Most Experimental class crashes are on the first flight. https://www.flyingmag.com/blogs-fly-wire-ntsb-safety-study-targets-experimental-aircraft/ https://www.

Most Experimental class crashes are on the first flight. https://www.flyingmag.com/blogs-fly-wire-ntsb-safety-study-targets-experimental-aircraft/ https://www.flyingmag.com/blogs-fly-wire-ntsb-safety-study-t... > One of the eye-opening stats was that most accidents involving EAB aircraft happen very early in the airplane’s life, often on the very first flight, and early into that flight. Pilots who survived EAB crashes often said the engine quit or lost power, or that pitch control on takeoff or climbout was not what they anticipated. Experimental aircraft crashes also account for 25% of GA crashes: https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/general-aviation-safety https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/general-aviation-safety In the US 51% or more of the construction must be done by the original owner/pilot and they must also complete the first flight and subsequent test flights themselves. These test flights must follow a plan submitted by the pilot and approved by the FAA, but that is a fairly routine/templated process when building from a known kit. If your build deviates from the standard kit you can expect the FAA to require a longer/more rigorous test flight plan. The test plan is usually focused on verifying the engine and flight controls operate as expected and documenting the stall speed/characteristics for that specific airframe.