Paul Dye
Paul Dye, KITPLANES® Editor at Large, retired as a Lead Flight Director for NASA’s Human Space Flight program, with 50 years of aerospace experience on everything from Cubs to the Space Shuttle. An avid homebuilder, he began flying and working on airplanes as a teen and has experience with a wide range of construction techniques and materials. He flies an RV-8 and SubSonex jet that he built, an RV-3 that he built with his pilot wife, as well as a Dream Tundra and an electric Xenos motorglider they completed. Currently, they are building an F1 Rocket. A commercially licensed pilot, he has logged over 6000 hours in many different types of aircraft and is an A&P, FAA DAR, EAA Tech Counselor and Flight Advisor; he was formerly a member of the Homebuilder’s Council. He consults and collaborates in aerospace operations and flight-testing projects across the country.
Building for IFR: Do You Really Need It?
Thinking about building an IFR-capable homebuilt? Consider whether you’ll really use it—or just spend extra money.
The Canopy Takes Shape—Spring Boost for the F1 Rocket Project
Progress on the F1 Rocket project accelerates as warm weather enables critical canopy and gear leg work.
Old Fiberglass Parts—Good as New
Fitting the RV-1’s fiberglass tail tips highlights the art behind careful craftsmanship—flanges, filler, and all.
Close Quarters Fuel Pump
When building from older kits or plans, visiting other builders can reveal ingenious solutions, saving valuable time and trouble.
Wrenching with Friends
A few days in the shop with KITPLANES Senior Editor Tom Wilson refreshing an IO-540 engine makes the job enjoyable.
Multi-Use Water
When folks come to visit in our shop, we try to remember to offer them a bottle of water, especially in the summer. Most...
When Wear is Good
This screen is supposed to be checked at every oil change, so the paint wear should be proportional to age and hours.
Fiberglass Magic: A Better-Fitting Rear Seat Back
How to use fiberglass magic for a better-fitting RV-type rear seatback—stronger, snugger, and finished with a satisfying “clunk.”
In Case You Missed It
Some Old Favorites
For those building a new airplane, chances are you’re getting more than familiar with...
Cables and Pulleys
Even though many planes have most of their flight controls actuated by pushrods and...
The Big Toot
The Big Toot Tommy Meyer built is not the two-seat biplane his father envisioned....