Just curious how many forum members were EAA members. My first dream of aircraft ownership was my dream of building a really sleek 4-place composite like a Glasair or Lancair - later I decided that my grass runway here on the farm would be a wee bit rough and short for something like that. My search for the best fit in the aviation world led me here - Maule country

EAA and AOPA member since 2005 when I began my training and got my pilot's certificate.

AOPA since training and EAA for the last year or so.

AOPA/EAA as well.
Joined EAA to get a discount on their traveling workshops when I got my first plane so I could learn a little about fabric covering and riveting in case I ever needed to do airframe repairs and have been a member since.
One day would like to try building something as well.

Have been member off and on over past 30 yrs depending upon my location, local chapter activities, my time availability, etc, etc...

AOPA, EAA past 30 yrs and lifetime member of Antique Airplane Association.

Been AOPA member for I think 28 years now and EAA about half that. You do not always have to agree with everything they do but they are about the biggest things around trying to help all of us!

I've talked to the EAA and the FAA today regarding an "Experimental" Maule - and how to get to 51%. Apparently if I use a Maule wing and build a new fuselage along with new everything else I can get there. My fuselage has quite a bit of rust, so a new one is in order - I can't just rebuild or repair mine and get to 51%. Still working it out, I won't go down this road without knowing I can get where I need to be

This is the main guideline to be followed:

http://www.eaa.org/news/2009/faa_8130.pdf

I've been an EAA member since 1996. I started on a Mustang II but had to sell the project due to Family matters. Started again in 2000 on a CH701/Zenith. Finished it in 2003. Flew it until 2007. Sold it and bought my present airplane (bought as an M5) I had it converted to a short wing MX7 two years ago.
It's not a 51% though.
I'm getting to the light sport age and I'd like to start building a Just Aircraft Super STOL.
Building was a real HOOT ! Can't wait to start again.
Love my MX7-235 too.
So much aviation so little time/money hahahahah.
Greg Miller (Bent Prop productions/BUSHWACKER) Did a complete makeover and it's Exp. category.

CAVU2U
Bud

Bud, thanks for the information! I'm guessing you are in the exhibition category - if so how does that work for you? Does anyone here operate in exhibition, and how strict are the rules? From all of my research, if you don't get accepted as amateur-built the FAA will put you in exhibition.

My Maule MX7 was ground up restoration and its normal category. I spoke with Mr. Miller once at Camas Washougal, Wa and he said that it was difficult getting an experimental category sign off for his "Bushwhacker".

I guess, if I could, I'd try to lighten up the Maule but other than that I can't think of any major improvements.....Maybe a folding panel. I'm getting old and stiff and crawling upsidedown and bent to get up in there is not so much fun. hahahahahah

CAVU2U

BUD