EAS - Experimental Aviation of Switzerland

fThe EAS facilitates the construction of amateur built aircraft in Switzerland by providing technical and administrative support.

Homebuilding of aircrafts of most types in Switzerland is possible under certain conditions. These conditions are regulated by the Swiss Federal Office for Civil Aviation (FOCA) and documented in MZ-275.001 - Permission for Flight and Registration of Homebuilt Aircraft - Airworthiness Requirements. The minimum prerequisites to be fulfilled does not longer list a valid pilot license in the category of the airplane but the builder must still execute at least 51% of the construction work independently. Further conditions, although of the regulation does not require, are:

• An extraordinary dose of patience and perseverance. The building extends, depending upon degree of difficulty, over several years - there are no simple constructions.
• The will to catch up the missing knowledge. The building of an amateur aircraft requires good knowledge in mechanics, carpenter's workshop, painting, processing of composite materials, electrical systems, aerodynamics, and so on. Most builders acquire most capabilities while building.
• A reasonable room for construction.
• The agreement of the builders environment (spouse, family, friends) over a very long period.

The type of aircraft today built in Switzerland goes from the simple Avionette over to helicopters or gliders up to the very efficient traveling machine. The constructions are typically based on a set of plans and raw material, a kit in different prefabrication stages (up to a maximum of 49%) or on genuine prototypes, completely independent developments. The amateur builders are from many occupations, from the automotive body worker, aircraft mechanics, teachers, even ministers and surgeons.

Activities of our Association

• Simplify and standardize the process of building, flying and maintaining homebuilt aircraft in Switzerland
• Construction consulting and official monitoring of projects by our members on behalf of the Swiss Federal Office for Civil Aviation up to the definite flight permit. This activity takes place in accordance with exactly defined quality control criteria in close co-operation with the supervising authorities.
• Official noise measurements for all types of aircraft in co-operation with the supervisory authorities
• Annual meeting and Fly-in and various regional fly in over the whole year
• Monthly regional round tables at five places in Switzerland
• An association meeting per year
• Various courses and spontaneous meetings at the building locations

Bylaws

The association bylaws exist in German or French.