Bob Fritz
KITPLANES readers will remember Bob Fritz (1947-2011) for his acclaimed Home Machinist series, but his accomplishments go well beyond that long-running feature. Following a stint in the U.S. Navy, Bob put his degree in mechanical engineering to use and was a tireless advocate for effective and consistent quality control. He brought that discipline to his work for KITPLANES. An avid diver and motorcyclist, Bob's love of flying was a surprise to no one.
Fire in the Hole
Were all used to the standard red canister fire extinguisher, often encased behind glass, that we've grown up with at school, work and at home. But the need to put out flames in racecars has brought about a new generation of extinguishers, suitable for aircraft, which offers effective protection in a small and attractive package.
Setting Up Shop
Before you decide you cant build a plane because you don't have enough shop space, think again. After all, as author Bob Fritz points out, projects have been built in apartments. This article wont go quite that far, but it does detail some pitfalls to avoid and makes suggestions about maximizing the ease and efficiency of working in a limited-space environment.
WAAS Up?
Your hand-held GPS works great and gets you where you want to go. Why would you want to take up precious panel space with...
Got a Question on Batteries? Get an Answer!
We're working on an interview with some battery experts, and this is your chance to ask the tough questions. Have you wondered if dropping an aspirin in will help recover a dead battery (or was that chicken soup)? Then there's the story that charging a battery with it on a concrete floor is a bad idea. Really?…
Friday at the Golden West Fly In
Friday's attendance at Golden West was small, only about 30% of last year's Saturday attendance. But then I didn't see last year's Friday, so...
Bob’s Jabiru: Building a Solid-State Circuit Breaker
With instrument panels now being populated by flat screens, digital readouts and all manner of 21st century silicon wizardry, it seems odd to rely on 60-year-old technology to protect them from power spikes. Specifically, the mechanical circuit breaker. Have you ever seen one on a computer? Wondering what was new in the realm of electrical protection, we did some research the modern way, i.e., on the Internet, and came across an article by our own Jim…
Batteries: Got a Question? Get an Answer!
We're working on an interview with some battery experts, and this is your chance to ask the tough questions. Have you wondered if dropping...
Bob's Jabiru: Building a Solid-State Circuit Breaker Panel
With instrument panels now being populated by flat screens, digital readouts and all manner of 21st century silicon wizardry, it seems odd...
Seaplane Splash-In at Lake Tahoe
Twenty-four seaplanes were expected at the Mike Brown Splash-In on Memorial Day. However seaplane pilots prefer their water under the fuselage, not on the...
The Home Machinist
What do you do if you want to cut a longer-than-usual taper? Well, first you'll need to create a simple tool from some round stock that will provide target zones for your dial indicator, and then you may need to buy some more tools-what a shame! Home Machinist Bob Fritz takes you through the process. Hint: Choosing the right Morse Taper is critical.
In Case You Missed It
Engine Update: New Life for Old Radials
Barrett Precision Engines has taken the nine-cylinder Vedeneyev M14P radial engine to a whole other level with a fuel-injection upgrade and new ignition system. By Marc Cook.
Alternative Energies
Dean Sigler checks in on the Green Flight Challengers of 2011 who didn’t make it to the competition to see what they’re up to now.