Kit plane building requires a special attentiveness to part selection, especially when deciding between custom and standard components. It’s not always clear when to choose one over the other — should you default to standard parts, or invest in custom solutions? Understanding how to answer these questions can help you control costs, streamline manufacturing timelines, and strengthen the marketability of your kit plane plans.
Why Component Selection Matters for Performance and Safety
Component selection for a kit plane build isn’t something to be taken lightly since it directly affects customer safety. The parts you provide can also dramatically change how the resulting aircraft performs (and this applies to both simple and complex components). While safety is essential, the aircraft also needs to be intuitive and rewarding for the end user to operate.
At the same time, you have to balance component performance with cost targets to design a kit that’s viable for both novice and experienced homebuilders. In practice, that means maintaining uncompromising safety and consistent quality while delivering strong value at your target price point. This is a complex but necessary balance for successful kit design and production.
This is why understanding when to invest in custom components versus relying on standard ones is so important. Striking the right balance helps you get more out of the kit plane building process and deliver kits that perform well in the field and in the market.
When to Use Custom Components in Kit Plane Building
Custom components are best suited for situations where standard parts cannot meet the functional or performance requirements of your design. This often comes into play when developing aircraft that differ meaningfully from conventional kit configurations, or when your kit plane plans call for specific weight, geometry, or performance targets.
Custom solutions can also support tighter integration between systems, improve aerodynamics, or solve packaging challenges within the airframe. However, they should be used intentionally. Overusing custom parts can increase cost, extend production timelines, and introduce unnecessary complexity into the kit plane build for your end customer.
When to Use Standard Components in Kit Plane Building
For most kit plane building applications, standard components are the most practical choice. Unless your design requires a meaningful change in function or performance, standard parts can meet the majority of your needs while simplifying sourcing, assembly, and production.
Many standard components are based on proven designs and manufacturing processes, giving kit designers and manufacturers greater confidence in performance and consistency. In some cases, modular components can also add flexibility to your kit plane plans and make the kit plane build more straightforward for a broader range of builders.
That said, supplier selection still matters. Working with a trusted aircraft parts manufacturer helps ensure you get the right parts and your kits meet performance expectations and deliver the reliability your customers depend on.
Choose High-Quality Aircraft Parts for Your Kit Plane Build
At Matco Aircraft Landing Systems, we focus on manufacturing aircraft components that perform consistently in real-world conditions. Our parts are produced in the U.S. under rigorous quality standards to support reliable braking, control, and overall aircraft performance.
Contact us today to explore how we can support your next kit plane build with parts designed for both performance and long-term reliability.