Experimental aviators hope new laws inspire new aviators

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Many people fulfill their love of flying by getting their pilot’s license, but for experimental aviators that’s not enough. They want to build their own planes.

“At the time, being young, I really couldn’t afford to go out and buy an airplane, but in the experimental world you can spread that out. So a few hundred dollars here and there, over time, will lead to a completed airplane.”

A lot of them get into the hobby through their local Experimental Aircraft Association chapter.

And the Experimental Aircraft Association offers a ton of opportunities for people to get involved and learn about aircraft.

“The EAA was started to promote experimental aviation, but it’s actually grown into just general aviation enthusiasts.”

And they want to spread the love they have for aviation to a new generation.

“By getting people in and just around the airport, it’s a chance to show younger people that hey anyone can do this. It’s not just something that you do after you’re retired.”

Dan Loegering has been building this plane for 19 years, part by part.

He says that while it’s probably only been about a year of full-time work, all while raising a family too.

“I got married, I had kids, and the kids grew up. So they had the fun thought of “well everyone’s got an airplane in their garage.””

This year, Minnesota became the second state to pass a so-called “Jetson’s Law,” allowing for roadable aircraft to be licensed to drive on public roads.

Loegering says that laws like this help to encourage experimental aviators to continue working on new ideas, and that some are already developing concepts.

“They’ve got developed aircraft that the prototypes are flying, but I don’t believe they’re available to the public yet as far as selling kits, and getting them on the road. But that’s maybe two or three years in the future.”