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.
A Boot “What’s-it?”
While trolling through the bins of assorted parts and treasures at the B&B Airparts booth today, we ran across this odd piece of rubber...
Teaching Tool
While wandering around Sun ‘n Fun this afternoon, we were stopped by this excellent demonstration of cylinder technology on the table at the Superior...
They’re Not Kidding!
When Sun ‘n Fun posts a warning sign about the local wildlife in Florida, those folks who “aren’t from around here….” would do well...
Preparing for the Wonder!
Sonex Aircraft doesn’t have an official booth at Sun ‘n Fun this year, but they do have a presence—at the EAA tent! Sonex company...
Into Every Show, a Little Rain Must Fall
It seems that no week in April can go without at least one thunderstorm in central Florida and this week was no exception. Although...
Challenge: What’s-it?
You can find dang near anything at a fly-in (with vendors) the size of Sun ‘n Fun. For instance there is an aircraft surplus...
Rain ‘n Fun Style!
Floridians don’t let a little rain stop the fun—we paid a visit way out to Homebuilt Camping today and found about 35 airplanes tied...
Hangar “E”
Most visitors to Sun 'n Fun are familiar with the outside display areas for vendors. They are occupied by companies selling airframes, kits, engines,...
On the Road (to SnF) Again
One of the great things about being an aviation writer is the opportunity to get out and meet other aviators, see their airplanes, find...
In Case You Missed It
Wrap it up?
Some of the most intriguing aircraft paint jobs out there aren’t paint anymore. By Amy Laboda.
To Launch a Light Sport
Bob Fritz presses on! In this installment, he powers up the Grand Rapids Technologies EFIS panel, solves a curious com antenna problem, installs the Zaon PCAS, fits the door to the fuselage’s curvature, and streamlines the air flow to the oil cooler.
The Art of Putzing About
Ahhh, putzing about. Is there anything more satisfying? Of course there is. Thousands of...