BOISE, Idaho — EXPparts has opened its virtual doors online with its new, experimental aircraft parts store.
EXPparts, which can be found at www.EXPparts.Com, is a parts supplier for the experimental aircraft and recreational aviation community. It is dedicated to a mission of supplying the antique, replica builder with quality supplemental parts, according to company officials.
“Over the years, I’ve seen a niche need in the replica vintage aircraft market,” said Todd Houdek, EXPpart’s business developer. “Amateur builders are building replicas of the venerable Piper J-3 Cub, PA-11 Cub Special, Aeronca 7AC Champ, and the PA-18 Super Cub. While they enjoy building their own airplane, they don’t necessarily want to build every part.
“That’s where EXPparts comes in,” he continued. “We can supply some parts, and they can get back to building the 51% required by the FAA. One of our biggest challenges is going back to the old drawings of the day and tooling up for 50, 60, and even 75 year old designs. It has been fun researching and setting up for modern day CNC and laser cutting technology on parts originally hammered out by Rosie the Riveter.”
These parts, while they may look like the original, are designed for experimental use only, he said.
“We are thrilled to see a brand new experimental airplane with the lines, colors, and sounds of the old, vintage ones. We are working with different suppliers to make this happen — well, with the help of the builder,” said Houdek with a smile. “EXPparts plans on being there to keep these classic looking airplanes flying for a long time.”