Amateur Built Aircraft

Aircraft of which at least 51 % is built by an amateur or a non-profit making association of amateurs, for their own purposes and without any commercial objective; Please Note: Every amateur built aircraft is a one-off; Series production by individuals is not permitted.

Society of Amateur aircraft constructors (SAAC)

The Society of Amateur Aircraft Construction, (SAAC) was founded in 1978 to cater for the needs of a growing number of aviation enthusiasts in Ireland who wanted to build and fly their own aircraft for recreational and educational purposes. On the 4th February, 1987 the IAA then the Department of Communications granted SAAC a special approval so that they could accept recommendations regarding the issue and renewal of permits to fly in respect to amateur-built light aeroplanes and gyro planes of an approved design and such other specific aeroplanes as agreed.

The SAAC Procedures manual defines the organisation and procedures, upon which, the IAA approval is based.

SAAC are responsible for the oversight of all amateur-constructed aircraft under their control.

SAAC are approved to make recommendations to the IAA for the issue and replacement of Permits to Fly.

Owners should make applications for the issue or replacement of a Permit to Fly for their aircraft to SAAC.

SAAC inspectors undertake the annual inspection of their aircraft and make recommendations to the IAA for the Permit renewal.

They also liaise with the IAA regarding the re-registration of aircraft, the replacement of documentation and modifications carried out on aircraft.