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The Popular Flying Association in the United Kingdom is a well run and very helpful organisation that controls the building of experimental aircraft. While the association employs a number of full-time professional staff, many functions are organised by enthusiastic volunteer members. Each year, the PFA runs a major rally that is the third largest in the World for home built aircraft. Presently, this is held at Kemble Airfield near Cirencester, Glos.. There local branches of the association in most areas. These go by the rather nerdy name of 'struts' !

Their website, (link above) is well presented and informative.

Before a new type of aircraft can be built or operated under the PFA permit scheme, it must have been thoroughly vetted by the PFA engineering staff. Just because the aircraft is flown, in for instance, the USA, does not necessarily mean that it is possible to fly it in the UK. New types are being constantly added.

The choice of homebuilt aircraft permitted by the PFA are more restricted than in the USA. There is a limit to engine size, speed and stall speed. Four seat aircraft can however now be constructed under strict control. UK homebuilt aircraft cannot fly under instrument conditions, at night and they must avoid flying over urban areas. Permission must also be obtained before flying your aircraft to other countries, unless a prior agreement has been made between the two countries, (such as is now the case between the UK and France). Despite the restrictions, homebuilding in the UK is flourishing and offers a relatively low cost way to own your own aircraft.