If I am not mistaken, to do your own annuals on an Experimental category plane, the owner had to do over 50% (or maybe more) of the building of the aircraft? If not, then the plane is treated like any other plane?
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You are mistaken. The 51% "rule" pertains to kits and whether the manufacturer of the kit has fabricated less than half of the aircraft so that it can qualify as an amateur built experimental. If the kit maker fabs more than half the aircraft, it is factory built and would have to be certified as such.
Each Experimental Amateur Built aircraft needs an annual condition inspection. Unlike standard category aircraft, home builts don't need an A&P
with IA to do the inspection. Any A&P or anyone holding a repairman's certificate for that particular airframe can accomplish and signoff the condition inspection. To get a repairman's certificate from the FAA you have to prove to the FAA that you are familiar with all aspects of the construction of the aircraft. Only one repairman's certificate is issued to each amateur built aircraft. Nothing requires the repairman candidate to have actually constructed the aircraft but the rules say that the primary builder "should" be the one to apply for the RC. Unlike standard category aircraft, anyone can accomplish any maintenance whatsoever on an experimental amateur built aircraft--doesn't have to be an owner/pilot or an A&P.
