The first flight in the aircraft that you've built yourself is an exciting moment in your life, one that rivals the other important "firsts" in your life. We love to hear first flight stories from our builders.

As we all know, the first flight can also turn into a very bad experience. (Way too many homebuilt aircraft accidents happen during the first few flights, and they are usually caused by pilot error.)

Please share with us how you prepared for your first flight. (A successful first flight doesn't mean that you personally had to perform the maiden flight: many wisely choose to have a more experienced pilot perform the first flight)

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has many excellent resources available to help you prepare for the first flight and also to successfully complete your flight test program.  For a successful first flight it is imperative that you have a plan in place so that you are prepared.

Here are just a few of the available resources to help you prepare for the first flight of your aircraft:

• EAA Article: Before You Fly - Thoughts on your first flight and the EAA Flight A...
• EAA Article: Making Preparations For Flight Testing, by Tony Bingelis
• EAA Flight Advisors Program
• FAA AC 90-89A: Amateur-Built Aircraft Flight Testing Handbook
• FAA AC 90-109: Airmen Transition to Experimental or Unfamiliar Airp...