Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Be familiar with the agencies that regulate airplane manufacturing

The airplane manufacturing business must adhere to more regulations than the majority of industries operating in the United States. There are regulations regarding the design of aircraft, the flights and paths for airplanes and pilot training. Keeping the sky safe is a major priority for the US, especially following the aviation attack of September 11, 2001.

I recommend: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates every aspect of airplane manufacturing including aircraft registration, airworthiness certification, design approvals and technical information. It provides a comprehensive overview of the industry that covers every imaginable aspect. The General Services Administration, known as GSA, provides government regulations for aviation manufacturers that specifically deal with government aircraft. It provides high-level guidelines for federal organizations looking to implement their own safety standards.

Look for light aircraft manufacturers

Typically a light aircraft has one or two engines and seats up to eight people. This type of aircraft works well for business jets and utility turboprops. You'll typically see light aircraft at small airports.

I recommend: Check out Cessna Aircraft Company, the world's leader in light and mid-size propeller planes. Find light aircraft manufacturers through the members list at the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association (LAMA), which represents light aircraft to the government, associations and other entities. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) oversees many aspects of light aircraft manufacturing.

Fly high with commercial aircraft manufacturers

The larger the plane, the more rules and regulations a manufacturer must follow. Industry leaders in the commercial sector often work across the industry in other areas like government aircraft. With an industry leader, you can expect the most complete selection of aircraft, support, products and services.

I recommend: Boeing is a powerhouse when it comes to commercial aircraft manufacturers. Almost every plane you see at a large or international airport will have a connection to the company. Another industry leader is Airbus. Review the specs for its complete line at the company website.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Even an aircraft maker that makes products like hot air balloons or rockets sometimes falls under the jurisdiction of the FAA.
• •  Used aircraft must meet the same safety regulations as new aircraft; factor in the cost of bringing a used plane up to code before you opt to buy used planes.

Guide to Aircraft Manufacturers

Aircraft manufacturers offer a wide range of products to suit every business transportation need

By Amy Jo Garner

1. Do I need to haul large or heavy cargo?
2. Do I need room for a few or many passengers?
3. Do I want an aircraft mainly for business or for recreation?
4. Do I have special needs such as crop dusting or sea landings?
5. Do I plan to pilot the aircraft myself or hire crew?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider light airplane manufacturers for both recreational and business needs

Amateur pilots looking for an inexpensive aircraft often purchase ultra-light airplanes. Often, you purchase a kit and assemble these single- or 2-seat airplanes yourself. Use an ultra-light for recreation and to fly to business meetings.

I recommend: Become your own aircraft manufacturer with the ZenithAir STOL CH 801. This easily built kit aircraft gives you more flexibility with f4 seats and the ability to land on off-airport fields and at city airports.

Fly farther with heavier payloads with general aviation airplane manufacturers

General aviation includes everything except commercial or military flights and represents the largest sector of the aviation industry. As a result, most aircraft manufacturers target this market. Consider one of these aircraft to fly a small number of passengers, but don't expect to carry much cargo.

I recommend: One of the most well-known general aviation airplane manufacturing companies is the Cessna 182 Skylane which is suitable for business or recreation. Another option is the Piper Mirage which seats 6.

Purchase a business jet for dedicated business use

Business jets give you space for passengers, luggage and light cargo. Unless you fly often, this is not a cost effective purchase, but is often the first-choice of business owners trying to manage companies with multiple locations. Consider buying a pre-owned business jet to save money.

I recommend: Learjet and Embraer manufacture executive jets. Commercial airplane manufacturer Boeing also manufactures jets for the business jet market. Contact a sales rep for each company to compare features and get price quotes.

Add an agricultural aircraft to your farm equipment

Owning an ag aircraft makes crop dusting quicker and more effective. You'll never again delay dusting due to wet soil conditions that prevent heavy equipment from going out into the fields.

I recommend: The leading modern ag aircraft manufacturer is Air Tractor. They manufacture eight models from small to large. Find a dealer near you at their website.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Once you get past the ultra-light aircraft market, the costs reach into the million-dollar-plus category. Purchasing a new general aviation aircraft or business jet requires planning and financing.
• •  Most general aviation manufacturers and business jet aircraft manufacturers sell pre-owned aircraft.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Identify different types of planes produced in airplane manufacturing

Aircraft comes in all shapes and sizes and includes any object that can sustain flight, including hot air balloons and blimps. Aircraft manufacturers key terms indicate the type of aircraft produced.

I recommend: The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association identifies the different types of aircraft and includes information on each type, such as the number of engines and FAA regulations pertaining to the aircraft. Demand Media Aviation maintains a complete database of over 300 types of aircraft. Use the links to find more information on the types of planes in its database.

Understand the components and parts an aircraft manufacturer needs

Light aircraft manufacturers, commercial aircraft manufacturers and most other aircraft builders rely on specific components to build aircraft. These parts include wings, engines, fuel systems and avionic systems. Often the parts used to assemble the aircraft help determine the type of aircraft the manufacturer produces.

I recommend: Airplane Parts Definitions by NASA identifies and defines the different parts of the airplane and explains the specific function of each. Dawson Aircraft specializes in aircraft parts and salvage. Aviation Parts Supplies sells parts for several types of aircraft including Cessna planes.

Consider factors that affect an airplane manufacturer

Part of understanding airline manufacturers key terms is getting a grasp of the regulations that apply to the aircraft industry. Organizations like the FAA regulate the industry and must approve various stages of the production process including design. Aircraft manufacture rules and regulations are a key part of the industry's language.

I recommend: Visit the website for the FAA to find out what requirements airplane manufacturers must meet for design approvals. ASTECH Engineering breaks down the types of aircraft certification, including supplemental certifications, and identifies key aspects to the certification application process.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  To understand aircraft manufacturers key terms and the aviation process better, consider getting an education in aerospace technology or becoming a licensed pilot.