed 1mo ago
$8,380
↓ -$45
For Sale
Total Time
20
Reg#
OK-AUN
Czech Republic
Location
Prague, Czech Republic
Listed 1mo ago
$18,841
↓ -$72
For Sale
Total Time
193
Reg#
G-BFMF
UK
Location
Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
Via Greenday Contact
Listed 1mo ago
$20,369
↓ -$109
For Sale
Total Time
367
Reg#
PH-WHY
Netherlands
Location
Drachten, Netherlands
Listed 1mo ago
$41,903
↓ -$224
For Sale
Total Time
1,245
Reg#
ES-UPA
Location
Tallinn, Estonia
Via corsairs Contact
Listed 1mo ago
$20,187
↓ -$77
For Sale
Total Time
102
Reg#
G-BYJA
UK
Location
Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Listed 1mo ago
$32,009
↓ -$171
For Sale
Total Time
185
Reg#
HB-YHT
Switzerland
Location
Netherlands
Via PlaneTime
Listed 1mo ago
$34,919
↓ -$187
For Sale
Total Time
298
Reg#
LY-BAB
Location
Lithuania
Via Edvinas Petrikas
Listed 1mo ago
$30,845
↓ -$165
For Sale
Total Time
230
Reg#
EC-YSO
Spain
Location
Spain
Via Miguel Moreno
Listed 1mo ago
$39,575
↓ -$212
For Sale
Total Time
33
Reg#
OM-M427
Location
Poland
Via Krzysztof Juras
Listed 1mo ago
Browse experimental and homebuilt aircraft for sale — from the legendary Van's RV series to Lancair, CubCrafters, and Glasair models, with used experimental aircraft ranging from $25K for basic builds to $400K+ for high-performance turboprop experimentals. Compare prices on kit-built and factory-built LSA-category aircraft that offer 30-50% lower purchase prices than certified alternatives. Buy a used Van's RV-10, CubCrafters NXCub, or Lancair and enjoy lower operating costs with comparable performance. Prices range from $5,000 to $95,222 with an average of $29,712 across 59 priced listings.
Browse by Type
Kit-Built Aircraft for Sale:
Van's RV-6/7/7A/8/9/10/12/14, Lancair 235/320/IV-P, Glasair Sportsman/III, Sonex, Zenith CH750. $25K-$300K. Built from kits, wide performance range from 100-250+ ktas. Most affordable path to aircraft ownership.
Factory-Built LSA for Sale:
CubCrafters Carbon Cub/NXCub/XCub, Tecnam P2008/P92, Flight Design CTLS, Icon A5, Pipistrel Virus/Sinus. $80K-$350K. Ready-to-fly light sport aircraft — no kit building required, sport pilot certificate eligible.
High-Performance Experimentals for Sale:
Lancair IV-P (pressurized, 300 ktas), Glasair III, Legend Cub, Murphy Moose, Velocity V-Twin. $100K-$400K+. Performance rivaling or exceeding certified aircraft at a fraction of the price.
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Buying Tips
- ✓ Builder quality varies enormously — always get an experienced A&P with experimental aircraft knowledge to inspect before purchase. Budget $1,000-$2,500 for a thorough pre-buy.
- ✓ Operating limitations differ from certified aircraft — check Phase I/II status, geographic restrictions, and whether passengers are permitted.
- ✓ Insurance for experimental aircraft is harder to obtain and more expensive — expect $2K-$6K/yr. Avemco and EAA are the primary insurers.
- ✓ Resale values for well-built popular types (RV series) are strong and hold 70-90% of build cost; obscure types depreciate 50%+ faster.
- ✓ Engine choice matters: Lycoming/Continental engines ($22K-$35K overhaul) hold value better than auto conversions (Corvair, Subaru, Rotax 912), though Rotax 912/915 engines are excellent for LSA.
- ✓ Weight and balance documentation, build logs, and condition inspection records are critical — missing paperwork can reduce value by 20-40%.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an experimental aircraft cost?
Used experimental aircraft range from $25K for a basic Sonex or RV-6 to $300K+ for a well-equipped Van's RV-10 or Lancair IV-P. The most popular models — Van's RV-7/7A ($60K-$120K), RV-10 ($150K-$280K), and CubCrafters NXCub ($200K-$350K) — offer the best combination of performance, build quality, and resale value. Factory-built LSA aircraft typically run $80K-$250K.
Can you buy a ready-to-fly experimental aircraft?
Yes. Thousands of experimental aircraft are sold as completed, flyable aircraft — you don't have to build it yourself. The builder's operating limitations transfer to the new owner, though some restrictions may apply. You can also buy factory-built experimental LSA (like CubCrafters or Icon A5) that come ready-to-fly with a warranty. Maintenance rules differ from certified aircraft — the owner/builder can perform their own condition inspections.
Are experimental aircraft safe?
Safety depends primarily on build quality and pilot proficiency. Well-built popular types like the Van's RV series have safety records comparable to certified aircraft — the RV-10 has one of the best records in its class. Always get a thorough pre-buy inspection by an A&P experienced with the specific type. Avoid one-off designs and incomplete builds unless you have significant building experience.
How much does it cost to own an experimental airplane?
Experimental aircraft are typically 20-40% cheaper to own than comparable certified aircraft. Annual costs at 75-100 hours: fuel ($3K-$6K), condition inspection ($500-$1,500 vs. $1,500-$3,000 for a certified annual), insurance ($2K-$6K), hangar ($2,400-$6,000), and maintenance reserves ($1,500-$4,000). Total: $10K-$22K/yr. The biggest savings come from owner-performed maintenance and lower parts costs.
What is the best experimental aircraft to buy?
The Van's RV-10 is the most popular 4-seat experimental — 180 ktas cruise, 1,000 nm range, Garmin G3X avionics, and strong resale. For aerobatics and sport flying, the RV-7/7A and RV-8 are outstanding two-seaters at $60K-$130K. CubCrafters NXCub ($200K-$350K) is the top choice for backcountry flying. For long-range speed, the Lancair IV-P delivers 300 ktas with pressurization for $150K-$300K used.
Disclaimer: All prices are asking prices from third-party sources. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and inspection before purchasing.